19 Recipes for the Perfect Valentine's Day Dinner Menu

Surprise your sweetie with something delicious.

Staying in on Valentine’s Day? Good call. Celebrating Valentine’s Day at home with a romantic dinner for twocan be delicious, intimate, and affordable. Not only do you get to pick the playlist, the beverage pairings, and the company, but you can cook the recipes from this perfect Valentine's Day dinner menu exactly to your loved one’s taste. Because nothing says “I love you” like a special homemade meal, here’s what you’ll want to make your Valentine for dinner and dessert this February 14.

Valentine’s Day Dinner

Need Valentine’s Day dinner ideas? We’ve got you covered with these delicious and easy-to-prepare dishes, and even included some vegetarian and plant-based options.

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Heart-Shaped Pasta

This homemade pasta is the key to your beloved’s heart, and can be served with a variety of sauces or toppings. Make a date night out of kneading the dough and cutting out the heart shapes, or simply surprise your date with a plate full of hearts.

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Balsamic Steak With Radicchio and Pears

Something about a perfectly cooked steak is just so romantic. Pair it with winter produce, like bitter radicchio and sweet pears, for the ultimate balanced, restaurant-style meal.

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Lobster Tails With Cilantro Butter

Transform dinner at home into a luxe date with these easy-to-make lobster tails. Prep them at your leisure, and pop them in the oven just before you sit down to dine.

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Salmon Nigiri

There’s no sushi date like a homemade sushi date, whether you’re making each piece side-by-side, or surprising your sweetheart with a from-scratch sushi platter. Swap out other sushi-grade fish or even plant-based seafood for a comprehensive sushi spread.

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Neapolitan-Style Margherita Pizza

Heart-shaped pizza that comes from the heart will always be so much better than delivery. Purchase pre-made dough to speed up the process, and treat your date to a toppings bar at the most romantic pizzeria in town—your kitchen.

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Scallops in Parchment

The dramatic presentation of unwrapping these scallops and releasing a pouf of steam to reveal your dinner is so worth it. Beans and veggies in the packet make this a complete meal, so you can spend a lot less time doing dishes.

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Spice-Braised Short Ribs

Slow-cooked meat that tenderizes all afternoon and fills the house with incredible cooking smells can amp up the anticipation of a special meal at home. Serve with potatoes, risotto, or tortillas.

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Gnocchi Alla Vodka

Vodka sauce is always the move. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together, or one of many throughout the years, celebrate with this luscious bowl of pasta.

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Mushroom Mole Enchiladas

Something about chocolate and Valentine’s day is just a natural pairing, and putting chocolate in your dinner really covers the theme. These rich, vegetarian enchiladas are perfect to share, and the mole is finger-licking good.

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Grilled Lamb With Plum Mostarda and Blistered Shishitos

This looks like a professional composed dish, but is very simple to grill and plate indoors or outdoors. The mystery heat of each shishito also spices things up!

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Salmon Fillet With Citrus and Thyme

This large-format salmon works well for a date or double date, and can be garnished with blood oranges and edible flowers for a Valentine’s Day theme. Serve with salad or your favorite sides.

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Miso Mushroom Ramen

A cozy bowl of plant-based ramen can be all you need for a romantic and cozy night in. Share a long noodle à la Lady and the Tramp.

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Flourless Spiced Hot Chocolate Cake

A bit spicy and very rich and chocolatey, this decadent cake was practically made for date night. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or gelato for optimal indulgence.

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Mini Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes

Earl gray tea and olive oil add richness and moisture to these mini bundts, which just look so adorable and festive. Adorn with dried rose petals, gold flakes, or your choice of thematic toppings.

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Mint Chocolate Chip Crepes

These filled crepes can be cooked up at the stove as you enjoy them, for an action-filled kitchen date that feels special. Cue up the French music and save some extra crepe batter for breakfast.

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Raspberry S’mores

Making s’mores at home feels oh-so indulgent and fun. Get your fingers sticky with these special raspberry s’mores, which may quickly become your home’s Valentine’s Day dinner tradition.

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Chocolate Raspberry Cocktail

This shaken cocktail comes together in minutes, and combines just a few ingredients for a sophisticated flavor. The cacao and raspberry liqueur meld perfectly for Valentine’s Day vibes.

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Pink Hot Chocolate

Served best in clear glasses so you can really admire the color, this pink hot chocolate gets its beautiful hue from beet juice. Make a mug before Valentine’s Day dinner, or serve with dessert. Top with whipped cream, of course.

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Chambord Royale

Ooh la la, this Paris-influenced cocktail is transportive. With just two ingredients—Chambord and sparkling wine—you can easily make a few too many of these with just a bottle of each.

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