25 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine's Day at Home (2024)

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Skip the crowded restaurants this Valentine’s Day with the limited overpriced menu and make one of these 30 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine’s Day at Home!

25 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine's Day at Home (1)

If you’re staying in as we are, you don’t have to miss out on a lovely, elegant dinner!

Try some fall-off-the-bone Wine-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cauliflower Leek Puree. Or perhaps quick and easy Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts or seafood such as Shrimp and Corn Risotto or Seared Scallops with Spicy Bacon Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce is more your style! Top off a lovely dinner with Creme Brulee for Two or healthy Chocolate Avocado Mousse for the perfect sweet ending!

No matter what you’re looking for, here are 30 restaurant-quality recipes for appetizers and starters, beef, chicken, fish, seafood, vegetarian, soup and dessert. They’re all easy to prepare for your sweetie or along with your sweetie!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

IN THIS ARTICLE

Appetizers and Starters

Get the romance started with these easy recipes! Add a simple green salad after the appetizer or go all out with Hot Bacon Dressing over spinach or this Stacked Tomato Salad.

Artichokes in Instant Pot

Don't boil away the delicate flavor of artichokes! These Instant Pot Artichokes are super easy to make and they're ready in about 30 minutes. A simple garlic butter dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment!

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Mexican Shrimp co*cktail

Mexican Shrimp co*cktail, otherwise known as Cóctel de Camarónes, doesn't resemble an American shrimp co*cktail at all. This cool, elegant version is chock full of crunchy vegetables and shrimp in a spicy, tangy tomato sauce that's refreshing with just the right amount of heat! Perfect for hot weather dining!

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French Onion Soup for Two

French Onion Soup is a classic that is always in season! This version is scaled perfectly for a lovely dinner for two!

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Main Course – Beef

Who doesn’t love a tender, juicy steak or fall-off-the-bone wine-braised short ribs? Get all my beef and lamb recipes at Beef and Lamb Recipes.

Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms and Red Wine Sauce

Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Spinach Cambozola Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms and Red Wine Sauce is entree and side dish all in one. You might call this dish seriously “over-the-top!”

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Surf and Turf – Steak au Poivre and Broiled Lobster Tail

Is there anything better than Surf and Turf? Steak au Poivre and Broiled Lobster Tail with Roasted Asparagus is the perfect, easy, elegant, romantic restaurant-quality meal you'll both love!

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Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cauliflower Leek Puree

The enticing aroma in your kitchen as these beef short ribs slowly simmer in a rich, savory red wine-based sauce until they're fall-off-the-bone tender is just the delicious beginning! Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs paired with creamy Cauliflower Leek Puree is a lovely comforting meal using an economical cut that's easy yet impressive enough for guests!

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Main Course – Pork

Simple and delicious pork dishes scaled perfectly for two! Give Spicy Tahini Pork Medallions with Harissa Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges a try because they’re sure to spice up the night!

Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Mustard Sauce

Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon – Mustard Sauce is perfect for elegant entertaining! It's easy, elegant and can be prepped ahead.

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Sicilian Stuffed Pork Chops with White Wine and Caper Sauce

Sicilian Stuffed Pork Chops with White Wine and Caper Sauce is an elegant way to dress up a dinnertime staple–the pork chop!

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Main Course – Chicken

Easy, restaurant-quality chicken recipes you and your partner are sure to love!

Marry Me Chicken For Two

The classicMarry Me Chicken recipescaled perfectly for two–the way it should be. This famous creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes is super easy to make and perfect for any date night.

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Chicken Marsala Meatballs with Baked Parmesan Polenta

Chicken Marsala Meatballs with Baked Parmesan Polenta is a fun twist on classic Chicken Marsala. It’s comforting, delicious and is sure to bring a taste of Italy to your table!

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Crab Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Crab Stuffed Chicken Breasts are elegant enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a weeknight! A perfect date night dinner for two!

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25 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine's Day at Home (12)

Pesto and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken with Roma Tomatoes

Pesto and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken with Roma Tomatoes is easy, elegant and a delicious way to use some of your summer basil pesto and tomatoes. This makes an impressive date night dinner that looks like you fussed!

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Chicken Milanese

Chicken Milanese is a classic Italian dish that's super easy to make and comes together in about 45 minutes. A simple Cherry Tomato Salad with balsamic vinaigrette served over peppery arugula makes a bright, fresh summery side dish. All combine for a restaurant-quality combination!

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Main Course – Fish and Seafood

Here are some inspired fish and seafood recipes that are easy and delicious!

Baked Tilapia with Spinach Pecan Pesto

Baked Tilapia with Spinach – Pecan Pesto is an easy recipe that makes a great, healthy weeknight dinner that's also elegant enough to serve to guests!

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Halibut with Herb Caper Butter

Prosciutto-Wrapped Halibut with Herb – Caper Butter is an easy yet elegant, restaurant-quality dinner for two you'll both love! Lovely, mild, sustainable halibut is wrapped in salty, savory prosciutto, browned then draped in a lemony herb and caper compound butter.

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Blackened Halibut with Mango and Avocado Salsa

Blackened Halibut with Mango and Avocado Salsa is sure to become your new favorite fish dish! You’ll never buy blackening spice again once you try this homemade blend!

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Grilled Mahi Mahi with Cilantro-Ginger Pesto

Make a quick culinary escape to the tropics with this light, fresh and healthy Grilled Mahi Mahi with Cilantro-Ginger Pesto! Great for a weeknight or date night, it's ready in about 30 minutes!

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Sweet Corn Risotto with Seared Sea Scallops and Basil Salsa Verde

Sweet Corn Risotto with Seared Sea Scallops and Basil Salsa Verde is a beautiful, delicious, summery date night dinner for two!

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Pistachio Crusted Sea Scallops with Champagne Risotto and Roasted Asparagus

Pistachio Crusted Sea Scallops with Champagne Risotto and Roasted Asparagus is a beautiful, restaurant-quality meal that's easy to prepare at home. Perfect for any private celebration for two!

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Seared Scallops with Smoky Sweet Corn Puree

Seared Scallops with Smoky Sweet Corn Puree is a wonderful way to use leftover grilled corn and enjoy an elegant dinner for two at the same time!

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Seared Sea Scallops with Spicy Bacon Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce

Seared Sea Scallops with Spicy Bacon Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce is easy and perfect for an Italian-inspired romantic dinner for two!

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25 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine's Day at Home (22)

Shrimp and Corn Risotto with Bacon

Shrimp and Corn Risotto with Bacon is an American twist on traditional risotto and the perfect for a casual date night dinner at home!

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25 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine's Day at Home (23)

Shrimp Scampi with Artichokes

Shrimp Scampi with Artichokes is a lovely, easy spring-inspired classic Italian dish that's perfect for a spring date night dinner! You can use baby artichokes or frozen!

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Main Course – Vegetarian

Meatless recipes that are better than any restaurant!

Healthier Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Eggplant Parmesan Stacks are a fresher and lighter way to enjoy this Italian classic! Easy to make and can be made ahead.

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Oven Risotto with Kale Pesto and Roasted Mushrooms

Oven Risotto with Kale Pesto and Roasted Mushrooms is the easy way to make risotto! This hands-free method produces perfect risotto every time!

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Side Dishes

Super sides that are elegant and easy!

Au Gratin Potatoes for Two

A delicious and simple side dish, cheesy, creamy Au Gratin Potatoes for Two is the perfect addition to your date night dinner. Pairs beautifully with so many main courses!

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Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

If you love the creamed spinach the great American steakhouses serve, you're going to love this recipe! Made with fresh spinach, it's easy to make and can be enjoyed right out of the skillet or made ahead of time and baked later!

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Asparagus Cordon Bleu

Asparagus, prosciutto, melty cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping combine for a side dish that's impressive and elegant enough for your finest dinner party! Best of all, Asparagus Cordon Bleu is easy and can be assembled in advance.

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Desserts

Perfect sweet endings to your lovely restaurant-quality meal!

Classic Vanilla Creme Brulee for Two

Classic Vanilla Creme Brulee for Two is the perfect sweet ending to any special meal you make at home! This sinfully rich heavenly dessert is easy to make at home and can be made well ahead of time.

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25 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine's Day at Home (30)

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Sinfully rich and healthful peacefully coexist in this refined sugar-free dessert! Chocolate Avocado Mousse is so simple to prepare you won't believe it! Best of all, it's Paleo-friendly with a vegan option.

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25 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine's Day at Home (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular meal for Valentines Day? ›

1. Steak with peppercorn sauce. Every Valentine's Day, steak is the overwhelming favourite of Good Food users. Thousands of you want to know how to cook the perfect steak (top tip: the secret is quick cooking and constant attention).

How to make a romantic dinner at home? ›

You could dim the lights, put on your favorite songs, and add a few candles of varying heights to create the perfect romantic atmosphere. To make sure you're giving your loved one all the attention they deserve, consider removing any distractions — such as cell phones and tablets — by placing them in another room.

What is a traditional food for Valentine's Day? ›

A good-quality steak with a potato side is a timeless choice, but couples craving a lighter romantic meal may go for fish like sea bass or salmon. And naturally, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan picks for Valentine's Day. Italian dishes, like pasta, are also a classic Valentine's Day choice.

How do restaurants prepare for Valentine's Day? ›

You don't need to change your entire menu for a single night; consider adding one or two new dishes, or ask your chef to design a prix fixe menu using existing appetizers, entrées, and desserts. The multi-course meal suits the celebratory vibe and encourages customers to order more.

What is the most expensive Valentine's Day dinner? ›

Pitched at the world's growing class of ultra-rich 1 percenters is the most expensive Valentine's dinner ever: a $99,300 meal that will be prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at your home.

What do you put on a romantic dinner table? ›

Using pink crockery, heart-shaped table mats, and tall candle stands will create a setting that is both elegant and whimsical, making for a truly memorable date night experience. These elements will help you create a romantic mood that will make your dinner special and unforgettable.

What does a romantic dinner consist of? ›

Whether you're serving a roasted rack of lamb or silky, rich pasta, a romantic dinner for two can make an ordinary evening a little more special. Go big with pan-roasted lobster or steak frites, or try your hand at homemade pizza.

What meals are considered romantic? ›

  • Oysters. There's no truth to claims that these bivalves are aphrodisiacs, but oysters are loaded with zinc, which your body needs to make proteins and DNA, and it can help you fight off bacteria. ...
  • Caviar. ...
  • Truffles. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Lobster. ...
  • Wagyu Beef or Venison. ...
  • Spicy foods ​ ...
  • Codfish.
Feb 3, 2023

What food does everyone love? ›

America's Favorite Foods: The 50 Most Popular Foods in America
  • Cheese quesadilla.
  • Sweet potato fries. ...
  • Hummus. ...
  • Pizza margherita. Mizina/Getty Images. ...
  • Chili. Janna Danilova/Getty Images. ...
  • Seaweed salad. Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images. ...
  • Nachos. VeselovaElena/Getty Images. ...
  • Sesame chicken. VeselovaElena/Getty Images. ...
Mar 11, 2024

What meals do men love? ›

Manly Meals: 13 Tasty Recipes for Men
  • Grilled Skirt Steak with Charred Corn Salad. ...
  • 3-Napkin Baby Back Ribs. ...
  • "St. ...
  • Redeye Rubbed Burgers with Worcestershire-Glazed Onions. ...
  • Beer Brat Skewers with Spicy Slaw. ...
  • Hot Dogs with Beer-Braised Sauerkraut. ...
  • Fire-Grilled Steak with Salsa Verde. ...
  • Guy Fieri's Italian Nachos.
Jan 23, 2015

What do Japanese people eat on Valentine's Day? ›

While giri choco and honmei choco are the two most common types of chocolate given on Valentine's Day in Japan, there are a few other types as well. When chocolate is given between friends, it is called tomo choco, or "friendship" chocolate. When men give chocolate to other men, it's called hom*o choco.

What are the basics of Valentine's Day? ›

In general, Valentine's Day is associated with gift-giving, romantic date nights, handwritten love letters, and other displays of affection. Common symbols of friendship and love may be roses, hearts, cupids, arrows, and teddy bears. Most people see February 14 as a day to show love and care for one's partner.

What are the popular fruits for Valentine's Day? ›

More Easy Fruity Valentine Treat Ideas. Red and pink fruits are quite popular for this holiday as well as berries, especially raspberries and strawberries. Some other fruits of choice can be cherries, apples, pomegranate, cranberries or watermelon.

What is the most popular arrangement sold on Valentine's Day? ›

There's no surprise here; roses are considered the most romantic flower. They come in a variety of colours, but it is the deep red shade that is one of the most popular for Valentine's flowers. Red roses symbolise desire, romance, and passion - perfect if you want to create a super romantic arrangement.

What is the actual best meal of the day? ›

A large 2021 study looked at data from more than 21,000 subjects and found that abnormal metabolic outcomes were higher among those who didn't eat breakfast than those who ate the meal consistently. These included higher blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (or “bad” cholesterol), and blood glucose (sugar) levels.

What is the most significant meal of the day? ›

Breakfast is often called 'the most important meal of the day', and for good reason. As the name suggests, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period. It replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients required for good health.

What are popular Valentine's Day traditions? ›

Offering a bouquet of red roses to your beloved. Purchasing a card with a heartfelt message. Sharing a candlelit meal with your partner. Giving a heart-shaped box of delicious chocolates.

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