Valentine’s Day is a special day full of romance. Most couples decide on a romantic, intimate dinner for two which means that the perfect restaurant is key. There are plenty of restaurants in and around Bloomsburg, Pa but a few stand out above the rest.
My all time favorite restaurant is Taste Of Italy (www.venturistaste.com). Located at 6007 Columbia Blvd in Bloomsburg, this restaurant features homemade Italian cuisine in a small, intimate, classy atmosphere. With dinners costing between $12 & $22 it’s also easily affordable. The servers are friendly and attentive although it can get a little bit slow during busier times. Taste of Italy is right along busy Route 11 but once you step through the doors you would never know it. The interior is elegant and beautiful. If you’re a pasta lover make sure to try the Rigatoni Carbonara ($11.95). It’s the best I’ve ever had. The Chicken Martini ($15.95) is also fantastic. Parking is limited to a few small places out front that are shared with other businesses but since this restaurant doesn’t open until 4:30 the other spots are normally closed. Make sure to make reservations, 570-784-8484, since they are normally quite crowded.
Another excellent choice is The Inn At Turkey Hill (www.innatturkeyhill.com). Located at 991 Central Rd in Bloomsburg, this restaurant’s menu seems to be constantly changing but always features gourmet meals made by experienced chefs. Even though it’s right off Interstate 80 and a busy intersection you would never know it. As soon as you drive into the parking lot the world seems to drift away. The dining room looks out over a small courtyard and feels secluded and intimate. While relaxed the restaurant is upscale and elegant and has the best wait staff around. Known for their three course gourmet meals any dinner here is an upscale gourmet experience which brings locals back again and again, especially for a special, romantic occasion. Dinners range anywhere from $16-$36 and reservations are recommended (570-387-1500)
Rose Marie’s at 26 East Main St in downtown Bloomsburg is a small hidden gem located off a Main St alley. This restaurant is unique in that is a hearth stove where they make the absolute best brick oven pizzas. For something more upscale try the chicken marsala. Any of their Italian specialties are worth a try. The servers are friendly and while not always fast they are personable and eager to please. Most dinners cost between $10 $ $30 with most ranging around $15. Even though you can have a romantic dinner (I’ve seen at least two couples become engaged here), the atmosphere is casual and you can fit in regardless if you are wearing jeans or a party dress. Parking is behind the restaurant in public lot. Call 570-784-7169 for reservations.
For a different type of meal consider trying Terrapin’s Cantina (terrapinscantina.com). Known for their Mexican food and especially their awesome margaritas this restaurant consists of three dining rooms and a bar. Make reservations at 570-387-0055 and ask for the back room where twinkling white lights are up year round making it the most intimate and romantic areas of the restaurant. Terrapin’s is a very relaxed restaurant with friendly staff and more affordable then some other options with dinners ranging from $8-$18. My favorite is the seafood enchilada. Located at 3803 Columbia Blvd Bloomsburg, Pa, this stretch of Route 11 is busy with not much else around it and there is ample parking.
My last recommendation is for Reichart’s Mardi Gras (www.reichartsmardigras.com) located at 1416 Montour Blvd (Route 11) between Bloomsburg and Danville, Pa. Known for their Cajun and Creole Cuisine, Reichart’s also offers great seafood and steaks. There is a small parking lot out front and once inside you are transported to New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Call for reservations at 570-275-2215 and ask to sit in the side room where Mardi Gras themed murals cover the walls. The service is good even during busy times and dinners cost anywhere between $12 and $40. Consider trying the Blackened Cajun Sampler ($15.99) which consists of chicken, shrimp, and scallops. If you’ve never had blackened anything before it’s a good first step to introduce yourself.
