If you buy something from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.
Chocolate – We won’t leave out the most popular Valentine’s Day food, even though it one of the more recent additions to the holiday menu.
Share All sharing options for: What America Eats on Valentine’s Day
Valentines Day is reportedly the second-busiest day for restaurants in America, next to Mothers Day: In 2014, Americans spent about $7 million at restaurants. And the average cost of eating out this year will be anywhere between $87 to $287 per couple. It might be hard to say with certainty exactly how everyone eats on the Feast of Saint Valentine, but a peek at social data trends offers some clues.
Eater looked at Google Trends data and reached out both to food delivery service GrubHub and search and discovery app Foursquare to understand how Americans eat on Valentines Day. One thing that stands out about American Valentines Day dinners is that, at least for couples, they are not very American at all: Data shows that couples prefer international Valentine dishes instead. Dinners for singles, on the other hand, are as American as they can get, filled with fatty indulgences.
Couples prefer international dishes on Valentine’s Day, while singles order up comfort-food favorites.
On Foursquare, French, Spanish, and Italian restaurants have some the largest swings in foot traffic on Valentines Day, compared to any other day in 2015, on average. People are 1.7 times more likely to report visiting French restaurants on the holiday, while users are 1.5 times more likely to visit Spanish and Italian restaurants. Steakhouses and wineries, classic choices, are also popular.
People are also searching for information about these restaurants more often around Valentines Day. Google Trends data shows that French and Italian restaurants had the biggest increases in search popularity since 2010, compared to other restaurants.
Meanwhile, French, paella, and sushi restaurants are some of the most “romantic” options, according to new Foursquare data — the apps “most romantic places” data shows that men and women use the words “romantic,” “intimate,” and “candlelight” to describe said restaurants more than other kinds of dining spots. Also on the list were sake bars and speakeasies.
But several reports show that while Valentines Day is one of the busiest days for restaurants, most people dont dine out on that day. According to the restaurant reservation app Reserve, only 25 percent of Americans will celebrate at a restaurant this year. That means couples spending the evening inside may choose to cook or order delivery.
On GrubHub, orders for sushi rolls, shrimp, and Indian food have some of the biggest spikes on Valentine’s Day.
The ones that choose delivery apparently have a preference for heart-shaped sushi and other Eastern dishes. Asian cuisine, especially Chinese food, is popular throughout the year, but orders on GrubHub for sushi rolls, shrimp, and Indian food have some of the biggest spikes on Valentines Day, compared to other dishes. As a whole, sushi orders increase 15 percent on the site. The more “romantic” and festive the sushi, the more popular. The most popular GrubHub item on February 14 is the heart-shaped Valentine sushi roll, which users are four times more likely to order on Valentines Day than on the same weekday of another week. The similarly shaped “sweetheart roll” has the third-highest spike in orders.
GrubHub also looked at orders made specifically for two people on Valentines Day and found that dragon rolls, along with Indian spinach dishes palak paneer and saag paneer, have the highest spikes, with more than three times as many orders on Valentines Day than on typical days. And even though Asian-themed restaurants arent among the most popular Google searches around Valentines Day, searches specifically for “sushi” peak every year around the holiday.
Sushi searches jump every year around Valentine’s Day
For those who prefer to spend the evening with a group of friends, they can still enjoy romantic, yet platonic, atmospheres. Foursquare data on users top romantic places revealed the most “platonic” places men and women also find romantic. These are places referred to as “romantic” and “intimate,” but not as much as French and sushi restaurants, making them cozy, yet fun places for friends to go on Valentines. Topping that list were corporate cafeterias, frozen yogurt, and beer gardens.
But many people are spending Valentines Day alone, and it appears — at least for the ones who use ordering apps like GrubHub — many plan to spend the day pigging out on wings, waffle fries, and pizza rolls. GrubHub data shows that singles are more likely to order these indulgent delights on Valentines Day than couples.
Fool Proof Valentine’s Day Dinner From Start To Finish
FAQ
What is a popular food eaten on Valentine’s Day?
|
Valentine’s Day + Love-Themed Foods
|
Love or Like %
|
|
Dates
|
31%
|
|
Oysters
|
29%
|
|
Truffles
|
28%
|
|
Italian “Wedding” Soup
|
27%
|
What is sold the most on Valentines Day?
What is the most popular item for celebrating Valentine’s Day?
What is common with Valentines Day?
What to eat on Valentine’s Day?
They take just a few minutes to cook and go great with a big pile of fries, some good wine, and a loaf of crusty bread for sopping up their broth. Grab them fresh on your way home, and you’ll have a meal made for sharing. These romantic dinners, desserts, and even breakfast items are the most popular Valentine’s Day recipes on our site.
How do I choose a Valentine’s Day dinner recipe?
When it comes to picking Valentine’s Day dinner recipes, make the menu something to remember. No, make it something so good that Cupid himself would be smitten. First, skip the casseroles. (Because casseroles just aren’t that romantic. There, we said it.) Second, don’t be afraid to be a little kitschy. Slow-cooked braised lamb shanks?
Is spaghetti a good Valentine’s Day dish?
Spaghetti is a drama-free dish that pleases most palates, and this easy carbonara version ensures Valentine’s Day satisfaction. The recipe keeps your grocery list short, but keeping it simple doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor — choosing quality ingredients is key.
Should you cook a Valentine’s Day dinner at home?
We’re big believers in Valentine’s Day dinner at home. Cooking for someone is the best way to show them you care. Steak for two and chocolate-covered strawberries might be the most iconic date-night treats, but if you’re not in the mood for the classics, we’ve got you covered.