Looking for delicious ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day? From cozy breakfasts and elegant appetizers to hearty dinners and decadent desserts, I’ve rounded up special recipes I hope will inspire you to spoil your loved ones on this meaningful day.
Welcome to my collection of Valentine’s Day recipes! Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast in bed, a romantic dinner for two, or simply a sweet treat to share with family and friends, this guide has you covered with inspiring ideas that range from indulgent classics to creative Japanese‑inspired dishes.
Here, you’ll find a curated selection of breakfast favorites, elegant appetizers, satisfying mains, and irresistible desserts—all chosen for flavor, ease, and the joy they bring to Valentine’s celebrations.
Nami’s Tips for Valentine’s Day Menu
Here are my top tips to help you create a memorable meal and celebration:
- Plan your menu around love and flavor. Start with dishes that feel special but are easy to execute. Think fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes for breakfast, cozy pastas for dinner, and rich chocolates or matcha desserts for a sweet ending.
- Mix classic favorites with Japanese twists. Infuse traditional Valentine’s dishes with Japanese flavors for a unique touch.
- Focus on presentation. Highlight the little details. Use garnishes, fresh herbs, or vibrant fruit to make dishes visually appealing.
- Cook together (or for someone special). Sharing the cooking experience can be just as fun as enjoying the meal. Invite loved ones to help with simple tasks like stirring sauces, topping pancakes, or decorating desserts.
- Set the mood. Don’t forget the ambiance! Candles, music, or a special table setting can turn a simple meal into an intimate celebration.
Wishing you a Valentine’s Day full of love!
Breakfast/Brunch Ideas
The Best French Toast
You can never go wrong with classic French toast for an indulgent breakfast. This special recipe comes from the chef at Asaya Hotel in Kinugawa Onsen, known for its luxurious hot spring stays. The toast turns out irresistibly fluffy and tender on the inside, with a beautifully golden, crisp exterior. Perfect for breakfast—or a leisurely brunch. You decide.
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The Best Homemade Crepes
Light and moist with delicately crispy edges, these crepes are such a joy to eat. Since you can fill or top them with just about anything, they make a lovely addition to a special breakfast menu. In the recipe post, I share plenty of filling ideas—both sweet and savory—so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
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Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
Surprise your special someone first thing in the morning with Japanese soufflé pancakes. Serve these cloud-like pancakes with fresh berries and a pot of freshly brewed coffee, and you’ve got the perfect breakfast in bed. Honestly—who wouldn’t want to wake up to this?
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Japanese Avocado Toast アボカドトースト
Start Valentine’s morning with a healthy and delicious twist on Avocado Toast! Top creamy mashed or sliced avocado with creative Japanese flavors like ramen egg, furikake, and a drizzle of sesame oil for a breakfast that’s both fun and satisfying.
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Matcha Latte
Warm hearts this Valentine’s Day with a creamy, frothy homemade Matcha Latte! Made with vibrant green tea powder and your choice of dairy or plant-based milk, this antioxidant-packed drink tastes even better than Starbucks.
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Royal Milk Tea
Royal Milk Tea, a beloved drink in Japan, is easy to make at home using Assam or Darjeeling black tea and milk. Sweeten with sugar or honey to taste, and enjoy this soothing beverage with your breakfast.
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Lunch or Dinner
Japanese Onion Dressing
This Japanese onion dressing is an absolute star that instantly elevates any salad you pair it with. It’s simple to make, yet wonderfully complex and full of flavor. Even non-salad eaters may find themselves reaching for seconds.
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Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
Salad, soup, and steak—sometimes an occasion like Valentine’s Day calls for the classics. This homemade Caesar salad is topped with crunchy garlic croutons and finished with a creamy dressing made with Japanese mayonnaise, adding a subtle twist to a timeless favorite.
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Japanese Sake Steamed Clams
Bring izakaya-style fun to Valentine’s dinner with small plates like these Japanese sake-steamed clams. Ready in just 10 minutes with only five ingredients!
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Steak Garlic Rice
Tender seared beef tossed in smoky steak sauce, served over buttery garlic rice—this is the kind of dish that wins hearts! Pair it with a light soup and simple salad, plus your favorite wine or romantic drinks, for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner.
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Miso Cod (Black Cod with Miso)
Seafood is a classic choice for Valentine’s Day, and Black Cod with Miso (Miso Cod 銀だらの西京焼き) is especially elegant. Instead of splurging at a fancy restaurant, you can easily recreate this iconic dish at home. The recipe works just as well with other fish, such as sea bass, halibut, or salmon.
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Japanese Hamburger Steak (Hambagu)
Skip the steakhouse and make a special dinner at home! This Japanese Hamburger Steak (Hambagu) is juicy, melts in your mouth, and is served with a rich red wine reduction that perfectly complements the flavors.
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Japanese Stewed Hamburger Steak (Nikomi Hambagu)
For another flavorful twist on hamburger, try Nikomi Hambagu, or Japanese Stewed Hamburger Steak. The patties are first seared, then gently simmered in a rich, savory wine-reduction sauce. Finish with a layer of melty cheese for an extra indulgent touch!
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Spicy Shoyu Ramen
If your loved one likes bold flavors, Spicy Shoyu Ramen is a fun choice. Top it with a soft-boiled egg, fish cake, nori, and tender chashu—or take a shortcut with Trader Joe’s pork belly—for a bowl that’s both spicy and irresistibly romantic.
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Vegetarian Ramen
Ramen can be surprisingly romantic, especially a brightly flavored homemade bowl. This vegetarian version is easy to make, and its rich, creamy broth will delight your taste buds. Pair it with chilled rosé or green tea for a special touch.
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Creamy Mushroom and Bacon Pasta
“I never comment on recipe pages, and I do try a lot of recipes online. However, this was exceptional!” — from our Australian reader with Italian heritage.If you’re thinking of pasta for Valentine’s dinner, this recipe is a must-try. Creamy, luscious, and elegant yet simple, it’s so good for a cozy date night. Vegetarian? Skip the bacon and use a mix of mushrooms for an equally delicious version.
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Japanese-style Shrimp and Broccolini Pasta
Japanese-style Pasta with Shrimp and Broccolini is an easy dish everyone will enjoy. Tossed in crunchy garlic chili oil, dashi soy sauce, and butter, this wafu pasta is bursting with flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes!
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Cioppino
This tomato-based seafood stew is inspired by a famous local recipe from Moss Landing, near San Francisco. Warm, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s best enjoyed with crusty bread and a chilled bottle of white wine.
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Poke Bowl
A tropical getaway to Hawaii might be a dream, but you can bring the island to your table with this easy poke bowl. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a fun way to enjoy a taste of the islands. For an extra sunny touch, pair it with a Mai Tai or a Hawaiian-style Margarita!
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Japanese Cream Stew (White Stew)
This classic yoshoku (Western-style Japanese) dish is loaded with tender chicken, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and broccoli. While it’s simple to make from scratch, you can use instant cream stew mix for a convenient shortcut. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread for a comforting lunch or dinner.
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Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Juicy and sweet, with just a hint of garlic, these succulent oven-baked Honey Garlic Pork Chops make an intimate meal. Pair them with roasted vegetables and finish with a sweet dessert and a glass of sake or white wine for a balanced, romantic dinner.
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Steak Salad with Shoyu Dressing
For a lighter meal, this seared steak salad with shoyu dressing feels both elegant and satisfying. Juicy ribeye slices rest on a bed of fresh greens, lightly dressed in a tangy, savory Japanese-style vinaigrette. It's simple, refined, and made for sharing.
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Desserts & Sweets
Nama Chocolate
Rich and smooth homemade Nama Chocolate made with chocolate and fresh cream, this ROYCE’s copycat chocolate is a truly special treat. It’s one of the most popular gifts from Japan. Make a double batch and share it with everyone you care about.
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Chocolate Gateau (Chocolate Cake)
This moist and rich Chocolate Gateau is a classic Japanese café dessert. Topped with strawberries and fresh whipped cream, it’s a decadent, elegant treat to make at home for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion
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Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Fresh strawberries and chocolate are a classic Valentine’s Day pairing. These chocolate-covered strawberries are easy to make—even the little ones can join in—and ready in under 30 minutes with just two ingredients.
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Basque Cheesecake
We’re head over heels for Basque burnt cheesecake, especially for special occasions. Its caramelized top and irresistibly creamy center are sure to steal hearts.
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Japanese Strawberry Shortcake
Moist, airy, and light, Japanese Strawberry Shortcake is among the most popular cakes in Japan. This elegant and classic dessert is perfect for any celebration. Here, I share how to keep the sponge cake moist and decorate it with berries and fresh whipped cream.
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Madeleines
These bite-sized French butter cakes, with a hint of lemon, are as pretty as they are delicious—an ideal treat to share with everyone you want to pamper this month of love!
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Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding)
Topped with a deliciously bittersweet caramel sauce, Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding) is a popular homemade dessert. This recipe is Japan‘s take on crème caramel—also called flan or caramel pudding. Follow my tips for a foolproof caramel and a silky smooth custard.
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Matcha Tiramisu
Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, this Matcha Tiramisu layers green tea–soaked ladyfingers with airy mascarpone cream. A modern Japanese twist on a classic Italian dessert, its vibrant green color makes a stunning impression.
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Editor’s Note: The post was originally published on February 10, 2016. The contents have been updated with new recipes in January 2024.