➡️💖 *edited for 2025!
So you want to do something special for Valentine’s Day, but prefer to stay home. Or maybe you have to stay home since finding a babysitter or heading out for the night can be difficult and expensive. Whatever the reason, keep reading for some delicious at-home take out ideas:
Andy and I used to go out for Valentine’s Day. It was a guaranteed date night and always meant good food. That didn’t change when we had the kids, although going out for a Wednesday night exclusive menu wasn’t as easy, so instead, we started bringing Valentine’s Day to our own dinner table.
We would set up and enjoy a fancy dinner when babies went to bed, or toddlers and preschoolers joined us at the table (with their own sweet menu). That tradition has continued for most years.
READ: How to make a sweet, memorable Valentine’s Day as a family
Sometimes it’s a fancy take-out meal from one of our fave restaurants, or pizza, or something quick. Sometimes we make it at home.
But the goal is just to come around the table, say cheers to our own little romantic story and life we have created and are working for, and be with those we love.
However, that’s just our experience. I know that Valentine’s Day looks different for many. Maybe you’ll have friends and family over, or maybe you are a single parent (or will be solo) this year. Maybe you just want to celebrate yourself with self-love and a delicious meal. I love that.
Many of these take out options are offered for one adult with child menus added on, or for larger groups when ordered in multiples.
Whatever your plans, if you want to start your own at-home Valentine’s Day tradition (with the kids, or when they are sleeping) here are some places in Ottawa to order from.
You’ll want to open each link to see their full menu, I only mention bits of them sometimes (and hardly do them justice). Also, many of these will likely sell out!
Where to get a take-out Valentine’s Day meal in Ottawa
This has been our go-to for many Valentine’s Days in years past. We would set up a fancy dinner table for the four of us and everything. This year, you have a variety of entrees to choose from so you can serve any palette, but I have to say it’s often the desserts that will have the kids requesting this again in the future!
Pelican Grill is offering their lobster dinner meal that includes two starters, sides and dessert (with local delivery or pick up available) and it’s one to impress. Just reheat and enjoy! We’ve actually ordered this for New Year’s Eve in the past, and love it. This splurge from the sea will have you talking all night long.
Cooking together, or with the kids, is a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day. Check out Nonna’s Famous Pizza Box. Order DIY Bouquet and Food kits and support local businesses. The kits include ingredients to make pizza, caesar salad and cookies as well as your choice of a gorgeous local floral bouqet. These combos are available for pick up for delivery.
Why do I write these articles? I just end up hungry and wanting everything. This next menu sounds amazing: Red Apron is serving up a menu option on both Thursday the 13th, and Friday the 14th. Mouthwater courses lobster and shrimp spread with a baguette leading into a braised beef main, or Burrata (drool) and tomatoes to start before a chicken surpreme and shelled pasta. Place your order by calling or via email for pick up or delivery. Add on the special menu for the kids too!
Your dessert and gift needs can be taken care of at Fruit Couture, but they have a delux cheese board that will be perfect with a glass of your favourite sparkling water or wine. Enjoy a tasting board (served on a reusable slate board) with multiple cheese, dried fruits, olivers, nuts and more. There’s also a cured meat option.
If you know charcuterie is what you want, you can also check out The Piggy Market’s Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Boards. This is a dinner sized portion with 4 meats, 3 cheeses, crostini and other bites. The Piggy Market always has amazing food so while you are there, check out their other offerings like their delicious brownies for dessert. Delivery is also available (spoiler – Tuesdays are free delivery but you can order for any day on Tuesday to get the offer!)
Maybe you prefer to tuck the kids in bed before digging into a delicious meal. I’ve been there, done that. If you are looking for an at-home experience that is unique, check out the Valentine’s Day at-home menu from Next. Each all-in-one meal box for 2 (for pick up or delivery) has a 7 course meal (that is not a typo – seven), extra little bites, wine and cocktails. There are instructions and a video from Chef Michael Blackie so you can prep, plate and say cheers! Delivery is free and extends West to Carleton Place and East to Orleans. Plus, you can order for the 14th or the 15th.
While there 2025 meals are sold out, bookmark their site for future special events! We have ordered from there MANY times over the past couple of years and can confidentally say everything is delicious. You’ll get a restaurant meal that requires very little preparation and heating up at home. We love these boxes.
I hope whatever you decide to do (if you decide to order in) you enjoy the evening. Or at the very least, get yourself from chocolate and enjoy that 😉 And no, I haven’t made our decision yet but I need to order soon!
READ: Last Minute Valentine’s Day activities to do with the kids
