Valentine's Day: Where to Dine and Dine

Today is Valentine's Day, and, to all the lovebirds out there, there's no need to stray too far from home for a lovely night out.

Here's a sampling of popular Newark and Belleville restaurants where you and your loved one can enjoy fantastic fare and a little bubbly on the year's most romantic day. 

(And for those last-minute shoppers, hit up Bergen Street outside Pathmark for one-stop shopping. You'll find vendors with flowers, gifts baskets and candy at great prices!)

Adega Grill
130 Ferry St.
973-589-8830

There's something for everyone at this ornately decorated restaurant, which will feature a special menu for Valentine's Day. Reservations accepted.

Mompou
77 Ferry St.
973-578-8114

Feast on Mompou's delicious tapas or choose from their special holiday menu. Reservations accepted.

Catas
538 Market St.
973-491-5400

Catas' regular menu will be available, as well as specials. Every guest will receive a complimentary glass of sparking wine. Reservations accepted.

Brasilia Grill
99 Monroe St.
973-589-8682

The restaurant is offering a $34.95 special, which includes rodizio, dessert and champagne. The dining room with feature live music. No reservations.

Rio Rodizio
1034 McCarter Hwy.
973-622-6221

Get rodizio and the salad bar for $35, or pay $45 per person for an appetizer, main course and dessert off the restaurant's prix fixe menu. Reservations accepted.

Spanish Tavern
103 McWhorter St.
973-589-4959

Specials will include fish, chicken and veal dishes and the restaurant will also offer its regular dinner menu. Reservations accepted.

Sol-Mar Restaurant
267 Ferry St.
973-344-3041

The special menu features entrees like fish, twin lobster tail in red sauce, tiger shrimp, paella, filet mignon with shrimp, pork chops, lamb chops and chicken primavera, to name a few. Reservations accepted.

Don Pepe Restaurant
844 McCarter Highway
973-623-4662

Regular menu available.

Iberia Tavern & Restaurant
82 Ferry St.
973-344-7603

Regular menu available. Reservations accepted.

BELLEVILLE RESTAURANTS

371 Franklin Ave.
973-751-7001

One of Belleville's most popular and diverse eateries is offering a prix fixe Valentine's dinner for $65.50 (plus tax and tip) that includes a choice of shrimp arragiata or eggplant rollatine for an appetizer, a mixed green salad, and four choices for an entree: roast prime rib, pork chop giamoatta, basa livornese, or lobster ravioli.

Diners will also receive a complimentary bottle of wine and cheese platter. Reservations are required. Dining from the regular menu will also be available in the bar and regular dining areas.

545 Washington Ave.
973-751-5848

This popular pizzeria has been making heart-shaped pizzas ($11.95 plain) for Valentine's Day for the past 15 years, but they are also taking 20 percent off orders over $10. Owner Joe Perri is also offering a $29.95 dinner for two that includes two entrees, two non-alcoholic beverages, and a dessert.

Porto Restaurant & Bar
369 Washington Ave.
973-450-4600

Although Porto is offering it's full menu including rodizio, women will receive a complimentary rose. There will be also be a DJ in the bar area.

Going somewhere in Newark that we didn't mention? Have a favorite joint? Tell us where you'll be spending Valentine's Day in the comments.