How to Plan the Perfect Romantic Dinner (Without Losing Your Mind)

A panic-free guide: Because stress isn’t romantic — but candlelight, wine, and a well-thought-out plan definitely are.

So You’ve Decided to Plan a Romantic Dinner...

Whether it’s your first time planning something special or your tenth anniversary together, the pressure is real.

Will they love the food? Is the vibe right? Should there be candles? Music? Wine? Should you cook? Should you book?

Let’s take a deep breath.

Because planning the perfect romantic dinner doesn’t have to feel like a high-stakes Netflix drama. In fact, with the right approach, it can actually be... enjoyable. (Yes, really.)

Whether you're setting something up at home or whisking your partner away to a romantic restaurant, this step-by-step guide will help you pull off a night that feels personal, memorable, and just the right amount of magic.

Table of Contents: 

• Step 1: Save the Date

• Step 2: What’s the Mood Tonight?

• Step 3: Choose Your Love Setting

• Step 4: What’s on the Plate (And in the Glass)

• Step 5: It’s the Little Things

• Step 6: Say Cheese!

• Bonus Tip: For When You Want the Romance Handled

Step 1: Save the Date

The most common mistake? Leaving it to the last minute.

Lock in a date that works for both of you. That way, there’s no “Oops, I forgot I had a thing” moment.

Besides, planning in advance lets you:

• Reserve a table at your favorite restaurant

• Perfect a recipe your partner loves (happy belly = happy heart)

• Plan a surprise for some extra oomph

• Pick out a gift to make the night extra special

• And of course, build anticipation for the big night!

  
  

Step 2: What’s the Mood Tonight?

Fun date? Cheap date? Cute date? Virtual date? — there are so many ways this can go.

💡Choose based on what your partner actually enjoys, and not what Instagram says is romantic.

Here are some ideas for you:

• Classic Romantic Date 

Picture this — a well-set table, a glass of Chianti, heart-shaped ravioli, a tiramisu to share, and two soft smiles. It's old-school charm at its best.

Heart-shaped Ravioli di Frutti di Mare, a special at Chianti, that is sure to find its way into your heart with its flavorful mix of seafood with rich and creamy vodka pink sauce❤️

• Cozy & Intimate 

Perfect time to show off your cooking skills and win some hearts. Put on your PJs, pick a good rom-com, and maybe even cook together. Extra points if you serve dinner by candlelight at home.

• Fun & Playful 

Think board games, escape rooms, DIY art, or even a salsa class before dinner.

• Virtual Date

Locking eyes through the screen? Be sure to order your partner’s favorite dish for them and tune in to the classic Netflix & chill with some bonus virtual pictionary. 

Step 3: Choose Your Love Setting

You know what separates “just dinner” from a romantic dinner? The scene you set.

If you're staying in:

• Lighting: Warm, soft lighting always wins. Dim the lights, add a couple of candles, maybe a string of fairy lights if you're feeling extra.

• Music: Playlists matter. Pick music that makes the heart flutter. 

• Décor: A simple tablecloth, two plates, one flower vase — enough to say, “Hey, I tried.”

• Scent: Light a candle or incense. Even better? Cook something aromatic.

  
  

If you're going out:

Choose a place that makes you feel special — somewhere that lets you indulge in the moment. Avoid noisy pubs where the music drowns your voice. Look for a space that feels thoughtful, considers your special requests, and lets you fall in love again (or for the first time).

Hint: At Chianti, we believe dining is about creating moments. And our candlelight dinners? They’re made for just that.

Reserve a Table

Step 4: What’s on the Plate (And in the Glass)

Chianti's pesce alla griglia, buratta cremosa pizza, and a glass of wine for a happy belly

Now for the star of the night: food and wine.

If you’re cooking at home:

• Choose dishes you’re confident with (this is not the night to experiment with risotto).

• Pasta, grilled veggies, and chocolate-based desserts are usually safe winners.

• Pair it with wine that complements the meal (or champagne if you’re celebrating).

💡Cooking together can be a whole date in itself. Play music, pour some wine, and don’t stress if the sauce gets salty. Laughing through it is part of the charm.

Not up for cooking? Fair. We’ve got a bonus tip for that.

Step 5: It’s the Little Things

Romance is all about effort. You don’t have to get everything perfect. The goal is to connect.

Add a dash of personal touch to make it feel extra special. Think about what makes your partner smile — 

Is it Ed Sheeran on repeat? 

Is it tiramisu? 

Is it roses? 

Is it you in their favorite shirt?

It doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be thoughtful. And you.

Step 6: Say Cheese!

You can’t end a good date without capturing it. Take pictures of your food, your smiles, your little moments. Consider framing the memory (and maybe even the menu if you’re sentimental like that).

Bonus Tip: For When You Want the Romance Handled

Whether you're celebrating years together or just the joy of good company, a candlelight dinner at Chianti is an experience made for connection.

It’s not just dinner — it’s your own little Italian love story, right here in Bangalore.

A romantic 3-course candlelight dinner at Chianti, featuring two appetizers, two main courses, a shared dessert, and two glasses of wine, beautifully arranged with roses and candles for an intimate dining experience.

Last-minute plan? We’ve got you.

A special occasion? Whether it’s a first date, an anniversary, or a mid-week reason to pause and reconnect, there's something magical about a quiet evening over Italian food.

Want to plan a surprise? Add a handwritten note, pick a cozy corner table, or request your partner’s favorite wine in advance. We love being part of your story. Just let us know, and we’ll take care of everything!

Reserve a Table

Whatever You Choose, Make It Feel Like You

There’s no one-size-fits-all for a romantic dinner. It is about what feels right for your relationship.

So go on and block that calendar, light those candles, cue the playlist. And remember, if in doubt, Chianti’s always got your back. ❤️

---

Be the first to hear about new dishes, intimate events, hands-on workshops, and everything we're cooking up at Chianti. Sign up for our newsletter.

Sign me up!