Patch Picks: Romantic Dining in Bergen County

Welcome back to our weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more. 

This week, we share suggestions for romantic dining options:

•  The Ivy Inn 

Where/When: Monday seatings at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; 268 Terrace Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights 201-393-7699

Why Go: This Zagat rated restaurant consistently tops lists of top romantic dining destinations in Bergen County and offers a three course menu during a two hour seating; special menus and seatings also available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Pricing: $65 per person

• The Melting Pot

Where/When: Monday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; 250 Center Avenue, Westwood; 201-664-8877

Why Go: The special Valentine's Day package, also being offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, includes a four course meal, a special love quiz, a souvenir photo and a special gift

Pricing: $150 per couple plus 20 percent gratuity and tax; $60 per person for groups of five or more, not including tax and tip

• The Stony Hill Inn

Where/When: Monday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 231 Polify Road, Hackensack; 201-342-4085

Why go: This historic inn listed in the National Historic Register has a fantastic elegant romantic atmosphere and offers a special four course menu for Valentine's Day

Pricing: $70 per person plus tax and gratuity

• Cafe Matisse 

Where/When: Monday 5 p.m. to closing;  167 Park Avenue, Rutherford; 201-935-2995

Why Go: Normally Cafe Matisse is closed on Mondays but they will be open for Valentine's Day; They have created a special menu so please call for more details and reservations as this Zagat-rated restaurant is consistently booked; A "week of romance" kicks off on Feb. 11

Price: Call for pricing, it is dependent upon menu selection

• Chakra

Where/When: Monday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; 144 Rt. 4 West, Paramus; 201-556-1530

Why go: Chakra offers up a special prix-fixe four course menu on Valentine's Day and Saturday and Sunday; There is also a "Lovers Brunch" from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday

Pricing: $82 per person, plus tax and gratuity

• Cafe Panache

Where/When: Monday 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; 130 E. Main Street, Ramsey; 201-934-0030

Why go: Chef Kevin Kohler has a love for fresh produce, in fact he often picks his own at Abma's Farm in Wyckoff so many of the offering on the menu reflect his passion for seasonally available produce; a recent renovation expanded the restaurant offering more available seatings but reservations are recommended

Pricing: Call as the menu changes with seasonal offerings

• Sanzari's New Bridge Inn

Where/When: Monday 11:3o a.m. to 11 p.m.;  105 Old New Bridge Road, New Milford; 201-692-7700

Why Go: Excellent menu selections and a romantic dining room make this a great destination for Valentine's Day

Pricing: Dependent upon menu selection