Jump to Recipe
These Valentine’s Day dinner ideas include a list of 31 dishes that will make a great romantic dinner for two! Whether you’re searching for something light or savory, you’ll find plenty of impressive date night dinner options that will make this Valentine's Day memorable. After all, nothing says 'I love you' like a flavorful home-cooked meal!
Jump to:
- 1. Salmon in White Wine Sauce
- 2. Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sage Gravy
- 3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- 4. Crab Stuffed Salmon
- 5. Hasselback Chicken
- 6. Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo
- 7. Chicken Parmesan
- 8. Lobster Risotto
- 9. Grilled Lamb Chops
- 10. Filet Mignon
- 11. Broiled Lobster Tail
- 12. Pan-Seared Scallops
- 13. Air Fryer Cornish Hen
- 14. Pan-Seared Sword Fish
- 15. Pan-Seared Wagyu Ribeye Steak
- 16. Monterey Chicken
- 17. Frutti di Mare
- 18. Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza
- 19. Pan Seared Lamb Leg Steak
- 20. Pan Seared Sea Bass
- 21. Quiche Florentine
- 22. Air Fryer Prime Rib
- 23. Easy Beef Stroganoff
- 24. Hibachi Steak and Shrimp
- 25. Duck with Orange Sauce
- 26. Roasted Lamb Breast
- 27. Marry Me Chicken
- 28. Grilled Ostrich Steaks
- 29. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
- 30. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- 31. Smoked Duck and Mushroom Risotto
- 💭 Tips For Cooking Valentine's Day Dinner
- ❔ Any Recommendations For Vegetarian Or Vegan Valentine's Day Dinners
- ❔ Should I Cook A Three-Course Meal For Valentine's Day
- ❔ What Are Some Good co*cktails For Valentine's Day
- 💖 Valentine's Day Dessert Ideas
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Best Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas: 31+ Romantic Meals For A Special Night!
- IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric
- Instructions
- 💬 Reviews
A nice dinner out for Valentine’s Day is great, but there’s something special about a heartfelt meal cooked at home for the one you love. Regardless of your skills in the kitchen (or lack thereof), you can still impress with just a little guidance!
When choosing the perfect dish for Valentine’s Day, a few things to consider are how long you can spend in the kitchen, what cuts of meat and seafood you have available at your grocery store, and how many courses you want to serve. Whatever your taste or skill set, I’ve compiled a list of great Valentine’s dinner ideas that include something for everyone!
1. Salmon in White Wine Sauce
Tender, flaky salmon in a light, citrusy white wine sauce is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Light enough that you won’t feel uncomfortably full, but still plenty to satisfy you.
Also, it cooks up quickly so you can focus your attention on each other instead of spending the night in the kitchen.
Salmon in White Wine Sauce
Thissalmon in white wine sauceis a quick and easy family favorite recipe that combines pan-seared salmon with a delightfully tangy cream sauce!
Check out this recipe
2. Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sage Gravy
Thick-cut pork tenderloin with a golden-brown sear and a creamy mushroom gravy make for an impressive Valentine’s Day dinner. Cheaper than some of the gourmet cuts of steak or fancy seafood, it looks just as beautiful when plated properly.
Pair it with some light sides like roasted green beans or sauteed zucchini and squash so you can save room for dessert!
Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Gravy
Thispork tenderloin with mushroom gravyis pan-seared to perfection and then combined with the delectable pan gravy!
Check out this recipe
3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Italian food has always been romantic, so this list contains a few Italian options. This lemon garlic shrimp pasta is easy to make but looks and tastes like it took plenty of effort.
The bright flavor of lemon and robust garlic flavor work to even each other out. Plus, it pairs well with a glass of just about any white wine.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Lemon garlic shrimp pastais an easy-to-make dish that combines al dente pasta with succulent, tender shrimp and a deliciously rich sauce!
Check out this recipe
4. Crab Stuffed Salmon
Show off your culinary prowess by not just serving up salmon stuffed with crab! The creamy crab stuffing elevates this beyond a simple salmon dish and will make your Valentine's Day dinner feel special.
Crab stuffed salmon pairs well with most veggies- particularly asparagus with cherry tomatoes because the bright tang from the tomatoes contrasts the savory crab stuffing.
Crab-Stuffed Salmon
Thiscrab-stuffed salmondinner features tasty crab meat in a creamy filling, all stuffed into tender baked salmon fillets!
Check out this recipe
5. Hasselback Chicken
If seafood is not your thing, but you still want a visually appealing dish, try this Hasselback chicken. Stuffed with mozzarella, spinach, and bacon, it is as delicious as it is nice to look at.
Plus, obtaining the unique Hasselback appearance is easier than it looks. Pair it with a nice Sauvignon Blanc and a couple of veggies, and you have a romantic chicken dinner for two.
Hasselback Chicken
This stuffed Hasselback Chicken Breast with Spinach, Bacon, and Mozzarella Cheese is a family-favorite chicken entree that is perfect for any night of the week!
Check out this recipe
6. Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo
This smoked salmon fettuccine alfredo is another easy yet impressive pasta recipe that would make a good contender. The smoked salmon really brings the expected fettuccine alfredo flavors to a new depth.
It’s high-class comfort food, which is great because you don’t have to worry about serving sides.
Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo
This richly flavorful Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo is a shining example of simple ingredients combining to make extraordinary dishes!
Check out this recipe
7. Chicken Parmesan
A less “fancy” option, chicken Parmesan is still a great date-night dish. When cooked properly, the crispy breaded chicken tastes rich and comforting when slathered in marinara sauce.
If you’re not a frequent cook, this recipe is hard to mess up. Plus, red or white wine would pair just fine. Throw a little garlic bread on the table, and you have a complete meal for your Valentine's night!
Chicken Parmesan
Thischicken Parmesan(or chicken Parmigiana) is a classic Italian entree featuring breaded chicken breast fried and then baked!
Check out this recipe
8. Lobster Risotto
Rich, creamy risotto made even better with delicious chunks of lobster! It’s comfort food and gourmet; though it is time-consuming, it isn’t hard to make. If your date is a seafood lover, this is a great option.
Plus, risotto can be another all-inclusive dish, so no worrying about sides!
Lobster Risotto
I tend to binge watch Gordon Ramsay shows including Hell's Kitchen. My husband and I have always loved the look (and tantalizing taste!)
Check out this recipe
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
9. Grilled Lamb Chops
Elegant and full of flavor, grilled lamb chops are the perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day dinner. An aromatic herb rub will fill the air with delicious smells as they cook.
Lamb itself is usually a special treat, and you can have a couple of perfectly grilled lamb chops on the table in just 20 minutes. Serve it up with a starchy side, like a baked sweet potato, and a glass of Cabernet.
Grilled Lamb Chops
Perfectlygrilled lamb chopsare elegant,full of flavor, and best of all, they only take about 20 minutes to make!
Check out this recipe
10. Filet Mignon
This is the dish for you if you want to pull out all the stops. Perfectly seared filet mignon is an upscale dish in itself, but it pairs easily with practically any side you love.
You can keep your sides really simple or as complex as you like - but I prefer to let that amazing cut of beef shine like the star that it is!
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Abacon-wrapped filet mignonis elegant enough for special occasions and easy for busy weeknight dinners!
Check out this recipe
11. Broiled Lobster Tail
Believe it or not, a nice lobster tail is easy to make at home! Lobster cooks up super fast and is totally delicious without any additions. If you think of the fanciest gourmet dinner you can imagine, it likely has a lobster tail on the plate.
You can broil a lobster tail to perfection in just a few minutes, then focus on some tasty sides and dessert. Because a lobster tail on its own is so light, serve it with a heavier side like fondant potatoes.
Broiled Lobster Tail
Thisbroiled lobster tail recipemakes an amazingly rich and delicious seafood main that is sure to impress family and friends!
Check out this recipe
12. Pan-Seared Scallops
Pan-seared scallops are another easier-than-expected dish and still a special treat. The trick is getting the outside perfectly golden brown.
Light and meaty, scallops are great if you want to do a full three-course meal because they aren’t overly filling. Scallops, like most seafood, pair well with white wine.
Pan-Seared Scallops
Thesepan seared scallopsare super easy to make at home with a delightfully golden crust on absolutely tasty restaurant-quality scallops!
Check out this recipe
13. Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Delightfully crisp and easy to make in the air fryer, a couple of Cornish hens are perfect for Valentine’s Day! It’s not often you see a Cornish hen on the menu, so not only is it unique, but it’s sure to be a surprise!
Serve it up with some brussel sprouts or brown sugar-glazed carrots.
Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Thisair fryer Cornish henis not only supremely easy to make with delightfully crisp results but also a fun dinner for two!
Check out this recipe
14. Pan-Seared Sword Fish
It’s likely you don’t have swordfish regularly, so make it a special treat on Valentine’s Day! Lightly seasoned with a buttery lemon pepper sauce, it’s full of fresh and bright flavor.
Make it a three-course meal, starting with an easy Caesar salad with homemade dressing and finishing with a slice of chocolate cherry cake to share.
Pan Seared Swordfish
My quick and easy pan-seared swordfish is exactly what you need for a simple but delightfully tasty weeknight seafood dinner!
Check out this recipe
15. Pan-Seared Wagyu Ribeye Steak
We’re rounding out the list with a pan-seared Wagyu ribeye. More than your usual steak, Wagyu is a premium beef and takes very little to “dress it up”. This easy cooking method is practically fool-proof and results in a delightfully crispy sear.
If your date is a steak lover, this is the steak for you! Enjoy it with a robust cabernet or malbec.
Pan-Seared Wagyu Ribeye Steak
No need for a fancy steakhouse when you can create aperfectly pan seared Wagyu ribeye steakfrom the comfort of your own kitchen!
Check out this recipe
16. Monterey Chicken
If chicken breast recipes are your comfort zone when it comes to cooking, there are ways to elevate them so they are worthy of a special occasion like Valentine's Day. These Monterey chicken breasts, for example, are topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, BBQ sauce, tomatoes, and green onions!
Monterey Chicken
ThisMonterey chickenis an easy-to-make dinner featuring chicken breasts topped with cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, tomatoes, and green onions!
Check out this recipe
17. Frutti di Mare
If your date is a fan of seafood, they'll appreciate a big bowl of frutti di mare pasta loaded with mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and squid. It's all tossed together in a spicy arrabbiata sauce that tingles your tastebuds and will have you savoring every bite!
Frutti di Mare
Frutti di mareis a flavorful, decadent pasta dish that’s full of mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and squid to make this incredibly delicious seafood pasta!
Check out this recipe
18. Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza
With fresh basil, tomatoes, and plenty of fresh mozzarella, this 5-ingredient margherita pizza is flavorful and satisfying. In fact, making sheet pan pizzas together could be your date night activity! You don't even need a pizza oven or any pizza-making experience!
Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza
I love the simplicity of thisMargherita sheet pan pizzafor being an all-around crowd-pleaser that can also feed the whole family!
Check out this recipe
19. Pan Seared Lamb Leg Steak
Lamb always feels like a special treat, and the simple process of pan-searing retains the meat's naturally rich, sweet, and earthy flavor. It's a beginner-friendly recipe and a great choice if you're looking to branch out and try something new!
Pan-Seared Lamb Leg Steaks
Tender, juicy pan-seared lamb leg steaks makea restaurant-worthymain course that is perfect enough for any day of the week!
Check out this recipe
20. Pan Seared Sea Bass
Sea bass isn't your everyday fish dinner recipe for most people because it sits on the pricier side for seafood. However, it cooks quickly and has a firm, flakey texture, and mildly sweet flavor, making it worth the splurge!
Pan Seared Sea Bass
Perfectlypan-seared sea bassis just minutes away, and you can enjoy a fabulous seafood dinner of flaky white fish.
Check out this recipe
21. Quiche Florentine
Quiche is light enough that you'll have room for dessert yet still rich, savory, and satisfying. Plus, the thought and care that goes into baking a quiche from scratch will make your date feel truly special!
My quiche florentine with spinach, asparagus quiche, sun-dried tomato quiche, or zucchini mushroom quiche would all be great choices!
Quiche Florentine
Quiche Florentineis a breakfast or brunch dish from France featuring creamy egg filling, melted cheese, and spinach in a buttery pie crust!
Check out this recipe
22. Air Fryer Prime Rib
You'll have leftovers, but a tender and succulent prime rib roast is a surefire way to leave a lasting impression. Try making it in your air fryer for easy cleanup and a quicker cooking time, which means you can enjoy the evening!
Air Fryer Prime Rib
Indulge in a succulent and perfectly cookedair fryer prime rib, a dish that promises to be the star of any meal!
Check out this recipe
23. Easy Beef Stroganoff
Tender chunks of beef and mushrooms in creamy stroganoff sauce with buttery egg noodles. This simple recipe tastes just as incredible as more complicated beef stroganoff recipes, so your date will never know how easy it was!
Easy Beef Stroganoff
Thisbeef stroganoffis a classic, comforting dish that's perfect for aquick and easy family dinner.
24. Hibachi Steak and Shrimp
Bring the Japanese steakhouse home and whip up a few classic hibachi recipes! Bonus points if you cook for your date so they get dinner and a show (the true restaurant experience)!
A surf & turf with steak and shrimp would be a wonderful main dish for your Valentine's dinner. Hibachi salmon or scallops would be tasty, too!
Hibachi Steak and Shrimp
Enjoy the delectable taste of hibachi cooking right in your kitchen with thisBenihana copycat hibachi steak and shrimp recipe!
Check out this recipe
25. Duck with Orange Sauce
Channel your inner French chef and stun your loved one with this gorgeous duck l'orange (duck with orange sauce). The succulent pan-seared duck breasts are made even more delectable with a heavy drizzle of sweet and sticky orange honey sauce!
Duck with Orange Sauce
Thisduck with orange sauce(duck a l'orange)is a classic French recipe of pan-seared duck breasts and orange sauce!
Check out this recipe
26. Roasted Lamb Breast
Oven-roasted lamb breast is tender, juicy, and easy to prepare with just a little cooking oil and my homemade lamb dry rub. Find the perfect side dishes to serve with lamb breast right here!
Roasted Lamb Breast
Thisroasted lamb breastturns out tender and flavorful with just a little olive oil and a DIY homemade lamb rub!
Check out this recipe
27. Marry Me Chicken
With a name like 'Marry me chicken,' this classic recipe had to make the cut. The rich and creamy Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce are enough to make you want to get down on one knee!
Marry Me Chicken
Marry Mechicken is an incredibly easy one-skillet meal that's quick enough to make for dinner any day of the week!
Check out this recipe
28. Grilled Ostrich Steaks
If your loved one appreciates unique proteins and wild game, juicy grilled ostrich steaks are a delectable dinner that will leave a lasting impression. The steaks are basted with melted butter as they grill to keep them tender and oh-so juicy!
Grilled Ostrich Steaks
Thesegrilled ostrich steaksare a tender, flavorful, and even healthier alternative to typical beef steaks!
Check out this recipe
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
29. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Baked eggplant Parmesan is an Italian classic that would make a wonderful vegetarian entree on Valentine's Day. The eggplant is coated in Panko breadcrumbs and baked until crispy with marinara and melted mozzarella cheese to top it all off!
Eggplant Parmesan
With a few tips and tricks, you can make a crispybaked eggplant Parmesanso delicious you will prefer it to chicken!
Check out this recipe
30. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
My lemon garlic shrimp pasta beautifully balances the bright citrus and zesty garlic flavors. Top it off with some shredded parmesan for an easy and delicious Italian-inspired seafood dinner!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Lemon garlic shrimp pastais an easy-to-make dish that combines al dente pasta with succulent, tender shrimp and a deliciously rich sauce!
Check out this recipe
31. Smoked Duck and Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto rice, earthy mushrooms, and tender, juicy duck meat come together in this elegant and richly flavorful main course. It's worth every ounce of effort to smoke a whole duck for this recipe, or If you're lucky, you can find smoked duck meat at the store!
Smoked Duck and Mushroom Risotto
Thissmoked duck and mushroom risottois the epitome of elegant comfort food with its rich and creamy texture and succulent duck meat!
Check out this recipe
I hope you and your Valentine are equally impressed with whichever dinner you choose to share! If you tried something you really enjoyed, drop me a comment below!
💭 Tips For Cooking Valentine's Day Dinner
It's never a bad idea to do a trial run of your chosen Valentine's dinner recipe in advance to make sure it meets your expectations. More importantly, don't forget to leave room for a decadent Valentine's Day dessert!
- Plan Ahead: Decide on the menu in advance, including appetizers, main course, and dessert. If you are unsure if you can find certain ingredients at the grocery store, give them a call, and they will let you know. Always go in with a list and a plan!
- Personalize the Menu: Consider your partner's favorite dishes or cuisines when planning the menu. It adds a thoughtful touch to the meal.
- Set the Ambiance: Create a romantic atmosphere with candles, soft lighting, and even light background music. These small efforts will make your dining experience more special.
- Keep it Light: Keep the meal light. It's hard to get romantic after strong, spicy flavors, heavy garlic, or a heavy meal that leads to bloat (or needing a nap).
- Cook Together: If both of you enjoy cooking, make your date night dinner a joint effort. Cooking can be a fun and romantic activity!
❔ Any Recommendations For Vegetarian Or Vegan Valentine's Day Dinners
Of course! Eggplant Parmesan or even a quick tofu stir-fry would make a wonderful vegetarian date night dinner (vegan with necessary substitutions). Grab some heart-shaped cookie cutters and make my soft, chewy vegan sugar cookies for dessert!
❔ Should I Cook A Three-Course Meal For Valentine's Day
It depends on your preferences and time. Do you have plans after, or are you spending the evening in? A three-course meal (appetizer, main course, and dessert) can make the night feel more special, but a well-prepared main course with a rich red velvet dessert is just as nice!
❔ What Are Some Good co*cktails For Valentine's Day
If your loved one has a favorite drink, I would start there! If you're unsure, my red wine sangria is perfect for sharing. You could always craft a signature co*cktail for the evening, like a strawberry champagne mimosa or a pink vodka mojito! For alcohol-free drinks, try whipping up a few fun and fruity mocktails!
💖 Valentine's Day Dessert Ideas
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Drip Cake - A slice of this indulgent chocolate and peanut butter cake will make your partner fall in love all over again!
- Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cake - This gluten-free dessert is filled with rich chocolate flavor, and you won't even notice it doesn't contain flour!
- Sugar Cookie Cherry Cobbler - An easy cobbler made with just 2 ingredients, but you would never know because it is so tasty!
- Red Velvet Cake - A decadent red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is a perfect Valentine's Day dessert!
- Tres Leches Cake - You'll impress your loved one with this moist 3-milk cake topped with fresh fruit!
- No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake - It doesn't get easier than this creamy, no-bake blueberry cheesecake!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media@Pinterest,Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📖 Recipe Card
Print Recipe Leave A Comment
Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
5 from 6 reviews
Best Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas: 31+ Romantic Meals For A Special Night!
These Valentine’s Day dinner ideas include a list of 31 dishes that will make a great romantic dinner for two! Whether you’re searching for something light or savory, you’ll find plenty of impressive date night dinner options that will make this Valentine's Day memorable. After all, nothing says 'I love you' like a flavorful home-cooked meal!
Author | Angela
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 485kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine (or favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- ½ tablespoon garlic (finely minced or thinly sliced)
- 1 lb mussels (scrubbed, beards removed)
- 1 lb steamer clams (scrubbed)
- ⅓ cup dry white wine (I like Pinot Grigio best, or Pinot Gris)
- ½ lb shrimp (large shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined)
- ¼ lb bay scallops
- ¼ lb squid (sliced tentacle rings and bodies)
- 32 oz arrabbiata sauce (see recipe or use your favorite brand)
Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela
Instructions
Fill a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 1 lb fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture (firm to the bite). Drain, rinse under cool tap water, and set aside.
Heat a large, deep skillet with the 2 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until the oil just begins to shimmer. Add the ½ tablespoon garlic and saute for 1 minute then stir in the 1 lb mussels and 1 lb steamer clams until well coated.
Increase heat to medium-high then add the ⅓ cup dry white wine and cover the pan to steam the mussels and clams. Cook with the lid on for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mussels and clams have opened.
Uncover the skillet, add the ½ lb shrimp and toss with the seafood. Cover and continue to steam for an additional 2 minutes or until the shrimp begins curling up, turning pink and opaque.
Once more remove the lid and add the final portions of seafood (¼ lb squid and ¼ lb bay scallops). Cover and cook until the squid tentacles curl up and the scallops are no longer transparent, or about 1 minute.
Pour in the 32 oz arrabbiata sauce, stir to coat the seafood evenly, then simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes (uncovered). Add the pasta to the seafood sauce and toss until well coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Equipment You May Need
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 66g (22%) | Protein: 32g (64%) | Fat: 10g (15%) | Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 187mg (62%) | Sodium: 1115mg (48%) | Potassium: 1011mg (29%) | Fiber: 5g (21%) | Sugar: 8g (9%) | Vitamin A: 804IU (16%) | Vitamin C: 15mg (18%) | Calcium: 94mg (9%) | Iron: 5mg (28%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Best Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas, Frutti di Mare, pasta dinners, special occasion main dish ideas, What to make for date night dinners
Course Dinner Recipes, Main Dish, Pasta, Seafood
Cuisine Italian
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
bakeitwithlove.com/about/