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Looking for Canary Wharf restaurants? These are the spots worth knowing, from irresistible Taiwanese dumpling at Din Tai Fung to modern Anglo-Indian delights at Kricket.

For more restaurant guides, check out our picks of the best restaurants in Soho, best restaurants near Oxford Street and best restaurants in Covent Garden.

Best places to eat and drink in Canary Wharf

Nora, West Lane

Opened by brothers Ozgur and Sidar Akyuz, Nora is bringing Turkish dining to Canary Wharf. Drawing inspiration from the streets and kitchens of Istanbul, the restaurant serves up a menu of small and large plates all designed for sharing in a communal dining experience.

If you’re new to Turkish cuisine and looking for a leisurely start to your weekend, I’d highly recommend booking a spot for the weekend Serpme feasting breakfast, served between 11am-3pm. Inspired by Turkish serpme kahvalti, a traditional breakfast spread, the set menu is a showcase of the region’s cultural diversity with a breadth of dishes to try. Our favourites included aubergine and pepper kizartma, fried cauliflower, hummus with pulled lamb, and the tahini with pekmez which I couldn’t get enough of dipped with the warm breads.

For an extra £10 each you can add on a choice of two skewers – coffee rub chicken shish, beef fillet lokum shish, adana (lamb), bream fillet and prawns.

To finish, kunefe is served to share – a traditional dessert made with kadayif layered with cheese and soaked in a sugar-based syrup. Don’t worry if you have leftovers, the team will happily box this up for you to finish later. The breakfast is also served with unlimited Turkish tea.

The cocktail menu offers Turkish twists on some classics, like a black tea martini and a baklava old fashioned. nora.london

CRATE Brewery, Wood Wharf

Known for its experimental and expansive array of craft beers, as well as thin and crispy stone-baked pizzas, Crate is bringing its signature cool to Canary Wharf with its second site opening.

Think industrial chic created with upcycled materials and handcrafted furniture situated by the water’s edge with laid-back vibes. Crate is perfect for anyone who wants the traditional pizza and beer experience but elevated: eclectic pizzas with a global influence ranging from Middle Eastern lamb to Malaysian chicken laksa. My personal recommendation? The sweet potato, stilton and walnut pizza – tangy, sweet, with a little bit of crunch, a perfect hearty, comfort food go-to. Furthermore, sustainability is always at the forefront with all dough bases being mixed using Wildfarmed renegerative flour.

However, Crate’s crowning glory has to be its extensive range of craft beers, perfect for both aficionados and laymen alike. Once again, sustainability is key, the brewery’s own core range is brewed in partnership with Purity Brewing on a farm with one of the world’s most sustainable brewing kits. Punters can also expect new world Hazy Pales, a rotating line of guest beers, a range of limited-edition seasonal sours (triple fruited mango sour was a firm favourite for me), as well as its new gin, lemon and koji, and vodka, raspberry and yuzu soda cocktails. cratebrewery.com

Mallow, Park Drive

From the same team behind Mildreds, Mallow Canary Wharf offers a fully plant-based menu. Seasonal and sustainable ingredients are the threads that brings the menu together, which draws from a diversity of influences across the globe. Think earthy mushroom ravioli topped with fried basil, a coconutty Kashmiri gobi and fluffy basmati rice or fattoush salad packed with juicy tomatoes paired with a creamy garlic labneh.

To finish, indulgent desserts include passion fruit tart topped with the bitter crunch of sesame tuile. The extensive drinks menu includes cocktails made with Mallow’s own gin, such as the dry apricot negroni, as well as beers made in collaboration with UnBarred Brewery and Harbour Brewing Co. You won’t miss the booze with a non-alcoholic and utterly delightful lychee jasmine martini. mallowlondon.com

Note that Mallow is currently operating as a takeover by Mildreds on the Wharf, including a bold pre-theatre menu for those visiting the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre.

Roe, Park Drive

From the team behind Fallow comes another restaurant with sustainability at the core. Set on the Canary Wharf waterfront in the beating heart of the financial world, Roe is buzzing despite its large size spread over multiple levels.

Start proceedings with the mushroom parfait – a mixture of smoked shiitake and oyster mushrooms on lightly griddled toast. It’s well balanced with a creamy nuttiness and delicate sweetness. If you choose to continue with the fungi theme, the deep-fried hen of the woods burger in a Roe-branded brioche bun is a crowd-pleasing option, while juicy skewers include spiced lamb shoulder with a smoked onion yogurt and honey to enjoy with pillowy flatbreads.

Desserts are hard to resist for those with a sweet tooth. The zero-waste caramelised banana parfait uses the entirety of the fruit, while lemon meringue pie is transformed into a creamy soft serve with crunchy pieces of Wildfarmed shortbread. Pair your dessert with a glass from Renegade Urban Winery or pick from the extensive wine list which includes English sparkling wine. Cocktails are classic, creative and refreshing. roerestaurant.co.uk

Din Tai Fung, Crossrail Place

Taiwanese dumpling phenomenon Din Tai Fung has more than 170 restaurants in 14 different countries. Its fourth UK location has set up shop in Canary Wharf’s Crossrail Place – making it the perfect place for hungry commuters.

The 112-seater restaurant is attentively staffed, with servers briskly delivering bamboo baskets of handmade steamed dumplings to tables. Din Tai Fung’s calling card is xiao long bao, steamed soup dumplings where a delicate dough encases a meaty filling and a pocketful of hot, savoury broth. We ordered the classic made with minced pork – satisfyingly slurpy – alongside succulent, bouncy prawn and pork shao mai. The surprise hit of our visit, however, were the delicately made prawn and pork wontons bathed in a poky chilli sauce. dintaifung-uk.com

Brother Marcus, Reuters Plaza

In the heart of Canary Wharf, Brother Marcus has unveiled its biggest opening yet – a vibrant all-day restaurant with a sun-soaked south-facing terrace seating up to 80. Exclusive to this location is the souvla and skewers menu, where dishes are flame-grilled over an open fire. Highlights include Greek smoked feta sausage with Louvi beans, grated plum tomatoes and herb salad, or lamb saddle souvla served with skordalia, spinach, ouzo and anchovy jus.

Brunch is a must, with classics like eggs benedict alongside bolder plates such as kefir-fried chicken with crispy potato rösti and perfectly poached eggs. For a sweet-savoury hit the halloumi with watermelon and mint is a refreshing side worth ordering. Pair it all with the brunch cocktails deal – two for £20 – and sip on a balanced honey and grapefruit bellini while soaking up the Docklands buzz. brothermarcus.co.uk

Kricket, Frobisher Passage

The hot seats at Kricket are along the vivid red counter which stretches the length of the modern Anglo-Indian restaurant group newbie. Bhel puri, that colourful Mumbai street food, is sweet, tart and crunchy; Keralan fried chicken with pickled mooli is a Kricket classic; pickled cucumber is a good foil to a glossy poussin ghee roast; and grilled squash with paneer and puffed rice is served in a rich sauce to be scooped up with chilli cheese naan. Aromatic cocktails include no-booze versions like Kashmiri Adrift, a refreshing blend of lime and agave spiked with chilli salt and served over ice, while adjacent late-night Soma bar serves the harder stuff. kricket.co.uk

Marceline, Water Street

London’s love affair with France continues with chef Rob Aikens’ brasserie at the increasingly foodie destination of Wood Wharf. From breakfast to dinner, expect well-executed classics like warm cheese soufflé, French onion soup; rotisserie chicken with a rich, glossy jus and the standout, sweet-meets-savoury dish, sugar-pit bacon chop with charcuterie sauce. All desserts are Instagram-worthy, from a shiny crème caramel to cookie crust and banana profiteroles. Cocktails feature a classic French martini no 5 to a punchy absinthe sour. marceline.london

Hawksmoor, Wood Wharf

Hawksmoor Wood Wharf combines its signature British steakhouse flair with a unique waterside location. Situated on a floating pavilion, this restaurant offers stunning views of the City alongside its renowned menu of perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty sides. The outdoor terrace is ideal for sipping on classic cocktails while enjoying the serene waterfront atmosphere. Hawksmoor’s dedication to quality and sustainability ensures a memorable dining experience. thehawksmoor.com/locations/wood-wharf/

Thecha, Lansbury Heritage Hotel

Tucked inside Poplar’s Lansbury Heritage Hotel, Thecha delivers a knockout tour of Maharashtra with some of the boldest Indian flavours in the capital.

The soft pink-grey interior whispers boutique hotel brunch but what lands on the table is straight from the streets of Mumbai. Thecha takes its name from a green chilli chutney – here paired with blisteringly grilled paneer. Sabudana vada (crisp sago and peanut fritters) and kothimbir vadi (crisp coriander and gram fritters) set the tone: regional snacks with punch.

Chilli-laden Chicken 65 – so called because of the year it was created – is a must. Try it in the biryani for a complete meal, while the dabi dal fry (slow-cooked creamy lentils) soothes with buttery warmth. From the mains, Kolhapuri mutton rasa (tender chunks in curry broth) and prawn gassi (coastal coconut prawn curry) are full-throttle flavour bombs. But the star? The butter chicken chops. Cooked in the tandoor and drenched in velvety makhani sauce, it’s worth a visit for this alone.

To drink, choose cooling solkadhi, made with kokum and coconut milk – refreshing with a hint of saltiness. Make sure you have room for mango shrikhand, a creamy sweet yogurt dessert that’s a perfect balance to the heat of this dining experience. instagram.com/its_thecha

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Wondering how to host an alternative Valentine’s Day party? Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a traditional meal for two – you can honour the season of love by sharing delicious food with as many guests as your table can manage.

For inspiration, explore our party food, finger food, and canapé recipes – perfect for easy, crowdpleasing bites. Need something more substantial? Our feed-a-crowd recipes are ideal for big-batch meals that satisfy even the hungriest guests.

Entertaining doesn’t have to be a hassle – with our easy entertaining recipes, hosting a memorable Valentine’s party is as stress-free as it is enjoyable.

Galentine’s Day party food ideas

What is the meaning of Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is a celebration of female friendship on 13 February. Invite friends, family and loved ones to a sophisticated dinner party. These handpicked recipes are achievable yet impressive, with just the right amount of pizzazz for the occasion.

Discover our starter, main and dessert ideas. If you have a larger crowd to cater for and need more buffet-style recipes, try one of our sharing recipes.

Starters

To start, serve guests a few canapés and cocktails before they sit down to eat. Once they’re ready for their meal, a bowl of mussels with leeks & saffron makes for a luxurious appetiser. These shellfish are in season from October to March and are more affordable than oysters but still feel special. Alternatively, assemble a seafood cocktail platter. Everyone will enjoy creating their prawn cocktail precisely as they prefer. For veggies and vegans, this beetroot hummus one-platter-serves all will be a big hit and doesn’t require any cooking. Or pair sweet, peppery radishes with a zesty radish leaf and broad bean spread to make this light radish & broad bean bruschetta. For more ideas, visit our dinner party starter recipe collection.

Main courses

Keep the winter chills at bay with our traditional nihari – a slow-cooked spiced lamb stew from Pakistan. With just 20 minutes of prep, this fuss-free dish transforms into meltingly tender meat that falls off the bone.

For a gluten-free alternative, try our chicken karahi, delivering bold flavours everyone will love.

You might also want to consider our pastry-laden spinach & ricotta slice as a vegetarian option, or visit our vegetarian dinner party recipe collection for more meat-free inspiration.

Desserts

Finish your evening in style with the perfect dinner party dessert. We think, given it’s Galentine’s Day, a self-saucing chocolate pudding or this striking squidgy chocolate & pomegranate torte is in order! For a fruitier option, it’s easy to scale up our recipe for champagne & raspberry possets to make enough for your guests, or perhaps individual bakewell trifles will hit the spot.

Sharing recipes to feed a crowd

Why not serve a stunning sharing platter this Galentine’s Day? It’s easy to assemble with all of your favourite cheeses, charcuterie and crackers and requires minimal effort, so you can kick back and relax with friends. For your vegetarian and gluten-free friends, this one-pan nachos with black beans is a great solution and can be easily made vegan if needed with vegan cheese and sour cream. Air-fryer buffalo cauliflower wings always go down a storm at any party and to round off the meal you could treat your friends to a cookie dough pizza or a no-bake salted caramel cheesecake.

Galentine’s Day activities

Movie night

Close the curtains, cosy up on the sofa and press ‘play’ with the ultimate movie night – assemble a spread of crowd-pleasing snacks and sweet treats, from banana milkshakes and popcorn to nachos and halloumi fries.

Fondue

Set up a cheese or chocolate fondue station with all your favourite trimmings, such as strawberries, marshmallows and pretzels for sweet, and crusty bread, boiled new potatoes, vegetable crudités and cornichons for savoury.

Hot chocolate station

Create a DIY hot chocolate station and include plenty of sweet treats for toppings. We like using whipped cream or squirty cream, chocolate shavings or buttons, mini marshmallows, mini choc chip cookies, sprinkles and cinnamon for dusting.

Ice cream sundae bar

Assemble a pop-up bar that serves ice cream sundaes. Choose the flavours everyone likes and offer a range of toppings so guests can help themselves, alongside squeezy bottles and assorted sprinkles, sweets and berries in bowls.

Spritz-making station

Fix up an interactive spritz-making station for guests with varieties ranging from Aperol, Campari, elderflower limoncello, pink gin and grapefruit. Check out our guide on how to make the ultimate spritz for guidance.

Looking for Valentine’s Day recipes? Try our ideas

Our ultimate Valentine’s Day recipe collection
Easy Valentine’s Day recipes
Quick Valentine’s Day recipes
Budget Valentine’s Day recipes
Valentine’s Day cake recipes

What recipes would you choose for a Valentine’s Day dinner party? Leave a comment below…

When I was growing up, my family wasn’t particularly adventurous when it came to the dinner table. We relied on a foundation of Italian American and French classics for most meals; my dad could make a two-day opera-soundtracked production out of even the most basic pasta sauces (an early lesson in marketing). So when I got to the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen in 2011, my culinary education was still just beginning—I couldn’t have told you the difference between cumin and coriander.

Tucked away in my old cubicle-size kitchen station, recipe by recipe, I was taken inside the minds of hundreds of pro chefs and developers. I could see the way layers of ingredients formed the building blocks of flavor, and how umami—that all-important sense of savory richness—could be hot-wired into recipes for nearly instant impact. Making and tasting dishes like Hot Joy restaurant’s Crab Fat–Caramel Wings, coated in savory crab paste and fish sauce caramel, and Mission Chinese Food’s Mapo Tofu, laced with fermented black beans and chiles, were my graduate degree in cooking.

By the time I became a parent, my home cooking was a far-ranging playbook that incorporated all kinds of pantry ingredients in pursuit of umami. I always maintained a deep fondness for the Italian American comfort foods of my youth and set about recreating them according to how I learned to cook in the Test Kitchen (sorry, Grandma!): with funk, zing, depth, and heat. I seek fast-acting amplified flavors and don’t hesitate to stir a spoonful of gochujang into marinara or toss pickled chiles into puttanesca sauce for pork chops. These dishes below might not follow my nonna’s rules for Italian American cooking, but to me they still taste like home.

I am just as likely to reach for gochujang as chile flakes when layering heat into marinara sauce for chicken parm. Gochujang goes beyond spiciness—its deeply fermented soybean flavor adds exceptional funk. If you are new to it, think miso plus chile peppers and you won’t be far off. I tend to look for the Sempio brand when out shopping, but most are perfectly great and remarkably similar to one another. If it is your first time buying gochujang, Lucky Foods makes a 4-oz. squeeze tube of its Seoul Gochujang, which is easy to reseal between uses, minimizing any oxidation. Any paste will darken over time and dry out slightly but it takes many months, by which point you will no doubt have found ways to work it into your soups, sauces, dressings, and condiments.

Sempio Gluten-Free Gochujang

You might be interested in these lower-effort ways to improve your wellbeing, from choosing foods to fight fatigue to sleeping well or exploring the gut-hormone connection.

If you’re reading this, you likely struggle to achieve that seize-the-day, jump-out-of-bed-dancing energy. But I’m here to tell you, you’re not low on energy because you’re lazy. It’s probably because you’re overstimulated, under-rested, slightly dehydrated, mildly stressed, eating on the fly, starting at screens AND expecting your body to behave like it has had eight hours of sleep.

The good news is our energy levels are surprisingly responsive to small nudges throughout the day if they work with your body clock, hormones and habits rather than against them.

So, think of this as your 24-step energy menu, little boosts from the moment you wake up, to the minute your head hits the pillow. And no, you won’t do all 24 every day (nor should you), but incorporating a handful might give you the improvement you need.

1. Open your curtains before your phone

Plenty of studies show that morning daylight (even if it’s overcast) helps set your circadian rhythm, which influences everything from alertness to appetite, to sleep later on. Even if you’re not able to fit a morning walk in, just walk to your window, open the curtains and look outside for 60 seconds.

2. Avoid the snooze button

Those extra 10 minutes in bed can actually drop you back into a lighter sleep stage, leaving you groggier than before. “It’s best to get up with an alarm at the same time every day and it is much more important than getting to bed at a specific time,” says sleep coach Tracy Hannigan. “Not only does this anchor your sleep cycle firmly, it can prevent ‘social jetlag’ across a week, or sleep inertia making your morning difficult.”

3. Down a glass of water first thing

It’s likely your body hasn’t had water in at least eight hours and even mild dehydration can make you feel sluggish, fuzzy and moody. On her Substack Second Brain, Dr Emily Leeming cites a study that recommends trying to get in 500ml of water when you first wake up to help with memory and energy. She suggests incorporating this into your morning routine by keeping a jug of water with a glass by your bed or drinking a glass of water before and after brushing your teeth.

4. Wait for your first coffee

Researchers from the University of Bath found that relying on coffee to perk you up after sleeping can have a negative effect on your blood glucose control. In the first hour or so after waking, your body naturally produces cortisol (the hormone that makes you feel alert). Adding caffeine into the mix can sometimes make you feel more jittery and less steadily energetic, prepping you for a harsher crash later on in the day.

5. Eat protein early (even if you hate breakfast)

A good breakfast will set you up for the day. So try not to stick to cereal or toast, which are mostly quick-digesting carbs, giving you an instant burst of glucose that doesn’t last long. “As your blood sugar rises, your body releases insulin to bring it back down, and that’s when energy and concentration starts to dip, and you might feel tired, hungry again or craving something sweet,” explains registered nutritionist Zara Hiridjee. Instead, opt for a higher-protein breakfast that gives a slower release of energy – like Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, scrambled eggs with avocado, and wholegrain toast. “You’re still getting carbs for fuel, but the added protein and fibre keeps your energy stable and your hunger in check,” Hiridjee adds.

6. Try a ‘wake up your body’ blast

Movement increases blood flow and can raise alertness fast, and it’s one of the quickest ways to feel more switched on. Beth Johnson, owner of Lift Club, recommends trying a quick stretch routine: “Just flow through the body, lengthening, shortening, whatever feels good. Two minutes of child’s pose, downward dog and upward dog should be enough to get your day off to a good start.”

7. Take a big sigh

Sometimes low energy isn’t tiredness, it’s anxiety – which can be exhausting in itself. A quick way to downshift your nervous system is by taking an extra big breath. Called ‘cyclic sighing’, it’s the act of inhaling through your nose and then taking a second, deeper breath in to fully expand your lungs, then exhaling through your mouth. A 2023 study (cited in the Stanford Medicine Magazine) found that those trying this breathing technique compared to others reported significantly greater increases in energy, joy and peacefulness.

8. Do your hardest ‘brain task’ before noon (if that works for you!)

The morning is when many of us have the most mental stamina, so use this fresh energy wisely and then the whole day might feel a little easier. Try focusing on one 30-60 minute block mid-morning before emails take over. Leadership coach Sarah Cave stresses however that this might not be the same for everyone. “Some of us do have our peak post-lunch, so the important thing is to recognise when you are at your freshest and use that time block wisely,” she adds.

9. Snack for stability, not sugar

Snacking is not an enemy, but if you’re reaching for a sugar-packed one, this can spike energy and then crash it. “Always having real snacks to hand really matters, so you’re not grabbing the wrong thing and setting yourself up for a sugar crash,” explains Gemma Ogston, chef, author and founder of Mama Shrooms. “My go-tos are stuffed dates with almond butter, a little dark chocolate with a pinch of salt, and a Mama Shrooms Day Blend, which has cordyceps and Lion’s Mane (both can support natural mental clarity and stamina).”

10. Fix your ‘tech neck’

Slumping doesn’t just make you look tired, it can create it. Many of us are guilty of hunching over a laptop, but slouching can reduce how well you breathe and increase muscle strain. Try sitting with your feet flat and your shoulders relaxed, with your screen at eye level. Imagine a string trying to lift the crown of your head.

11. Step outside for 5 (even if it’s grim out)

As mentioned already, outdoor light is still far brighter than indoor lighting and supports that circadian alertness. Try and step outside, even for five minutes – take a coffee with you or do the bin run. Where possible, I like to do walking meeting calls.

12. Walk for 10 minutes after you eat

The Italians call it ‘la passeggiata’, a leisurely walk taken in the evening for a purpose of socialising. But go to any Mediterranean country, and you’ll likely see the locals taking part in a post-dinner stroll. Yes, it’s mainly to socialise, but walking after a meal can help digestion and smooth your blood sugar curve (avoiding those energy slumps). A 2025 study found just 10 minutes of walking immediately after a meal significantly reduced peak glucose compared to not walking.

13. Eat away from your desk

Eating while working is a one-way ticket to feeling mentally cluttered all afternoon. Your brain needs a context shift – even a tiny one – to properly reset. If you can, eat somewhere else, even if it’s just a different chair.

14. Enjoy more olive oil

Good-quality extra-virgin olive oil is a great ingredient that offers steady, long-lasting fuel for your body. “It’s high-polyphenol, antioxidant-rich content reduces insulin resistance, slows carbohydrate digestion, and lessens post-meal glucose spikes, meaning you’re less likely to get those big sugar highs, followed by crashes,” explains Sarah Vachon, co-founder of Citizens of Soil. “Between 25-50ml a day of EVOO is an incredibly supportive, delicious and energy-boosting addition to a balanced diet.”

15. 3pm slump? Try water first

Afternoon tiredness is often a combination of stress, screen fatigue and slight dehydration. Before opting for a coffee, energy drink or sugary snack to keep you going, drink a full glass of water, wait 10 minutes, then decide if you need a caffeine rescue. Experts at Harvard Medical School also recommend getting fluids from liquid-heavy fruits and veggies that are 90{5b2a6a22cd0374987e384412a772b4760a6ccedd3fa74ed0c8373b5fd99525f8} water – think cucumbers, courgette, strawberries and melon.

16. Use caffeine like a tool

Moderate caffeine consumption isn’t bad for you but choosing when to drink it is wise. Caffeine promotes wakefulness by blocking adenosine, a sleep-inducing chemical. Great mid-morning, but if you’re reaching for one 3pm onwards, it could cause bedtime havoc, with The Sleep Foundation recommending avoiding it altogether at least eight hours before bed.

17. Try a 10-minute “lie down, eyes closed” reset

While true sleep provides deeper recovery, a quick reset in the day (rather than a nap which can leave you groggy) could be what you need for an energy reset. Known as ‘quiet wakefulness’, resting with your eyes closed, but not sleeping, can offer significant restorative benefits and give your brain a chance to relax.

18. Get a “second daylight anchor”

If evenings are when you finally feel awake, you’re not imagining it. Many people get an energy lift later in the day, and a bit of movement (especially outside!) can make you feel calmer and more capable, as opposed to gluing yourself to the sofa. Try a 15-minute walk, stretching or a gentle exercise class.

19. Don’t overdo it

Did you know there is such a thing as TOO much exercise? If you’re overtraining in the gym, or just overdoing it generally, this can cause you to feel pretty exhausted. As Harvard Health points out, too much exertion actually breaks down muscle, uses lots of energy and can cause restless nights. It’s recommended to limit intense aerobic exercise to no more than three days in a row, and rest every other day for resistance training.

20. Eat dinner earlier than you think

Late meals can interfere with sleep for some people – and poor sleep is the biggest energy thief of all. This is because your body tends to be focusing more on digesting than actually getting some shut eye. If you wake up tired even after “enough hours”, timing might be a part of it. You should aim to eat dinner two-three hours before bed when possible.

21. Dim lights after sunset

Bright light in the evening can push your body clock later, delaying sleep hormones. Reviews of light exposure research show how powerfully it can affect circadian timing. Switch on table lamps as opposed to the big light, turn your screen brightness down, and use warm lighting when you can (iPhones have a great warm light feature).

22. Stop the doom scrolling

You’re exhausted, you get into bed, you scroll to “relax” and suddenly you’re wide awake again. Screens stimulate your brain and light exposure at night can delay sleepiness cues. No screens an hour before bed is almost impossible, but even 20 minutes before sleep is helpful. Even better, ban them from the bedroom.

23. Create a bedtime routine you’ll actually stick to

I’m not talking a 12-step wellness performance, but a predictable routine is enough to trigger your brain into understanding it’s time to sleep. A sleepy tea, wash face, brush teeth, charge phone away from bed, read five pages of your book… same order every night.

24. Keep your sleep and wake times as steady as possible

Your body clock thrives on consistency. Big weekend lie-ins can feel like a treat, but then Monday comes around and you feel like you have jet lag but without the holiday. Keeping your wake-up time within an hour of your usual weeknight wake up can be really helpful.

If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: energy isn’t just about sleep, it’s about how you spend the hours you’re awake. A bit of daylight, a bit of movement, enough food at the right times and fewer tiny stressors stacking up in the background can make you feel like a different person by 3pm. Pick a couple of boosts that feel doable, repeat them often, and let consistency do the heavy lifting.

M0re wellbeing guides

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Expert explains: how to have a better night’s sleep
10 ways to boost energy when tired
Expert explains: what is the dopamine diet
Expert explains: how ayurveda can help digestion

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at home with our delicious dinner ideas. Whether you’re a beginner or a kitchen pro, we have a selection of recipes for every skill level, including classic steak, hearty pasta dishes and satisfying comfort food. Make date night extra special with our showstopping mains.

Complete your meal with our Valentine’s Day dessert recipes such as chocolate fondant, panna cotta and chocolate torte. Pair your dinner with a Valentine’s Day cocktail, like a passionfruit martini, a cosmopolitan or an espresso martini. Or, try something a little different, like our violet creams.

If you’d prefer to do less cooking on Valentine’s Day, try a restaurant meal kit and recreate your favourite dishes at home. Our review includes special-occasion boxes with luxury ingredients and vegan boxes too.

Now try our Valentine’s Day menu ideas, budget Valentine’s Day dinner ideas, and most popular Valentine’s Day recipes.

Best Valentine’s Day meals

1. Next level steak frites

You can’t go wrong with this bistro classic, served with green peppercorn sauce. Mastering this classic is sure to impress a loved one. Thin-cut sirloins are ideal for home cooks as they cook fast, develop a deeply caramelised crust and remain tender and juicy without the stress of needing to cook any big bits of internal fat. Discover our guide for how to cook the perfect steak and discover more Valentine’s Day steak recipes.

2. Sausage & fennel gnocchi bake

Looking for an easy yet impressive bake that won’t break the bank? Throw together sausages, gnocchi, fennel, garlic, cream and parmesan to make this flavour-packed and hearty dinner for two. See our round-up of gnocchi bakes for more comfort food inspiration.

3. Stuffed pasta bake bolognese

This showstopping dish isn’t your average pasta bake. Stuff pasta shells with a cheesy filling made from mascarpone and mozzarella, then pair with a meaty bolognese. Bake until the top is golden and bubbling, and the pasta is tender. Find more indulgent dishes in our comfort food collection.

4. Beef stroganoff

Learn the secret to tender beef in our next-level beef stroganoff. Porcini powder gives it the wow factor. Top with a generous dollop of soured cream, then scatter with parsley and a pinch of paprika.

5. Roast chicken risotto

Elevate a standard risotto to something out of this world with a few tweaks – think chicken crackling and truffle oil. It’s also great for using up leftover roast chicken. Or try our next-level mushroom risotto.

6. Spaghetti puttanesca

Spaghetti puttanesca is a timeless pasta dish filled with thrifty storecupboard ingredients. Cook up this classic sauce in one pan, then toss with spaghetti for a simple Valentine’s Day meal. Ours is full of anchovies, black olives and capers. Now discover our ultimate pasta collection.

7. Caramelised red onion & anchovy pasta with gremolata

Looking for a budget-friendly Valentine’s Day dinner? This easy pasta ticks all the boxes, with caramelised onions, anchovies and a homemade gremolata that feels fancy but won’t break the bank. Discover more pasta for two recipes.

8. Grilled lobster tails

What could be more decadent than lobster tail covered in lemon and herb butter? This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and comes together in just 30 mins. Simply prepare the lobster tails and grill for 10 mins until cooked through. Finish with a drizzle of infused butter and a scattering of fresh herbs. Or go all out with 5 ways with oysters.

9. Beef bourguignon

Take beef bourguignon to new heights with our ultimate recipe. It tastes better a day or two after cooking, which means you can make it ahead and enjoy a stress-free Valentine’s, tucking into melt-in-the-mouth beef and hearty veg in a red wine sauce.

10. Melty cheese & potato pie

Drawing from the apres-ski classic tartiflette, this indulgent pie transforms into a cheesy fondue with creamy sliced potatoes and crisp puff pastry. Super-indulgent and perfect for an extra-special date night dinner.

11. Smoky steak with Cajun potatoes & spicy slaw

Steak and Cajun potatoes make a tasty meal for two – perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s. Make our simple spicy slaw with red cabbage, onion, mayo, soured cream and chipotle.

12. Spaghetti & meatballs

Make the ultimate meatballs in a rich tomato sauce for your Lady and the Tramp moment. They’re made with a mix of beef and pork mince, with ciabatta breadcrumbs and a melty mozzarella or fontina middle. Try more spaghetti recipes.

13. Creamy salmon, leek & potato traybake

Nestle leeks, potato and capers around salmon fillets, and pour over a creamy garlic and caper sauce. Such little effort and washing-up will leave you with all the more time with your loved one. Try more of our favourite salmon recipes.

14. Paella

Choose the freshest ingredients for our world-class paella. Serve this classic Spanish seafood dish in the pan for a flavour fiesta.

15. Baked chicken arrabbiata

Make this easy baked chicken arrabbiata with tomatoes, peppers and spinach for a simple Valentine’s Day meal. Serve with the pasta of your choice.

16. Tomato & mascarpone risotto

Creamy mascarpone makes this risotto rich and full of flavour. A sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil are the perfect finishing touches. Or try our vegetarian Valentine’s Day recipes or an easy veggie menu to save you the faff.

17. Vegan wellington

A decadent wellington is perfect for a special occasion. This clever vegan version is made with a mixture of mushrooms, black beans and wheat gluten, wrapped in pastry. Make a rich gravy with red wine, soy sauce, tomato purée and stock. Next discover our vegan Valentine’s menu and vegan Valentine’s Day recipes.

18. Macaroni cheese lasagne

Combine two comfort classics for the ultimate hug in a bowl. Make a rich ragu sauce with pancetta, beef and veggies. Top with creamy macaroni cheese, then grated cheddar and mozzarella. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

19. Slow-cooked pork, cider & sage hotpot

Warm up on a chilly Valentine’s Day with this glorious slow-cooked pork hotpot, cooked in cider and sage. It’s topped with a crispy layer of potatoes and sage leaves. Why not serve it with one of our roasted vegetable recipes for a complementary side?

20. Baked garlic prawns with roasted peppers & gremolata toasts

Looking for an easy Valentine’s Day dinner that looks impressive? Say hello to these baked prawns, cooked with roasted red peppers and topped with garlic and herbs.

21. Next level spaghetti carbonara

Make the ultimate spaghetti carbonara with a creamy sauce and crisp pancetta or guanciale. Top with an extra egg yolk to really show you care.

22. Pasta alla vodka

You can’t go wrong with this five star-rated pasta dish. Don’t fear the vodka – the alcohol is cooked off to create a wonderfully creamy sauce to offset the tomato.

23. Pot-roast chicken with stock

You can’t go wrong with a classic roast chicken on Valentine’s Day. We slow-roasted this with plenty of stock to ensure it’s succulent and moist. Serve with your favourite roast dinner trimmings.

24. Baked cod with creamy mushroom & leek orzo

Rustle up our baked cod with orzo, creamy mushrooms and leeks in just 20 mins. It’s a super-speedy supper – so there’s no excuse not to make a pudding too.

25. Creamy mushroom pasta

Make this creamy mushroom pasta dish for an elegant veggie Valentine’s offering. Cream, parmesan, white wine, lemon and parsley make this full of flavour.

26. Roasted red pepper soup with crispy croutons

Get your meal off to a warm and cosy start with this fiery harissa and roasted red pepper soup that’s sure to get the pulse raising. It makes a lighter veggie main meal or an equally romantic starter. Like a kick? Discover more spicy soup recipes.

27. Creamy fish & leek pie

Make a comfort food classic Valentine’s-worthy with king prawns, salmon and haddock, topped with a golden, cheesy mash.

28. Sausage ragu

This flavourful sausage ragu is a great way to keep Valentine’s Day affordable. Any leftover sauce can be frozen for the next time you want to ignite some passion!

29. Salmon en croûte

Wow that special someone with a super-cheffy salmon en croûte. Our pro tips will guide you through, resulting in succulent salmon, soft cheese and dill encased in crisp puff pastry with a pickled cucumber side. You’ll never eat out again.

30. Three-cheese meatball lasagne

Switch up your usual lasagne with sausage meatballs, fennel seeds and chilli, guaranteed to get the heart racing…

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