Food plays an integral part in a date night dinner. Whether this is your first date night dinner or your 25th, having the appropriate date night food is crucial to ensure a successful experience.
However, what goes into the dish is also crucial. In order to avoid any unwanted, pungent odors through garlicky date night foods, it’s important to have an understanding of the various options for date night dinner foods.
In this article, we will attempt to explore some interesting food ideas for date night dinners that can add an element of fun, and help ensure a successful pleasant experience.
Sushi
Sushi can be a great option for those who enjoy experimenting with food on date night. It can serve as both an appetizer, as well as a main course.
Some restaurants even offer live sushi counters where you can have a fun interaction and break the ice. However, it’s important to ensure that both you and your date have good chopsticks skills to avoid any funny, yet embarrassing moments.
Homemade Quiche
Quiche is a classic meal for a romantic date night in. It's easy to make, looks impressive, and can be customized with endless flavors and ingredients. Plus, the presentation is delicious - a perfect golden-brown crust filled with creamy egg custard and your favorite mix-ins like bacon, spinach, or mushrooms. Quiche looks great on any dinner table and is sure to impress your significant other. Just serve it with a side salad or seasonal vegetables
This is a light meal and healthy option. Easy to make if you want to impress your date or you can purchase it at some bakeries and online at Dufour Gourmet.
Lasagna
This dish has all the ingredients of a classic lasagna like the flat lasagna noodles, béchamel sauce, cheese and herbs; but with a unique and elevated presentation that makes it a creative twist to the traditional beef lasagna, which makes it one of the best date night foods.
Steak Au Poivre
If your date night food ideas include meat with a French touch, the steak-in-pepper sauce would be a perfect choice.
Filet steak dressed with black pepper, beef stock, onion, and fresh thyme with just the right amount of garlic, makes it a delectable food for date night.
Pithiviers and Meat pies
Pithiviers is a delicious and elevated option for a date night dinner, similar to a small meat pie. The savory meat filling with foie gras or black truffle and outer baked crust, make for a delectable, satisfying date night food.
A well-crafted meat pie recipe is very easy to cook, and tastes best when served fresh. You can also prepare it in advance and reheat it later on. Additionally, you can also try pre-cooked meat pie made with pork, poultry, foie gras, roasted onions, pistachios and mushrooms. All you have to do is take it out of the box and reheat it in the oven.
Creamy Pasta with Truffle White Sausage
This simple pasta dish with roasted mushrooms and truffle boudin blanc is the perfect date night meal. Start by sautéing the mushrooms in butter and garlic for a delicious depth of flavor. Then, add your cooked pasta to the pan and mix in some cream to create a creamy sauce (ideally crème fraîche). Finally, top it off with thinly sliced truffle boudin blanc - when sliced, this sausage gives off an aromatic truffle aroma which pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
The cocktail size boudin blancs (our winter special) are ideal for this dish as they are bite-sized and easy to prepare. In no time you'll be enjoying an indulgent dinner that will be sure to warm your soul on those cold winter evenings.
San Francisco Cioppino
San Francisco Cioppino, also known as Fisherman’s stew, is a flavorful Italian-American speciality that incorporates mussels, shrimp and cod. Bits and pieces of different types of seafood are added to the stew to enhance the overall taste, which is prepared with a tomato-based sauce. Thus, it is widely considered as one of the best, healthy winter soups.
Mediterranean fish with tomato and olive Tapenade
For those looking for the best gourmet foods online, Mediterranean fish with tomato sauce and olive tapenade would be the perfect option.
This date night food is very easy to whip up, and features fresh fish, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, caper, and garlic. The addition of fresh herbs and olive oil adds a burst of flavor to the recipe, making it a perfect option for a date night dinner.
Tapas, Antipasti, Charcuterie and Cheese Board
Cooking Tapas, Antipasti, Charcuterie and Cheese Board for date night is an impressive way to show your partner that you care. A great selection of olives, cheeses, salami, charcuterie and fresh seasonal vegetables will make a delicious spread and dips. Adding Bayonne Ham to the plate will make it stand out even more; its delicate flavor and delicate texture will look great in the presentation. Enjoy with a glass of wine while discussing how good life can be!
Risotto with seared scallops
This simple yet delicious dish of risotto with seared scallops, crème fraîche, and parmesan is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Start by sautéing shallots in olive oil until they are golden before adding the rice and stir to combine. Then slowly add your stock cup by cup while stirring continuously until the stock is absorbed before adding more.
Once all the stock has been added and the risotto is creamy and tender, season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, sear the scallops in butter until golden brown, plate them on top of the risotto and finish with crème fraîche and freshly grated parmesan cheese. With its luxurious combination of flavors and textures this classic Italian dish will satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
This date night food is an easy-to-cook meal and makes a great option for a date night dinner if you want to cook together.
Photo by Stijn Nieuwendijk @Flickr
FAQ’s
What's the best food for a date?
The best dish for date nights depends on the preferences of the couple. Some popular options include sushi, meat pies, quiches, tapas and pasta dishes.
However, it is important to avoid food items that are difficult to eat, such as whole lobsters or tower burgers. Similarly, date night dishes that create a pungent smell should also be avoided.
Before ordering the dish, it is best to consider the dietary restrictions and/or allergies of your date. If he/she is allergic to any food item, you should pay attention to these factors before finalizing your order.
What is the most romantic dish?
Dishes that are rich with creamy sauces, whipped cream or cream cheese, are often considered more romantic due to their subtle flavors and velvety texture.
Examples of such romantic dishes include pasta and risotto.
But what truly makes a romantic dinner is the overall setting and ambience. A well-decorated table with candles, flowers, and white wine glasses can be the perfect finishing touch to create a romantic ambiance.
How do you make a special romantic dinner date?
Planning a special dinner can be a nerve-wracking proposition. Thus, try to relax before the big day. You can visit a spa or massage center and pamper yourself for physical and mental relaxation.
The date should begin with a toast, as it is a traditional and elegant way to start. Serving alcohol helps to break the ice and add to the fun.
Food is definitely the centerpiece of a special romantic dinner date. Hence, you should choose the restaurant wisely. It would be best to select a fancy restaurant that was on your date’s “to-visit” list for a long time or to reserve a table at a familiar place where you are at ease and know the staff and food well.
In case you want to have a cozy and romantic dinner, consider making dinner at home. To savor exquisite food, you do not need to have advanced cooking skills, you can browse online and order pre-made french delicacies, that will only require reheating!
To make the evening and the romantic moments memorable, try to capture those beautiful moments with some exquisite photographs.
What kind of food is made for special occasions?
Any type of food can be prepared for special occasions. However, there are certain factors that you should take into account while planning the menu.
The first thing to consider is the cultural and ethical beliefs of your date. People observing certain religions may abstain from consuming certain types of foods. You should consider that while planning the menu.
Another thing to take into consideration is if your date has any special dietary needs. For instance, if he or she has gluten or lactose intolerance, and/or are allergic to nuts, this should factor in your dinner menu. Thus, it is best to include gluten-free food on said menu.
A few of the food items you can consider for special occasions are roast lamb, duck breast, gratin dauphinois or vegetable gratin, and for dessert crême brûlée, fruit tart or chocolate mousse.
Conclusion
Dates are a great way to get to know someone, or even reconnect with a loved one. No matter what your date night looks like—dinner and a movie, exploring your city, or just staying in for some quality time—what you eat can make or break the mood. So choose wisely! The right food will set the tone for a perfect evening together.