Valentine’s Day is Sunday, but if you haven’t made reservations yet for dinner out with your sweetheart, rest easy. There’s still time to stake your place at a table in town. This year you can take your pick of Saturday night or Sunday. Since Monday is a national holiday, you won’t have to hurry home Sunday night. And if you dine in town, there’s all the more time to linger over a romantic meal. All but Avenue are bring-your-own.
Avenue Bistro Pub, 973-239-7444: Specializing in New American cuisine, Avenue has its own liquor license and bar, a rarity in these parts. Its menu has just been updated with eight new entrees and some new appetizers. It also features a Sunday brunch.
Jack’s Cafe, 973-239-5321. This homey cafe recently starting serving dinner too. It’s closed Sunday, but serving dinner on Saturday.
Miele’s Italian Restaurant, 973-230-3363. Expect Miele’s to be all gussied up for Valentine’s Day, as it is for all holidays. It opens at 5:00 on Saturday; 4:00 on Sunday.
Pahang, 973-239-6377. We recently reviewed this Malaysian restaurant and sushi bar. It opens at 12:00 on Sunday.
Sonny’s on the Avenue, 973-239-1919: Owned by local chiropractor Tom Malanga, this eatery has a new chef, Al Mattia, formerly of Mezzanotte (now Luce) in Caldwell.
Trattoria Bella Gente and R’s Place, 973-239-4416: Bring your family for a Valentine’s Day meal of thin-crust brick-oven pizza at Bella Gente; take your date next door to white-table R’s. Forget your wine? Use their wine service, and they’ll bring you a bottle of your choosing.
