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Home » Recipe Collections

25 Restaurant Meals You Won't Believe You Can Make at Home

Published: Sep 17, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Restaurant meals don’t have to be a splurge or a special occasion thing. With these 25 recipes, you’ll see just how easy it is to recreate your favorite dishes right at home. Whether you're looking to keep it simple or impress someone, these meals bring that restaurant vibe to your own kitchen—without the hassle or price tag. Perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something that feels a bit fancy.

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This bucatini cacio e pepe recipe, featuring just three ingredients, brings the authentic flavors of Italy to your table. Inspired by a classic restaurant meal, it's straightforward and ready with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Kimchi Grilled Cheese

An image of a sliced kimchi grilled cheese sandwich resting on the other slice.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tangy kimchi paired with mozzarella and cheddar makes this grilled cheese a standout on golden-browned sourdough. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick way to bring restaurant meals to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Grilled Cheese

Avocado Toast

An overhead image of various slices of bread, some topped with avocado slices, others toasted with fork markings.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Avocado toast with customizable toppings on perfectly toasted bread offers a simple but elevated brunch option. It’s easy to prepare and lets you recreate the experience of restaurant meals right at home.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Black Bean Quinoa Burger

An image of black bean quinoa burger on a cutting board with the top bun on the side.
Black Bean Quinoa Burger. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These black bean quinoa burgers are protein-packed, fiber-rich, and easy to prepare, making them a nutritious option. They’re a budget-friendly way to enjoy homemade restaurant meals without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Pasta alla Norma

An overhead image of Pasta alla Norma in a bowl with another bowl of pasta on the side.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Pasta alla Norma features a hearty tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and fresh basil, all ready in just 30 minutes. It's an excellent way to enjoy restaurant meals at home without the hassle of dining out.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Aloo Gobi Masala

An overhead image of aloo gobi in a white plate.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A cauliflower and potato dish that comes together in one pan in under 15 minutes is both simple and flavorful. It’s an easy way to bring the taste of vegan restaurant meals into your home at a fraction of the cost.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Vegan Fajitas

An image of a vegan fajita on a plate.
Vegan Fajitas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan fajitas with sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms offer vibrant flavors in every bite. This easy wrap brings the satisfaction of restaurant meals to your kitchen in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara features homemade noodles and crispy bacon bits, combining classic flavors in an easy-to-make dish. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy restaurant meals from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Grilled scallops with a lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce.
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Grilled scallops paired with a refreshing lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce create an elegant, restaurant-worthy meal. With this recipe, you can enjoy sophisticated restaurant meals right at home.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Black plate of chicken with asparagus.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus are perfect for a quick and easy spring meal. This recipe replicates the restaurant meal experience, bringing that restaurant-quality flavor directly to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plate of spaghetti and meatballs made in an Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs offers tender meatballs and pasta, a comforting meal ready in no time. It’s a great way to recreate classic restaurant meals at home while saving time and money.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Top view of air fryer lobster tails on a plate with lemon slices and greens as garnishes.
Air Fryer Lobster Tails. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer lobster tails are buttery, tender, and subtly sweet, perfect for a special dinner. This recipe lets you bring restaurant meals to your table with minimal effort, adding a luxurious touch to your home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

An image of kung pao chicken on a wok.
Kung Pao Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kung Pao Chicken with tender chicken and vibrant veggies in a savory, spicy sauce is quick and easy to prepare. This dish allows you to recreate the flavors of restaurant meals at home, perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Ground Beef & Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dish with Asian-inspired ingredients that come together easily. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to restaurant meals, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with rice, butter, parsley, black pepper, and a salad on a black plate.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is a simple recipe made with just two ingredients that results in perfectly cooked fish. It’s an easy way to replicate restaurant meals in your kitchen with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

A casserole dish with chicken and vegetables in it.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy cheesy grits topped with garlicky shrimp create a rich, satisfying meal that comes together with ease. This recipe is a great way to enjoy restaurant meals at home without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Air fryer skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skirt steak cooked in the air fryer is a quick and simple method for juicy, flavorful steak. It’s an easy way to enjoy restaurant meals without needing a grill, bringing a restaurant-quality meal to your home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer chicken parmesan has a crispy coating and juicy interior, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying bite. This simple recipe allows you to bring the flavors of classic Italian restaurant meals right into your home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Overhead image of air fryer fish and chips with a dip on a newspaper.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips delivers crisp, tender fish with golden fries in just 35 minutes. This straightforward recipe is an easy way to enjoy restaurant meals without ever leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mushroom risotto with peas is creamy and comforting, offering a rich, dairy-free option. It’s a simple way to enjoy luxurious restaurant meals at home without the need for complicated ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Chicken wings on a white plate with sauce and carrots.
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce bring a spicy kick to a familiar favorite. Grilling them at home saves money and lets you recreate the heat and flavor of restaurant meals right at your own table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Overhead image of spaghetti aglio e olio with garlic and oil in a white plate.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This simple Italian pasta recipe is budget-friendly and ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy restaurant meals without the need for reservations or takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

The Bombay Sandwich, with layers of vegetables and chutney on buttered bread, is a simple yet flavorful vegetarian option. This recipe brings the taste of popular restaurant meals right into your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Shrimp and fettuccine pasta in a large glass bowl.
Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo with tender shrimp in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce creates a satisfying meal in minutes. It’s a simple way to enjoy restaurant meals at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Birria Pizza blends spicy, meaty flavors for a bold pizza experience that’s easy to make. This recipe allows you to bring the creativity of restaurant meals into your kitchen for pizza nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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