6 Candlelit Restaurants in New Jersey Perfect for a Cozy Night Out

There's something truly unique about a fine restaurant. When you step inside, it's like you're entering another world. Whether the atmosphere is quiet and intimate, or bustling with fellow diners, everyone is united by their love of food. However, it's not always easy to find a restaurant that's ideal for a date night. These six restaurants all have a few things in common, including classy lighting and an intimate atmosphere, ideal for a night with that special someone. The other thing they have? Phenomenal food, ranging from classic tapas to elegant farm-to-table cuisine, served in truly unforgettable settings. These might just be the most romantic restaurants in New Jersey.

1. Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar (Edgewater)

There's nothing more romantic than dinner on the water, and Edgewater is one of the most beautiful waterfront towns in New Jersey. At Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar, the beautifully lit dining room's windows offer sensational views of the New York skyline. This is a large, often busy restaurant, but the airy dining room allows for easy conversation. The menu has a wonderful international vibe to it, with something for every taste, and the decadent desserts are the perfect sweet finish.

2. The Frog and the Peach (New Brunswick)

One of the most unique dining rooms in New Jersey, The Frog and the Peach is an intimate restaurant located just off a side street in New Brunswick's busy shopping district. The restaurant is often named one of the best in New Jersey, thanks to its innovative and seasonal menu spotlighting fresh produce and stunning preparations. However, the most distinctive feature is its incredible decor, including a greenhouse-inspired room that's especially stunning at night. Many of the dishes look like edible art installations.

3. Strickland's Steakhouse (Woodbridge)

One of the newest A-list restaurants in New Jersey, this classy steakhouse is located in my hometown and has transformed a historic bank into one of the most intimate old-school dining spots in central NJ. The artistic style makes the most of all the building's features, and the menu spotlights meat cookery at its best. The signature here is dry-aged beef in just about every cut, but don't miss out on other specialties like the bourbon-glazed thick-cut bacon as an appetizer. Strickland's Steakhouse is a splurge, but is there any better opportunity for one than a date night?

4. Lola's Tapas Bar (Hoboken)

Tapas are one of the perfect choices for a night out. Is there anything more romantic than sharing food? Lola's Tapas Bar is one of the best old-school Spanish restaurants in the state, located in a romantic venue that feels like you've been transported to the hills of Spain. It can have a bustling, party-like feel, so it's ideal for those who like a little energy for their date nights. The extensive tapas menu gives you a choice of dozens of small plates to start, and the paellas are some of the best in New Jersey. The restaurant also has over 100 Spanish wines on offer.

5. Verve (Somerville)

Is a fancy drink a key part of a perfect night out for you? Then Verve might just be the best spot in town for your next date night. Verve is the smallest venue on this list, and the most intimate. It's equal parts cocktail bar and restaurant, offering an extensive and innovative list of drinks, including some you can't find anywhere else. The menu focuses on small plates, artfully plated entrees, and decadent desserts. This is an ideal restaurant for lingering over a drink or two in a romantic environment.

6. Ninety Acres (Gladstone)

Likely the most unique and stunning dining spot in New Jersey, this is one of the few places you can dine in an actual castle. Ninety Acres is located in Natirar Castle, on the grounds of a sprawling garden estate. The restaurant is open only for dinner and offers a seasonal farm-to-table menu amid an incredible greenhouse dining room. The open kitchen prepares local produce and farm-raised meats to perfection. This is a splurge that isn't just a date night; it's a dining experience that's truly perfect for an unforgettable night out.

What are your favorite romantic restaurants in New Jersey? If you're looking for a perfect date night, show this article to that special someone in your life and pick the one that sounds perfect for your tastes! And if you're looking for an overnight getaway in a truly romantic environment, we highly recommend Elaine's in Cape May. It's a wonderful boutique hotel, restaurant, and store that makes for a perfect escape from everyday life.