35 Romantic Dinner Recipes for Two that are Perfect for Date Night

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Looking for some romantic dinner ideas for your next date night in? Or maybe you need to make a Valentine’s dinner that is guaranteed to impress. Look no further. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most perfect romantic dinner recipes for two.

Most of these are ready-to-make, with recipes built specifically for two people. Others might take a bit of tweaking, but they are delicious romantic dinners and are 100% worth it. Cooking for two is an excellent date night idea.

From lobster to linguine (or perhaps a combination of the two), check out this round-up of romantic recipes for two from some of the Internet’s best chefs.

Date Night Oven Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto

Grains with shrimp inside a red heart-shaped pot.

Just the title alone lets you know that this dish is great for Valentine’s Day dinner. But not only is it a romantic and fancy meal, this oven-baked dish is actually super easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes. 

Click here for the recipe from My Kitchen Love.

Broiled Lobster Tail 

Lobster is typically reserved for special occasions, so Valentine’s Day (or an anniversary dinner, birthday dinner, etc) is perfect.

This recipe for broiled lobster tail makes preparing such an elegant meal a no-brainer. Pair your lobster with steak if you’re feeling adventurous, for a bit of surf n’ turf.

A plate of food with meat and vegetables, with Lobster and Steak.

Click here for the recipe from What a Girl Eats.

Steak with Whisky Sauce

If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, this recipe is probably the key itself.

A plate of food, with Steak and Sauce. Vegetables are next to the steak.

Not only will you be serving a steak grilled to perfection, the rich, creamy whisky sauce with its notes of rosemary just might be the best part.

Click here for the recipe from Fab Food 4 All.

Mushroom Parmesan Fettuccine

Not ready to tackle a lobster tail? Perhaps pasta is a good choice. Here’s a meal that’s both simple and delicious.

This mushroom parmesan fettuccine is a great option if serving a vegetarian, or if you’re after a no-frills meal that still says “romance.”

A plate of food with pasta, mushrooms, and a fork.

Click here for the recipe from Canadian Cooking Adventures.

Shrimp Italiano

In a rush? This elegant shrimp dish can be ready in under 5 minutes. We Two Drifters plan to try preparing this recipe soon.

A blue plate is filled with pasta, shrimp, and cheese.

Click here for the recipe from The TipToe Fairy.

Roasted Lamb Chops

A delicious combination of mustard and herbs de Provence make these lamb chops absolutely awesome.

Close up of chicken with greens.

Click here for the recipe from Pinch and Swirl.

Herbed Chicken Breast with Carrot Puree and Brown Butter

Meat is neatly plated on an orange sauce with garnish.

Chicken is a classic when it comes to Valentine’s Dinner recipes. This chicken breast is yummy and fairly simple and straightforward, but still has extra special touches to make it a fancy meal for two.

Click here for the recipe from Cook With Me Darling.

Pork Chops with Jerusalem Artichoke Puree

This is a gorgeous dish that marries sweet and sour flavors. Not only is the Jerusalem Artichoke (sunchoke) puree a unique element, there’s also a Cider Blackberry sauce to top the pork chops.

A black plate with food on it next to ice water.

Click here for the recipe from Krumpli.

Surf and Turf Cheese Fondue

Fondue feels incredibly fancy, doesn’t it? If you have the right tools (fondue pot anyone?) it isn’t that difficult to make. Perhaps best of all, you can dip a wide variety of meats and vegetables into the delicious melted cheese.

A skewer dips shrimp into cheese.

Click here for the recipe from Simple Seasonal.

Asparagus Tagliatelle

Valentine’s may be a perfect excuse to splurge, but for those watching their carbs, here’s a low carb recipe for two.

A bowl of white food with garnishes.

Asparagus tagliatelle is made from white asparagus which substitutes for the traditional pasta. This is a unique dish that will nevertheless surprise you with its flavor.

Click here for the recipe from Low Carb No Carb.

Slow Cooker Duck Leg Confit

No need to make reservations at a crowded restaurant for Valentine’s Day. With this recipe, you can have fine-dining at home, plus make it easier with the help of your slow-cooker.

A plate with meat and potatoes.

Click here for the recipe from Pinch and Swirl.

Oysters with Champagne Strawberry Mignonette

Champagne? Oysters? Strawberries? The perfect trifecta of Valentine’s food. 

Close up of oysters on ice.

This recipe takes a classic way to enjoy oysters (using a traditional mignonette sauce of minced shallots, cracked pepper and vinegar) and kicks it up a notch.

Click here for the recipe from Sprinkles and Sprouts.

Chicken Diavolo

Want to add a little “spice” to your Valentine’s Day? This chicken diavolo (devil’s chicken) is herby and flavorful. 

View from above of meat on a plate.

Click here for the recipe from Glebe Kitchen. 

Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner for Two

Don’t want to turn on an oven or boil water this Valentine’s Day? Here’s a fine meal option that requires absolutely no cooking, and minimal prep.

A charcuterie board with meat, cheese, and nuts.

Click here for the recipe from Cook With Me Darling.

Chicken Cacciatore Recipe for Two 

This dish is romance meets comfort food. The recipe is geared for two people, so you don’t need to worry about making too much. 

View of meat and veggies in a skillet.

Click here for the recipe from Dessert for Two.

Lemon Fettuccine with Garlic Shrimps

Lemon and seafood go together like…peanut butter & jelly. Here’s a beautiful dish featuring the classic combination.

Pasta with shrimp close up on a white plate.

Click here for the recipe from Chocolates and Chai.

Easy Lobster Bisque

A fancy dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a Valentine’s Day dinner idea that is pretty simple to prepare, but will still be impressive.

Lobster in a silver bucket.

Click here for the recipe from Low Carb Yum.

Harissa Pasta with Oranges

View from above of pasta with citrus.

Hello vegans! Here’s a terrific recipe for you. African-inspired and very easy to make, this Harissa pasta brings with it the delightful surprise of oranges.

Click here for the recipe from Recipes from a Pantry.

Braised Lamb Shanks

Attention meat lovers. These braised lamb shanks are calling your name.

A grey bowl has meat and veggies in it.

This is a slightly lengthier cooking process than some of the other Valentine’s day dinner ideas on this list, but according to the recipe, the result is meat that is “fall-off-the-bone tender.” 

Click here for the recipe from Caroline’s Cooking.

Fried Artichoke Hearts

A white plate has food balls on it.

Even fried food can be fancy! These fried artichoke hearts provide the ideal appetizer to start of your romantic evening for two. And they can be paired with a variety of dips.

Click here for the recipe from Cadry’s Kitchen.

Baked Swordfish and Asparagus

A pan has asparagus and meat laid out on it.

Fish is great on nearly every occasion. 

This baked swordfish is paired with vegetables, lentils, and chermoula, a North African sauce for fish. Vibrant flavors and a healthy meal make this a great Valentine’s Dinner for couples.

Click here for the recipe from Caroline’s Cooking.

Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

Those following a Paleo-style diet will dig this recipe. It uses the ever-awesome Instant Pot to put together a sensational meal. 

A bowl filled with veggies and meat.

This recipe uses tart cherry juice for the braising, or you can substitute red wine. Place the short ribs on top of mashed sweet potatoes, and you’ve definitely got yourself a winning dish.

Click here for the recipe from The Roasted Root.

Ratatouille

Comforting, filling, delicious, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free. That sums up this fabulous ratatouille recipe that will be excellent on a cold February night.

A bowl with red sauce featuring Ratatouille.

Click here for the recipe from Happy Kitchen. Rocks

Duck Breast with Broccoli Puree and Honey Roast Parsnips

Close up of duck breast with broccoli puree and honey roast parsnips.

Here’s another dish that wins on presentation. Duck is always a good, elegant choice for a romantic dinner, and you won’t need huge portions, either. Why not give this recipe a try?

Click here for the recipe from Krumpli.

Lobster Linguine in Blushing Saffron Sauce

Here’s another pasta option that transforms lobster to the next level. As Rachel says in her recipe, “Nothing says romance like fresh lobster and pasta in a creamy blush sauce.”

Close up of linguine on a fork covered in sauce.

Click here for the recipe from Simple Seasonal.

Sirloin Steaks with Creamy Onion Sauce

Steak with onion sauce next to broccoli and cauliflower.

There are so many ways to prepare steak. This possibility uses a creamy onion sauce that is apparently oh-so-drool-worthy. Best of all, the meal can be ready in 20 minutes or less.

Click here for the recipe from Comfortably Domestic.

Artichoke Pesto Pasta

In search of a vegan or vegetarian Valentine’s Day dinner recipe? Look no further than this vegan artichoke pesto pasta.

A plate of artichoke pesto pasta.

Pesto is already fantastic, but when combined with the ingredients in this recipe, it’s next level delish. 

Click here for the recipe from Cadry’s Kitchen. 

Pepper-Honey Steak

Here’s a gluten-free Valentine’s dinner option: Pepper-Honey Steak. 

I don’t usually think of honey as pairing with steak, but I imagine its sweetness perfectly cuts the robust steak flavor. Throw together a few veggie side dishes and you’ve got a beautifully balanced meal for two.

Close up of steak and corn on a red plate.

Click here for the recipe from Gluten Free Easily.

Beetroot Hummus with Pita Chips

While this isn’t strictly a romantic dinner recipe, it’s an epic choice for a romantic appetizer. And the bright pink color of beetroot is absolutely Valentine’s Day-ready.

Bright red beet hummus with pita chips.

Click here for the recipe from Happy Kitchen. Rocks

Cast Iron Ribeye with Mushrooms

Okay, this one looks deeeeelicious. I think we might be trying this one out next Valentine’s Day, because Nathan loves steak and this looks pretty simple to make, even for someone who is a steak novice. 

Skillet filled with ribeye and mushrooms.

With buttery, garlicky mushrooms, there’s no doubt this ribeye packs some serious flavor.

Click here for the recipe from NeighborFood.

Lobster Ravioli with Lemon Butter Limoncello Cream Sauce

Ravioli is so yummy, but it doesn’t have to involve a lengthy process involving traditional pasta. In this recipe, there’s a shortcut that will help you make incredible lobster ravioli in a snap. The butter limoncello cream sauce is (literally) the icing on the cake.

Lobster ravioli in a white bowl.

Click here for the recipe from Delicious Table.

Keg Steaks

The blogger calls this the “perfect date night recipe.” Not only is it quick to make, but it is also gluten-free, super satisfying, and slightly different than the average butter and herb recipes for steak.

A steak on a white plate with asparagus.

Click here for the recipe from Canadian Cooking Adventures.

Grilled Lamb Chops with Bleu Cheese Herb Butter

Looking to impress someone? This dish will do it. It has a beautiful presentation and is a great recipe. Especially recommend it if you’re a fan of bleu cheese.

Lamb chops smothered in butter on a black plate.

Click here for the recipe from Beyond Mere Sustenance.

Seafood Risotto

Seafood risotto in a white bowl.

Do you love seafood? Pair your favorite items from the sea with a rich and creamy risotto and you just might have the perfect romantic dinner for two.

Click here for the recipe from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.

Beef Bourguignon for Two

Mmm, mmm. This is the ideal hearty dish for a cold night in together. Snowed in this Valentine’s Day? Problem solved.

Beef and veggies on mashed potatoes in a bowl.

Click here for the recipe from Dessert for Two.


Cooking Essentials for Your Perfect Date Night Dinner

It’s time to get cookin’! With all these great recipes at your fingertips, you have no excuse not to prepare something amazing for your next Valentine’s Day meal or another dinner date. 

To ensure you’re prepped and ready, you’ll want to have reliable pots, pans, and other tools on hand. Many of these recipes call for a solid baking dish. A foolproof garlic press would be helpful in many of these recipes as would a food processor.  I swear by my immersion blender that makes creating soups and purees a breeze.

Is lobster part of your Valentine’s Day menu? Don’t forget the lobster crackers and forks

If you’re getting more into culinary adventures, consider items like the super popular instant pot, or a homemade pasta maker. And of course, don’t forget the essentials: a corkscrew, wine glasses, and a beautiful set of dishes for two. Bon appetit!


Wondering when to make some of these great romantic recipes for two? Here are some of our favorite date ideas for couples: