28 Romantic Dinner Ideas You Need to Try

Sure, whisking your partner away to a fancy restaurant for the evening is romantic and thoughtful, but what if you were to bring the romance to your own front room?

If you’ve got an itch to get your cook on and treat your partner to a romantic evening, take a look through our romantic dinner ideas below and see how you can bring the fine-dining experience to your own home. 

1. Sea Bass With Lemon Caper Dressing

Let’s start things off with this baked sea bass with lemon caper dressing.

Not only is this dish elegant, fragrant, and gluten-free, but it can be put together in 10 minutes – perfect if you need to cook up something last minute.

Loaded with parsley, lemon, mustard, capers, and sea bass, this dish just oozes sophistication – perfect if you want to impress.

2. Braised Ox Cheek Wellingtons And Peppercorn Gravy

If you really want to make an impression, why not whip up these braised ox cheek wellingtons and peppercorn gravy?

This hearty meal is the ultimate main for a romantic meal or Valentine’s treat, and it goes down a little too east with a glass of red.

Prepped in 30 minutes and cooked in almost 4, you will need to free up some time in the kitchen, though. 

3. Honeymoon Spaghetti

If your partner loves all things sea-food-related, you need to try this honeymoon spaghetti.

Loaded with crab or lobster (your choice), mussels, squid, prawns, egg, chili, garlic, and more, this meal is bursting with class and color, making it the perfect dish to enjoy by candlelight.

This can be prepped and cooked in just over an hour, and it comes out great every time. 

4. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Do you want something creamy, hearty, and moreish to devour on your date night? Try this creamy Tuscan chicken. It’s simple and flavorful, and it’s the perfect comfort food, especially when it’s served with bread.

It can also be prepared and cooked in just 45 minutes, so you can make an impression even if you’re short on time! Now, all you need is the candles.

5. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Salmon is one of the most popular date foods. So, why not skip the restaurant and bring it home with this honey garlic glazed salmon?

This recipe does involve searing the salmon, so we’d recommend having at least a little culinary confidence before cooking this one.

Once you get the technique down, this can be made in just 25 minutes.

It’s loaded with flavor, including that classic soy sauce, pepper flakes, and honey, and the salmon really comes to life, thanks to a burst of lemon and garlic.

This dish is a simple and unforgettable way to show your partner just how much you care. 

6. Mussels With Chorizo, Beans, And Cavolo Nero

If you REALLY want to make an impression, it’s time to push the culinary boat out with these mussels served with chorizo, beans, and cavolo nero.

Who needs a fancy restaurant when you can create something this good in just 25 minutes?!

If your partner loves bold flavors, they’ll love this dish – it’s the ideal meal for a romantic evening, but be warned, it’s so filling, that you might not have room for dessert! 

7. Mushroom Stroganoff

Want to treat your partner to a timeless classic? It’s hard to go wrong with mushroom stroganoff.

Loaded with mushrooms, capers, whisky, paprika, creme fraiche, garlic, onion, and more, this dish is packed full of iconic flavors; all rolled into one, moreish meal.

This romantic dinner is also perfect for chefs with limited cooking experience – it’s simple to make and takes just 20 minutes!

If we’re honest, it’s hard to mess this meal up, so if you want to play it safe but still treat your partner, this is the dish for you.

8. Garlic Prawn Kebabs

We love a seafood dish, and these garlic prawn kebabs are destined to steal the show.

Tasty, filling, and easy to prepare, there’s such a diverse range of flavors in these kebabs, which are bound to impress your partner.

Ready in just 25 minutes, these kebabs feature all of the good stuff, including feta, parsley, garlic, prawns, and cherry tomatoes (see also ‘26 Easy Cherry Tomato Recipes‘).

Refreshing, vibrant, and satisfying, this is a wonderful way to show off your skills (and your feelings). 

9. Warm Lobster And Potato Salad With Truffled Mayonnaise

It’s time for another seafood-inspired dish with this warm lobster and potato salad with truffled mayonnaise.

You’ll need to put a little more effort into the kitchen with this dish, though’ although it takes just 20 minutes to cook, you’ll need to set aside just over an hour of prep time – worth it for the one you love, right?

This restaurant-inspired main course is much cheaper than the real deal but just as decadent. Lobster, shallots, salad, truffle oil, lemon… what more could your partner ask for? (for more simple truffle oil recipes, read here)

10. Ricotta Gnudi With Lemon And Sage Sauce

If you and your date love gnocchi (see also ‘ 33 Must-Try Gnocchi Recipes For The Ultimate Taste Of Italy ‘), you’ll both love this ricotta gnudi with lemon and sage sauce. Instead of potatoes, your gnocchi will be made with ricotta, making it a much lighter and more refreshing meal.

The flavors of sage, nutmeg, garlic, and lemon make this dish come to life, and when served with a sprinkle of parmesan, you’ll give your date a night they won’t forget.

Prepped, cooked, and ready to eat in just over an hour, you can’t go wrong with this dish! 

11. Tomato, Garlic, And Prawn Spaghetti

We all love spaghetti. So, why not treat your partner to a twist on this timeless dish with tomato, garlic, and prawn main?

This spaghetti dish brings a unique taste of Italy straight to your front room, so all you need to do is imagine yourself having a candlelight meal against the backdrop of Venice… and you’re there.

Loaded with prawns, rocket, thyme, garlic, tomatoes, and capsicums, your partner won’t fail to be wowed by your culinary skills.

Ready in an hour to an hour and a half, there’s no excuse not to try this for your next date night.  

12. Seared Steak And Red Chimichurri

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a meat-eating foodie who doesn’t enjoy steak. If this sounds just like your partner, try serving them this seared steak with red chimichurri.

Ready in 20 minutes, this meal is easy to prepare, and it comes out vibrant, flavorful, and moreish every time.

The steak is served with mashed and smashed sweet potato, charred spring onions, and a helping of chilies.

This dish pairs well with a quality red wine, and it’s so good that you’ll want to devour it time and time again.

13. Mushroom Risotto

This mushroom risotto is a truly unforgettable dish. Ready in approximately one hour, this risotto is bursting with mushrooms, garlic, bay leaves, broth, white wine, cheese, parsley, peas, and so much more.

This traditional Italian dish can be tough to get right (especially when it comes to consistency), but if you can pull it off, your partner won’t ever forget it.

Flavorsome, hearty, and memorable, show off your skills with this mushroom risotto! 

14. 15-Minute Jacket Sweet Potatoes

Not every date meal has to be complex, expensive, and time-consuming to create, and these 15-minute jacket sweet potatoes prove it.

These sweet potatoes are piled high with spicy chickpeas, tomato, and feta, and with flavors of harissa and coriander in the mix, you can be sure this dish will make a lasting impression.

And yes, as the name suggests, these can be ready to eat in just 15 minutes, so you don’t have to be a super-skilled chef to create something great! 

15. Smoked Salmon With Prawns, Horseradish, And Lime

Yes, it’s time for another salmon dish already! Get ready to treat your partner with this decadent smoked salmon dish, served with prawns, horseradish, and lime.

Though this dish might sound complex, it only uses a few simple ingredients and takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

With ginger, honey, and lemon notes, the salmon and prawns burst to life and are destined to make a lasting impression on your partner. Romantic, simple, and filling, you can’t go wrong with this dish. 

16. Shoyu Ramen

Ramen may not be at the top of your list of romantic meals, but hey, not everything has to be conventional.

This homemade shoyu ramen will take a total of six and a half hours to prepare and cook, so be prepared for an all-day affair with this dish.

There are many things to prepare for this meal, but the time, care, and effort you pour into it will make your partner feel truly appreciated. It’s also absolutely delicious, so what more could you ask for?!

17. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

There are many ways to cook, prepare and eat steak (see also ‘16 Beef Chuck Steak Recipes‘), so why not treat your partner to something different with these garlic butter steak bites?

Ready in under 15 minutes, these bites are made into perfect (you guessed it) bite-sized pieces that are tender, sticky, and, well, sexy. There’s just something about finger food on dates, isn’t there?

You can serve these bites with a gorgeous selection of roasted or sauteed veggies or even throw in some crusty bread to soak up that garlic butter.

There’s so much to love about this dish, and your partner will really appreciate it. 

18. Taleggio And Thyme Pizza

You don’t always have to be curled up on the sofa with a movie and a tub of ice cream to enjoy a good pizza.

Show your pizza-loving partner a romantic evening with this taleggio and thyme pizza.

Carby, simple and packed full of flavor, this pizza is loaded with thyme, rosemary, garlic, potatoes, and taleggio, creating a slightly salty and moreish pizza to die for.

Simply prep your pizza and cook for 15 minutes, and you’re done! Serve with a fresh, crispy side salad for that extra ‘wow’ factor. 

19. Harissa Clams

If you’re a seafood lover, there’s a good chance you love clams. They’re a restaurant staple and perfect for romantic meals – but today, we’re ditching the high-end price tags and making our own at home.

These harissa clams turn out smoky, flavorful, and bursting with aromatic sauce.

Plus, these can be prepared and cooked in just half an hour, so you don’t have to slave over the stove for hours to create something gorgeous!

Packed with onion, garlic, harissa, tomatoes, and parsley and served with crusty bread, you’ll really make an impression with this meal. 

20. Scallop Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes

This recipe is more proof that you can have a romantic, restaurant-level meal at your own table in under half an hour. This dish is elegant, sophisticated, and incredibly simple.

This dish never fails if you want to give your partner a taste of the high-life. It also requires just a few simple ingredients, including pasta, scallops, white wine, parsley, cherry tomatoes, and a few other cupboard staples.

Serve with a crisp glass of wine by candlelight for that true date-night feel. 

21. Filet Mignon

Foodie couples, listen up because you’re in for a treat. If you want to treat your partner to something really special, why not take the time to create this decadent filet mignon?

Each bite of this incredible dish is moist and vibrant, and you can adjust the recipe to cook the steak however you want it, whether that’s; rare, medium rare, medium well, or well done.

Cooking times can vary depending on how you like your steak, but generally, this takes no longer than half an hour to create! 

22. Pasta Al Limone

Ready for another pasta dish? The flavors in this pasta al limone will take you straight to the coast of Italy for an unforgettable taste adventure and an evening of romance.

This dish is perfect for a romantic meal on a summer evening, with the prawns, citrus notes, and basil taking center stage.

Though the pasta may fill you up, those seafood and citrus notes will cleanse your palate with every bite and have you craving more.

With cooking and prep, this shouldn’t take you any more than 20 minutes to create, so get ready to make your mark and treat your partner to a taste of the high life in just a few minutes. 

23. Roast Chicken With Lemon, Sage, And Parsley Stuffing

Timeless, flavorful, and iconic, this roast chicken with lemon, sage, and parsley stuffing is one recipe you’ll want in your arsenal.

Even if you’re not using it for date night, this recipe can be used for so many occasions, and it’s loved by everyone!

This chicken is best served with some bread and salad, and it comes out deliciously moist and loaded with flavor every time.

This recipe takes just over an hour and a half to pull off, and it’s loaded with seasonings and citrusy notes for a truly memorable evening. 

24. Creamy Bacon Lobster Tails

Did you buy this straight from the restaurant?! It’s so good, your partner might think so.

This gourmet-feel meal suits almost any special occasion, and it’s a wonderful main to kick off your romantic dinner with, too.

Smooth, creamy, meaty and packed with flavor, this recipe seems to please any craving all at once.

It can also be prepped and cooked in 25 minutes, so you’ll have more time on your hands to lay the table, sort out the lighting, and set the mood. 

25. Coconut Curry Salmon

This recipe proves, yet again, that salmon really is one of the best date foods out there. There’s so much you can do with salmon, and this coconut curry recipe is bound to become one of your favorites (see more coconut curry recipes here).

If your partner loves a bit of spice, they’ll love this warming yet fragrant curry that’s creamy, not too heavy, and packed with flavor.

Ready in just half an hour, your date will think you spent hours slaving away to create something this good. Whether you let them in on the truth is up to you! 

26. Pan Fried Duck With Cabbage, Chestnuts, And Pear

If you want to break away from conventional date foods, why not try serving up this pan-fried duck with cabbage, chestnuts, and pear?

This dish can be ready in just over an hour and comes out restaurant-quality every time. This meal is loaded with white wine, duck, chestnuts, cabbage, and plenty of bacon, thyme, cream, pear, and more.

So many flavors, so many layers, and so much enjoyment. This really is the romantic, dreamy date meal you’ve been looking for. 

27. Beef Tenderloin

Want to keep things simple but still cook something delicious enough to wow your partner and show your love? It’s time to try this incredible beef tenderloin recipe.

If you’ve never made tenderloin before, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s complex. However, it’s incredibly easy to make and cooks surprisingly quickly.

Ready in just over two hours, load this up with mustard vinegar and plenty of herbs and spices for full flavor. Your partner will be so impressed that you may become your home’s designated full-time chef. 

28. Flank Steak Fajitas

Last on our list are these incredible flank steak fajitas. These hit the spot every time, and your partner will love them.

Served with plenty of lime, cilantro, and avocado, this memorable platter can be ready in less than half an hour.

This is one ‘ throw-together meal that you really CAN serve as a romantic meal and pull off! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do You Eat On A Romantic Night?

There are so many recipes you can cook for a romantic evening. Although there are no set rules to follow, seafood-based dishes tend to be the most popular. 

What Is The Most Romantic Type Of Food? 

There are plenty of romantic foods out there, but some of the best ones to wow your partner with include chocolate, strawberries, wine, caviar, figs (see also ‘40 Fig Recipes That You Will Absolutely Love‘), and honey.

So, pair some chocolate covered strawberries with one of our mains, and you’ve got yourself a date night! 

The Bottom Line

Romantic meals don’t always have to be complex and time-consuming. Sometimes, it’s the thought that counts, even if you’re stuck for time.

So, try one of our romantic dinner ideas today, and get ready to treat your partner to the romantic evening they deserve!