The Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu to Celebrate With That Special Someone

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that the most meaningful gestures come from the heart—and sometimes, the kitchen! Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to skip the crowded, overpriced restaurants and treat your special someone to a romantic dinner at home. Nothing says “I care” quite like a thoughtfully prepared meal.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner menu that’s both easy to make and sure to impress. This three-course Italian-inspired menu will set the mood for an unforgettable evening, without requiring fancy ingredients or a culinary degree. Let’s get cooking!

Appetizer: Grilled Calamari

Kick off your Valentine’s Day dinner with a light and flavourful dish that’s perfect for sharing. Grilled calamari is simple to make, but its tangy, zesty flavours make it feel like a luxurious treat.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons fresh oregano (or dried, if necessary)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• A pinch of salt
• 1.5 pounds of cleaned squid (tentacles separated from bodies)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and salt.
2. Add the squid to the mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden.
4. Remove from the grill, slice into strips, and serve immediately.

This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Main Course: Classic Chicken Parmesan

For the main event, serve up a timeless Italian favourite: Chicken Parmesan. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for a romantic evening and is guaranteed to delight your partner’s palate.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced crosswise into 4 cutlets
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup grated mozzarella and/or Parmesan cheese
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, then the egg wash, and finally the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and fry each cutlet for 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. In a baking dish coated with cooking spray, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. Place the fried chicken cutlets on top, then cover them with more sauce. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve with a side of spaghetti or a simple green salad to complete the plate.

Dessert: Creamy Tiramisu

End your romantic dinner on a sweet note with a classic Italian dessert: Tiramisu. This no-bake treat is rich, creamy, and the perfect indulgence to share with your Valentine.

What You’ll Need:

• 6 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1.25 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pound mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup strong coffee
• 1 tablespoon rum (optional)
• 6 ounces ladyfingers
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it boils. Let it boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and cool slightly. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
2. Beat the heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
3. In another bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese into the chilled egg mixture until smooth.
4. In a small bowl, combine the coffee and rum. Dip the ladyfingers into the mixture, ensuring they’re coated but not soggy.
5. Arrange half the soaked ladyfingers in a 7×11-inch dish. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then top with half the whipped cream. Repeat the layers and dust with cocoa powder.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours until set.

This dessert pairs beautifully with a shot of espresso or a dessert wine, like Marsala or Moscato.

Make the Evening Extra Special

Once your meal is ready, set the mood with some soft music, candles, and a beautifully set table. And don’t forget to finish the evening with a thoughtful gift! A curated Valentine’s Day gift basket from Canada’s Gift Baskets is the perfect way to add a personal touch to your celebration. Our baskets are filled with indulgent chocolates, fine wines, and other goodies that your partner will love.

With this simple yet elegant menu, you can create a memorable Valentine’s Day celebration that shows your special someone just how much you care. And remember, when it comes to gifts, nothing beats the thoughtfulness of a Valentine’s Day gift basket from Canada’s Gift Baskets.

Here’s to a night of love, laughter, and great food!

FAQs: Valentine’s Day Dinner Planning

1. Can I prepare any of these dishes ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the calamari and prepare the tiramisu the day before. The chicken Parmesan can also be assembled in advance—just bake it right before serving for the best results.

2. What if I don’t have a grill for the calamari?

No problem! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even a regular frying pan. Just make sure it’s hot to get a nice sear on the squid.

3. Can I make this menu vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the chicken Parmesan with eggplant Parmesan for a vegetarian-friendly main course. The rest of the menu is already seafood- and plant-based.

4. What wine pairs well with this menu?

• For the calamari, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is perfect.
• Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red, like Chianti or Merlot.
• Tiramisu is best enjoyed with a dessert wine, such as Moscato or Marsala.

5. How can I make the dinner more romantic?

Presentation is everything! Use your best plates, light some candles, and play soft music in the background. A handwritten note or a small gift from Canada’s Gift Baskets will also make the evening feel extra special.

6. What’s the best way to end the evening?

After dessert, take some time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s watching a movie, reminiscing over old memories, or simply sharing a laugh, the time you spend together is what makes Valentine’s Day truly special.

Stepan Dolabjian

Stepan Dolabjian is the founder of Canada's Gift Baskets, a family-owned online gift delivery company that allows Canadians from coast to coast to send thoughtful and fully customizable gift baskets to their loved ones.