40 Most Romantic Dinner Ideas for Two
A couple candles, a little music, and date night is set!
Whether it's Valentine's, or just date-night, there's something special about treating your partner to a romantic homemade dinner at home. Turn the lights down, put some intimate music on, and light a couple candles, and suddenly your whole space turns into a quiet corner at a French bistro, and you can relax and bond, without worrying about parking, or reservations, or getting home by a certain time. To make it even better, we've selected our easiest recipes so you can spend less time making the meal and more enjoying it. Want to go all out? Pair the meal with one of our romantic desserts.
Pork Chops with Roasted Maple-Bacon Radishes
Pan seared chops, crispy and tender, are especially delicious with tender roasted radishes and a quick, delicious pan sauce.
Get the recipe for Pork Chops with Roasted Maple-Bacon Radishes.
Buttered Leek and Gruyère Galette
This savory, country-style pie is just the thing to share with a special someone, while splitting a bottle of wine.
Baked Deviled Crab
What could be more intimate than delicately baked crab in its own shell? These pretty bites make a fine appetizer, or serve a couple of them alongside a salad for a light, sweet, dinner treat.
Asparagus Frittata with Burrata and Herb Pesto
What is it about breakfast for dinner that we find so romantic? It's simple, but sweet. This flavorful eggy dish is sure to leave a smile on their face.
Get the recipe for Asparagus Frittata with Burrata and Herb Pesto.
Roast Chicken with Tarragon-Braised Fennel
Romantic doesn't need to me complicated. This warming chicken dish is best served with crusty bread for sopping up all the pan juices.
Get the recipe for Roast Chicken with Tarragon-Braised Fennel.
Butter Baked Salmon with Cast-Iron Hasselback Potatoes
Nothing says love like oodles of butter.
Get the recipe for Butter Baked Salmon with Cast-Iron Hasselback Potatoes.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
This spicy, buttery, citrusy dish is an old-school classic. It's great for a fancy dinner, but equally good when you're pressed for time.
Strip Steak with Lemon Mashed Potatoes
Whip up this dinner using premium ingredients, and it'll feel like you went out to the fanciest steakhouse.
Classic French Onion Soup
One whiff of this rich soup, and you'll feel like you're ducking into a little bistro right off the river Seine.
French Onion Flatbread
Evoke a romantic picnic for two with this riff on the classic soup, made into a savory flatbread!
Easy Chicken Marsala
The classic creamy, savory sauce is easy to make and so good you'll want to drizzle it over everything.
Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms
This version of the classic dish, made with white wine, crème fraîche, and a bit of Dijon, is not too heavy, so you can enjoy the meal and still have room for dessert.
Get the recipe for Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms.
Herbes de Provence Shrimp with Couscous
Shrimp are an ideal romantic dinner main dish: They're fast and easy to cook, but look (and taste) oh-so elegant.
White Wine Coq Au Vin
This French country recipe has it all: bright flavors, a to-die-for sauce, and the ease of being able to make it all in one pot. Halve the recipe for two hearty portions—or make the whole thing and have lunch for the next couple days.
Roasted Mushroom and Bacon Dutch Baby
A Dutch baby—essentially a giant savory pancake—makes for an elegant and impressive dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a nice bottle of wine.
Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Tomatoes
There's just something about roast chicken on a bed of vegetables, isn't there? This recipe yields juicy, flavorful meat and surprisingly delicious veggies.
Get the recipe for Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Tomatoes.
Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie
Prepare dinner for two in a flash with this easy, homemade chicken pot pie dish, which can be served in individual ramekins.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken
This sweet and savory pasta dish get be made in a jiffy (and they'll never know you used store-bought ravioli).
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken.
Salt-and-Pepper Chicken with Spring Quinoa Pilaf
Date night can be both healthy and tasty with this home-cooked meal.
Get the recipe for Salt-and-Pepper Chicken with Spring Quinoa Pilaf.
Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak
A simple steak meal is elevated with smashed minty peas and grilled bread.
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