Imagine a Valentine’s Day infused with the essence of Italy – a night where love dances in the air, and every bite is a testament to passion. Welcome to our curated collection of “20 Romantic Dinner Ideas from Italy,” a guide that promises to transform your Valentine’s celebration into an unforgettable Italian escapade. Our recipes and videos set you up for success!
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these Italian wonders, ranging from classic risottos to heartwarming pastas, are crafted to inspire and delight. So, don your apron, light some candles, and let the allure of Italy transform your dining table into a tableau of amore. Buon appetito, and let the journey of love begin!
Romantic Dinner Ideas: Seafood
#1 Spaghetti with Clam Sauce
Succulent and easy—with our tips and video guide! Better than what you’ll find in almost every Italian restaurant outside of Italy! Serve with a glass of fine Vermentino wine!
#2 Baked Sea Bass for Lovers (with Potatoes and Tomatoes)
What’s more romantic than traveling vicariously to the popular island of Sardegna where sea bass is always the catch of the day? If working with whole fish isn’t your thing, just sandwich the herbs and aromatics between two cleaned filets. Sea bass is so mild, it appeals to almost everyone. Fast and easy and oh so tasty.
#3 Spaghetti with Mussels and Tomatoes
Even easier than Spaghetti with Clams (mussels require virtually no prep), this classic Italian pasta recipe is a way to keep things light and tasty so you have plenty of energy for the rest of the evening.
#4 Penne alla Vodka with Salmon (Smoked)
A SUPER easy pasta dish that will knock your socks off! There are two ways to make a classic Italian vodka pasta recipe—this is the salmon variation. Vodka is an easy way to elevate sauces to the next level. This recipe is incredibly easy and will transport you to the passionate 1980 disco scene of Italy.
Romantic Dinner Ideas: Meat Lovers’
#5 Penne alla Vodka with Pancetta
Prefer to a meat-lovers’ version of the famous Penne alla Vodka? Look no further than this recipe with tomato and pancetta, popular during the 1970’s in Italy.
#6 Truffle Pasta
If there’s ever a time to indulge in a truffle-infused dish, it’s Valentine’s Day! If you can’t find or afford fresh truffle, feel free to use a truffle-infused product to take this Norcia Pasta recipe to the next level.
#7 Best Italian Steak Recipe
A super easy way to indulge in your carnivorous appetites for Valentine’s Day! The famous ‘Tagliata’ is easy to prepare in a pan. Be sure to follow the tips and watch the video to master this easy recipe.
#8 Beef Wellington
We know, this is not an ‘easy’ recipe, but it’s a great dish to tackle as a couple for Valentine’s Day. While not ‘Italian,’ this recipe does sing with Italian flavors: prosciutto and mushroom! Our video recipe makes it easy to make this famous dish step by step.
#9 Ragù Bolognese with Tagliatelle
Ragù Bolognese is a popular recipe for most every Italian holiday. It’s very easy, and while you slow cook it, you and your love can finish the bottle of wine that doesn’t go in the Ragù 😉
#10 Spaghetti Carbonara
One of the most popular Italian recipes in the world, make Valentine dinner special by enjoying it just as they do in Italy! Worried about raw eggs and foodborne illness? Don’t be! You can either use store-bought pasteurized egg yolks, or cook the egg sauce as we explain how to do in our recipe for Seafood Carbonara!
#11 ‘Papalina’ Pasta
Don’t let the name fool you, the so-called ‘Pope’s Pasta’ is a lesson in passion and decadence! With a creamy egg sauce, onion, prosciutto and parmigiano cheese, this pasta dish will make it hard to concentrate on your Valentine.
Romantic Valentine Dinner Ideas: Vegetarian
There’s nothing wrong with keeping it light and easy for Valentine’s Day dinner. These Italian Vegetarian recipes fit the bill. If you are looking for something cheesy or creamy to make for Valentine dinner, you’ll likely find it here.
#12 Butternut Squash Risotto
We can’t understand why more people aren’t interested in making risotto! It’s not hard!! We promise 🙂 We’ll show you how to make restaurant-quality risotto in a few simple steps. Finish it with butter, Parmigiano or even gorgonzola cheese.
#13 Fettuccine ‘Alfredo’
Believe it or not, this classic dish is one of the fastest and easiest you can make from the Italian vaults. It’s so easy, restaurants in Italy usually don’t bother to put it on the menu. However, if you make it the right way, it’ll be better than anything you’ve ever had at a restaurant.
#14 Butternut Squash Ravioli
Prove your love with homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli, or make it as a couple! This is a traditional recipe from Mantova Italy and has some fun ingredients. We think it will be the best ravioli you’ve ever tasted!
Valentine Dinner Ideas: Desserts
#15 Tiramisù
After a delicious Italian main course, you’ll want a ‘pick me up’ (the Italian translation of ‘Tiramisù)! No raw eggs, no worries.
#16 Italian Hot Chocolate
Yes, there is such a thing as an Italian hot chocolate and it is an easy, decadent end to a delicious Valentine dinner.
#17 Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate Lava Cake—so easy and you’ll definitely want to reach for the Italian chocolate brands we recommend.
#18 Sicilian Cannoli
Finish Valentine dinner with the flavors of Sicily!
#19 Zuppa Inglese
This dessert is a great date night dessert for lovers who love to cook 🙂 Layers of sponge cake… two types of silky pastry cream… liquor. What’s not to love? Serve it in a trifle bowl if the cake seems too difficult.
#20 Italian Almond Cake
This Italian Almond Cake is a Tuscan classic. Simple, butter, delicious!
Valentine Gift Ideas for Italian Foodies!
We’ve got SO MANY gift ideas for the foodie or cooking enthusiast. Click the links to learn more:
Italian ‘Made in Italy’ Mortar and Pestle
Made in Italy Ceramic Gifts
‘Made in Italy’ Hand Crank Pasta Machines
These are the most affordable models of pasta roller/cutter machines as they are hand crank. Amazon Affiliate links:
►Marcato: https://amzn.to/3tuia4X
► Imperia: https://amzn.to/48iEb5B
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means at no extra cost to you, PIATTO may earn a small commission if you click the links and make a qualifying purchase.
