Whether you’re looking to wow your Valentine’s date with your culinary skills and a romantic meal for two, or simply want to avoid the formality of a restaurant setting, here at olive we have crafted perfect menus for every situation.
Left it to the last minute? Fear not! Our collection of quick romantic recipes will take you no time at all to rustle up. Or perhaps you’re embracing Galentine’s Day and hosting a girls night in? Look no further than these Valentine’s Day dinner recipes, featuring everything from grilled oysters and champagne cocktails to a romantic steak dinner, cheesy garlic bread and self-saucing chocolate pudding. If you’re stuck on what to get your loved ones this year, check out our guide on the best food gifts for Valentine’s Day, here
Looking to impress
Want to wow your Valentine with your culinary expertise and sophisticated style this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than this classic menu, featuring oysters, steak and rich dark chocolate. If you’re looking for more showstopping dinner party main course, check out our guide, here
Aperitif: Homemade grenadine and champagne cocktails
Get your romantic Valentine’s evening off to a sparkling start with these striking champagne cocktails. If you’re looking for more Champagne cocktail ideas, read our guide, here
To start: Grilled oysters with garlic butter
Famously aphrodisiac, oysters embody the luxury of Valentine’s Day. Excite your date with this simple but impressive recipe.
Main course: Steak with creamy peppercorn sauce
Easy to rustle up, this rump steak recipe with creamy peppercorn sauce is an indulgence that’s quick to make.
Dessert: Nutty caramel tart with coffee ganache
Edd Kimber’s nutty caramel chocolate tart with coffee ganache is a rich, indulgent dessert. An impressive way to end a meal on Valentine’s Day. We’ve got even more chocolate tart inspiration, here
Sweet treat: Brown butter cakes (cupcakes)
Cupcakes, but not as you know them! Enjoy these light-as-a-feather buttery individual cakes, with golden chewy crust. The perfect partner for a cuppa, or an easy win for Valentine’s Day!
Long-term relationship
Surprise that special someone and remind them just how much they mean to you with this menu that avoids conventional options while oozing refinement. If you’re looking for an alternative main course and want to jazz up a bowl of pasta, check out our guide to posh pasta recipes
To start: Whipped goat’s cheese with baked figs
Simple to whip up, the lesser-known aphrodisiac quality of figs suggests subtle but sophisticated romance. A cute and colourful Valentine’s Day idea.
Main course: Hidden-egg-yolk ravioli with crispy sage and ’nduja oil
This handmade ravioli with hidden egg yolk is really impressive with crispy sage and ’nduja oil. Cut into the pasta to reveal the bursting egg for a showstopping dish this Valentine’s Day.
Dessert: Pistachio and white chocolate soufflé
End your evening on a luxurious note with these light-as-air soufflés made with pistachio paste and white chocolate ganache.
Fun and light hearted
New relationships can be tricky on Valentine’s Day. If you want to keep things casual and light-hearted, try out this colourful menu, which steers clear of all the traditional stereotypes. If you want to get hands on in the kitchen, check out our guide to the best pizza recipes, here
To start: 4 quick and easy camembert toppers
Get your Valentine’s Day off to a cheesy start with these baked camembert toppers, a fun and easy way to begin your meal. If you need even more cheese in your life, check out all our ideas, here
Main course: Roasted broccoli and feta flatbreads
Bursting with colour and flavour, this vegetarian main keeps things casual, although the pomegranate seeds and red chilli add subtle romantic undertones.
Dessert: Olive oil chocolate pots with orange and sea salt
Easy to prepare in advance, these olive oil chocolate pots with orange and sea salt are an indulgent dessert with a sweet freshness from the orange.
Restaurant style
Fancy treating your guest to gourmet restaurant-style food but want to stay in the intimate setting of your own home? If you’ve got all day to prepare, take a look at these fancy recipes from restaurants around the country. Take you cooking to the next level with our dinner party menu from Tommy Banks, here
To start: Glazed lokma doughnuts with spiced chicken liver parfait
This recipe for glazed lokma doughnuts with spiced chicken liver parfait comes from Le Bab in London and makes an impressive starter, full of unusual and delicious flavour combinations.
Main course: Beef brisket massaman curry
A hearty dish from Terry Blake’s south London restaurant, Sparrow. This beef brisket recipe is easy to make but takes a little time so best to start preparing early.
Dessert: Jasmine set custard with strawberry sorbet
Delight your Valentine with this elegant dessert from Bulrush in Bristol. It’s a bit of a challenge, but your hard work will pay off.
Left it to the last minute
Somehow missed the stands of heart-shaped chocolates at the end of every supermarket aisle? Restaurant double booked? Fear not! olive is here to save the day with our menu requiring as little preparation time as possible. If you need a speedy meal in only 15 minutes, check out our guide to our 29 quickest recipes, here
Aperitif: A clementine ‘last minute’ cocktail
Need to buy yourself a few extra minutes? Whip up this fruity cocktail to delight your guest while you finish off in the kitchen.
To start: Melon and prosciutto
Ready in just 5 minutes, this classic sweet-and-savoury starter is both refined and refreshing – a great way to start your Valentine’s Day meal.
Main course: Salmon with pesto crust
A light dish for a weeknight, this salmon with pesto crust served with green beans is easy to make. You wouldn’t guess it only takes 15 minutes to make.
Dessert: Blood orange and amaretti trifles
Sweet and creamy topped with nutty amaretti biscuits, these trifles are easy to whip them up in just 15 minutes then pop them into the fridge to chill for a couple of hours before eating. A fruity way to end your romantic meal.
‘Galentine’s’ Day
Being single is no reason to wallow on Valentine’s Day. Get your closest girlfriends together for a night of indulgence and fun, and let them know how much they mean to you. If you need some extra indulgence in your evening, check out our guide to the best macaroni and cheese recipes, here
Aperitif: Pink lemonade cocktail
Deliciously pink and sweet, the perfect way to kick off your girls’ night.
To start: Cheese, onion and sriracha garlic bread
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get all your single ladies together… and the best thing is garlic isn’t off limits!
Main course: Mix and match mac ‘n’ cheese bar
Place this comforting cheesy dish the middle of the table surrounded with the toppings in little bowls and let everyone dig in – no need for fancy presentation.
Dessert: Peanut butter and banana self-saucing chocolate pudding
We love an indulgent dessert and this chocolate self-saucing pudding is just that. Everybody grab and spoon and dig in…just don’t forget the side of ice cream. If you need more self-saucing pudding recipes, check out our guide, here
Family night in
Just because you’re in with the family doesn’t mean you can’t embrace Valentine’s Day! Check out these tasty recipes loved by kids and adults alike. If you need some extra inspiration, check out our guide to the best ever family friendly recipes, here
To start: Cheesy garlic dough balls
Why not get the kids involved in helping roll the mozzarella cubes into these cheesy garlic dough balls? These cheesy dough balls are a fun way to start your family Valentine’s meal.
Main course: Best-ever spaghetti bolognese
Our favourite bolognese recipe, with pancetta, pork sausages and lots of herbs and veggies to really ramp up the flavour. Make it in a slow cooker to give yourself more time for family doughball production!
Dessert: Malted milk and caramel ice-cream pie
A fun, easy, prepare-in-advance recipe that kids will adore and adults will secretly enjoy too. A real treat for Valentines Day.
Written by Rachel Dinsdale
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