19 Romantic dinner ideas for Valentine's Day

Lemony Tomato Basil Pasta

The secret to this light, fresh pasta is in the cooking liquid: It’s flavourful and starchy, which helps coat the noodles.

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Raw Oysters On The Half Shell

Freshly shucked oysters are a classic — and classy — starter to a festive seafood feast. They should smell briny and fresh — toss out any that don't pass the sniff test. To level the oysters and make sure the juices don't spill out, serve them nestled in a bed of coarse salt.

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Lemon Herb Scallops

Searing scallops gives them a crispy exterior and a rich buttery centre. The splurge of saffron adds extra depth to a bright, tangy sauce. You will have about 1/4 cup of the citrus oil left over. It's perfect to drizzle over an omelette, a tomato salad or roasted potatoes, or to warm up and brush on crostini.

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Fresh Pasta With Lamb And Currant Meatballs

Instead of the usual spaghetti and meatballs in tomato sauce, add some excitement to your weeknight dinner with this twist. You can find fresh pasta refrigerated in the deli section of the grocery store. Serve with green beans or asparagus.

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Spicy Bucatini With Roasted Tomatoes

Sweet, pungent basil has a reputation for being an herb of romance. Pair it with a touch of hot pepper to help ignite the fire, and you're in for a fun evening. Roasting the tomatoes concentrates their sweetness and flavour, even if they're out of season. If you prefer a mild pasta, use only a pinch of the hot pepper flakes.

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Spaghetti Carbonara With Roasted Cauliflower

A fresh twist on this beloved classic makes it the perfect dinner for a chilly night.

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Crab, Pea And Ricotta Spaghetti

Mild ricotta cheese, lemon, nutmeg and piquant chilies make a zesty, creamy sauce for seafood pasta.

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Mediterranean Chicken And Spinach Pasta

Reserving some of the pasta cooking liquid to toss with the whole dish helps distribute the ingredients and loosen up the pasta without adding extra oil. Substitute whole wheat spaghettini for regular if desired.

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Air Fryer Steak With Walnut Romesco Sauce

Check out this delightfully crispy restaurant-worthy dish created by chef Dominic Lamirande (aka Dom Cooks)— you may recognize him as one of the winning contestants from Netflix’s Cook at all Costs!

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Steak Tartare With Garlic Scapes & Parmesan

A classic tartar is a winning dish on any table.

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Grilled Flank Steak With Herbed Butter

This steak is the perfect recipe to show off your culinary skills.

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Flank Steak With Shallots & Red Wine

A fuss-free recipe that is the perfect showcase for the delicate, delicious flavour of shallots.

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Orzo Risotto With Pancetta & Parmesan

A good risotto is the perfect dish to serve for a romantic dinner, as it's easy to make and always turns out delicious.

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Risotto With Chanterelles

The chanterelles give this recipe a unique, elevated flavour.

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Veal Chops With Parmesan-Parsley Crumb Topping

Mixed Seafood Cataplana

Cataplana is both the name of this dish and the copper vessel in which it's traditionally cooked. The dish originates in southern Portugal and commonly features clams and other coastal delights.

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East Coast Lobster Spaghetti

Featuring fresh, East Coast lobster, this delicious pasta is sure to warm any lobster lover's heart and make for an impressive feast for an intimate, special reunion.

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Beet Risotto

Risotto is at its best when served straight from the stove, as it loses its silky texture while it sits. Roasted beets give this risotto its subtly sweet flavour. For the most beautifully hued dish, we've added the beets toward the end of cooking.

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Braised Balsamic And Molasses Lamb

The strong flavour of molasses stands up to lamb shanks, while braising mellows out the complex flavours. Serve with a side of couscous and an extra sprinkling of fresh thyme.

Get the recipe here.