By Anthony Voelpel

For many students, a trip to TGI Friday’s is the perfect idea for a night out. And while there’s nothing wrong with chain restaurants, this is Long Island, where good restaurants are as common as Ugg boots. This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to show your date some style, because chicken fingers and fries just don’t cut it anymore.

Luckily for college rookies or those unfamiliar with the Hofstra territory, this guide is going to (a) help you impress a date, (b) get them to love you, or (c) have one of the best dates of your life. And the best part is, all you need is tasty food, an approachable environment, and, of course, great wine.

Below are five of the best restaurants to take a date to within a five-mile radius of campus.

Novita (Garden City, 3 miles from campus): If you’re taking a date out for the first time, this is really the place to go. Your evening will be filled with an endless flow of wine (100 wines by the glass, thanks to an ultra-modern tap system) and incredible food. From pizzettes to creative pasta dishes, such as the Sweet Lobster Pappardelle to Caramelized Sea Scallops, Novita’s season-changing menu will automatically have whatever it is you’re looking for. Novita is also great if you’re not that hungry and just want to grab a few drinks and appetizers. Grab a seat in the lounge area and start things off with the cheese Fondue. Whatever you choose, the music will be steady, the crowd will be hip and a great time will ensue.

City Cellar (Westbury, 3.5 miles from campus): Classy and refined are words that could be used to describe City Cellar. Their 50 percent off any bottle of wine deal is a can’t-miss and the menu is quite extensive. The large dining room overlooks a bar that is stacked higher than the Hofstra Library. City Cellar also offers a great late-night menu, so you can still eat and drink well into the night. City Cellar is very affordable, so you won’t have to worry about your finances either.

Spumante Restaurant (East Meadow, 1.3 miles from campus): This is the neighborhood Italian joint students away from home thought they were lacking. Even if you don’t have a car, you can literally run to Spumante. A basket of homemade garlic and Italian bread immediately greet you as you are seated at a more “intimate” setting compared to the others on this list. Tons of authentic seafood, veal and chicken dishes are offered that would make even Mario Batali walk out holding his full stomach, happy and satisfied.

Houston’s (Garden City, 4.2 miles from campus): A more “American classics” approach to this list, Houston’s will have you begging for mercy after you smother yourself with their ribs from Heaven. Good thing their menu is more limited-the brilliantly constructed cocktails certainly don’t help in making tough decisions. With a shadowed atmosphere and younger crowds, Houston’s is truly a happening scene.

Ruth’s Chris (Garden City, 4.4 miles from campus): This is one of the kings in the steakhouse industry. Although you may have to sell your Nintendo on Ebay to eat here, the filets and veal chops are definitely worth the dollar. Add a Caesar salad and creamed spinach, and you’ll be satisfied for days.