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Skip the crowded restaurants this Valentine’s Day with the limited, overpriced menu and make one of these 35 Restaurant-Quality Recipes for Valentine’s Day at Home! Cook something special, and enjoy a relaxed, memorable evening with your loved one right in your own kitchen.
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 35 restaurant-quality recipes for appetizers and starters, beef, chicken, fish and seafood, vegetarian, soup, and dessert. They’re all easy to prepare for your sweetie or along with your sweetie!
Get the romance started with these easy appetizer and starter recipes. They’re simple to prepare, elegant to serve, and perfect for setting the tone for a relaxed, delicious evening. Add a simple green salad after the appetizer, or go all out with Hot Bacon Dressing over spinach or this Stacked Tomato Salad.
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Eggplant Caviar
Effortlessly elegant Eggplant Caviar is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. This classic French-inspired spread transforms humble eggplant into something worthy of royalty. It comes together with just a handful of pantry staples, and works just as well for a casual snack on the patio with a glass of wine as it does for entertaining guests.
Roasted Artichokes with Garlic Butter is the BEST way to cook artichokes! Fresh aromatics fill the artichoke halves during roasting, infusing them with lovely flavor. Create a delectable butter for dipping using the sweet and spreadable roasted garlic!
This authentic, elegant Mexican Shrimp Cocktail—endorsed by my lovely Mexican sister-in-law—is packed with crunchy vegetables and shrimp in a spicy, tangy tomato base that's refreshing with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for hot weather dining! Pinned over 47,000 times!
Who doesn’t love a tender, juicy steak or fall-off-the-bone wine-braised short ribs? These classic, steakhouse-worthy favorites bring all the indulgence of dining out—without ever leaving home.
4.84 from 6 votes
Date Night Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is undeniably romantic. Tender strips of beef tenderloin, silky mushrooms, and a luscious, creamy sauce all come together in one cozy, elegant dish. It's special without being fussy, making it perfect for date night at home.
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!”
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!
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!
If you're looking for an effortlessly elegant dish rich with bold, Mediterranean flavors, Greek Lamb Chops are the answer. With their juicy, tender texture and irresistible blend of garlic, lemon, olive oil, and herbs, these lamb chops bring the essence of Greece straight to your table.
Simple and delicious pork dishes scaled perfectly for two! They’re big on flavor, easy to prepare, and just right for an intimate Valentine’s dinner without a lot of leftovers.
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Caribbean Pork Tenderloin
This Caribbean Pork Tenderloin recipe captures the essence of island cuisine, where every bite tastes like a mini tropical vacation! Juicy pork tenderloin, smoky jerk seasoning, and a warm, sweet and tangy mango sauce combine for a mouthwatering balance of flavors to elevate your next meal!
Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Mustard Sauce
Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon-Mustard Sauce feels special without feeling fussy. Tender pork gets a crunchy pecan crust and is served with a silky bourbon Dijon sauce. It’s refined enough for entertaining, yet simple enough for a weeknight when you want something a little elevated.
Easy, restaurant-quality chicken recipes you and your partner are sure to love! They’re elegant enough for the occasion, yet simple enough to enjoy a stress-free evening together.
4.80 from 5 votes
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.
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!
If you’re craving something a little special without a lot of fuss, these Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts deliver. Boneless chicken, a flavorful crab filling, and simple ingredients come together for a dinner that feels like a treat but is easy enough for a weeknight.
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!
Baked Greek Chicken is one of the easiest chicken recipes you'll ever make! Boneless skinless chicken breasts are nestled in ingredients straight from your pantry with a few fresh additions, and then baked to perfection! This flavorful goodness can be ready in about 45 minutes!
Here are some inspired fish and seafood recipes that are easy and delicious! Light yet satisfying, they bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your Valentine’s table. Perfect for when you want something a little elegant without spending hours in the kitchen.
4.60 from 47 votes
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!
Crab Stuffed Shrimp delivers restaurant-level elegance without the fuss! This secretly simple classic dish brings together two seafood favorites in a bite-sized package that's perfect as an appetizer, for date night, a dinner party, or when you just want to elevate a weeknight to something out of the ordinary. Yes, it's that easy!
Shrimp Scampi with Artichokes takes everything you love about classic scampi—garlicky butter sauce, a splash of white wine, tender shrimp—and gives it a fresh twist with the addition of artichokes. This Shrimp Scampi recipe is quick and elegant but also comforting and bright, making it perfect for warm-weather dinners or easy entertaining. It was a personal chef client favorite and is sure to get you rave reviews!
Crab-Stuffed Flounder is an indulgent restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home! The delicate, flaky texture of flounder pairs perfectly with crab's rich, sweet, and savory flavor for a luxurious bite.
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.
Brighten up your dinner routine with Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes! Cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil create a tangy, savory topping for flaky salmon ready in about 30 minutes!
Try this Blackened Halibut recipe for a healthy dinner idea for two with a tropical twist! Mild, fresh halibut is coated in a homemade blackening spice mixture, seared to form a lightly charred crust, then topped with a lively mango and avocado salsa.
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!
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! The creamy risotto pairs perfectly with the golden crust of the scallops, while the vibrant basil salsa verde adds a fresh and herbaceous finish. It's an elegant yet approachable dish sure to impress your loved one!
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!
When sea scallops are done right, they’re absolutely magical—tender, buttery, and slightly sweet with that irresistible golden crust. This recipe for Seared Sea Scallops with Smoky Sweet Corn Purée is one of those simple-yet-elegant dishes that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to pull off at home!
Meatless recipes that are better than any restaurant! These dishes are full of bold flavor and chef-inspired touches, making them feel anything but ordinary. Even devoted carnivores will be asking for seconds.
4.89 from 9 votes
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.
Super sides that are elegant and easy! These perfectly complement your main dish while adding a little extra wow factor to the plate. Best of all, they come together without complicating your evening.
4.47 from 54 votes
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!
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!
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.
Perfect sweet endings to your lovely restaurant-quality meal! These desserts deliver just the right touch of indulgence to close the evening on a memorable note. Simple to make, yet impressive enough to feel truly special.
4.62 from 57 votes
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.
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.
Carol is a personal chef with 22 years of experience cooking food people want to eat! Here, you'll find expert techniques, time-saving tips, and flavor-packed dishes you'll be proud to serve family and friends.
Wow Carol that’s quite the line-up of recipes! The only thing on the downside is my printer ink depleting LOL. So many great recipes that are MUST PRINTS and must haves for my collection. So appreciate your talent, thank you!
Hi, Patty, Thanks so very much! You really got my day off to a great start. I appreciate you! Thank you for following, reading, and cooking along with me. Hope you had a nice Valentine’s Day!
WOW, I was looking for inspiration for V-day menu ideas and Voila! Here are 35 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!
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!
Wow Carol that’s quite the line-up of recipes! The only thing on the downside is my printer ink depleting LOL. So many great recipes that are MUST PRINTS and must haves for my collection. So appreciate your talent, thank you!
Hi, Patty, Thanks so very much! You really got my day off to a great start. I appreciate you! Thank you for following, reading, and cooking along with me. Hope you had a nice Valentine’s Day!
You’re killin me!!!! Everything looks so fabulous! I am going to try them all. Thanks for the inspiration!
Happy Valentines Day!
Hi, Toni! Thanks so very much! Hope you enjoy and hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
WOW, I was looking for inspiration for V-day menu ideas and Voila! Here are 35 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!
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!