Ok hear me out, Valentine’s Day restaurants are often overcrowded, overpriced, and usually a little underwhelming. You’re rushed through a set menu, seated inches away from another couple, and end the night with a bill that makes you weep.
The best table in town this year? It’s already in your dining room (or your bedroom, if we are talking breakfast).
If you want to impress your partner without spending hours in the kitchen or you’re just looking for great Date Night ideas for any time of year, I have you covered from morning to night.
I have rounded up my absolute best romantic recipes. These dishes feel special and luxurious, think stuffed French toast, creamy sauces, and perfect steaks, but they are surprisingly fast to make.
Put the champagne on ice and get comfortable. Here is how to create a restaurant quality experience at home, starting from the moment you wake up.
- Start The Day with Love – Breakfast in Bed
- The Starters for Date Night – Setting The Mood
- The Main Events: Restaurant Quality at Home
- The Romantic Classics: Comfort Food for Two
- The Sweet Finish: Desserts Perfectly Portioned for Two
- More Recipe Inspirations
Start The Day with Love – Breakfast in Bed
Why wait until dinner to celebrate? Whether it’s Valentine’s Day morning or a lazy Sunday anniversary, these recipes are designed to be eaten in bed (crumb risk included, but worth it).
Red Velvet French Toast
Strawberries and Cream Stuffed French Toast
French Toast Roll Ups
Sheet Pan Full Breakfast (with Garlic Butter Mushrooms)
Best Fluffy Pancakes
The Starters for Date Night – Setting The Mood
You don’t need a three course meal for Valentine’s Day, but starting with something small and luxurious makes the night feel like an event. These look intimidating but are incredibly simple.
Easy Baked Scallops Gratin (Garlic Butter Parsley)
Lobster Bisque
Creamy Mushroom Soup
The Main Events: Restaurant Quality at Home
These recipes are designed to have that “wow” factor. They are the kind of meals you’d usually pay $40 a plate for, but you can make them fresh in your own kitchen.
Marry Me Chicken
Steakhouse Steak
Browned Butter Shrimp Scampi
Creamy Seafood Carbonara (No Cream)
The Romantic Classics: Comfort Food for Two
Sometimes romance means curling up on the couch with something warming and delicious. These are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but you’ll want to keep them in rotation for weekly date nights all year round.
Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Butter Chicken
Thai Green Chicken Curry
The Sweet Finish: Desserts Perfectly Portioned for Two
You don’t want to bake a whole cake just for two people. These desserts are designed for small portions, ensuring a sweet ending without days of leftovers.
Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Strawberries & Cream Tiramisu Parfait
Low Fat Chocolate Mug Cake
More Recipe Inspirations
Looking for more menu ideas? If you loved the cozy vibes in this list, you have to check out my 16 Savoury Fall Recipes for more warming comfort food. For a fun, fiesta-themed date night (margaritas mandatory!), try my top Cinco de Mayo Recipes . Need a fresh, light side to balance out that steak dinner? Browse my 18 Best Salad Recipes . And if the Marry Me Chicken was a hit with your partner, you’ll definitely want to bookmark these Creamy Chicken Recipes for next time
