Best Date Night Restaurants in Manalapan

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

MiddlesexMonmouth

Neighbourhoods

Colts NeckCranburyEast BrunswickFreeholdManalapanMarlboro

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

20 restaurants available nearby

1. La Lupa

4.8

Exceptional(1258)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Manalapan

Booked 17 times today

La Lupa embodies a philosophy of upbeat hospitality, seasonality in our menu and ingredients, and the deep roots of regional Italian cooking. lead by chef Giorgio, who is a master in the old world techniques of handmade pastas, Neapolitan wood fired pizza, meat, fish, and poultry.

2. 618

4.9

Exceptional(7268)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Freehold

Booked 65 times today

Top 1% of restaurants in the worldRanked #32 most romantic restaurants in the United States*Reservation times are not guaranteed. As a high-volume restaurant we will do our best to accommodate you as close to that time as possibleThe 618 experience doesn't have to end after dessert. Bring a piece of 618 home with you or send it to family & friends. We offer an array of our signature items such as an Espresso Martini Candle, Decanter sets or the most comfortable sweatshirt you'll ever own!*** https://www.618nj.com/618athome ***

3. Cuzin's Clam Bar

4.8

Exceptional(284)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Marlboro

Booked 52 times today

You know what you’re missing around here?A really great seafood place — and a cool place to kick back and enjoy the good life with family and friends.Enter: Cuzin’s Seafood – Clam Bar.Cuzin's Seafood Clam BarOur casual-chic seafood eatery serves up a fresh take on all your favorite fare.Savor the flavor of summer all year round, complete with top service and gorgeous décor that’s part Miami sizzle, part NYC style and all Jersey Shore chill.Whether you’re dining inside or eating al fresco on our outdoor patio, like our name promises, when you’re at Cuzin’s, you’re family.

A photo of Osteria Cucina Rustica restaurant

4. Osteria Cucina Rustica

4.7

Exceptional(556)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Marlboro

Booked 19 times today

*Call for reservations*Osteria translated in Italian literally means "a place where the owner hosts his guests." At Osteria Cucina Rustica we follow in that tradition. Life long friends Steven Botta and Angelo Bongiovanni have collaborated to design and recreate an authentic Osteria. A warm atmosphere along with impeccable service and family recipes make for an unparalleled dining experience. We begin with the freshest ingredients of the highest quality all prepared to order using family recipes passed down from generation to generation. The astronomic experience begins with the hospitality from the moment you walk through the iron forged doors. Next is the food where the love is present in each dish. The house made pasta to the freshest seafood to the dry aged steaks and our unique desserts made daily by our pastry chef make our uniqueness discernible. The Bongiovanni and Botta families welcome you to Osteria, where we promise that you will come as a guest and leave as family.

5. Metropolitan Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(1620)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Freehold

Booked 10 times today

Metropolitan Café is perfect for date night. Reviewers love the 'nice ambiance for couples or groups', 'great for special occasions, dates, or everyday dining'. Its 'upscale yet casual atmosphere' and 'top notch' food and service are consistently praised, creating a romantic and enjoyable dining experience.

6. Il Nido

4.6

Exceptional(1512)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Marlboro

Booked 22 times today

Il Nido requires a credit card to secure reservations for parties of 6 or more. All credit card information will be processed securely. No shows or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a charge of $25 per person. In an effort to accommodate all guests, table times are predetermined via party size.As of September 1, 2022, Il Nido will no longer allow outside alcohol of any kind into the establishment. It is imperative that all guests abide by the guidelines set in place by the New Jersey Division of Alcohol Beverage Control. We are delighted to be able to now offer you an assortment of artisanal cocktails, beer and very price friendly wine list to enhance your dining experience with us. We appreciate all who have been supporting us since our opening, and all who continue to support us throughout our transition as we become a fully liquor licensed restaurant.If you are unable to make your reservation with us online, please call us at 732-851-6347.

7. Solo Trattoria

4.6

Exceptional(984)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Freehold

Booked 11 times today

Solo Trattoria is a superb date night spot with a warm, relaxed environment, as one reviewer noted. The food, service, and ambiance consistently receive high ratings. The owner, Piergiorgio Ceciarelli, is known for providing excellent food and service in a cozy, romantic setting. The restaurant is also described as perfect for couples and dinner parties, making it ideal for a memorable date night.

A photo of Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro restaurant

8. Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1329)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Indian • Freehold

Booked 14 times today

Located in Historic Downtown Freehold, Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro presents an exceptional upscale dining experience.Modern Indian cuisine is making rapid strides. Today, it has moved beyond the realms of fusion gourmet. At Aarzu, we are taking the Indian cuisine out of the butter chicken and curry circle. The focus is on taste, texture and presentation. While the cooking method remains the same, our recipes involve diverse elements and unique food pairings with presentation being the focal point. After all, we do eat with our eyes first! Our innovative menu also brings to light the regional culinary diversity of India.The décor, lighting, colors, art and even the serving platters in Aarzu are designed to complement the food to create the complete experience for the guest.

9. La Cipollina

4.7

Exceptional(913)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Freehold

Booked 5 times today

La Cipollina, an elegant Italian restaurant in Freehold, is the perfect date night spot. With its old-world charm, top-quality food and service, and romantic ambiance, it's the go-to place for many couples. One reviewer even said it was the 'most romantic restaurant'. The intimate setting and attentive staff make for a memorable experience. Plus, you can bring your own wine to add to the special occasion.

A photo of Brio Italian Grille - Freehold restaurant

10. Brio Italian Grille - Freehold

4.4

Awesome(1203)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Freehold

Booked 4 times today

Brio Italian Grille is a perfect spot for date night with its 'polished casual' setting and authentic Tuscan cuisine. It's a place where you can enjoy the finest and freshest ingredients, as stated in their philosophy. Reviews rave about the 'fresh and delicious' food, 'friendly and attentive' service, and the 'great atmosphere'. One reviewer even celebrated their Valentine's Day here, so it's definitely a place for special occasions.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KerryVIP
New York City •37 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great place!! It was our first time there. We loved it. Generous portion size. Great food and service. We will be back
More info
Osteria Cucina RusticaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Marlboro
•
4.7
G
Glenn
Miami - Dade •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Incredible food, professional service, outstanding rice pudding!
More info
Lemon Mediterranean RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Freehold
•
4.8
E
Emmanuel
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Last night, my lady and I had one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional—especially from our waiter, Danielle, who went above and beyond to make our evening unforgettable. The food was beyond delicious, easily ranking among the best meals we’ve ever enjoyed. What truly blew me away was the thoughtful surprise from Danielle: champagne glasses to celebrate our anniversary. That personal touch made the night even more special. Honestly, this was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever had at a restaurant, and we’ll definitely be coming back.
More info
618Price: Moderate• American• Freehold
•
4.9
P
PietroVIP
New York City •30 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food the service the ambiance was all excellent. It's not easy to get in, but once you're in there you're in for a treat
More info
La LupaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Manalapan
•
4.8
P
PeterVIP
New York City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Very fresh seafood and excellent service. I recommend this restaurant highly.
More info
Cuzin's Clam BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Marlboro
•
4.8

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