Esther Davidowitz

Food Editor, @EstherDavido

Ahhh, romance. Flowers, chocolate, candlelight ... and a delicious meal.

We tend to pull out all the romantic stops on Feb, 14, when everyone else and his/her sweetheart are probably doing the same. But Valentine's Day should not be the only night to celebrate your love. Some believe it is one of the least lovey-dovey nights to dine in a restaurant: Reservations are difficult to get, prices are often jacked up and service frequently suffers 'cause everyone else is dining out with his/her love.

Fortunately, there are 364 other nights to mark your romance. So, when you feel like saying "I love you" with a special night out, why not do it in a spot that is easy on the eyes and stirring for the heart. A place with beautiful decor and good food.

Here's a list of the most romantic restaurants in North Jersey.

DINING: 5 new restaurants to look forward to in 2017

Ivy Inn

Where: 268 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights; 201-393-7699, ivyinn.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Ivy Inn in Hasbrouck Heights

The details:You don't have to step inside the Ivy Inn to feel the love; this place exudes romance from the curb. The charming almost near century-and-a-half-old rambling house with twinkling white lights and darling awnings can melt just about anyone's heart. Then step inside and ... melt away. Piano music, a roaring fireplace, brick walls, cherry beams, fresh-cut flowers – do you need any more? As for the food – it's not the draw here, though when The Record's reviewer last dined at the Ivy Inn, here, she appreciated the desserts.

Café Matisse

Where: 167 Park Ave, Rutherford 201-935-2995, cafematisse.com

ROMANCE: Café Matisse again makes '100 Most Romantic Restaurants' list

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Cafe Matisse in Rutherford

The details: If you don't find Café Matisse romantic, your might consider visiting your cardiologist to check if you actually have a heart. This longtime Rutherford spot, the only restaurant to receive a 4-star review from The Record, is just darling, with lovely colorful paintings and walls, whimsical chandeliers, starched white tablecloths and tasteful window dressings. Just as romantic is its relatively new Moroccan-themed front room, with brass lanterns, gold-hued walls and daintily carved wood panels. And we're hardly alone in thinking that Café Matisse is super-romantic. This year, Open Table (the online reservation service) diners once again named it one of the "100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America." Besides, come warm weather, there's a delightful – yes, romantic –outdoor garden. As for the food? Simply delicious.

Chakra

Where: 144 W. Route 4, Paramus; 201-556-1530, chakrarestaurant.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Chakra in Paramus

The details: Walk into Chakra's dining room and for a minute, you might think you've walked into a grand Middle East home, with a giant palm tree, slender-brick walls, flowing silks, lush pillows, cushy couches and votive candlelight. Romantic! Being transported, even for a little while, is always a wonderful feeling. What's also wonderful: the creative cocktails made by chef Thomas Ciszak's wife, Evelyn, the restaurant's head mixologist. And the food? Every bit as impressive as the decor.

Saddle River Inn

Where: 2 Barnstable Court, Saddle River; 201-825-4016, saddleriverinn.com

The details: This old red barn with a captivating pond and zen-like courtyard got a mini-face-lift when chef Jamie Knot and a business partner took over three years ago. The duo brought more sunlight into the wood-paneled two-story dining room by keeping the windows naked. A good move. The food also got a makeover –one that The Record applauded, giving the inn a review of 3½ out of 4 stars. Enjoy the ambiance and your meal, and afterwards, to prolong the night, snuggle on a bench in the courtyard and dream away. Don't forget to bring a bottle of your favorite wine: This is a BYOB spot.

DINING: One local restaurant on Open Table's Top 100

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Saddle River Inn

Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar

Where: 2 Main St., Edgewater; 201-943-1900, havenedgewater.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar

The details: There's an old saying in real estate that three factors determine the value of a property: location, location and location. So when a restaurant is located a mere 20 feet from the Hudson River, one can easily presume that it's going to draw many to it. Haven's floor-to-ceiling windows afford its diners stunning views of those big buildings on the other side of the river, and even the bridge that connects North Jersey with New York City. The decor is modern. The bar is lively. The colors are soft – mostly beige, though there's a touch of red. And the chairs are comfortable. So linger over dinner as you stare at that gorgeous view across the river.

Café Panache

Where: 130 E. Main St., Ramsey; 201-934-0030, cafepanachenj.com

CAFE PANACHE: Chef Kevin Kohler marks 30 years

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Cafe Panache in Ramsey

The details: There's a reason Café Panache is still thriving 30-plus years after opening its doors in Ramsey. Not only is the food that chef Kevin Kohler serves top-notch – the restaurant received 3½ out of 4 stars from The Record – but the dining rooms (there are two) are charming. Kohler renovated the BYOB seven years ago, adding a front room flooded with sunlight and an airy feel, thanks to tall windows. Its walls have the same warm hues of those in the more dimly lit main dining room. The food is not only wonderfully prepared but seasonal – Kohler picks his own vegetables from nearby Abma's Farm in Wyckoff – and the desserts are homemade. Let's hope Café Panache lasts another decade or two.

Sear House

Where: 411 Piermont Road, Closter; 201-292-4612, searhouse.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Sear House in Closter

The details: Ultra-modern, this two-story steakhouse is stunning, with a tall ceiling and tall windows, a zen-like water wall, a cozy fire pit, beautiful walnut burl and mahogany wood, and a drop-dead-gorgeous back-lit honey onyx bar. As for the eats? In a word: porterhouse. A few more: rib-eye, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and Colorado lamb chops.

Mitchell's Fish Market Seafood Restaurant & Bar

Where: 541 River Road, Edgewater; 201-840-9311, mitchellsfishmarket.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Mitchell's Fish Market in Edgewater

The details: Views, views, views. You can't go wrong with skyline views of Manhattan for a romantic night out. And Mitchell's Fish Market, which opened less than a year ago, serves that in spades. And while the food may not impress as much, desserts do. A shout-out to the "Sharkfin pie," a wild-looking concoction of peanut butter, chocolate and ice cream.

Sofia

Where: 36 Engle St., Englewood; 201-541-8530, sofiaenglewood.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Sofia in Englewood

The details: Remember Smoke Chophouse? It's been completely replaced by this gorgeous restaurant with a towering domed ceiling, lovely garden room and a retractable glass roof. Perhaps the best part? A marble bar with some terrific cocktails to get the evening going.