50+ Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas

by Sabrina Snyder

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Collection of over 50 popular recipes and ideas, including sides and drinks, to create the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner menu this year!

There are so many reasons to enjoy Valentine’s Day dinner at home. It saves you money, you don’t have to beat the crowd to get a dinner reservation and you get to customize a impressive dinner menu to exactly your taste and dietary preferences.

We’ve got an assortment of Main Course Ideas to build the perfect Valentine’s Day meal at home. Whether you are looking for a romantic meal for two, easy comfort food like Pasta, healthy dinner options, or classic dishes for a dinner party, there are plenty of ways to make an elevated homemade Valentine’s Day dinner. We even included some Valentine’s Day Drinks to finish off a romantic, tasty meal.

So this year, skip the fancy restaurant and plan a delicious dinner for Valentine’s Day with our popular recipes below.

Beef Wellington sliced on a plate

Table of contents

Meat Dishes for Valentine’s Day

From a classic steakhouse recipe like Steak Diane to a stunning lamb dish like Braised Lamb Shanks, there is something so indulgent about perfectly cooked, tender, melt in your mouth meat dishes. Recipes like Lamb Chops and Filet Mignon are perfect for a romantic dinner for two while Prime Rib with Herb Crust would impress any dinner guests.

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Table of Contents

Steak and Lamb

1/52
Steak Diane, the classic steakhouse entree made with cream, shallots, mustard and cognac is perfect for your special occasion meals.

Steak Diane

Steak Diane, the classic steakhouse entree made with cream, shallots, mustard and cognac is perfect for your special occasion meals.
2/52
Steak Au Poivre in cast iron skillet

Steak Au Poivre

Steak Au Poivre is a classic French steak recipe for juicy, peppery beef tenderloin and rich pan sauce made of heavy cream, cognac, and cracked peppercorns.
Check out this recipe
3/52
Ribeye Steak sliced on serving platter

Perfect, Easy Ribeye Steak

Perfect, Easy Ribeye Steak butter basted in a cast iron skillet with rosemary. An error-proof medium rare in 20 minutes including rest time.
Check out this recipe
4/52
Beef Wellington sliced on a plate

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a savory and indulgent classic English dish. Flaky pastry wrapped around a juicy beef tenderloin, aromatic herbs, and earthy mushrooms.
Check out this recipe
5/52
Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon on plate with green beans

Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon

Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon is an easy upgrade to classic Filet Mignon with blue cheese, breadcrumbs, and buttery. It’s the perfect dish to impress!
Check out this recipe
6/52
Perfect Garlic Prime Rib made with a garlic, thyme and rosemary crust is gorgeously browned on the outside and a perfect medium on the inside. Topped of with a gremolata it is the perfect show-stopping holiday/event meal!

Perfect Garlic Prime Rib

Perfect Garlic Prime Rib made with a garlic, thyme and rosemary crust topped with a fresh citrus gremolata. The perfect show-stopping holiday meal!
Check out this recipe
7/52
Lamb Chops cooked and plated over mashed potatoes, topped with red wine sauce, 1x1

Lamb Chops

The best Lamb Chops recipe for easy, perfectly cooked lamb in 30 minutes.Tender lamb chops topped with a red wine, garlic, and thyme gravy.
Check out this recipe
8/52
Braised Lamb Shanks, up close

Braised Lamb Shanks

Braised Lamb Shanks are fall off the bone tender and surprisingly easy with garlic, beef broth, red wine, and thyme to flavor the meat.
Check out this recipe
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Chicken and Pork

9/52
Sliced Roasted Chicken in pan

Roast Chicken Recipe

The PERFECT Simple Roast Chicken Recipe that makes the crispiest skin, juiciest chicken with just five minutes of prep and one hour in the oven. Never buy store-bought rotisserie chicken again!
Check out this recipe
10/52
Coq Au Vin on serving plate 1x1

Coq Au Vin

Coq Au Vin is an easy, classic French recipe of slowly braised chicken pieces in a rich red wine sauce seasoned with bacon, mushrooms, shallots, and thyme.
Check out this recipe
11/52
Pig and Fig Pork Chops on a platter

Fig and Pig Pork Chops

Fig and Pig Pork Chops are easily seared on the stovetop and served with delicious bacon, fig preserves, and honey sauce.
Check out this recipe
12/52

Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions

Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions are a delicious option for your regular weeknight rotation and impressive enough to serve at your next party!
Check out this recipe
13/52
Close up of Chicken Piccata in pan with lemon and parsley

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a perfectly tender, juicy, flavorful dinner. Delicious chicken coated in breadcrumbs and simmered in a lemon caper sauce.
Check out this recipe
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Fish and Seafood

14/52
Baked Scallops

Crispy Baked Scallops

Crispy Baked Scallops are buttery and crispy with panko, Parmesan Cheese, paprika, butter and olive oil baked in just 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe
15/52
Shrimp Scampi in Pan

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is the ultimate Italian Shrimp Recipe with wine, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
Check out this recipe
16/52
Pecan Crusted Barramundi is a breeze to make with a mixture of pecans and panko, this flaky white fish shines with just a few minutes of prep!

Pecan Crusted Barramundi

Pecan Crusted Barramundi is a breeze to make with a mixture of pecans and panko, this flaky white fish shines with just a few minutes of prep!
Check out this recipe
17/52
Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce salmon filets in baking dish with lemon slices after baking

Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce

Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce is simple, flavorful, tender and flaky with zesty mayo and sour cream dill sauce ready in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
18/52
Maki Roll on serving platter 1x1

Maki Rolls

This Maki Roll makes homemade sushi easy by combining crab, tuna, salmon, and other favorite sushi fillings in a rice and seaweed roll.
Check out this recipe
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Table of Contents

Pasta Dishes for Valentine’s Day

These amazing pasta dishes go perfectly as a side dish with the tender meat dishes above, but they are also filling enough to be the star on a romantic menu for two. Round out an easy, romantic tasty meal with a simple salad and some Garlic Bread.

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Bacon Carbonara Pasta with peas on a plate

Bacon Carbonara Pasta

Bacon Carbonara Pasta is a classic Italian dish with creamy egg sauce, noodles, eggs and bacon topped with Parmesan cheese in 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
20/52
Lobster Mac and Cheese in a bowl

Lobster Mac and Cheese

This easy Lobster Mac and Cheese is the ultimate elegant comfort food. Chunks of fresh lobster meat and tender macaroni in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
Check out this recipe
21/52
Vodka Sauce with pasta

Vodka Sauce

This homemade Vodka Sauce recipe is so easy and full of flavor. Creamy Italian tomato sauce with heavy cream, vodka, canned tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
Check out this recipe
22/52
square cropped photo of Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Pasta just like you order at your favorite Italian restaurant with an butter wine sauce with tons of garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Check out this recipe
23/52
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli in bowl

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is an easy weeknight dinner made in 30 minutes! Simple Italian pasta dish with lots of flavor that everyone will love.
Check out this recipe
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Table of Contents

Healthy Valentine’s Dinner Ideas

A lighter, healthy dinner recipe can still pack lots of flavor and be just as special as more indulgent dishes. You can go meat-free with Vegetarian Dishes or balance your meaty menu with lots of leafy greens. Pair Beet Salad or Garlic Kale with a simple roasted chicken dish or pork dish for a low carb luxurious dinner

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Vegetarian Valentine’s Recipes

24/52
Crustless Mushroom Quiche sliced in pie dish

Mushroom Feta Crustless Quiche

Mushroom Feta Crustless Quiche with caramelized mushrooms, sweet onions, ricotta and feta cheese. Gluten free and perfect to make ahead.
Check out this recipe
25/52
Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad with almonds, feta, and an easy balsamic and olive oil dressing. The perfect cool and refreshing pasta dish for dinner or served as a side.
Check out this recipe
26/52
Vegetable Korma in serving bowl with cashews and cilantro garnish

Vegetable Korma

Vegetable Korma is a classic Indian dish with delicious spices and vegetables like green peas, bell peppers, carrots, onions, and potatoes.
Check out this recipe
27/52
Truffle Pasta finished pasta and sauce in bowl

Truffle Pasta

For an indulgent vegetarian Valentine's Day dinner, try this Truffle Pasta recipe with linguine served in a buttery sauce made with heavy cream, white wine, and truffle pate.
Check out this recipe
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Lighter Main Courses

28/52
Air Fryer Chicken Breast on serving plate sliced with lemon wedges and parsley garnish

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Chicken Breast is the easiest way to make tender, juicy chicken seasoned and cooked to perfection in just 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe
29/52
Oven Baked Rotisserie Chicken Breasts in roasting pan

Oven Baked Rotisserie Chicken

Oven Baked Rotisserie Chicken Breasts are ready in just 30 minutes, juicy all white meat with crispy skin seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and cayenne.
Check out this recipe
30/52
Oven Baked Salmon on serving plate 1x1

Oven-Baked Salmon

Oven-Baked Salmon is a fast, healthy dinner. Perfectly flavored with lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, paprika, and parsley, then baked in 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe
31/52
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pork Chops on a plate with sidees

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pork Chops are the perfect level of tender and juicy, prepped with amazing flavor and cooked in just a few minutes.
Check out this recipe

Healthy Side Dishes

32/52
Sautéed Garlic Kale in cooking pan 1x1

Sautéed Garlic Kale

Sautéed Garlic Kale is a great way to enjoy tender, flavorful leafy greens that are made with olive oil, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper.
Check out this recipe
33/52
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad in wooden bowl with fork and spoon

Beet Salad

Beet Salad is a blend of sweet, tangy and savory. Fresh greens topped with beets, citrus vinaigrette, candied walnuts and goat cheese.
Check out this recipe
34/52
Piccadilly Cafeteria's Legendary Carrot Souffl? Copycat is made with sweet and fluffy with amazing flavor and the perfect addition to your holiday menu.

Piccadilly Cafeteria’s Legendary Carrot Soufflé

Piccadilly Cafeteria's Legendary Carrot Soufflé Copycat is made with sweet and fluffy with amazing flavor and the perfect addition to your holiday menu. 
Check out this recipe
35/52
Italian Roasted Vegetables on baking pan 1x1

Italian Roasted Vegetables

Italian Roasted Vegetables are tossed in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs, and roasted to crisp-tender perfection on a sheet pan.
Check out this recipe
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Table of Contents

Valentine’s Day Dinner Party Ideas

For a luxurious dinner to impress your dinner guests, tender melt in your mouth meat from slowly roasted Roast Beef is a surefire winner. You can also keep it simple yet indulgent with classic pasta dishes for a crowd like our Ultimate Meat Lasagna.

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Valentine’s Day Appetizers

36/52
Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta on serving plate 1x1

Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta is a fancy party appetizer with sweet strawberries, balsamic reduction, and creamy goat cheese over toast.
Check out this recipe
37/52
Cheese Board with crackers and accompaniments on round wood board.

Easy Cheese Board

An Easy Cheese Board is perfect for holiday parties, get-togethers with friends, or any event. Follow simple directions to make it look perfect.
Check out this recipe
38/52
Bacon Blue Cheese Caramelized Onion Tart with just five ingredients total, it is the perfect easy appetizer for a party that can be prepped and frozen ahead of time so you can just bake right before your party!

Bacon Blue Cheese Caramelized Onion Tart

Bacon Blue Cheese Caramelized Onion Tart with just five ingredients total, it is the perfect easy appetizer for a party that can be prepped and frozen ahead of time so you can just bake right before your party!
Check out this recipe
39/52
creamy easy tomato soup in wooden bowl

Easy Creamy Tomato Soup

Easy Creamy Tomato Soup made with just a handful of ingredients and so smooth you’ll never eat the canned stuff again. Plus it is ridiculously easy to make!
Check out this recipe
40/52
Shrimp Cocktail on serving plate with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail, flavorful poached shrimp served with homemade cocktail sauce, is a classic American appetizer ready in less than 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
41/52
Dragon Roll on serving plate with chopsticks 1x1

Dragon Rolls

Dragon Rolls are a classic menu item that you can find at sushi restaurants with shrimp tempura, avocado, and seaweed rolled in sushi rice. 
Check out this recipe
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Valentine’s Party Main Dishes

42/52
Roast Beef Roast sliced on cutting board

Pepper Crusted Roast Beef

Pepper Crusted Roast Beef is a delicious holiday main course with just a few ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. Use leftovers for sandwiches!
Check out this recipe
43/52
Meat Lasagna on plate.

Ultimate Meat Lasagna

Ultimate Meat Lasagna with four cheeses, homemade marinara and a few chef tricks tastes like it's from your favorite Italian restaurant.
Check out this recipe
44/52
Easy Lamb Curry

Indian Lamb Curry

Indian Lamb Curry made in an hour with and easy homemade curry spice mix and creamy tomato sauce, simmered on low heat until fall apart tender.
Check out this recipe
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Side Dishes for Valentine’s Day

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Mushroom Risotto in pan

Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom Risotto is a creamy Italian side dish ready in an hour! Creamy risotto made with Arborio rice, fresh mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cheese.
Check out this recipe
46/52
Mini Hasselback Potatoes on serving platter 1x1

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Mini Hasselback Potatoes are crisp, tender and buttery potatoes roasted with garlic and cheese. An easy yet elegant side dish for a dinner party.
Check out this recipe
47/52
Potatoes Au Gratin in baking dish

Potatoes Au Gratin

Potatoes Au Gratin made with russet potatoes in a seasoned Parmesan sauce assembled in layers is surprisingly easy to make, and your guests will love it!
Check out this recipe
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Valentine’s Day Drinks

Pair your romantic, delicious homemade meal with a special drink to elevate your Valentine’s Day dinner menu. From ruby-red cocktails, to classic winter cocktails, to fancy flavored water, these drink recipes are perfect for any Valentine’s Day meal.

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Cosmopolitan Cocktail in glass with ingredients in background, 1x1

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

A Cosmopolitan Cocktail or Cosmo is a classic drink with vodka, triple sec, and cranberry juice. Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor!
Check out this recipe
49/52
Moscow Mule in copper mugs

Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule is a classic and refreshing ice-cold cocktail with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. Easy to make in just a couple of minutes!
Check out this recipe
50/52
Manhattan Cocktail ready to serve

Manhattan Cocktail

Manhattan Cocktail is a classic drink that you can make in just a few easy steps with whiskey, vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters. 
Check out this recipe
51/52
Cucumber Water in glasses with cucumber slices, with and without mint plus straws and ice

Cucumber Water

Cucumber Water is an easy infused water recipe for a cool, delicious drink with fresh cucumbers and optional mint leaves for extra flavor!
Check out this recipe
52/52
Sangria in a glass

Sangria

Sangria is a delicious Spanish wine cocktail made with red wine, orange juice, brandy, and fresh fruit slices. 
Check out this recipe

Share your perfect Valentine’s Day dinner menu with us in the comments below!

40+ Valentines Day Dinners collage of featured recipes in the collection

About the Author: Sabrina Snyder

Sabrina is a professionally trained Private Chef of over 10 years with ServSafe Manager certification in food safety. She creates all the recipes here on Dinner, then Dessert, fueled in no small part by her love for bacon.

Sabrina Snyder is a professionally trained personal and private chef of over 10 years who is the creator and developer of all the recipes on Dinner, then Dessert.

She is also the author of the cookbook Dinner, then Dessert – Satisfying Meals Using Only 3, 5 or 7 Ingredients, published by Harper Collins.

She started Dinner, then Dessert as a business in her office as a lunch service for her coworkers who admired her lunches before going to culinary school and becoming a full time personal chef and private chef.

As a personal chef Sabrina would cook for families one day a week and cook their entire week of dinners. All grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning was done along with instructions on reheating. As a private chef she cooked for private parties and cooked in family homes in the evenings for families on a nightly basis after working as a personal chef during the day.

Sabrina has been certified as a ServSafe Manager since 2007 and was a longstanding member of the USPCA Personal Chef Association including being on the board of the Washington DC Chapter of Chefs in the US Personal Chef Association when they won Chapter of the year.

As a member of the community of food website creators Sabrina Snyder has spoken at many conferences regarding her experiences as a food writer including the Indulge Food Conference, Everything Food Conference, Haven Food Conference and IACP Annual Food Professionals Conference.

Sabrina lives with her family in sunny California.

See more posts by Sabrina

Dinner, then Dessert, Inc. owns the copyright on all images and text and does not allow for its original recipes and pictures to be reproduced anywhere other than at this site unless authorization is given. If you enjoyed the recipe and would like to publish it on your own site, please re-write it in your own words, and link back to my site and recipe page. Read my disclosure and copyright policy. This post may contain affiliate links.

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