21 Romantic Dinner Ideas for Your Valentine

This Valentine’s Day, savor a night in with your special someone. Make a romantic dinner from one of these simple recipes, and be sure to add one of the desserts!

Whether or not you and your sweetheart like to exchange gifts for Valentine’s Day, it’s nice to enjoy a romantic dinner together. This year, instead of looking for fancy restaurants for celebrating, consider having a date night in and cooking a wonderful dinner together.

You’ll delight in each other’s company while you cook and then relax with a private, intimate evening without the typical Valentine’s Day crowds. Set the table with flowers and candles, and take pleasure in one of these dinner recipes that are perfect for special occasions.

1. Unique Eggs Benedict

Serve breakfast for dinner or have Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed with this Chilaquiles Eggs Benedict recipe! It’s a twist on the original with Mexican flavors from barbacoa, green chili sauce and a tomato-flavored tortilla base.

2. Beef Bourguignon

Create the atmosphere of a French restaurant at home with a fantastic beef bourguignon dish! Also known as beef burgundy, this hearty meal is made in a slow cooker. If you’d prefer poultry with a red wine sauce, coq au vin is the perfect substitute.

3. Beef Wellington

Skip the romantic restaurants and get the same fancy dish at home when you cook Beef Wellington. With beef baked in puff pastry, this amazing recipe is actually easier to make than you might think possible!

4. Steak and Vegetables

There’s nothing like a good steak dinner when you’re looking for romantic recipes. This 30-minute steak recipe pairs a beautifully broiled sirloin, strip or ribeye steak with asparagus, mushrooms and my simpler version of a classic French Bearnaise sauce. Feel free to up the ante and use filet mignon instead!

5. Chimichurri Rib Roast

If you want new ways to make a rib roast for your valentine, try this juicy beef that comes out browned to perfection. It includes a tasty Dijon and herb rub on top, featuring rosemary, and is finished with a flavorful Chimichurri sauce.

6. Bacon Pork Chops

Turn everyday pork chops into a romantic Valentine dish with this pork chops recipe. The pork features a decadent crust of smoky bacon and cheese, and you quickly bake the chops in the oven for a simple dish.

7. Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is the perfect choice when you want romantic dinner recipes. I made this one with the fresh Mediterranean flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and capers.

8. Roasted Pork Ribs

If your idea of a romantic evening is to eat with your hands and get a little dirty, no judgment here! Just serve some of these roasted pork ribs that fall off the bones.

9. Baked Chicken Parmesan

For a great Italian meal as your main dish, make this simple baked chicken parmesan recipe with pasta or vegetables. Marinating the chicken breast in salad dressing makes it moist and flavorful, while tomato sauce and cheese creates that ideal combination you’re after. This classic chicken dinner is made gluten-free.

10. Baked Chicken In Spicy Peach Sauce

Make poultry more interesting for your special date night with this baked chicken recipe. I used a peach sauce for a light and exciting flavor, and served it with sauteed asparagus.

11. Mussels in White Wine Sauce

Take your cooking to a new level with this awesome mussel recipe. You’ll impress the love of your life with the elegant white wine sauce. It can be easily turned into a pasta dish by tossing some noodles int the sauce.

12. Creamy Seafood Risotto

Create a home-cooked meal of restaurant quality with this rich seafood risotto recipe. It offers an exciting array of seafood with lobster tails, mussels, clams and bay scallops, served on a bed of creamy parmesan risotto.

13. Cedar Plank Beer Scallops and Vegetables

Instead of brown butter scallops, try this Cedar Plank Beer Scallops dish. It’s one of those great dinner ideas for couples that are marinated in beer but much fancier than eating at a bar!

14. French Onion Soup

You’ll feel like you’re eating at an impressive French restaurant when you serve this French Onion Soup. Best of all, you can throw soup recipes like this in the slow cooker while you enjoy each other’s company. Just add the bread and cheese at the end, and finish it in the oven.

15. Roasted Cauliflower

This roasted cauliflower dish makes a perfect vegan Valentine’s meal or side dish. Roasted in the oven and then served with soy-ginger sauce, this veggie dish is to die for!

16. Roasted Cabbage Steaks

These cabbage “steaks” with a savory sauce of spicy lime and cilantro are delicious and hearty enough to serve by themselves! Or make them as a side to flank steak or another protein.

17. Hasselback Potatoes

If the classic meat-and-potatoes dish is your thing, serve your meat with these unbelievable garlic herb Hasselback potatoes! It’s easy to substitute sweet potato if you prefer.

18. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Another great vegetable idea is this brussels sprouts recipe. Roast them to perfection and serve them with the flavors of fried garlic and almond.

19. Classic Tiramisu

In real life, a romantic meal isn’t complete without some great dessert recipes! A perfect choice for a couple is this Italian Tiramisu recipe. I keep it classic because you can’t get better than that!

20. Cupid’s Ice Cream Sandwiches

Another dessert idea is ice cream sandwiches! These are fun to eat with your hands, and I made them special with heart shapes and sprinkles!

21. Heart Candies

Instead of buying those Valentine’s heart candies in a box, make some from scratch! These homemade candies are pretty and delicious, with white chocolate and vanilla.

About the Author

Sharon Chen

Sharon Chen is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, an author and a sous vide fanatic who believes food not only brings healing but also connection. As the creator of StreetSmart Kitchen, she's on a mission to help you find balance, ease, joy, and simplicity in the kitchen as you improve your well-being.