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    Home » Recipe Collections » Date Night Dinners

    By Carol Published: Feb 11, 2023 Modified: Apr 15, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

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

    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!

    Graphic of four photos for 30 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine's Day at Home with artichokes, creme brulee, Marry Me Chicken and braised beef short ribs.

    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!

    TABLE OF CONTENTS - Click the Icon to Find the Info You Need FAST!

    • Appetizers and Starters
    • Main Course - Beef
    • Main Course - Pork
    • Main Course - Chicken
    • Main Course - Fish and Seafood
    • Main Course - Vegetarian
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts

    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.

    Instant Pot Artichokes (With Garlic Butter)
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Instant Pot Artichokes (With Garlic Butter) in white oval serving bowl with lemon wedges.
    Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
    Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, otherwise known as Cóctel de Camarónes, doesn't resemble an American shrimp cocktail at all.  This version is almost like a "salad in a glass!"  It's chock full of crunchy vegetables and shrimp in a spicy, tangy tomato sauce.
    Get The Recipe
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    French Onion Soup for Two - Close-up shot with spoon lifting out some of the soup

    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!"
    Get The Recipe
    Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Spinach Cambozola Stuffed Mushrooms and Red Wine Sauce
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Two bowls of Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cauliflower Leek Puree.

    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.
    Get The Recipe
    Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon - Mustard Sauce - Straight-on hero shot of pork tenderloin on wood cutting board with pecans and fresh thyme scattered around
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Sicilian Stuffed Pork Chops with White Wine Caper Sauce

    Main Course - Chicken

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

    Marry Me Chicken For Two
    The classic Marry Me Chicken recipe scaled 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.
    Get The Recipe
    One serving of Marry Me Chicken in white bowl over angel hair pasta garnished with fresh basil.
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Chicken Meatballs Marsala with Baked Parmesan Polenta Hero Shot
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Pesto and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken with Roma Tomatoes - Finished dish being served with serving fork from white baking dish
    Chicken Milanese with Cherry Tomato and Arugula Salad
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Chicken Milanese with Arugula and Cherry Tomato Salad garnished with fresh basil sprigs and lemon wedges.

    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Baked Tilapia with Spinach Pecan Pesto - Straight-on close-up shot of finished dish garnished with chopped pecans and lemon wedges
    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.
    Get The Recipe
    Close-up photo of Prosciutto-Wrapped Halibut with Herb - Caper Butter with lemon wedges in black skillet.
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Piece of Mahi-Mahi with Cilantro - Ginger Pesto on a fork.
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Seared Sea Scallops with Sweet Corn Risotto and Basil Salsa Verde - Another shot of dish in white serving bowl garnished with fresh basil
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Pistachio Encrusted Scallops with Champagne Risotto and Roasted Asparagus
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Seared Scallops with Smoky Corn Puree
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Seared Sea Scallops with Spicy Bacon Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce [Bertolli)
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Shrimp and Corn Risotto with Bacon
    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!
    Get The Recipe

    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.
    Get The Recipe
    Eggplant Parmesan Stacks Closeup
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Oven Risotto with Kale Pesto and Roasted Mushrooms - Overhead hero shot of dish in white bowls on pale blue background

    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Two oval dishes of Au Gratin Potatoes for Two with fork digging into one.
    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!
    Get The Recipe
    Steakhouse Creamed Spinach in white oval bowl with serving spoon.
    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.
    Get The Recipe
    Photo of Asparagus Cordon Bleu in white rectangular baking dish on blue background.

    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.
    Get The Recipe
    Classic Creme Brulee for Two garnished with red raspberries and blueberries.
    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.
    Get The Recipe
    Chocolate Avocado Mousse in square dessert glass with raspberry and chocolate shavings with two spoons.

    More Date Night Dinners / Dinner for Two

    • Au Gratin Potatoes for Two
    • Marry Me Chicken for Two
    • Classic Vanilla Creme Brulee for Two
    • Sheet Pan Thai Baked Fish with Broccolini
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    Categories: Date Night Dinners

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Toni says

      February 11, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      You’re killin me!!!! Everything looks so fabulous! I am going to try them all. Thanks for the inspiration!
      Happy Valentines Day!

      Reply
      • Carol says

        February 11, 2021 at 5:23 pm

        Hi, Toni! Thanks so very much! Hope you enjoy and hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

        Reply
    2. Jim Huff says

      February 10, 2021 at 9:32 am

      WOW, I was looking for inspiration for V-day menu ideas and Voila! Here are 25 amazing recipes. For us there are several tried and true dishes included. Now the dilemma is repeat a fave or try a new! Thanx for sharing!

      Reply
      • Carol says

        February 10, 2021 at 10:05 am

        Hi, Jim and thanks so very much! Hopefully, next Valentine's Day we can all head out to our favorite restaurant again but this year is definitely going to be spent at home! Thanks again!

        Reply

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    I’m Carol, a personal chef with 20 years of experience cooking food people want to eat! Here you’ll find easy, step-by-step chef-tested gourmet recipes for today's modern home cook!

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