11 Dishes We Ate in the ’80s That Were Considered Extra Fancy

Nostalgic favorites like seven-layer dip, potato skins, and fun snacks and drinks marked 1980s cuisine. But if you were in the mood to leave the pizza rolls in the freezer and indulge in something a little ritzier, you’d find everything from lobster dishes to decadent desserts with dramatic flair. Here are some fancy 1980s dishes that made a serious impression.
1. Lobster Ravioli

If fancy dishes from the 1960s included lobster thermidor, the ’80s were all about lobster ravioli. This dish was a hit at home dinner parties and on fine dining menus, and combined sweet lobster meat with creamy sauce and savory stuffed pasta.
2. Crème Brûlée

Crème brûlée was the ultimate showstopper dessert in the 1980s, stealing the spotlight with its creamy custard and crackly caramelized sugar top. It felt fancy yet approachable, and the satisfying crack of the spoon breaking through the sugary shell made it as fun to eat as it was delicious.
3. Blackened Redfish

Blackened redfish was a total culinary craze in the 1980s, thanks to celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme putting it on the map. Coated in a bold blend of spices and seared to a slight char, it gave a good fiery kick to impress everyone at the table.
4. California Roll

It might be laughable these days to think of a California roll as fancy food, since there’s much flashier sushi widely available and this roll is about as basic as it gets. But during the 1980s, the crab, avocado, and cucumber stuffed roll was high-class.
5. Tiramisu

Tiramisu was the darling of 1980s desserts, bringing a taste of Italy to fancy dinners and trendy restaurants. Its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa were all things luxurious and indulgent.
6. Pesto

Pesto was the “it” sauce of the 1980s, whether it was enjoyed with a baguette, in pasta, or spread on a sandwich. This stuff was all over every upscale restaurant’s menu.
7. Chicken Marsala

Folks in the 1980s definitely associated Italian cuisine with fancy food. Chicken marsala was at the helm with its rich sauce made with Marsala wine and savory mushrooms.
8. Plum Torte

Forget 1970s black forest cake. Plum torte became a beloved dessert in the 1980s, thanks to its simple elegance and fruity flavor. This buttery cake topped with juicy plums was both effortless to make and impressive to serve.
9. Salad With Raspberry Vinaigrette

Nowadays, raspberry vinaigrette and other vinegar-based dressings are widely available, whether you’re at the grocery store or a restaurant. Rewind back to the 1980s, though, and this stuff was exclusive to classier kitchens and restaurants.
10. Raspberry Chocolate Charlotte Cake

Raspberry chocolate Charlotte cake was the epitome of elegance in the 1980s dessert scene. With its ladyfinger-lined exterior, rich chocolate mousse, and vibrant raspberry layers, it was perfectly decadent and destined to impress.
11. Lobster Bisque

Lobster still has a fancy air to it, but it was even more prevalent during the 1980s. Lobster bisque was practically a status symbol during the decade, showing up on high-end menus and special occasion spreads.