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Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

A List Of Ocean County’s Most Romantic Restaurants According The Locals

By Robyn Lane
circa 1918: A romantic scene between a pirate and a damsel. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

I thought putting together a list of the most romantic restaurants in Ocean County was going to be easy. I was wrong.

During the course of my research, and when I say research, I mean asking people from New Jersey about their favorite romantic restaurants, I quickly found out two things:  Number one, romantic and intimate are not mutually exclusive, and number two, romantic dining seems to be a state of mind between couples.

How so? There were a handful of people suggesting local pubs and bars as places they go for a romantic evening without the kids. That’s cool!

I really did my best to come up with a list of restaurants from the folks who have offered more traditional suggestions. In some cases, where you eat is less important than who you are dining with. Ain’t love grand?

  • River Lady Cruises - 1 Robbins Pkwy, Toms River, NJ 08753

    A sunset dinner cruise sailing around Barnegat Bay sounds very romantic. Delicious food and friendly service will be a part of your cherished memories. Ally from Toms River enjoyed her 25th anniversary aboard the River Lady, and Kelly & Mark had their private wedding reception aboard the River Lady. Lunch cruises are available as well.

    SUNSET DINNER CRUISE - River Lady - Lunch & Dinner Cruises

    This early dinner cruise sails for 2-1/2 hours. It offers not only a delectable meal, which features your choice of 6 entrees, complete from salad to dessert, but some of the most beautiful scenery along the water, as well as mostly stunning skies and gorgeous sunsets.

  • Chef Mike's ABG - 10 24th Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752

    Dining on the beach sounds incredibly romantic♥ Trevor gave them a glowing review: “The best restaurant on the Jersey Shore no questions asked. Amazing Food, Service and the best views right on the beach.” Chef Mike is not only a great chef, he cares about the community. For years, Chef Mike has used his culinary talents to help raise money for “Ocean Of Love For Children With Cancer” during the WRAT’s Billboard Radio-athon. 

    non-profit, charitable 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping Ocean County children with cancer and their families.

  • The Grenville Hotel & Restaurant - 345 Main Ave #4735, Bay Head, NJ 08742

    My colleague Jimmy Steal recommends this charming Victorian gem. They have a beautiful main dining room and a veranda that wraps around the front of the exterior of the hotel. Dining on the veranda on a breezy Summer day sounds enchanting. Keep in mind that Jersey Shore Restaurant Week is coming up from April 21st – April 30th , 2023. It’ll cost you $40.23 per person from a chef selected menu.

  • Ott's Good Earth Garden - 771 S Main St, West Creek, NJ 08092

    Bob from Manahawkin called this farm to table jewel of a restaurant to my attention. Like Chef Mike from Seaside Park, Chef Geoff Johnson also lends his time and culinary skills to help the community. Ott’s Good Earth Garden is a sponsor of Sprint for Life on April 8th, 2023 . Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Prize packages include: Dinner for 10 at Ott’s Good Earth Garden,
    Chef’s dinner for 2 – 6 people, Chef Geoff Johnson will come to your house and cook for you.

    Enjoy Chef Geoff’s original creations with unique flavors. Do I order the braised boneless short ribs with Burgundy demi-glace and corn pudding, or the macadamia crusted cod with the Chardonnay Dijon sauce? OMG, the menu knocks me out. Food and romance, it’s in here!

  • Spano's Ristorante Italiano - 719 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

    The food and service are what make this place romantic. Gemma from Brick gave me her review:  “My husband and I eat here 2 or 3 times a month.  From the Spiedini Alla Romana appetizer to the Veal Chop Valdostana (The thing was huge)  there is something on the menu to please any taste. The staff is outstanding and the restaurant has a relaxed feel. Reservations are a must and dining here is too. 

     

  • Villa Vittoria - 2700 Hooper Ave #4108, Brick Township, NJ 08723

    If you love exceptional cooked to order dishes and an attentive staff who make sure you’re enjoying your experience ,then Villa Vittoria should be on your list. The last time I had dinner for 2 here was before the fire in 2016. I must say, it was definitely romantic!  Liz from Brick shared a more recent experience: “A remarkable experience with old world style. The food was prepared to perfection, and the service was marvelous. I went old school and ordered the Linguini with clams, and my husband had the shrimp and scallops with capers and fresh tomatoes. We barely had room for dessert because they gave us a complimentary basket of soft warm bread, but I couldn’t refuse their spumoni bomb. Delizioso!”

    Villa Vittoria - Brick NJ

    2700 Hooper Avenue Brick NJ -

     

  • Charlies of Bay Head - 72 Bridge Ave, Bay Head, NJ 08742

    Eric from Toms River loves sitting on the waterside patio in the warmer months, and Carla from Belmar loves the classy decor and their award winning menu! Seeing this place lit up at night is breathtaking! I’ve been meaning to dine here for what seems like an eternity. It looks like paradise for couples who want to celebrate their love and each other.

  • Raimondo's - 1101 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

    Come to the Island…Long Beach Island that is, and dine with your honey at Raimondo’s, now under new ownership. Jacqueline from Red Bank recommends the broccoli rabe and sausage appetizer with provolone and long hots, and her companion is partial to the seafood carbonara which she describes as “Sumptuous.”  Reservations are required at this B.Y.O.B restaurant. They do offer you the opportunity to purchase a whole or half bottle of wine from the Sharrott Winery.

  • Il Giardinello - 1232 NJ-166, Toms River, NJ 08753

    Before I get into Mike M. and Charlie T’s recommendations, I want to share what Mark, a culinary professional wrote on Google about Il Giardinello: “I am an award winning chef. Very critical. This restaurant nailed it. There were 5 of us. Every dish every coarse was spot on perfect. Every dish sauce, proteins, pastas were cooked perfectly within seconds of perfect. Not over or under cooked. All 5 dishes were off the saute station. Give your saute guy/gal a raise. He needs to be on top 5% of industry pay for saute in new jersey.
    Thank you for an amazing dinner. If I lived here I would apply for saute chef.” 

    That’s quite an endorsement. Onto what Mike and Charlie had to say about this place. When Mike has a hot date, this is his place to impress them. Charlie and his wife Laurel have celebrated many an anniversary at this excellent Italian restaurant. B.Y.O.B. and reservations are recommended. Quality service, food, and atmosphere are what you’re going to get at Il Giardinello.

    Il Giardinello Ristorante | The Best Place for Italian Food in Ocean County

    Welcome to Il Giardinello Di Bacoli Ristorante Napoletano. Owners, Gennaro "Gerry" and his wife Danielle Costigliola, are excited to be taking over the reins of this family run restaurant. Gennaro was born and raised in Bacoli, Italy which is right outside of Naples. He came to this country when he was only 16 years old.

  • Kate and Ally's - 216 N Main St, Forked River, NJ 08731

    I was under the impression that Kate & Ally only do catering. That’s is not so says Tara from Forked River. She calls Kate & Ally’s for reservations when she wants to get out of the house for a few romantic hours with her husband who she sees very little of, due to his work schedule. Their motto is: “Chef Driven, Seasonally Inspired.”

     

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