Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to treat your sweetheart to a classy, chef-quality meal. But wait just a second before making reservations—you can enjoy an upscale dinner without the restaurant price tag by cooking at home. Plus, a meal made from the heart is far more romantic anyway. If that hasn’t convinced you to show your devotion in the kitchen, most of these recipes call for wine, so you can polish off the rest of the bottle with your Valentine. Let’s cook up some quality time!
New York Beef Steaks with Blue Cheese
Tried-and-True Favorite
The decadent blue cheese topping steals the show on this beefy beauty. The addition of shallot, parsley, and cream cheese creates a luscious mixture of herbaceous, creamy goodness that melts like butter over the steak. And you can use any cut of beef your crush favors—rib eye, T-Bone, and top sirloin are woo-worthy substitutes.
Lobster with Champagne Sauce
Easiest Wow
If you haven’t made lobster before, it may feel intimidating or unapproachable, but this enchanting entrée truly could not be easier to execute. It all comes together in less than 30 minutes—from the moment the supple-sweet lobsters slide into the oven to bake to pearly perfection to the final flourish of champagne sauce. You can totally do this, and you can bet it will leave a lasting impression on your Valentine.
Gochujang-Glazed Black Cod
Most Unique
Black cod is a melt-in-your-mouth, luscious-tasting fish that exudes elegance. Bathe your fillets in a sweet-sour-spicy gochujang marinade, and you’ve got a dynamite dinner that would make even Cupid jealous.
Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream
Simple, Yet Elegant
Recreate the steakhouse experience with a classic pairing of tender beef with zingy horseradish cream. We recommend serving alongside roasted potatoes and hearty greens to round out the dish.
Shrimp Scampi
Pasta Lover Perfection
Create a cinematic Lady-and-the-Tramp moment with a sophisticated plate of buttery shrimp scampi. Dim the lights. Cue the Dean Martin crooner classics. That’s amoré.
Mrouzia Lamb (Moroccan Lamb Stew)
Globe-Trot at Home
If your significant other has a more adventurous palate, they’re bound to love this Moroccan lamb stew that’s traditionally served for special occasions. And no need to fret about the lamb turning out tough—it’s slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, resulting in an attractive dish that’s richly spiced with a light touch of honey-sweetness.
Salmon with Mushroom Marsala Sauce
Saucy Surprise
Marsala-drenched mushrooms bring an umami bang to rich, flaky salmon fillets. Make a batch of wild rice to soak up the precious jus—you’ll be repeating this one for date nights forever.
Lemon Caper Brown Butter Sole (Gluten-Free Crust)
Dietary Forget-Me-Not
From soul to sole, this delicate fish dish is destined to be an exceptional expression of your affection. A simple seasoning of browned butter, lemons, and capers coating an almond flour crust provides just enough texture and complexity to push this seafood entrée over the top.
Chickpea and Caramelized Onion Paella (Vegan)
Plant-Based Promise
Capture your favorite vegan’s heart with this plant-based paella abounding with Spanish flare. A sautéed sofrito base enhanced by pimentón (smoked Spanish paprika) and miso paste develops a flavorful foundation that will hook them from the first bite.
Mushroom Ragù with Nduja and Polenta
Flavor Flame
This red-wine-fortified medley offers a completely unique spin on Valentine’s Day dinner. Creamy polenta readily absorbs the brothy sauce and provides a subtle texture that complements the meaty mushrooms and bold nduja sausage bits (which can be found in the cheese and charcuterie department). There are so many layers of flavor in this recipe that will sweep your loved one away: nutty Parmesan, crispy prosciutto, and fresh basil to name just a few.
Your romantic evening awaits
Alright, lovebirds—time to get cooking! Find the closest store near you or shop online to have your Valentine’s dinner ingredients delivered right to your door.