Our city has its share of perfect date-night eateries, and we’ve picked six that will make your significant other feel extra special. We start with Columbus Park Trattoria, now celebrating its thirtieth year in business. There’s a reason it has been around so long: impeccable waitstaff, a terrific wine list and intoxicating aromas wafting throughout the restaurant that have patrons thinking, “Now, that’s Italian.” We find it hard not to order the pollo scarpariello—the hot cherry peppers keep calling—or the linguine con tonno, with just the right proportion of tuna, capers and pasta. Next up is Napa & Co., with its artistically presented dishes featuring the freshest organic ingredients, locally grown whenever possible. The seasonal menu changes monthly, and the nightly specials are always worth a look-see. As the name implies, it’s a mecca for wine lovers, offering 300 bottles and fifty wines by the glass. Olio Restaurant calls its dinner “supper,” a perfect title for the elegant-yet-casual new-American cuisine its patrons have come to expect. The menu is varied, so even if you don’t know your date’s tastes to a T, you can rest easy knowing there will be something that appeals. The herb-roasted organic half-chicken and cumin/coriander pork chops are two of our favorites and indicative of what you’ll discover here. For waterfront dining, head to Paloma, an architecturally gorgeous two-story structure where celeb chef Aarón Sánchez turns out his Mexican-inspired specials. Lively, fun, noisy, innovative and aromatic, you can start your evening with selections from the raw bar, small plates or tostadas. Then move on to the main events; we pick the Pollo Pibil, a whole roasted chicken with pickled salad, tamarind chicken fried rice and achiote habanero sauce. Meal done, consider a romantic stroll along the boardwalk. On to The Fez, which just completed a major renovation. With vibrant red walls, a bar now doubled in size, and innovative Moroccan/Mediterranean cuisine, it is sure to please everyone, important when you’re getting to know each other. Don’t miss the baba ganoush served with pita chips, or the spanakopita, spinach and feta cheese encased in flaky, light filo dough topped with pine nuts and Kalamata olives. Lastly, Quattro Pazzi is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant with Italian fare so fresh, it’s always a winner. Get in the mood with the fried calamari, which gets its kick from a spicy marinara, then move on to any of the wonderful fresh pasta dishes. Don’t forget to add a side; our favorite is broccoli rabe. Plus, there is plenty of room between tables, so conversations can remain private.





