Want to Impress This Valentine's Day? These Merrick Restaurants Have Got the Goods

Romance is definitely in the air as February 14 approaches.  

Lucky for all the lovers in town there's no shortage of great restaurants in Merrick to wine and dine your special someone this Valentine's Day.  As local restaurateurs prep for the big romantic holiday, Patch checked out some delectable options in town, sure to set the right mood with your sweetheart.

La Strada, translated as "the road" in Italian, may be the path to your special someone's heart this Valentine's Day.  La Strada, the restaurant is located at 2100 Merrick Ave.

Owners Guy and Eva Saraniero, who opened this wood fire brick oven Italian restaurant two and half years ago, want you to feel like you are dining in Italy. The décor clearly evokes Old World charm with its cobblestone flooring, plaster and brick effect walls, plus wrought iron details.

The menu offers traditional Italian classics from pasta to pizza, to everything in between, complemented by a large variety of wines. Diners on Valentine's Day will be able to choose from the day's specials like Surf and Turf, to regular à la carte items. 

"Our heart shaped ravioli always goes over very well with our customers. We'll also have heart shaped sorbet and ice creams," says Eva Saraniero. 

Open for lunch and dinner Valentine's Day from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., La Strada is taking reservations for its set seating schedule beginning at noon with last seating beginning at 8:15 p.m.  Tel: 867-5488

Whether by land or by sea, love casts its net at Surf 'N Turf Mediterranean Grill.  Couples will experience an elegant and tasty meal at this cozy authentic Mediterranean/Turkish restaurant on Valentine's Day.  Surf 'N Turf Grill, which opened two years ago at 2005 Merrick Rd., has garnered favorable reviews in the New York Times and Newsday as well as being rated by Zagat. 

According to Hakan Avci, brother of owner and host, Al Avci, "Everything we serve here is fresh and 99 percent of our dishes are grilled with olive oil only." 

On Valentine's Day, Hakan Avci says you're likely to see lobster, skirt steak and whole grilled fish as well as à la carte items from its large selection of seafood, surf-n-turf, appetizers, soups, salads and many other fresh dishes.

Avci recommends the restaurant's "very famous" spinach pie appetizer to start, and to save room for dessert including homemade baklava, and the chef's apple pastry -- baked with walnuts, cinnamon, and raisins -- served with vanilla, or chocolate ice cream. 

"Last year we were very busy on Valentine's Day and expect to be the same this year so definitely make reservations ahead of time," Avci advises.

Surf 'N Turf Grill is open from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Tel: 992-0918.

Outside glittering white lights will greet you and set a romantic mood even before you enter  Guy Anthony's Buon Apetito, located at 2280 Jerusalem Ave.  Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Guy Anthony's Buon Apetito is a North Merrick favorite for fine contemporary Italian cuisine. The elegant and intimate dining room features vaulted ceilings, French doors, deep mauve colored walls and white clothed tables. 

Roco Sergio, "head guy" at Guy Anthony's says, this Valentine's Day, owners Guy Bolognese and A.J. Orlich will serve up special menu items as well as customer favorites. 

Sergio recommends the seafood cannelloni with crabmeat and scallops, and the sirloin steak with Spanish potatoes and fried onions. Diners can also choose from a variety of shrimp, veal, chicken entrees and a number of fresh pasta dishes. The restaurant also offers a "Lite Cuisine" menu and brick oven pizza.  Desserts will include apple cake à la mode, homemade tiramisu, crème brûlée, tartofu and cheesecake.

Guy Anthony' Buon Apetito is open on Valentine's Day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Tel: 221-5555.

Still need ideas? Check out other proverbial local favorites:

At Nicholas James Bistro, 2057 Merrick Rd., Kevin Liebov, executive chef and owner, will continue to bring the chic taste of Manhattan to Merrick this Valentine's Day.  He has planned a specially selected à la carte and prixe fixe dinner menu.  Diners will be able to choose from a wide selection of starters, green salad plates, organic dishes, noodles and rice, in addition to savory dishes.  Call head to choose and reserve seating times. Tel: 546-4805.

If a bit of Southwest country is your passion, RS Jones at 153 Merrick Ave., will host a Sweetheart Brunch from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. featuring live music with Chic 'N Martini.  Dinner service will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Tel: 378-7177.