Valentine’s Day tends to come with a lot of pressure. Much like New Year’s Eve, it’s one of those occasions where the “perfect night” out often falls short of expectations. Restaurants are packed, the prix-fixe menus are overpriced, and more often than not, the food is rushed out without much care. That hardly sounds like the recipe for romance.
That’s why a few years ago, Jeff and I decided to skip the chaos and start a new tradition of celebrating at home. Instead of fighting for reservations or settling for lackluster meals, we cook for each other. We go all in—planning weeks in advance, dreaming up decadent menus, and surprising each other with thoughtful touches. One of my favorite things Jeff does each year is print a custom Valentine’s menu for us—it’s such a simple gesture, but it makes the evening feel extra special.
Over time, this ritual has made me fall completely in love with Valentine’s Day. Rather than dreading it or dismissing it as another over-commercialized holiday, I look forward to it with genuine excitement. It feels personal, joyful, and fun—exactly what a celebration should be.
This Year’s Twist: Movie-Inspired Menus
For this Valentine’s Day, we decided to give our tradition a little spin by creating a movie theme. Since we’re both big film lovers, pairing a meal with a favorite romantic movie just made sense. Designing menus is one of my guilty pleasures, so the thought of matching dishes to the mood and spirit of a film felt like the ultimate creative challenge.
And here’s the best part: this idea isn’t just for couples. A cozy night in with a friend (or even solo!) can be just as enjoyable. Delicious food, a bottle of wine, and a movie you adore—it’s a Valentine’s plan that works beautifully whether or not romance is on the table.
So if you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve put together three of our favorite Valentine’s movies with three menu pairing ideas to match.
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The vibe: Classic, stylish, and effortlessly chic. Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly is timeless, and the film feels like pure old-school romance.
Menu pairing:
- Appetizer: Smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche and dill (elegant but light).
- Main course: Champagne risotto with seared scallops—creamy, indulgent, and perfect with bubbles.
- Dessert: Croissants with chocolate dipping sauce, a playful nod to Holly’s iconic pastry-and-coffee breakfast.
Why it works: The food mirrors the sophistication of the movie without feeling overly fussy. It’s refined, but still accessible enough to make at home.
2. When Harry Met Sally
The vibe: Comforting, witty, and relatable. This is a love story that unfolds over years of friendship, with a good dose of humor.
Menu pairing:
- Appetizer: A big New York-style deli board—think pastrami, pickles, rye bread, and mustard.
- Main course: Classic spaghetti and meatballs (bonus points if you share a plate Lady and the Tramp style).
- Dessert: A towering slice of New York cheesecake, ideally with strawberries on top.
Why it works: This menu is hearty, familiar, and rooted in the film’s New York setting. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel cozy and cared for, just like the movie itself.
3. Chocolat
The vibe: Sensual, whimsical, and full of temptation. This is a story about indulgence, freedom, and the magic of food itself.
Menu pairing:
- Appetizer: Spiced roasted nuts with cinnamon and cayenne—flavorful and a little unexpected.
- Main course: Roast chicken with mole sauce, a nod to the blend of sweet and savory flavors in the film.
- Dessert: A flourless dark chocolate cake with chili-infused ganache.
Why it works: The food embraces the film’s central theme—pleasure in every bite. Each dish carries a little mystery, spice, and romance.
Why Staying In Wins Every Time
The beauty of a Valentine’s night at home is that you get to create an experience that’s entirely your own. There’s no rushing to beat traffic, no awkwardly timed courses at a restaurant, and no disappointment when the evening doesn’t match the hype. Instead, you’re in control. You set the mood with music, candles, or a movie. You savor food that you’ve chosen and prepared with intention. And you spend the night focused on each other—or simply on enjoying yourself.
For us, that’s what makes the day feel magical. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about expensive gestures or grand performances. Sometimes the most meaningful celebrations are the ones that happen around your own dining table, with a menu you designed, a movie you love, and the people who make you happiest.
So this week, as Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m already buzzing with excitement. I have my movie lineup, my menu ideas, and my shopping list ready to go. Whether you’re planning a romantic night for two or just looking for a fun way to treat yourself, I hope this inspires you to make your own at-home tradition.
Because honestly? A cozy dinner, a great film, and good company will always outshine an overpriced prix-fixe in a crowded restaurant.
