Carli Clesmere Date night in Bergen County, New Jersey can look different for everyone, whether it’s a rare night out or a weekly ritual. After a long week, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy a memorable meal together. With so many restaurants, cuisines, and atmospheres to choose from, deciding where to go for a romantic night out in Bergen County can feel overwhelming in the best way. The Bergen County Girl rounded up 20+ of our favorite spots for date night. Read on for more about The Bergen County Girl’s picks for date night in Bergen County.
Axia Taverna | 18 Piermont Road, Tenafly
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Axia, meaning ‘worthy’ in Greek, lives up to its name with a modern Greek menu. With a full bar inside, guests can indulge in a selection of Greek wines alongside a variety of Piata Skaras (grilled platters). There is plenty of outdoor seating available for a shift to an open-air date night, too.
Bar Mutz | 90 Center Avenue, Westwood
Bar Mutz is a hip Italian spot in downtown Westwood that’s perfect for a fun date night experience. With a lively atmosphere and creative cocktails, it’s an easy go-to whether you’re planning something casual or a bit more special. The menu brings a modern twist to Italian favorites, making it a great place to share a few dishes and try something new together. Do not leave without the Italian Rainbow Cookie & Fior Di Latte Gelato
Bon | 487 Broadway, Westwood
Bon features a menu with a strong emphasis on omakase + sushi. The tasting menu (omakase) at the table is a standout, including five appetizers, ten pieces of premium nigiri sushi, an optional premium mini bowl (+$25), and one dessert. This is a fun date night choice to change up from the tradiotonal dinenr experience.
Bici | 61 East Main Street, Ramsey
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Bici, situated in downtown Ramsey, is a BYOB restaurant dishing out Italian cuisine. Chef Anthony DeVanzo, an alum of Don Bosco High School in Ramsey, and his partner Marcelo Gambarato are the brains and magical duo behind Bici. BG pro tip: after dinner, hop over to Bar Boutique across the street for post-dinner cocktails.
Read More: The Coziest Restaurants in Bergen County, New Jersey
Donatella Ristaurante | 12 Tappan Road, Harrington Park
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At Donatella’s, customers can feast on an elevated Italian dining experience. The menu features many fresh pasta dishes crafted from cherished family recipes, sustainably sourced local and seasonal seafood, and a variety of other authentic Italian classics, such as Costoleta Donatello. We like its quaint setting in an old house.
Felina | 18 Prospect Street, Ridgewood
This stylish restaurant and wedding venue offers a chic setting for a night out and sets the perfect mood for an intimate experience. The open, industrial-style space boasts a modern design with Italian cuisine influences. The popular white clam pizza is a BG favorite and a must-try.
Fino | 114 West Allendale Avenue, Allendale
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Fino, meaning ‘fine’ in Italian, is ideal for a romantic date night spot. The menu includes a variety of classic Italian dishes at reasonable prices, encouraging patrons to order and indulge in several selections, one of which is the suitable date night appetizer: The Hot Antipasto for two. The interior sets a cozy vibe to share a bottle of wine (it’s BYOB) and savor comforting classics.
Fire + Oak | 100 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale
Fire + Oak dishes out traditional American cuisine with a more modern twist, presenting a broad menu that includes everything and anything from sushi to USDA Prime steaks to seafood, gourmet sandwiches, and entrée salads. With its broad menu, there are options for everyone, accommodating all dietary preferences and restrictions, making it an excellent option for a first date.
Forte | 160 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack
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Forte in Hackensack, is complete with a full bar and promises its customers the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. BG pro tip: for those who adore a sweet conclusion to their dinner, make sure to leave space for the Nutella Panna Cotta.
Houston’s | 1 Riverside Square Mall #181, Hackensack
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Houston’s, a true masterpiece from the famed Hillstone Restaurant Group, gleams as a Bergen County staple and a top date night pick in not just Bergen County but all of New Jersey. The menu is delicious, but the desserts are a great way to conclude your date. Houston’s often changes its dessert menu as many of the sweets are seasonal, but always include two staples that are generously portioned for sharing: a hot fudge sundae topped with whipped cream and a five-nut brownie served à la mode. Located inside the Riverside Square Mall, Houston’s has easy parking options. Its dimly lit atmosphere sets a romantic mood, providing just the right vibe for date night. BG pro tip: Don’t leave without ordering the spinach and artichoke dip — iykyk.
La Noma | 2010 Hudson Street, Fort Lee
LaNoma is an Italian steakhouse located in the Hudson Lights Center. With a warm and welcoming ambiance, it’s ideal for upscale date nights with your loved one. While the menu leans toward the higher end, the quality of the dishes makes it well worth the splurge.
Matisse 167 | 167 Park Avenue, Rutherford
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Matisse 167 is where magic happens — not just with your tastebuds but with your eyes too. This spot sets the scene for a fancy and romantic date night. It’s one of Bergen’s rare BYOB gems which also has a four-course Prix-Fixe feast by acclaimed Chef Peter Loria.
Mezza | 22 Jefferson Avenue, Westwood
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Mezza provides a Mediterranean fiesta with a contemporary flair. As one of the top dining spots in Westwood, Mezza is far from under the radar, so snagging a reservation for a weekend date night is a wise move. A menu favorite is the extensive vegetarian selection, including the standout Vegetarian Ricotta Gnocchi.
Olar Noso | 493 Tappan Road, Northvale
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Originating in Piermont, New York, the team behind Olar Olar decided to expand its horizons across state lines with Olar Noso in Northvale. Now, both New Yorkers and New Jerseyans alike can revel in a menu boasting rustic Neapolitan pies, savory Spanish tapas, and expertly crafted plates of pasta.
Ora | 304 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
Ora Freestyle Italian is currently a Bergen County hotspot, and rightfully so. While the restaurant serves both dinner and brunch, Team BG highly recommends going in the evening. The nighttime atmosphere is perfect for date night, and we suggest sticking around by the bar after your meal for a post-dinner treat get the espresso martini, you’ll thank us later
Osteria Crescendo | 36 Jefferson Avenue, Westwood
James Beard-nominated chef Robbie Felice is at the head of Osteria Crescendo, one of his four North Jersey restaurants. The restaurant coins itself as “a bold evolution in what Italian dining can be,” and is inspired by the lively osterias of Italy. On the dinner menu, diners will find bold flavors like Wagyu short rib, orecchiette with spicy pork sausage ragu, tuna crudo, Manila clams, and more. For dessert, try the PB+J cannoli, fior di latte panna cotta, or chocolate olive oil cake. The space features a blend of coastal and industrial themes.
081 Cafe | 604 North Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus
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At 081 Cafe, one can indulge in old-school pizza straight from the imported brick oven or a rich Italian dish like Chicken Vodka Parmigiana. It’s BYOB, so don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle along for the night.
Saddle River Inn | 2 Barnstable Court, Saddle River
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The Saddle River Inn earns great recognition as one of New Jersey’s most romantic date night destinations, according to OpenTable. Using only the finest ingredients, Chef Jamie Knott ensures every guest leaves more than satisfied. Securing a reservation might be tougher than beating the date night experience here.
Savini Restaurant | 168 West Crescent Avenue, Allendale
Savini Restaurant is a classy Italian spot that’s perfect for a night out in Bergen County. Known for its consistently great food and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant keeps things fresh with rotating specials that are always worth trying. The impressive wine list makes it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal, and the jumbo shrimp scampi is always a must-order.
Sushi Cruise | 725 River Road #51, Edgewater
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Located alongside the Hudson River, Sushi Cruise provides a dining experience with NYC skyline views. Considered a hidden gem in Bergen County, the wait is always brief, and the sushi is among the best in the area. BG pro tip: be sure to ask for an extra side of spicy mayo — we’re not sure how, but the SM here is superior.
Stella Artisan | 18 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
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Stella Artisan, a quaint Italian restaurant established in 2016, brings authentic, handcrafted meals to the North Jersey community. Why do we adore Stella for date nights? Because it doesn’t just end with dinner. After dinner, the date night can advance with a stroll around Ridgewood’s charming streets and potentially topped off with a sweet treat from Kilwins.
The 130 Club | 130 County Road, Tenafly
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The 130 Club provides a fancy dining experience. The menu features top-notch meats, admirable wines, and skillfully crafted cocktails by bartending professionals. Stepping into this spot transports one back to the Gatsby era, so arrive dressed to impress, especially right after a nice payday (it’s not the most budget-friendly spot).
The Hill | 252 Schraalenburgh Road, Closter
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New Jersey native Chef Ben Pollinger took over The Hill in Closter in 2018. The Hill has a casual atmosphere, so leave the fancy attire behind — jeans are just right. The menu showcases seafood, steaks, and vegetable-centric options.
See More: Romantic Restaurants for Date Night in the Montclair Area
Sushi Kai | 206 Main Street, Fort Lee
Sushi Kai is a great spot for a night to impress your significant other. The plates are fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. The space is small and private, giving it a hidden-gem feel. It has a calm, light interior with counter seating and a few regular tables. The chefs are incredibly knowledgeable, sharing not only their background in omakase but also detailed information about each fish, including where it’s from, how it was sourced, and why it’s prepared a certain way.
The River Palm Terrace | 1416 River Road, Edgewater
The River Palm Terrace is an old-school steakhouse known for its dry-aged steaks, but the team is also masters at delivering an outstanding dining experience with butler-like hospitality. BG swears by the famous Andy Roll, personally prepared by sushi chef Andy, who always makes rounds to greet guests. Whether it’s a weekday or a weekend, securing a reservation is a must, as this place is buzzing every night like it’s a Saturday.
Varka Estiatorio | 30 North Spruce Street, Ramsey
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Varka, located in downtown Ramsey, is a Mediterranean fish house whose menu is a veritable culinary tour. From fish sourced from around the globe to authentic Greek specialties, Varka is perfect for a memorable date night. BG pro tip: Don’t miss out on the Lobster Gyros appetizer — it’s truly a standout dish.
Verana | 530 Livingston Street, Norwood
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Verana is a Bergen County staple — most recently — as it ranks among the elite 30 restaurants in New Jersey. With an array of dishes to choose from, a favorite of BG is the Rigatoni Alla Norcina, featuring prosciutto and white sausage ragu. And don’t forget to save room for the indulgent affogato to end the evening on a sweet note.
