Valentine’s Day – the most romantic date in the restaurant calendar. For many couples, it’s a special opportunity to share an intimate meal and create lasting memories. While exceptional food and service are critical to a successful Valentine’s Day meal, the true magic lies in the finer details—the finishing touches that elevate an experience from ordinary to unforgettable.
Here’s why those small but meaningful extras matter so much during a Valentine’s Day meal and how they can make your restaurant stand out.
1. Creating the right atmosphere
Ambiance is everything on Valentine’s Day. Couples are not just seeking a meal; they want an atmosphere that feels romantic, intimate, and a little luxurious.
Attention to lighting, music, and décor can make all the difference.
- Music and lighting: Soft lighting and smooth music creates a cozy, intimate feel. Candles add a romantic glow, paired with a gentle melodic or acoustic playlist will elevate the dining experience.
- Décor: Subtle touches like fresh flowers, tasteful Valentine’s-themed centerpieces, or elegant table settings with high-quality glassware and napkins create an inviting, special environment.
These details help transform your restaurant from a place to eat into a romantic escape, discover our range of table and glassware here: Bidfood catering supplies.
2. Thoughtful menus
Valentine’s Day menus should reflect the occasion with luxurious ingredients like scallops, King prawns, steak, truffle and burrata. But beyond the ingredients, offering a tailored, set menu or chef’s special can make the dining experience feel more exclusive.
- Wine pairing suggestions: Complement your dishes with curated wine pairings to elevate the meal.
- Shared dishes: Offer options like a seafood platter or dessert meant for sharing, fostering a sense of closeness for couples.
Why not have a look at our romantic recipes and selected pink drinks perfect for this Valentine’s Day.
Top tip: If you include steak on your Valentine’s Day menu, remember to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat. And by resting the meat after, it allows for all the juices to be redistributed throughout the cut making sure it doesn’t taste dry.
For more tips, check out our previous blog: What are the best steaks to have on Valentine’s Day menus?
You could also offer up a speciality cocktail which is Valentine’s Day themed. For example, this Raspberry Kiss cocktail would go down a treat:
Raspberry Kiss cocktail
| Disaronno Velvet | 25ml |
| Chambord | 12.5ml |
| Edinburgh Raspberry Gin Liqueur | 12.5ml |
| Double cream | 50ml |
| Fresh raspberries | 8 |
- Combine all ingredients in a Boston glass
- Shake and strain over ice then garnish
3. The little surprises
Valentine’s Day is all about surprise and delight. Small, unexpected gestures can transform the evening into something truly memorable.
- Gift for guests: Offer small takeaway gifts like boxed chocolates or a rose as a token of appreciation. These little mementos add a layer of thoughtfulness.
- Special requests: If a guest has arranged a surprise for their partner, work with them to deliver the experience flawlessly, whether it’s a pre-arranged song, a custom dessert message, or champagne at the table.
Finishing touches not only enhance the romantic atmosphere but also set your restaurant apart. So, as Valentine’s Day approaches, remember: it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
For more Valentine’s Day meal inspiration, recipes and table setting ideas, take a look at our seasonal magazine, winter edition here: winter seasonal produce & events. If your a business looking to create the perfect Valentine’s Day menu, explore our wholesale food services today.
