There is a ton of pressure to make Valentine's Day super memorable. Now is the perfect time to get creative and think outside the heart shaped box. Keep reading for 14 ideas to plan an international-themed Valentine's Day at home.
With a toddler at home, my husband and I know a thing or two about making a night in as much fun as going out. One way we occasionally do this is by creating an international date night at home. It’s easy: pick up food to-go from a restaurant specializing in international cuisine, queue up some music from the country or region from which your meal originates, and finish by watching a movie either made in or about that region.
Below I've listed local restaurants that offer takeout service. Enhance your Valentine's Day with music and movie suggestions to pair with your eats for a lovely international night at home.
Italian Themed Valentine's Day At Home
Grabbing a pizza for take out at home is nothing new for many couples looking to relax at home, but consider changing things up. Look for authentic pasta and Italian dinners. Grab a bottle of Chianti or another Italian wine. Put on some of our music suggestions and you’ll definitely feel the amore.
Italian Restaurant Suggestions
PIZZA BRUNO
Call ahead (407.270.6833) / Take-Out
Prato
Call ahead / Take-Out
Vinzo’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria – Casselberry
Order online / Take-Out
Anthony’s Pizza- Casselberry and DeLand
Call ahead / Take-Out
Alternatively, head to Antonio's Italian Restaurante and Cafe. This restaurant continues to be loved by locals year after year, but many overlook their downstairs market and deli. Browse the aisles for imported Italian goods and groceries.
The selection of wine is incredible. And the deli cases are full of gourmet meat, cheeses, and prepared foods as well.
D’Amico & Sons Italian Market & Bakery is offering adorable, and tasty, heart shape cheese ravioli to help you with your Italian Valentine's day at home this year. Don't forget to grab a bottle of wine from their large selection!
READ MORE: Delicious Goods from Orlando Gourmet Markets
Italian Music Suggestions
- Anything by Lucio Dalla
- Practically anything by Dean Martin
- “Con te partirò” d’Andrea Bocelli, An Italian Anthem
- “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)” by Domenico Modugno
- “O sole mio” by Luciano Pavarotti
Italian Movie Suggestions
- Roman Holiday (1953)
- La Dolce Vita (1960)
- The Italian Job (1969)
- A Room With A View (1985)
- Cinema Paradiso (1988)
- Il Postino (The Postman) (1994)
- Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Japanese Themed Valentine's Day At Home
Whether you're both lovers of sushi or enjoy the light crispy texture of tempura, Japanese cuisine is full of bright and fresh flavors. Put on some relaxing traditional Japanese music or fun J-Pop, and escape to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japanese Restaurant Suggestions
Susuru – Lake Buena Vista
Call ahead / Delivery and Take-Out
Seito Sushi – Baldwin Park or Sand Lake
Call ahead or order online / Take-Out
Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi – Dr. Phillips
Call ahead or order online / Take-Out
Wa Sushi – Casselberry
Order online / Delivery and Take-Out
Imperial Dynasty – Longwood (Chinese food offered as well)
Order online / Delivery and Take-Out
Japanese Music Suggestions
- The Green Album by Hiroshi Yoshimura
- Practically anything by Eiichi Ohtaki
- J-Pop band AKB48
- J-Pop singer Ai Otsuka
- Search “Japanese Relaxation” or “Japanese Traditional” in your favorite music streaming service
Japanese Movie Suggestions
- Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
- Lost in Translation (2003)
- Spirited Away (2001)
- Tokyo Story (1953)
- Any classic Godzilla movie
Indian Themed Date Valentine's Day At Home
Escape to the energetic and tranquil land of India. Enjoy warm and exotic spices, calmed by lentils, breads, and cream. Even if you are not a vegetarian, it is good to try some of the vegetarian specialties found in Indian cuisine. Don't forget the Naan bread!
Indian Restaurant Suggestions
Gateway to India – Longwood
Order online / Delivery and Take-Out
Tamarind Indian Cuisine – Winter Park
Call ahead / Delivery and Take-Out
Mynt Fine Indian Cuisine – Winter Park
Call ahead / Delivery and Take-Out
Tabla – multiple locations
Call ahead / Take-Out
Indian Music Suggestions
- “Mundian To Bach Ke” by Panjabi MC
- “Ichak dana Bichak Dana” by Lata Mangeshkar
- “Why This Kolaveri Di” by Anirudh Ravichander
- Practically anything by Downing and Mayer
- Practically anything by Lucyan
Indian Movie Suggestions
- Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
- Passage to India (1984)
- Gandhi (1982)
- Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
- Monsoon Wedding (2002)
- Lion (2016)
- The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Mexican Themed Valentine's Dinner At Home
Who doesn't love Mexican food? More than just Taco Tuesday, explore traditional flavors that highlight tomatoes, corn, chiles, avocado, and more. Expand beyond your usual orders and head South of the Border.
Mexican Restaurant Suggestions
Reyes Mezcaleria
Order online or call ahead / Take-Out
Hunger Street Tacos
Call ahead / Delivery and Take-Out
Black Rooster Taqueria
Order online or call ahead / Delivery and Take-Out
Agave Azul – Multiple locations: Kirkman, Winter Park, Winter Springs, and Windermere
Call Ahead / Take-Out
Mexican Music Suggestions
- Anything by Mariachi Cobre (Grammy winners that perform at EPCOT)
- “Eres” by Café Tacuba
- Mexican Ska Band – Panteón Rococó
- “Cómo Te Voy a Olvidar” by Los Ángeles Azules
- “México Lindo y Querido” available by various artists
Mexican Movie Suggestions
- Coco (2017)
- The Night of the Iguana (1964)
- Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
- Frida (2002)
- Y Tu Mama También (2001)
- Any of the movies in The Mariachi Trilogy (El Mariachi, Desperado, Once Upon A Time In Mexico)
- Roma (2018)
Greek Themed Date Night At Home
Greek food is so bright and refreshing. The perfect match between warm, spiced flavors and cool, delicate accents. Explore and enjoy some of the world's oldest cuisine, and venture off to Greece.
Greek Restaurant Suggestions
The Greek Corner – Orlando (Ivanhoe Village)
Call ahead / Take-Out
Athena Roasted Chicken – Maitland
Call Ahead / Take-Out
Greek Village Restaurant – Lake Mary
Call Ahead / Take-Out
Hummus House – Winter Park
Online Order / Delivery and Take-Out
Greek Music Suggestions
- Practically anything by Glykeria
- “Ikariotiko” by Giannis Parios
- “Mi tou milate tou paidiou” by Giannis Poulopoulos
- “Ftaiei” by Giorgos Sabanis
Greek Movie Suggestions
- The 300 Spartans (1962)
- My Life in Ruins (2009)
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
- Zorba the Greek (1964)
- Mamma Mia (2008)
More Valentine's Day at Home Ideas
- Valentine's Day Heart Cheeseboards from Simply Cheese in Winter Park (limited quantities)
- Valentine's Breakfast Boxes, Snack Boxes, or Dinner for Two from Two Chef Mission (Local Delivery)
- Pick up chocolate fondue to bring home from Colorado Fondue Company in Cassselberry
Feature image credit: Seito Sushi Baldwin Park