25 Recipes for a Memorable Romantic Dinner

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There are many fantastic recipes that will create a romantic dinner for two. The meal can be as complex or simple as you like. For instance, you can go with just an entrée and dessert or cook up a full-course meal that includes everything from appetizers to cocktails. These menu ideas are perfect for date night, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or any special occasion.

01 of 25

Tomato Consommé

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For a light soup appetizer, it's hard to beat tomato consommé. The fresh broth is no ordinary tomato soup and it allows you to show off your skills in the kitchen. Though it does require some work, the results are worth the effort.
02 of 25

Spinach Salad With Strawberries and Pecans

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Easy and super fresh, a spinach salad with strawberries and pecans is a grand way to start any romantic meal. The berries are a natural aphrodisiac and they give the salad a bright flavor. Make it just a little more special with toasted or sugared pecans.
03 of 25

Pea and Mint Soup

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Another pleasant way to start off your meal is with fresh pea and mint soup. The recipe is surprisingly simple and the flavor is a pure delight. With its fresh, cooling flavor, it won't overwhelm your main course, no matter what it is.
04 of 25

Beef Wellington

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Impress your sweetheart with beef Wellington, a classic British dish. Though it has a reputation as being a difficult recipe, it's actually quite simple. Essentially, it's nothing more than a seasoned beef fillet wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown and scrumptious.

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05 of 25

Grilled Tandoori Shrimp

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Dinner for two can be as simple as firing up the grill. If you enjoy tandoori chicken, you'll love grilled tandoori shrimp. The Indian spices are a perfect complement to the skewered seafood and they cook up in just a few minutes.
06 of 25

Chicken Piccata

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This is definitely not your ordinary chicken entrée. Chicken piccata is an Italian classic that is both fantastic and simple. The battered chicken breasts are covered in a tasty sauce of butter, lemon juice, capers, and white wine to create a memorable main.
07 of 25

Prime Rib

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A recipe designed for two people, you're going to love sharing this one with your lover. The prime rib is gently seasoned with garlic and marjoram and baked with potatoes and carrots. It's a great dish to serve with a nice red wine.
08 of 25

Sweet and Smoky Mahi-Mahi

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Smoked paprika can really liven up a pair of fish filets to create a fantastic main dish. The sweet and smoky mahi-mahi recipe is quick and ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for a surprise dinner.

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09 of 25

Baked Stuffed Lobster

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When you're ready to get really elaborate, baked stuffed lobster is the way to go. It's easier than you think and the elegance of this entrée cannot be underestimated.
10 of 25

Asian-Spiced Turkey Salad

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Whether it's as a side or a light entrée, the Asian-spiced turkey salad will be a great addition to your meal. The homemade dressing is a unique and flavorful mix of red chili, ginger, soy sauce, and fruits. If you don't have turkey, make it with chicken, duck, or tofu.
11 of 25

Roasted Rabbit With Fava Pesto

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Tender and succulent roasted rabbit makes an impressive main dish for date night. Sitting atop bright green fava bean pesto, its a springy dinner that's also gluten-free.
12 of 25

Italian Roasted Potatoes

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Potatoes are a versatile addition to any meal. The Italian roasted potato recipe is easy to prepare and the seasoning is sure to complement any other dish you set on the table.

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13 of 25

Oysters Rockefeller

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Oysters are the ultimate aphrodisiac and this is one of the best ways to serve them. Oysters Rockefeller is a classic dish and this recipe is easy to scale down for just a dozen oysters, which should be perfect for two.
14 of 25

Red Lobster-Style Cheese Garlic Biscuits

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Bring the taste of a favorite restaurant to your kitchen with these cheese garlic biscuits. They're easy to bake and go perfectly with any entrée, whether it's seafood, meat, or vegetarian. The recipe makes a dozen biscuits, which is a little much for two people, but they will keep for tomorrow's lunch.
15 of 25

White Chocolate and Raspberry Creme Brûlée

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Every romantic dinner needs a great dessert and this is where you can really impress your date. The white chocolate creme brûlée recipe is a luscious option and the raspberries really set it off. Don't be intimidated, either. Anyone can make it.
16 of 25

Chocolate Delight

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If the two of you share a passion for chocolate, the chocolate delight is the recipe for you. This is a dessert anyone can pull off and the chocolate is sure to add a spark to your evening.

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17 of 25

Chocolate Soufflé

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Chocolate is for lovers and a French soufflé is easier than you might imagine. Bring the two together and learn something new while you delight a certain someone with this delicious chocolate soufflé.
18 of 25

Pineapple Cheesecake

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Luscious, and divinely delicious, tempt your sweetheart's sweet tooth with a homemade pineapple cheesecake. This no-bake recipe takes just minutes to prepare, though you'll want to give it plenty of time to chill and set.
19 of 25

Banana Crepes With Rum Sauce

The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray

Expand your culinary prowess and add homemade banana crepes to your romantic dinner menu. It's another fun kitchen project for two and the rum sauce makes this recipe very special.
20 of 25

Poires Belle Helene

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This French classic is certainly elegant. Poires Belle Helene is a dish of poached pears in sugar syrup. Served with ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, you'll have a beautiful dessert that almost looks too good to eat.

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21 of 25

Sherry Trifle

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Sharing a sherry trifle is a beautiful (and delicious) way to end a meal. Layers of sponge cake, sherry-soaked strawberries, custard, and loads of whipped cream await in this charming dessert.
22 of 25

Kahlua Bowl Cake

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Slightly more decadent, you can also go with a Kahlua bowl cake. Like a trifle, it has a chocolate cake base that's soaked with the famous coffee liqueur. It's then topped with chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and any extra goodies you feel like adding.
23 of 25

Figgy Sparkler

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Perhaps you feel your romantic dinner needs a great drink or two. While there some nice wines for lovers, a cocktail is even better. The figgy sparkler was designed with lovers in mind. It's a unique combination of vodka, fig, orange, and cranberries topped with Champagne.
24 of 25

Passion Cocktail

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The passion cocktail is a drink recipe for two. You can think of it as a tequila cosmopolitan, complete with cranberry juice and orange liqueur. It's lovely for either dinner or dessert.

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25 of 25

Preggie Provençe

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A drink as delicious as any other, the preggie provençe is filled with flavor but skips the alcohol. This delightful mocktail uses grapes, rosemary, and lavender to flavor a sparkling lemonade for a drink that's simply stunning.

Explore More:

25 Ideas for the Most Romantic Dinner

Asian-Spiced Turkey Salad

Red Lobster-Style Cheese Garlic Biscuits

Banana Crepes With Rum Sauce

Kahlua Bowl Cake

Preggie Provençe