It’s February 11, so if you forgot that Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, this will probably be one of your last reminders. Don’t worry, it’s not necessary to do anything as elaborate as what you see on television and in the movies. Most of the time, the simplest Valentine’s Day ideas are the best, and having a quiet, candle-lit dinner can be all a couple needs to have a memorable night. With that, here are some restaurants throughout the Lower Hudson Valley and Northern New Jersey to contemplate for an amorous evening.

Restaurant X in Congers offers a relaxing time for any couple that just wants to take it easy for the night. Although it has a fairly big dining room, the quiet and intimate atmosphere of the space will make any couple feel like they have the restaurant all to themselves. There are also large windows throughout the dining area that allow for the clientele to look out at the restaurant’s pond and surrounding greenery.

Although eating somewhere along the Hudson might be preferred in the spring and summer, the welcoming environment of Piermont’s Confetti will surely entice any couple looking for an intimate dining experience. A romantic refuge for those wanting to escape the winter chill, the interior boasts a warm color palette, and the artfulness that can be seen throughout the restaurant provides an abundance of Italian culture. Confetti is a bit of Italy on the Hudson.

In Orange County, you have The Dautaj, a quaint Italian restaurant located in Warwick. Right when you walk in, you know you’re going to be treated to a dining experience that will make you and your Valentine want to stay until closing time, in order to enjoy the charming ambiance of the restaurant. If you go to The Dautaj on Friday, February 13, they will have a special Valentine’s Day Weekend event with a performance by the Judith Tulloch Band. Any music during a Valentine’s dinner is always a plus.

If you and your date want to try something different with your Valentine’s dining, Nina in Middletown offers an especially delicious international cuisine. Besides the variety of dishes, the restaurant also boasts the fact that it’s located in an antique storefront from the 1800s, a quality that will unquestionably contribute to the romantic setting.

For Westchester residents, Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Tarrytown will provide an upscale dining experience for those looking for an outstanding meal. It’s a restaurant where you not only go for the appetizing food, but also for the grandeur of the expansive dining room that tells customers to prolong their night so they can appreciate everything that Ruth’s Chris has to offer.

If you want your Valentine’s dining to reach new heights, you have to try 42, which is located in White Plains. Situated on the 42nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton, this restaurant has windows throughout that provide magnificent and eye-catching sights of Westchester. Because of the views, you might even be more transfixed on what’s outside the restaurant than inside. Obviously, don’t ignore your date, but you know what I mean.

For restaurants in Bergen County, you’ll most certainly want to try the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern. This restaurant is a perfect choice for those who want a great deal of class and elegance for their romantic night out. When you eat in the Crystal and Washington Room, you will have a very refined setting, complete with gorgeous crimson walls and a beautiful chandelier. This will all surely guarantee you and your significant other a night of tremendous taste.

There is also the River Palm Terrace, which has three locations in Bergen: Edgewater, Fair Lawn, and Mahwah. Any one of these will be a prime choice for your Valentine’s dinner, as each is very committed to making sure you have a memorable night of great food and company. All three have gorgeously designed interiors, having your meal become one of the finest restaurant experiences in New Jersey as you enjoy being surrounded by admirable architecture.

There are many restaurants in these areas that deserve a try, but these are some you’ll definitely want to consider for your Valentine’s Day plans. Just remember to call for reservations!

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