20 Romantic Date Night Recipes to Make at Home

Updated on February 16, 2018 by Food Network Canada Editors

Cancel those Valentine's Day dinner reservations and switch off your phone — we've got 20 delicious date night ideas that really turn up the heat. From extravagant butterflied lobster to sensational steak, find the perfect recipes for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner at home.

1 of 20

Sticky Bison Short Ribs with Waldorf Slaw and Gaufrette Potatoes

Sweet, slow-cooked bison short ribs flavoured with maple syrup and chipotle are fall-off-the-bone tender, while waffle-shaped, crispy-fried potatoes give your plate flair. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sticky-bison-short-ribs-with-waldorf-slaw-and-gaufrette-potatoes/14886/#ImcPR2lw0XhW7hjg.99" target="_blank">Sticky Bison Short Ribs</a>
2 of 20

Pan-Seared Branzino with Tomato and Capers

This classic Italian dish may be simple to pull off, but that doesn’t make Giada’s recipe for branzino with capers and tomatoes any less of a date-night meal home run. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giada-in-italy/recipe/pan-seared-branzino-with-tomato-and-capers/16843/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Pan-Seared Branzino</a>
3 of 20

Lynn Crawford’s Seafood Risotto with Crab and Scallops

Succulent scallops and sweet crab are complimented by a touch of red Thai chili, white wine, Parmesan and lemon for a creamy, classic Italian risotto recipe with real coastal style. Entertaining-worthy but weeknight-friendly, this risotto will delight any gourmet. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/seafood-risotto-with-crab-and-scallops/21132/" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford’s Seafood Risotto with Crab and Scallops</a>
4 of 20

Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil

This pasta recipe might be simple, but who can say no to garlic sautéed shrimp served over a bed of linguine and drizzled with an easy lemon oil sauce?Not your date, that's for certain. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/linguine-with-shrimp-and-lemon-oil/15499/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil</a>.
5 of 20

Rack of Lamb and Ravioli Stuffed with Lamb

Be careful who you serve this horseradish and dijon-crusted rack of lamb to, because that person is about to fall madly in love. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rack-of-lamb-and-ravioli-stuffed-with-lamb/11990/#J8V5cX7w9VrkypQB.99" target="_blank">Rack of Lamb and Ravioli</a>.
6 of 20

Butterflied Lobster Tails with Garlic-Lemon Butter

Forget what they say about eating garlic on a date because it doesn’t apply here. Nothing spells romance quite like lobster tails dunked in a decadent lemon and garlic butter sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/butterflied-lobster-tails-with-garlic-lemon-butter/15089/" target="_blank">Butterflied Lobster Tails</a>
7 of 20

Mushroom Lovers' French Bread Pizzas

Crusty French bread is drenched in wine-coated Portobello, button and shiitake mushrooms, topped with melted Gruyere cheese and broiled to a bubbly perfection.To round out this creative take on pizza, serve with a light and fresh salad. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/30-minute-meals/recipe/mushroom-lovers-french-bread-pizzas/16825/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Mushroom Lovers' French Bread Pizzas</a>
8 of 20

Espresso Steak with Baked Zucchini and Potatoes

Score points for creativity when you go off the beaten path with this espresso-marinated flank steak grilled to perfection and topped with lemon juice, parsley and a little salt to finish it off. Get <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/espresso-steak-with-baked-zucchini-and-potatoes/16367/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Espresso Steak with Baked Zucchini and Potatoes recipe</a>.
9 of 20

Chicken Cacciatore

This succulent chicken dish packed with rich, bold flavours will take your date's taste buds all the way to sunny Italy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giadas-chicken-cacciatore/15460/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chicken Cacciatore</a>
10 of 20

Mark McEwan’s Ricotta Gnocchi

A switch-up to traditional potato gnocchi, this pillowy ricotta version is lighter, easier to make and just as versatile. Served with a luxurious gorgonzola cream sauce, the Italian dumpling will be your new go-to for an extraordinary dish that’s a breeze to pull of. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/mark-mcewans-ricotta-gnocchi/21133/" target="_blank">Mark McEwan’s Ricotta Gnocchi</a>
11 of 20

Pan-Roasted Pork Chop with Pan Gravy

This mammoth bone-in chop was meant to be shared. After a quick sear on the stove, it’s finished off in the oven — so pour a glass of wine and get romancing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pan-roasted-pork-chop-with-pan-gravy/15096/" target="_blank">Pan-Roasted Pork Chop with Pan Gravy</a>.
12 of 20

Ina Garten's Salmon Cakes

This light and flavour-packed dish features fresh salmon that’s been roasted and then mixed with breadcrumbs, bell peppers, celery and onions, and fried until crisp. Serve with a peppery arugula salad and you’re set. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-salmon-cakes/16830/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Salmon Cakes</a>.
13 of 20

Portobello, Oyster and Cremini Mushrooms on Toast with Brie and Sage

Even if your kitchen skills are non existent, this easy-to-pull-off recipe for sautéed mushrooms on toast topped with melted brie will always taste like you know exactly what you’re doing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/portobello-oyster-and-cremini-mushrooms-on-toast-with-brie-and-sage/3716/#foroS1jWMWYDDOdV.99" target="_blank">Mushrooms on Toast with Brie and Sage</a>.
14 of 20

Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetables

Hearty, whole wheat spaghetti tossed with sweet roasted butternut squash, carrots and parsnips reaches date-level status with a crumbled blue cheese and crunchy walnut topping. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/whole-wheat-spaghetti-with-roasted-root-vegetables/14863/" target="_blank">Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetables</a>
15 of 20

Steak and Frites with Wild Mushrooms and Oysters Rockefeller

From a bone-in, rosemary-coated rib eye, to the crispy hand-cut fries, sautéed wild mushrooms, and leek and bacon oysters Rockefeller, this intensely romantic meal pulls out all the stops. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/steak-and-frites-with-wild-mushrooms-and-oysters-rockefeller/17378/" target="_blank">Steak and Frites with Wild Mushrooms and Oysters</a> For more date night ideas, <a href="http://www.slice.ca/love/" target="_blank">visit Slice's Love section</a>.
16 of 20

Oysters, Caviar and Bubbles

Spike a traditional mignonette with prosecco, shuck your favourite variety of oyster (or enlist a friend) and spoon on salty caviar. Be as lavish as your budget will allow . Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/oysters-caviar-and-bubbles/17927/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Oysters, Caviar and Bubbles</a>
17 of 20

Spaghetti with Pinot Grigio and Seafood

Any fans of seafood stew will absolutely adore this brightly coloured pasta dish. You’ll definitely want to have some crusty Italian bread on hand to sop up the spectacular sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spaghetti-with-pinot-grigio-and-seafood/19477/" target="_blank">Giada de Laurentiis' Spaghetti with Pinot Grigio and Seafood</a>
18 of 20

Grilled Chicken Involtini

Light yet filling, imagine enjoying this summery slice of Italy, no plane ticket needed. Chicken cutlets are seasoned and filled with salty prosciutto, provolone and sundried tomatoes. Roll and grill to perfection for a decadent dinner that's easy enough for weeknights. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-chicken-involtini/19783/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Grilled Chicken Involtini</a>
19 of 20

Fried Ravioli

Ravioli is already super tasty, but imagine those little stuffed pockets of goodness once they’ve been given a crispy coating in the deep fryer. In this recipe from Giada De Laurentiis, ravioli becomes a delightful hors-d'oeuvre ready to be dipped in zesty marinara sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fried-ravioli/15490/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Fried Ravioli</a>.
20 of 20

Oysters with Spicy Tomato Ice

Fresh oysters are an elegant way to kick off any party or special occasion. In this recipe, a Bloody Mary-inspired granita tops the oysters for a bit of sweet heat, complementing their delicious oceanic flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/oysters-with-spicy-tomato-ice/21136/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Oysters with Spicy Tomato Ice</a>
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