Valentine's Day can be arguably better spent at home, savoring the flavors of a decadent home-cooked meal, rather than battling it out for a restaurant reservation. Inspired to cook? We've curated a list of delectable gourmet recipes that will create an intimate, romantic setup.

Consider the piquant allure of truffle-infused mushroom pasta, the classic sophistication of Nobu's black cod with miso, or tantalizing Thai-spiced rib eyes. Add a side of fresh salad or vegetables, pair it with a choice bottle of wine, and complete the ambiance with some candlelight.

Think of it – the richness of sauce made with cremini mushrooms and wine countering the sweetness of lobster, all under a golden crust of Parmesan cheese. The romantic appeal of dishes like this comes accompanied by flavors that make a date night at home worth every effort.

Take a leap into the gastronomic arts with the seductive mastery of a dish by Tom Valenti, the 1990 "Best New Chef" according to Food & Wine. His recipe involves cooking short ribs for three hours in red wine with thyme and whole garlic cloves. What follows is a dish imbued with a tantalizing aroma hinting at the melty texture and robust flavor of the dish.

If you're looking for an impressive side dish, the steakhouse classic salad replete with crunchy iceberg lettuce, crisp candied bacon, and creamy Gorgonzola dressing is sure to please. Alternatively, individual portions of Wellington, with their crackling puff pastry and juicy roast beef, swathed in an earthy mushroom duxelle, screams of culinary extravagance.

Surprise your Valentine with a quick creamy polenta base topped with succulent shrimp that has been simmered in chicken stock and white wine. This recipe, inspired by David McCann's travels in Italy, brings a touch of Italian sophistication to your dinner table.

Other options to woo your significant other include a seafood-rich dish finished with shrimp and crab, imbued with the flavors of saffron and wine. Or perhaps go for the homemade gnocchi tossed in a sage-infused brown butter sauce with crispy bits of pancetta – a foodie's testament of love.

Cap the night with a celebratory note by serving a sturdy steak, rubbed with mildly spicy cocoa, and doused in a luxurious pan sauce of butter, cocoa, and red wine. As a final detailing, why not prepare an easy appetizer combining the slight spiciness of yuzu kosho with briny oysters, perfect to set the romantic mood.

Every Valentine's Day dining experience gains an extra spark with these home-based gourmet recipes, designed to thrill your Valentine's taste buds while turning your dining room into a five-star restaurant ambience.