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Looking for some romantic dinner ideas for your next date night in? Or maybe you need to make a Valentine’s dinner that is guaranteed to impress. Look no further. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most perfect romantic dinner recipes for two.
Most of these are ready-to-make, with recipes built specifically for two people. Others might take a bit of tweaking, but they are delicious romantic dinners and are 100% worth it. Cooking for two is an excellent date night idea.
From lobster to linguine (or perhaps a combination of the two), check out this round-up of romantic recipes for two from some of the Internet’s best chefs.
Table of Contents
Date Night Oven Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto
Just the title alone lets you know that this dish is great for Valentine’s Day dinner. But not only is it a romantic and fancy meal, this oven-baked dish is actually super easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes.
Click here for the recipe from My Kitchen Love.
Broiled Lobster Tail
Lobster is typically reserved for special occasions, so Valentine’s Day (or an anniversary dinner, birthday dinner, etc) is perfect.
This recipe for broiled lobster tail makes preparing such an elegant meal a no-brainer. Pair your lobster with steak if you’re feeling adventurous, for a bit of surf n’ turf.
Click here for the recipe from What a Girl Eats.
Steak with Whisky Sauce
If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, this recipe is probably the key itself.
Not only will you be serving a steak grilled to perfection, the rich, creamy whisky sauce with its notes of rosemary just might be the best part.
Click here for the recipe from Fab Food 4 All.
Mushroom Parmesan Fettuccine
Not ready to tackle a lobster tail? Perhaps pasta is a good choice. Here’s a meal that’s both simple and delicious.
This mushroom parmesan fettuccine is a great option if serving a vegetarian, or if you’re after a no-frills meal that still says “romance.”
Click here for the recipe from Canadian Cooking Adventures.
Shrimp Italiano
In a rush? This elegant shrimp dish can be ready in under 5 minutes. We Two Drifters plan to try preparing this recipe soon.
Click here for the recipe from The TipToe Fairy.
Roasted Lamb Chops
A delicious combination of mustard and herbs de Provencemake these lamb chops absolutely awesome.
Click here for the recipe from Pinch and Swirl.
Herbed Chicken Breast with Carrot Puree and Brown Butter
Chicken is a classic when it comes toValentine’s Dinner recipes. This chicken breast is yummy and fairly simple and straightforward, but still has extra special touches to make it a fancy meal for two.
Click here for the recipe from Cook With Me Darling.
Pork Chops with Jerusalem Artichoke Puree
This is a gorgeous dish that marries sweet and sour flavors. Not only is the Jerusalem Artichoke (sunchoke) puree a unique element, there’s also a Cider Blackberry sauce to top the pork chops.
Click here for the recipe from Krumpli.
Surf and Turf Cheese Fondue
Fondue feels incredibly fancy, doesn’t it? If you have the right tools (fondue pot anyone?) it isn’t that difficult to make. Perhaps best of all, you can dip a wide variety of meats and vegetables into the delicious melted cheese.
Click here for the recipe from Simple Seasonal.
Asparagus Tagliatelle
Valentine’s may be a perfect excuse to splurge, but for those watching their carbs, here’s a low carb recipe for two.
Asparagus tagliatelle is made from white asparagus which substitutes for the traditional pasta. This is a unique dish that will nevertheless surprise you with its flavor.
Click here for the recipe from Low Carb No Carb.
Slow Cooker Duck Leg Confit
No need to make reservations at a crowded restaurant for Valentine’s Day. With this recipe, you can have fine-dining at home, plus make it easier with the help of your slow-cooker.
Click here for the recipe from Pinch and Swirl.
Oysters with Champagne Strawberry Mignonette
Champagne? Oysters? Strawberries? The perfect trifecta of Valentine’s food.
This recipe takes a classic way to enjoy oysters (using a traditionalmignonette sauce of minced shallots, cracked pepper and vinegar) and kicks it up a notch.
Click here for the recipe from Sprinkles and Sprouts.
Chicken Diavolo
Want to add a little “spice” to your Valentine’s Day? This chicken diavolo (devil’s chicken) is herby and flavorful.
Click here for the recipe from Glebe Kitchen.
Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner for Two
Don’t want to turn on an oven or boil water this Valentine’s Day? Here’s a fine meal option that requires absolutely no cooking, and minimal prep.
Click here for the recipe from Cook With Me Darling.
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe for Two
This dish is romance meets comfort food. The recipe is geared for two people, so you don’t need to worry about making too much.
Click here for the recipe from Dessert for Two.
Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps
Lemon and seafood go together like…peanut butter & jelly. Here’s a beautiful dish featuring the classic combination.
Click here for the recipe from Chocolates and Chai.
Easy Lobster Bisque
A fancy dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a Valentine’sDay dinner idea that is pretty simple to prepare, but will still be impressive.
Click here for the recipe from Low Carb Yum.
Harissa Pasta with Oranges
Hello vegans! Here’s a terrific recipe for you. African-inspired and very easy to make, this Harissa pasta brings with it the delightful surprise of oranges.
Click here for the recipe from Recipes from a Pantry.
Braised Lamb Shanks
Attention meat lovers. These braised lamb shanks are calling your name.
This is a slightly lengthier cooking process than some of the other Valentine’s day dinner ideas on this list, but according to the recipe, the result is meat that is “fall-off-the-bone tender.”
Click here for the recipe from Caroline’s Cooking.
Fried Artichoke Hearts
Even fried food can be fancy! These fried artichoke hearts provide the ideal appetizer to start of your romantic evening for two. And they can be paired with a variety of dips.
Click here for the recipe from Cadry’s Kitchen.
Baked Swordfish and Asparagus
Fish is great on nearly every occasion.
This baked swordfish is paired with vegetables, lentils, and chermoula, a North African sauce for fish. Vibrant flavors and a healthy meal make this a great Valentine’s Dinner for couples.
Click here for the recipe from Caroline’s Cooking.
Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs
Those following a Paleo-style diet will dig this recipe. It uses the ever-awesome Instant Pot to put together a sensational meal.
This recipe uses tart cherry juice for the braising, or you can substitute red wine. Place the short ribs on top of mashed sweet potatoes, and you’ve definitely got yourself a winning dish.
Click here for the recipe from The Roasted Root.
Ratatouille
Comforting, filling, delicious, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free. That sums up this fabulous ratatouille recipe that will be excellent on a cold February night.
Click here for the recipe from Happy Kitchen. Rocks
Duck Breast with Broccoli Puree and Honey Roast Parsnips
Here’s another dish that wins on presentation. Duck is always a good, elegant choice for a romantic dinner, and you won’t need huge portions, either. Why not give this recipe a try?
Click here for the recipe from Krumpli.
Lobster Linguine in Blushing Saffron Sauce
Here’s another pasta option that transforms lobster to the next level. As Rachel says in her recipe, “Nothing says romance like fresh lobster and pasta in a creamy blush sauce.”
Click here for the recipe from Simple Seasonal.
Sirloin Steaks with Creamy Onion Sauce
There are so many ways to prepare steak. This possibility uses a creamy onion sauce that is apparently oh-so-drool-worthy. Best of all, the meal can be ready in 20 minutes or less.
Click here for the recipe from Comfortably Domestic.
Artichoke Pesto Pasta
In search of a vegan or vegetarian Valentine’s Day dinner recipe? Look no further than this vegan artichoke pesto pasta.
Pesto is already fantastic, but when combined with the ingredients in this recipe, it’s next level delish.
Click here for the recipe from Cadry’s Kitchen.
Pepper-Honey Steak
Here’s a gluten-free Valentine’s dinner option: Pepper-Honey Steak.
I don’t usually think of honey as pairing with steak, but I imagine its sweetness perfectly cuts the robust steak flavor. Throw together a few veggie side dishes and you’ve got a beautifully balanced meal for two.
Click here for the recipe from Gluten Free Easily.
BeetrootHummus with Pita Chips
While this isn’t strictly a romantic dinner recipe, it’s an epic choice for a romantic appetizer. And the bright pink color of beetroot is absolutely Valentine’s Day-ready.
Click here for the recipe from Happy Kitchen. Rocks
Cast Iron Ribeye with Mushrooms
Okay, this one looks deeeeelicious. I think we might be trying this one out next Valentine’s Day, because Nathan loves steak and this looks pretty simple to make, even for someone who is a steak novice.
With buttery, garlicky mushrooms, there’s no doubt this ribeye packs some serious flavor.
Click here for the recipe from NeighborFood.
Lobster Ravioli with Lemon Butter Limoncello Cream Sauce
Ravioli is so yummy, but it doesn’t have to involve a lengthy process involving traditional pasta. In this recipe, there’s a shortcut that will help you make incredible lobster ravioli in a snap. The butter limoncello cream sauce is (literally) the icing on the cake.
Click here for the recipe from Delicious Table.
Keg Steaks
The blogger calls this the “perfect date night recipe.” Not only is it quick to make, but it is also gluten-free, super satisfying, and slightly different than the average butter and herb recipes for steak.
Click here for the recipe from Canadian Cooking Adventures.
Grilled Lamb Chops with Bleu Cheese Herb Butter
Looking to impress someone? This dish will do it. It has a beautiful presentation and is a great recipe. Especially recommend it if you’re a fan of bleu cheese.
Click here for the recipe from Beyond Mere Sustenance.
Seafood Risotto
Do you love seafood? Pair your favorite items from the sea with a rich and creamy risotto and you just might have the perfect romantic dinner for two.
Click here for the recipe from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.
Beef Bourguignon for Two
Mmm, mmm. This is the ideal hearty dish for a cold night in together. Snowed in this Valentine’s Day? Problem solved.
Click here for the recipe from Dessert for Two.
Cooking Essentials for Your Perfect Date Night Dinner
It’s time to get cookin’! With all these great recipes at your fingertips, you have no excuse not to prepare something amazing for your next Valentine’s Day meal or another dinner date.
To ensure you’re prepped and ready, you’ll want to have reliable pots, pans, and other tools on hand. Many of these recipes call for a solid baking dish. A foolproof garlic press would be helpful in many of these recipes as would a food processor. I swear by my immersion blender that makes creating soups and purees a breeze.
Is lobster part of your Valentine’s Day menu? Don’t forget the lobster crackers and forks.
If you’re getting more into culinary adventures, consider items like the super popularinstant pot, or a homemade pasta maker.And of course, don’t forget the essentials: a corkscrew, wine glasses, and a beautiful set of dishes for two. Bon appetit!
Wondering when to make some of these great romantic recipes for two? Here are some of our favorite date ideas for couples:
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- The Best Stay At Home Date Night Ideas
- 25+ Adorable Rainy Day Date Ideas for You
- Adorable Date Night Ideas for Married Couples
- The Most Romantic Movies of All Time
- Top Date Night Gift Ideas for Couples of All Kinds
Amy Hartle
Amy Hartleis the author of Do You Love Me? How To Stop Seeking Reassurance in Relationships, a book on reassurance seeking and relationship anxiety. Both her book and this blog are born of personal experience; Amy shares expert relationship advice from the lessons learned during her own 10+ years with her husband, as well as couples travel tips and romantic getaway recommendations, all gleaned while traveling the world together.
