15 Romantic Dinner Recipes for Two (Valentine’s Day Special!)

If there’s one night a year when you want to pull out all the stops for a special meal, it’s Valentine’s Day. But here’s the truth – you don’t need an expensive restaurant reservation to create a magical, romantic evening. In fact, some of the most memorable Valentine’s Days happen right at home, where you can create an intimate atmosphere without the noise, the rush, or the hefty bill.

There’s something incredibly romantic about cooking together (or for your special someone) in your own kitchen. You control the ambiance, the music, the pace – everything. Plus, let’s be honest, getting a reservation on Valentine’s Day is a nightmare, and restaurant prices on February 14th are astronomical! Why not save that money and create something even more special at home?

I’ve put together 15 restaurant-quality romantic dinner recipes that are elegant enough to impress but simple enough that you won’t spend all evening stressed in the kitchen. These are the kinds of meals that make your partner say “Wow, you made this?” – from perfectly seared steaks to buttery lobster tails, creamy pasta to tender seafood. Each recipe is designed for two people, creating just the right portions for an intimate dinner without tons of leftovers.

Whether you’re celebrating your first Valentine’s Day together or your fiftieth anniversary, these recipes will help you create a memorable evening. Light some candles, put on some soft music, pour your favorite beverages, and let’s make this Valentine’s Day one to remember!

1. Garlic Butter Steak for Two

Nothing says romance quite like a perfectly cooked steak! This garlic butter steak is restaurant-quality but surprisingly simple to make at home. The key is a hot pan, good quality beef, and plenty of butter and garlic. It’s classic, elegant, and always impressive.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye or strip steaks (8-10 oz each, 1-inch thick)
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions:

1. Remove steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
4. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Place steaks in pan without moving them for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms.
5. Flip steaks and immediately add 2 tbsp butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pan.
6. Tilt pan and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks continuously for 3-4 minutes for medium-rare.
7. Remove steaks to a plate and top with remaining 2 tbsp butter. Tent with foil and rest for 5 minutes.
8. Slice against the grain, drizzle with pan juices, and finish with flaky sea salt if desired.

Chef’s Tip: For perfect medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 130-135°F. The steak will continue cooking as it rests.

2. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

This honey garlic salmon is sweet, savory, and absolutely stunning on the plate. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a lighter yet elegant Valentine’s dinner!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and ginger.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Place salmon skin-side up in the pan. Cook for 4 minutes without moving.
5. Flip salmon and pour the honey garlic sauce over the fillets.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes, spooning sauce over salmon frequently until it’s cooked through and glazed.
7. Remove to plates, drizzle with remaining sauce from the pan.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with lemon wedges.

Pairing Suggestion: Serve over jasmine rice or with roasted asparagus for a complete romantic meal.

3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This Tuscan chicken is pure Italian romance on a plate! Tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach – it’s the kind of dish that looks like it took hours but comes together in 30 minutes.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
6. Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with pasta, crusty bread, or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the incredible sauce!

4. Lobster Tail with Lemon Butter

Lobster is the ultimate luxury for a special occasion, and lobster tails are surprisingly easy to prepare at home. This simple preparation with lemon butter lets the sweet lobster meat shine – it’s elegant, indulgent, and absolutely memorable.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Pinch of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the top shell, stopping before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart.
3. Carefully lift the lobster meat and rest it on top of the shell (this is called “butterflying”).
4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley.
5. Brush lobster meat generously with the lemon butter mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Place lobster tails on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until meat is opaque and cooked through.
7. Brush with more lemon butter halfway through cooking.
8. Serve immediately with remaining lemon butter for dipping and fresh lemon wedges.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcook! Lobster is done when it reaches 140°F internal temperature. Overcooked lobster becomes rubbery.

5. Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This classic Italian-American dish is romantic, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes! Plump shrimp in a garlicky butter sauce tossed with pasta – it’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is actually quite simple.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce with a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat.
7. Return shrimp to the pan, add parsley and toss everything together.
8. Serve immediately with parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.

Wine Pairing Note: This pairs beautifully with sparkling juice or a crisp lemonade for a refreshing complement!

6. Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce

Filet mignon is the most tender cut of beef, making it perfect for a special occasion. The rich mushroom cream sauce takes it to the next level – this is steakhouse quality that you can create in your own kitchen!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each, 2 inches thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Remove steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
3. Sear steaks for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
4. In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute.
6. Add beef broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Stir in heavy cream and remaining butter. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Pour over steaks and serve immediately.

Chef’s Tip: Let steaks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside for maximum tenderness!

7. Pan-Seared Scallops with Risotto

Scallops are elegant, sweet, and when cooked properly, absolutely divine. Paired with creamy risotto, this dish is restaurant-worthy and sure to impress your Valentine!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

For Scallops:

• 8 large sea scallops
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon juice

For Simple Risotto:

• 3/4 cup Arborio rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, warmed
• 1/4 cup white grape juice or apple juice
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Risotto:

1. In a saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
2. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. Add juice and stir until absorbed.
4. Add warm broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to absorb before adding more (about 20 minutes total).
5. When rice is creamy and al dente, stir in parmesan and remaining butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Scallops:

1. Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat until very hot.
3. Add scallops without crowding. Sear for 2 minutes per side until golden crust forms. Don’t move them!
4. Add butter and garlic to pan in the last minute, basting scallops with the butter.
5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over scallops.
6. Serve scallops immediately over risotto.

Chef’s Secret: The key to perfect scallops is a DRY surface and a HOT pan. Don’t move them while searing!

8. Stuffed Chicken Breast (Spinach & Cheese)

These stuffed chicken breasts look incredibly impressive but are easier to make than you might think! The creamy spinach and cheese filling makes every bite luxurious and flavorful.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff each pocket with the spinach-cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
5. Season outside of chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Sear chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden.
8. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
9. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete romantic meal.

9. Beef Tenderloin Steaks

Beef tenderloin is the most luxurious cut you can serve, and these perfectly cooked steaks with herb butter are pure elegance. This is the kind of meal that makes Valentine’s Day feel extra special!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 beef tenderloin steaks (6-8 oz each)
• 3 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Set aside.
2. Remove steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry thoroughly.
3. Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking.
5. Sear steaks for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
6. During the last minute of cooking, add half the herb butter to the pan and baste the steaks.
7. Remove steaks to plates and top each with a pat of the remaining herb butter.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Temperature Guide: 130°F = rare, 135°F = medium-rare, 145°F = medium, 160°F = well-done

10. Lemon Herb Butter Cod

For a lighter but equally elegant option, this lemon herb cod is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely beautiful. The delicate fish with bright lemon and herbs feels sophisticated without being heavy.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat cod fillets dry and place on prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and dill.
4. Pour half the butter mixture over the cod fillets.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Drizzle with remaining lemon herb butter.
7. Serve with lemon slices and extra fresh herbs.

Pairing Idea: Serve with roasted asparagus and baby potatoes for an elegant, light meal.

11. Marry Me Chicken (Sun-Dried Tomato)

They call it “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s supposedly so good, your partner will propose! The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is rich, flavorful, and absolutely romantic. This dish has gone viral for a reason!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium, stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
7. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Why It’s Special: The combination of creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken is absolutely irresistible!

12. Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos

For a fun yet romantic twist, these garlic butter shrimp tacos are flavorful, light, and perfect for a more casual Valentine’s celebration. Plus, eating tacos together is playful and intimate!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Juice of 1 lime
• 6 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges for serving
• Optional: avocado slices, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Season shrimp with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
4. Squeeze lime juice over shrimp and toss to coat.
5. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
6. Fill each tortilla with shrimp, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
7. Serve with lime wedges, avocado slices, and sour cream if desired.

Fun Factor: Set up a taco bar and build them together – it’s interactive and delicious!

13. Chicken Piccata (No-Wine Version)

This classic Italian dish gets a romantic makeover! Tender chicken in a bright, tangy lemon-caper sauce – it’s sophisticated, flavorful, and lighter than cream-based dishes.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp capers, drained
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
6. Stir in capers and remaining 2 tbsp butter. Simmer until sauce slightly thickens.
7. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Cook for 2 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestion: Serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the amazing sauce!

14. Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa

This dish brings vibrant flavors and beautiful colors to your Valentine’s table! The spicy blackened salmon pairs perfectly with the sweet, fresh mango salsa for a tropical-inspired romantic dinner.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

For Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For Mango Salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the salsa: Combine mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Refrigerate while cooking salmon.
2. Mix all spices for the blackening seasoning.
3. Pat salmon dry and coat both sides with the spice mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until blackened crust forms and salmon is cooked through.
6. Top with fresh mango salsa and serve immediately.

Why It’s Romantic: The bright, fresh flavors and beautiful presentation make this feel like a special tropical getaway!

15. Surf and Turf (Steak + Lobster)

The ultimate indulgence for Valentine’s Day! Combining the best of land and sea, surf and turf is the definition of a luxurious, romantic meal. It’s a celebration on a plate!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 filet mignon or ribeye steaks (6-8 oz each)
• 2 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
• 6 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

For Steak:

1. Season steaks generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat.
3. Sear steaks for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Add 2 tbsp butter in the last minute and baste.
4. Remove to a plate and tent with foil to rest.

For Lobster:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F while steaks are resting.
2. Butterfly lobster tails by cutting down the top shell and lifting meat to rest on top.
3. Melt 4 tbsp butter with 2 cloves garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
4. Brush lobster generously with garlic butter.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lobster meat is opaque.

To Serve:

1. Place steak and lobster tail on each plate.
2. Drizzle with remaining garlic butter.
3. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.

Chef’s Tip: Time it so the lobster finishes just as the steak has rested. Both should be served piping hot!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – 15 absolutely stunning romantic dinner recipes that will make your Valentine’s Day (or any special occasion) unforgettable! What I love most about these recipes is that they prove you don’t need a fancy restaurant to create a memorable, romantic evening. In fact, the intimacy of cooking at home often makes the meal even more special.

Each of these recipes brings something different to the table – whether you’re in the mood for classic steakhouse elegance, fresh seafood, comforting Italian flavors, or something with a fun twist. The best part? You can customize the evening to exactly what you and your partner love, without compromising on quality or flavor.

My best advice for your romantic dinner? Don’t stress about perfection. Yes, these recipes are elegant and impressive, but the most important ingredient is the love and thought you put into the meal. Set the table beautifully, light some candles, put on music you both enjoy, and take your time savoring both the food and each other’s company.

And here’s a pro tip: consider doing some prep work earlier in the day so you’re not frantically cooking when your date arrives. Chop vegetables, make sauces, set the table – whatever you can do ahead will make the actual cooking time more relaxed and enjoyable.

Which recipe are you most excited to try for your romantic dinner? Do you have a favorite date night meal that I should add to my list? I’d love to hear about your Valentine’s Day plans in the comments below! Sharing your special moments and cooking successes helps me create more recipes that you’ll treasure. Happy Valentine’s Day, and here’s to love, laughter, and delicious food!