Do you have a romantic date night dinner coming up that you want to make extra special? It all starts with the perfect main course - something that's delicious, a little fancy, and totally comforting.
So if you're wondering what to make for date night that will wow your significant other, you're in the right place. We've rounded up over 50 of the best date night dinner ideas for a romantic dinner at home, including everything from elegant seafood and pasta recipes to flavorful chicken, vegetarian meals, and more.
Date night doesn't always mean dressing up and heading out. Sometimes the most romantic evenings happen right at home - just you, your favorite person, and a home-cooked dinner that feels a little more special than the everyday. These recipes are simple enough to make in your own kitchen but impressive enough to feel restaurant-worthy. Whether it's Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just a cozy night in, you'll find a dish here that makes the evening unforgettable.
Best Date Night Dinner Ideas
These are the ultimate date night meals - dishes that feel elegant and restaurant-worthy but are simple enough to make at home. From juicy, perfectly cooked steak to cozy casseroles and elevated classics, these dinners are designed to impress without adding stress. Perfect for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or just making a weeknight feel extra special.
Surf and Turf Steak and Lobster Tails
Fancy, restaurant-quality surf and turf is super easy to make with fresh lobster tail and tender rib-eye steak with a delicious garlic butter sauce. One of my favorite romantic dinner ideas.
Ribeye Steak
Better than the steakhouse, the best tender and juicy Ribeye Steak with a perfect seared crust is garlicky, buttery and packed with so much flavour.
Easy Chicken Parmesan (Parmigiana)
Easy chicken parmesan (parmigiana) with crispy breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The best comfort chicken dinner for date night.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and easy 15-minute meal made with juicy shrimp in a cheesy garlic cream sauce. It's perfect for a romantic dinner at home.
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
This delicious garlic and herb-crusted rack of lamb is tender, juicy, and flavourful. It is surprisingly quick and easy to make at home in about 30 minutes.
Seared Scallops
Garlicky, buttery, and perfectly seared scallops take less than 10 minutes to prep and cook. It's the easiest fancy, restaurant-grade meal to make at home.
Creamy Parmesan (No Wine) Risotto
Creamy Parmesan (No Wine) Risotto is a rich, creamy, and comforting classic Italian dish that may be intimidating but is actually quick and easy to make.
Garlic Butter Salmon
Tender, flaky, flavorful garlic butter salmon is well-seasoned, seared to perfection, and basted until juicy. Quick and easy to make in 20 minutes.
One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy one pan Marry Me Chicken with sun-dried tomatoes is ready in 30 minutes for a restaurant-quality weeknight dinner that will have you saying "I do".
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and flavorful. This quick and easy appetizer or weeknight dinner takes just 15 minutes to make in one skillet.
Honey Glazed Roast Pork with Vegetables
Easy one pan honey glazed roast pork is moist, tender, and juicy, coated with an irresistible honey glaze and packed with potatoes, green beans and apples.
Italian Meatballs
Quick, easy homemade Italian meatballs are juicy, flavourful, and delicious, simmered in a rich and savoury tomato sauce. Make them in just 30 minutes.
Romantic Seafood Recipes
Seafood always feels indulgent, but it's often surprisingly quick to prepare, making it ideal for date nights. Think buttery lobster tails, seared salmon, or garlicky shrimp - elegant flavors that come together in 30 minutes or less. Pair with a glass of wine and you'll have a dinner that feels straight out of a fine-dining restaurant.
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are juicy, tender, and flavorful. This quick and easy seafood dinner is ready in less than 20 minutes (including prep!).
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a delicious American-Italian dish made with tender fresh shrimp and a flavorful buttery sauce that is quick and easy to make in 15 minutes.
Pistachio-Crusted Salmon
Pistachio Crusted Salmon is tender, flaky, and topped with a crunchy pistachio crust. A healthy, elegant dinner ready in 25 minutes!
Yellow Curry Mussels
Yellow curry mussels are the epitome of delicious seafood - creamy, spicy, and savory. This flavourful one pot dish is quick and easy to make in 25 minutes.
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Creamy Tuscan shrimp packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, is creamy, rich, and delicious. Make it in just 15 minutes, including prep! Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or polenta.
Miso Black Cod (Sablefish)
Flaky, oily, and tender, miso black cod (or sablefish) packed with delicious Asian flavours is an indulgent meal that's as healthy as it is delicious.
Greek Salmon
Greek salmon is delicious, flaky, and tender. This healthy oven-baked salmon is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is ready in just 20 minutes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and easy dinner ready in just 10 minutes! It's loaded with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions.
Almond-Crusted Halibut with Lemon Garlic Butter
You won't believe how easy it is to make fresh, flavourful and delicious almond-crusted halibut with lemon garlic butter this season.
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Sticky and sweet, easy honey garlic glazed salmon is one of the best salmon recipes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. Ready in under 25 minutes.
Date Night Pasta Recipes
Few meals say romance like a big bowl of pasta. Whether it's creamy Alfredo, a rich Bolognese, or a light seafood linguine, these recipes are cozy, comforting, and easy to share. Perfect for twirling noodles side by side and enjoying a classic Lady-and-the-Tramp moment.
Shrimp Alfredo
Shrimp Alfredo is creamy, garlicky, and delicious! This quick and easy, under 30-minute recipe is a go-to for busy nights and a year-round family favorite.
Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple and delicious meal made from scratch in 20 minutes with a cream and tomato based sauce that is rich and silky smooth.
Chicken Penne Pasta
Chicken penne pasta is a quick and easy dinner that is delicious, rich, creamy, and flavorful. It's a family favorite that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Creamy spaghetti carbonara (Spaghetti a la Carbonara) is a simple classic Italian pasta with pancetta that's quick and easy to make in minutes.
Farfalle Pasta with Mushroom Rosé Sauce
Farfalle pasta with mushroom rose sauce is creamy yet light, delicious and flavorful, and quick and easy to make in 20 minutes. Best comfort food dinner!
Pesto Penne Pasta
Quick and easy pesto penne pasta is a simple and light Italian pasta dish made with just five ingredients in under 15 minutes. The easiest dinner.
Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake
Quick and easy, cheesy tortellini and sausage bake is a delicious 30-minute dinner packed with flavour. A family-favourite comfort food for busy weeknights.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish that is rich, creamy, and delicious. Plus, it comes together in less than 15 minutes!
Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Creamy shrimp pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is a delicious, quick and easy meal that takes just 20 minutes to prep and make. The perfect weeknight dinner inspiration.
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delicious 30 minute recipe that is packed with flavor, quick and easy to make, and will satisfy the whole family.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Quick easy spaghetti bolognese with a rich, thick, delicious and flavourful meat sauce is a family favourite ready in 30 minutes. Best weeknight dinner.
Romantic Chicken Dinner Ideas
Chicken is always a favorite, and with the right preparation it feels truly special. These recipes take a simple protein and elevate it with creamy sauces, bold spices, and elegant presentation. They're perfect for when you want a reliable yet impressive dinner that you know will turn out delicious.
Easy Chicken Marsala
Easy Chicken Marsala is creamy, savory, and comforting. Juicy chicken in a silky, creamy mushroom marsala wine sauce ready in 30 minutes!
Creamy Chicken Roulade with Spinach and Mushrooms
Give your chicken breasts an upgrade by stuffing them to make fancy, juicy chicken roulade with spinach and mushrooms topped with a creamy alfredo sauce.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata
Quick and easy, creamy lemon chicken piccata is a simple and delicious 30-minute meal made with tender chicken breast in a light lemon sauce with capers.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Baked parmesan crusted chicken is breaded in a herby parmesan breadcrumb mixture and baked until crispy perfection. Serve with a veggie side dish or fries.
Skillet Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
Tender, juicy, and crispy one pan skillet chicken thighs and potatoes and carrots is an easy weeknight dinner on your dinner table in less than 45 minutes.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is a quick and easy 30 minute Italian chicken dinner that is delicious, flavorful, and comforting.
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Stuffed Chicken Breasts loaded with mushrooms and spinach are juicy, tender, and flavorful. A handful of simple ingredients transforms regular chicken.
Baked Greek Chicken Breast with Souvlaki Marinade
Juicy, tender, and moist, baked chicken breast with the best Greek souvlaki marinade is the most flavorful and delicious chicken dinner in under 30 minutes.
Roasted Spatchcock Chicken (Butterflied Chicken)
Quick and easy roasted spatchcock chicken (butterflied chicken) seasoned with garlic and thyme is juicy, tender, delicious and flavourful with minimal prep.
Creamy Pesto Chicken
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a quick, 30 minute one-pan dinner with juicy chicken breasts in a rich, flavorful pesto sauce. Weeknight easy, date-night worthy.
Vegetarian Date Night Recipes
Meatless meals can be just as indulgent and romantic as their meaty counterparts. From roasted vegetable pastas to creamy risottos, these recipes are rich in flavor, elegant in presentation, and hearty enough to satisfy. Plus, they make excellent leftovers, so you can enjoy the romance the next day too. Perfect for vegetarian couples or anyone looking for a lighter option.
Mushroom Wellington
Mushroom Wellington is a vegetarian entree filled with mushrooms, vegetables, fresh herbs, and pecans, wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden perfection.
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli is a vegetarian dinner filled with roasted butternut squash and served with a nutty brown butter sauce with crispy sage.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers are hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. They are loaded with quinoa, black beans, and corn and topped with gooey melted cheese.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut Squash Risotto is warm, satisfying, and naturally vegetarian. This creamy risotto is ideal for a quiet fall dinner or a show-stopping entree at your next cozy dinner.
Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a vegetarian Italian dish made featuring tender eggplant slices coated in crispy breadcrumbs, melty cheese, and baked in tomato sauce.
Lo Mein Noodles
Say goodbye to takeout and make easy Lo Mein Noodles at home, packed with fresh veggies and healthy ingredients, in less than 15 minutes!
Vegetable Orzo
This Vegetable Orzo is easy to make with seasonal vegetables that are roasted then topped with warm fluffy orzo, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
Mushroom Galette
Made with homemade pie crust and an earthy, cheesy mushroom filling, this savory Mushroom Galette is an absolute delight. Serve for appetizer or side dish.
Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach
This Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. This classic Italian dish gets a meatless upgrade in this vegetarian version.
Tips for a Romantic Date Night Dinner
- Cook together. Turn dinner into part of the date by making it a shared activity. Pour a glass of wine, put on music, and prepare the meal side by side. It's fun, intimate, and makes the food taste even better.
- Plan your menu ahead. Choose your recipes a few days in advance and decide on sides, drinks, and dessert. Many dishes can be made or partially prepared ahead of time, stored in the fridge for a couple of days, or even frozen according to recipe directions. Planning reduces stress and lets you focus on enjoying the evening.
- Keep it simple. The best date night meals don't need to be complicated. Choose recipes that are flavorful but easy to follow so you're not stuck in the kitchen all night. Focus on enjoying the meal, not stressing over it.
- Prep your ingredients. Even if you can't cook the entire meal in advance, prep goes a long way. Chop vegetables, measure spices, whisk sauces, or assemble casseroles earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to cook. The less you have to do last minute, the more relaxed your evening will feel.
- Set the table. Presentation is part of the experience. Use your nicest plates, napkins, or even candles and flowers to elevate the meal. If possible, set the table earlier in the day so you can go straight from the kitchen to the celebration.
- Finish with something sweet. A special meal deserves a sweet ending. Keep dessert simple but romantic - chocolate-dipped strawberries, mousse, or a baked treat you can prepare ahead. Even store-bought with a homemade garnish can feel thoughtful.
Expert Tip: Set the Mood
Romance is as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. Light candles, dim the lights, play some music, and pour a drink - it's the little touches that make dinner feel like a date night.
FAQ
The best romantic dinners are meals that feel indulgent but aren't overwhelming to cook. Think perfectly cooked steak with roasted vegetables, buttery lobster tails, seared salmon, creamy pasta, or a classic risotto. Vegetarian options like stuffed peppers or mushroom risotto can be just as elegant. The key is choosing something cozy, shareable, and elevated with simple touches like candles or red or white wine to set the mood.
Pan-seared salmon, filet mignon, or shrimp scampi are all easy to prepare but look and taste impressive. Pasta carbonara or risotto also deliver a wow factor with minimal effort. The trick is choosing a recipe with simple steps and big flavors.
Chocolate desserts are always a hit for romance - think molten lava cakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or mousse. Light fruit-based desserts like apple tart or peach galette also pair beautifully with heavier meals. The key is something sweet but not too heavy.
Set the mood by dimming the lights, adding candles, and putting on a playlist you both enjoy. A nicely set table with flowers or cloth napkins adds elegance. Even the simplest dinner can feel like fine dining with the right atmosphere.
Decorate with candles, fresh flowers, or even string lights for a warm glow. Use your best dishes, add a simple centerpiece, and fold cloth napkins. Even small touches like wine glasses or place cards can make the evening feel special.
Cooking dinner together with pantry staples, setting the table with candles, and enjoying a movie or walk afterward makes for a free but meaningful date night. Romance is about effort and intention, not cost.
Try cooking something new together, like homemade sushi, pasta from scratch, or a fun themed dinner (Italian night, tapas, etc.). Pair it with board games, a shared playlist, or reminiscing over old photos to bring back connection and spark.
If you're tired of the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, try something new to make the evening memorable. Cook a meal from a cuisine you've never tried before, host a DIY wine or cocktail tasting, or set up a picnic in the living room. After dinner, you might dance together in the living room, stargaze, play a new board game, or work on a creative project like painting or baking. Activities that encourage laughter and connection will keep the spark alive.
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Recipe
50 Date Night Dinner Ideas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
Description
Over 50 of the best date night dinner ideas for a romantic night in including seafood recipes, pasta recipes, chicken recipes, vegetarian recipes, and more!
Ingredients
- Refer to specific recipe for full ingredient list.
Instructions
- Plan your menu ahead of time. You can prepare some of these recipes in advance, and store them in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. Some can even be made much further in advance and frozen, according to recipe directions.
- Prep your ingredients. If you aren't able to make something completely in advance, then prepare as much as you can ahead of time, whether that is chopping ingredients, making a sauce, or assembling the dish and storing in the refrigerator until it's ready for the oven. Anything that you can prepare in advance will make things go much more smoothly on date night.
- Set the table. Take out the fancy plates, mugs, flatware, placemats, and napkins to make date night dinner even more special. If you have time, set the table early so that you don't have to worry about it later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Various
- Cuisine: Various
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
This collection was originally posted in 2021. It has since been updated with more relevant content.
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