The Best Dinner Recipes for a Date Night at Home
By Mike Litwin
There’s something undeniably special about sharing a homemade meal with someone you love.
Sitting down to enjoy a homemade meal allows you to slow down, unplug from distractions, and truly be present with each other.
Cooking and sharing a meal together can also foster a sense of intimacy, and set the stage for, ahem, other things.
That’s why I’ve curated a list of the best dinner recipes for two people.
These are all sure to impress your significant other and make your date night one to remember.
1. Coquilles St. Jacques
Coquilles St. Jacques, a classic French dish featuring tender scallops bathed in a creamy sauce, is a solid choice for a romantic date night at home.
The presentation alone sets this apart for a date night: you get to serve them in these separate adorable gratin dishes.
I mean, the dishes themselves are kind of romantic, aren't they? It's like eating at a luxe Parisian restaurant.
We fancy now!
Get the Coquilles St. Jacques recipe.
2. Baked Eggplant Parmesan Towers
This version of classic Eggplant Parmesan has been crafted to be perfectly suited for two servings.
It features crisp-edged eggplant slices, perfectly seasoned, stacked with gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, all delicately stacked into chic individual towers.
It’s a perfect recipe for a chill date night dinner for two.
3. Cioppino
Inspired by the renowned recipe from the restaurant Tadich Grill, our rendition captures the essence of this beloved San Francisco classic while catering perfectly to the needs of a cozy dinner for two at home.
This recipe is bursting with all sorts of seafood, including clams, shrimp, crab, and more.
So, if seafood is your thing, this will not disappoint.
Grab your biggest bowls and spoons and go for a perfect combination of hearty tomato sauce, gently sauteed veggies, and all sorts of delicious seafood.
Get the Cioppino recipe.
4. Chicken B’stilla
Chicken B'stilla is an exceptional dish that effortlessly combines fantastic Moroccan flavors for an absolutely delicious sweet and savory combo.
B'stilla is a pastry with a filling that typically includes layers of spiced and shredded poultry, such as chicken, mixed with ingredients like almonds, eggs, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon and saffron.
Traditionally enjoyed by hand, this dish adds a delightful touch of intimacy to your date night at home—just be prepared for things to get, ahem, close as you savor each flavorful bite together.
This one is worth the effort!
Get the Chicken B’stilla recipe.
5. Duck à l’Orange
Duck à l'Orange is like the fancy cousin of your go-to date night dish, bringing a touch of class to your evening at home.
It’s got that crispy meets melt-in-your-mouth thing from the seared duck, topped off with the richness, sweetness, and a hint of citrus freshness from the sauce.
Not only does it taste amazing, but it's also surprisingly simple to whip up together in the kitchen.
In my humble opinion, this dish is mother-ducking good.
Get the Duck à l’Orange recipe.
6. Seared Scallops with Watermelon Salsa
If you like it spicy (your food and perhaps other things as well…), this is your go-to choice for a romantic date night dinner at home.
This dish marries the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with the refreshing and spicy crunch of watermelon salsa, all elevated by the creamy richness of a classic beurre blanc sauce.
Be warned: this recipe has a kick to it.
But then again, spicy peppers are known to be an aphrodisiac.
7. Scarpetta’s Spaghetti Tomato Basil
Scarpetta's Spaghetti Tomato Basil is legendary in New York City for a reason—it's like the holy grail of pasta dishes.
But guess what? It's not some top-secret recipe guarded by Italian chefs in a hidden kitchen.
Nope, it's actually shockingly easy to make.
We can keep that little secret between us. I mean, who wouldn't want their date thinking they toiled away for hours to create this culinary masterpiece?
Sympathy points, people.
So, grab your apron because we about to turn your kitchen into a five-star restaurant.
Get the Spaghetti and Tomato Basil recipe.
8. Heston Blumenthal’s Salmon With Bois Boudran Sauce
Salmon lovers rejoice because this takes your ordinary weekday salmon and crushes it with the most perfectly cooked piece of salmon that sits on a bed of crushed potatoes and swims in a bold, tangy, and totally addictive sauce.
Yeah, I know this sounds like hype because, well, how can a salmon dish be that special?
Well, famed chef, multi-restaurant owner, best-selling cookbook author, and genuine culinary genius Heston Blumenthal has done it.
Me? I am simply a vessel who figured out how to scale it down so it works perfectly for two people.
Date night at home just got a lot more tasty.
9. Lobster Mille Feuille
This delectable Lobster Millefeuille recipe reimagines the classic French pastry into a savory masterpiece with perfectly steamed lobster tails infused with an herb-laden sauce and layered between golden puff pastry sheets.
Decadent? Yes.
Indulgent? Yep.
Who cares? It’s date night. Live it up.
Get the Lobster Mille Feuille recipe.
10. Duck Enchiladas
Duck Enchiladas are a flavorful twist on a classic dish.
Shredded duck, spices, and roasted red peppers rolled in tortillas, baked to perfection, and topped with melted cheese.
This is a great option for those who want something with a slight twist on a weeknight staple but don’t have a ton of time to cook and LOVE CHEESE.
Mmmm. Cheese.
Get the Duck Enchiladas recipe.