Chefs Dish the Best Recipes to Make for Valentine's Day Based on Your Favorite Rom-Coms

Ranking right up there with iconic pairings like cookies and cream and Ina and Jeffrey, dinner and a movie is one of the most beloved duos ever. 

Once upon a time, date night agendas would involve one of those activities before another; say, a table for two to split salad and pizza prior to swooning over Sleepless in Seattle. But these days, thanks to streaming services and dine-in theaters, films and feasting can coexist more seamlessly than ever. Which got us thinking, what if we matched our menus to the setting, theme, or characters on screen? Bliss, chefs say, especially if your flicks are related to love stories.

“Food and rom-coms work so well together because they live in the same emotional neighborhood,” explains celebrity chef George Duran. “Romance is about intimacy and gestures that land big. Food works pretty much the same way. Rom-coms are about connection, and food is the physical expression of that.”

Of course, you could simply whip up a dinner inspired by your all-time favorite romantic comedy. Or for the ultimate experience, invite a loved one (or celebrate yourself!), cue up the film, fill your plates with the movie’s menu match, and press “play.”

When Harry Met Sally…

Your rom-com movie recipe pairing: Pastrami on Rye with Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Private chef Jacob Schroeder admits that he hasn’t seen this beloved 1989 box office hit. Still, he’s extremely familiar with the most legendary scene, set at a booth inside Katz’s Deli in Manhattan. There, we watch as the two stars dive into sandwiches while discussing the nature of relationships. Sally (Meg Ryan) does so with such mock gusto while trying to get her point across to Harry (Billy Crystal) that several other onlookers turn to see what all the fuss is about. 

The sandwiches don’t have anything to do with the topic at hand, yet their mere appearance on the table has us dreaming about which deli meat we’ll order. So to pair with this rom-com, your best bet is Harry’s order: Pastrami on rye with mustard. Add a side of coleslaw to tip a cap to the side Sally snacks on after her dramatic performance.

“New York is practically a supporting character in this movie, and nothing says old-school Manhattan like a proper pastrami sandwich,” Duran says. “Eat it slowly, argue while chewing and then somehow feel closer by the end.”

Clueless

Your rom-com movie recipe pairing: Tomato-Avocado Grilled Cheese

Part teenage coming-of-age story, part rom-com, this 1995 movie had us rooting for Cher (Alicia Silverstone) and Josh (Paul Rudd) from the moment they first lock eyes. (By the way, if the storyline feels vaguely familiar, this blockbuster film is a loose adaptation of Jane Austen's 1815 novel Emma.)

The plot comes to life in Southern California, so Duran directs us to a dish that feels very L.A: “For me, nothing screams ‘Los Angeles’ quite like avocado toast. This is peak West Coast confidence on a plate. Clean, curated, and convinced it’s doing something good for you,” he says.

Think we would serve it open-faced? As if. We’re taking the concept of avocado toast and giving it a cheesy spin to tip our caps to the passionate kiss that concludes the “will they or won’t they?” pursuit at the heart of the story.

Dirty Dancing

Your rom-com movie recipe pairing: Fudgy Chocolate Dump Cake

Admittedly, this is more of a rom-dram than a rom-com. But the 1987 movie is such a classic that we couldn’t resist teeing it up for our chefs to salsa to.

In case you missed it, Dirty Dancing follows 17-year-old high schooler Frances “Baby” (Jennifer Grey) and 25-year-old dance instructor Johnny (Patrick Swayze), who meet at a resort in the Catskills, New York.

“When I think of Dirty Dancing, I think of something sinful,” Duran says, like the age gap between the lovers and their memorable and seductive dance (we’ll never forget that lift!). “Dark chocolate cake is the perfect pairing. A little decadent and dangerous,” with an alluring nature that aligns with the slow burn of the movie, Duran adds. Plus, its bittersweet flavor pays tribute to the ambiguous ending of the movie. Did they stay together? You get to decide—over another slice.

Say Anything…

Your rom-com movie recipe pairing: Pizza

Sometimes, you don’t need to say anything to get your point across. That’s certainly the case when recent high school grad Lloyd (John Cusack) shows up outside the window of the class valedictorian/his crush Diane (Ione Skye). Lloyd holds a boombox overhead while the speakers blast Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes,” a song that has deep meaning for them together. 

Since Lloyd literally delivers his love note to Ione, Duran believes there’s only one fitting menu pairing: Pizza, in homage to one of America’s favorite delivery orders. 

“Graduation parties, airport drop-offs and standing outside someone’s house with a boombox? Pizza is perfect, because it can show up when plans fall apart and you’re figuring things out in real time,” Duran says. Plus, you can piece it together, much like a love story being woven together over time, despite the odds.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Your rom-com movie recipe pairing: Lamb Wraps with Lemon Potatoes

To this day, this 2002 raucous rom-com remains the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. We’re sweet on the love story between Toula (Nia Vardalos) and Ian (Jon Corbett)—who have the cards stacked against them due to Toula’s family’s prejudice against non-Greek partners—and the fact that food and drink play large roles in the movie. 

At the beginning of the movie, lamenting traditional gender roles and cultural expectations, Toula says, “there are three things that every Greek woman must do in life: marry Greek boys, make Greek babies, and feed everyone.”

Since this is clearly a family affair from start to finish, “this movie requires a big, shareable feast with lots of small plates,” confirms chef Saul Ramos. Try succulent lamb and serve it with pitas or tortillas and a variety of toppings so everyone can assemble their dream combo. Alongside, pass a big platter of lemon potatoes, Duran suggests. 

“This dish feels like it belongs on a table where everyone is talking at once, and nobody is measuring portions. It reflects the warmth and chaos of the family at the center of the story,” Duran tells BHG.

Pretty Woman

Your rom-com movie recipe pairing: Sticky Cherry Chicken

In this 1990 film, wealthy businessman Edward (Richard Gere) has risen to success by prioritizing work over play—and over partners. Over the course of a week with Vivian (Julia Roberts), a Hollywood escort whom he hires, Edward slowly learns to reprioritize, and the pair sparks up a real romance. It ends with (you guessed it!) a fairy-tale kiss. On a fire escape, no less! 

Whether your romantic relationship or friendship is new or longstanding, Schroeder suggests skipping the formal service ware and eliminating the stress of which fork to use for each course, as Vivian did during her etiquette training. Instead, focus on one main dish that’s sweet, spicy, and saucy, and requires only one fork and knife. 

Sticky Cherry Chicken is the perfect pretty dish to share as you stream this movie, especially since it’s been deemed by some on social media to be the "new engagement chicken.” Would you like seconds? “I do!”