Valentine’s Day: Romantic Restaurants and Bars across Mzansi
It’s the month of love and with it comes that much anticipated dinner date on Valentine’s Day. Here are some of our favourite romantic restaurants across South Africa.
Valentine’s Day in Joburg
Contributing Writers: Justyn Spinner
Alma Restaurant
The Latin word for soul, Alma now calls The Woods Shopping Centre on Jan Smuts Avenue home. With generous portion sizes and platters perfect for sharing, Alma is also versed in signature and classic cocktails. Therefore, this Caribbean-South African blend is perfect for a different type of date night this Valentine’s Day.
Filotimo Greek Taverna
Transport yourself to the heart of Greece with a visit to Filotimo Greek Taverna. It is a vibrant and authentic eatery that celebrates the essence of Greek culture. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by décor reminiscent of a traditional taverna, complete with bold colours and rustic touches.
Valentine’s Day: They’ll be offering their full à la carte menu to lovebirds on Valentine’s Day, while also encouraging those visiting to sip on fine wine and letting live music set the perfect mood for romance.
Chief’s Boma @ Indaba Hotel
A meal at Chief’s Boma at the Indaba Hotel becomes a memory. It offers an authentic taste of Africa, with a buffet that features everything from traditional stews to flavourful grilled meats. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by African-inspired interiors and live entertainment. Furthermore, they create a vibrant setting that’s perfect for families, tourists or anyone looking to immerse themselves in local culture.
Valentine’s Day: Spoil your loved one with a romantic buffet dinner that comes in at only R745 per couple. Included in the evening is a welcome drink, buffet dinner, live entertainment and a mystery prize for the best dressed couple.
Besos Restaurant
Step into Besos and discover a restaurant that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about culinary delights. Offering a versatile menu that spans from brunch to dinner, this trendy eatery serves up a mix of contemporary and classic dishes. In addition, the interior design is chic, yet comfortable, making it the ideal spot for both casual outings and special occasions.
The Fat Olive Restaurant
Just five minutes away from Lanseria airport, the Fat Olive is a country destination for exceptional dining and unforgettable experiences. Nestled against a picturesque scene, the restaurant offers the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Further to this, their ambiance under the stars sets the mood for romance and love this February, solidifying new or old bonds.
Valentine’s Day: The Fat Olive’s plated picnic dinner is perfect to celebrate the day of love. With a complimentary welcome drink, live music by Tonde and a five-course menu, it will be a night to remember at only R480 per person.
Valentine’s in Cape Town
Contributing Writer: Sharon Waugh
Yatai Ramenbar
Inspired by the Japanese street food culture, the Mother City’s newest and hippest spot’s interiors evoke the feeling of an open-air market. Yatai is a sensory journey that lingers long after you’ve left. From the theatrical presentation of the Miso Soup Bomb to the last bite of the exquisite Matcha Tiramisu, the eatery attests to the power of culinary artistry.
Valentine’s Day: Raise a glass to love with Yatai’s Valentine’s Day set menu. Coming in at R749 per person sharing, you can enjoy an incredible evening with good food surrounded by flowing bubbles and lots of love.
SÓTANO
SÓTANO, a beloved Mouille Point restaurant, has been serving up popular Mediterranean-inspired cuisine for fourteen years. Recently, they updated their menu to include fresh Cape seafood and tasty sushi, as well as a new range of signature cocktails. One of the new menu’s highlights is Head Chef Eugene Marinus’ Seafood Espetada.
Valentine’s Day: Spend your Valentine’s Day overlooking crashing waves and smelling salty air. SÓTANO is offering a four-course meal to ensure you embrace the love. It’ll cost R195 per person excluding the wine tasting, or R375 per person including it.
Novel Wine Bar
Novel Wine Bar is a new cellar that’s making waves in the local wine scene. Located in Salt River, this vibrant spot is dedicated to championing the next generation of South African winemakers. Therefore, the inclusive space celebrates diversity, spotlighting young winemakers and those crafting their own unique labels. With a carefully curated menu featuring 45 wines – all available by the glass – you can explore everything and anything.
Queen’s Lounge
Located in the beautifully restored Queens Hotel on the V&A Waterfront, this elegant space embodies the essence of a bygone era. Skilled bartenders blend classic techniques with innovative flavours to craft unique signature cocktails. From rare single malts to artisanal mezcal, the lounge boasts a curated selection of premium liquors. This includes a collection of rare whiskies sourced from around the globe.
Cultivar Wine Bar
The Time Out Market has a new boutique wine bar. Led by sommelier Lennox Nyengera, you’ll be introduced to limited-edition wines such as the Wolf & Woman Chenin Blanc and Ahrens Family Wines’ rare 2018 Cabernet Franc. Furthermore, premium wines like Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay are available by the glass. This offers guests a chance to experience them without committing to a full bottle. Together with the Market’s food vendors, Cultivar offers exciting pairings and makes the world of wine more approachable.
Valentine’s in Pretoria
Contributing Writer: Renate Engelbrecht
Golden Hour
Pretoria’s Golden Hour Asian Grill House is where you will find authentic Asian cuisine with a lot of heart. Bringing flavours together from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, the menu is filled with cuisine inspired by the owners’ travels. Probably one of the most intriguing parts of the experience is the grill tables. Patrons can grill their own portions of thinly sliced meat, allowing for fun conversations around the table.
Hillside Tavern
As a Pretoria restaurant that has stood the test of time, Hillside Tavern brings a touch of vintage to your Valentine’s Day. Its menu is vast with various delectable classics like Eisbein, Wiener Schnitzel and Chicken Cordon Bleu. However, their generous portions are one of the reasons loyal diners return time and again. Hillside Tavern is a nostalgic haven perfect for lovebirds who enjoy a quieter and more intimate eatery.
Modern Tailors’ Ambassador
Having opened in Groenkloof recently, Modern Tailors’ Ambassador restaurant is the ultimate Indian dining destination. Their authentic Indian food menu was created by Executive Chef Jessica Munisamy and his team. While the cuisine is a feast in itself, the décor is a feast for the eyes with brilliant, bold details like tasseled lampshades and rattan weave chairs.
Wijntuin
This outside bar and eatery is the perfect spot for a laidback summer afternoon. It amalgamates fresh air, cocktails and live music into slow Saturdays. More so, there is the added bonus that kids and pets are welcome. This family-friendly escape, just off the N1 highway, is the perfect setting for a family-themed Valentine’s Day.
Lupa Osteria Lynnwood Bridge
Apart from their enticing menu options, Lupa Osteria at Lynnwood Bridge boasts a range of delightful cocktails perfect for a Friday afternoon. Whether you’re looking for a good old classic or a trendy tipple, Lupa is ready to deliver. From pizza and beer specials to authentic Bolognese and a glass of wine, you’re in for a treat.
Valentine’s Day: As part of promoting not drinking and driving this month of love, Lupa Osteria at Lynnwood Bridge promises one designated driver at your table a Heineken 0.0 non-alcoholic beer for free until 28 February 2025.
Valentine’s in Durban
Contributing Writer: Tessa Buhrmann
Café Sparrow
At Café Sparrow, diners can choose between the cosy indoor setting, or a picturesque outdoor deck overlooking a serene natural lake. According to the owner, sparrows symbolise joy, creativity and companionship. This sentiment rings true at Café Sparrow too, as it is the perfect spot for gatherings with friends or family, quiet business meetings or romantic dinners.
Valentine’s Day: Celebrate love with a Valentine’s Dinner that includes a three course set menu, a glass of Tranquille sparkling wine on arrival and aperitifs for just R480 per person.
9th Avenue Waterside
For a touch of romance and refined dining, 9th Avenue Waterside is a must-visit. Nestled on the harbour with breathtaking views of docked boats and the shimmering city lights, it offers a serene escape for couples. The menu, crafted by Head Chef Theodorus Karabo Chiloane, reflects his passion for bringing people together through food. Furthermore, the upstairs cocktail lounge offers a curated selection of aperitifs, cocktails and boutique wines.
Valentine’s Day: On the seaside, immerse yourself in a summer evening of love with live music and a six-course meal that costs R950 per person. The theme is Midsummer Night’s Dream, so wear your best suits and dresses.
SandBar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Just 20m from the beach, SandBar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is a vibrant hotspot. The cocktail bar is a highlight, with favourites like the Just Jinger, Espresso Martini and French Blonde. Complementing the drinks menu is an impressive range of South African wines. More so, the décor is warm and welcoming, featuring nostalgic surf-inspired photography and soft lighting that adds to its cool, laid-back vibe. Ultimately, it is the perfect lovers’ paradise.
Bean Bag Jazz Lounge
The iconic Bean Bag Jazz Lounge is back on Durban’s Florida Road. It blends soulful live jazz, vibrant energy, mouthwatering cuisine and a fully stocked bar. A hotspot for music and mingling, this reimagined venue offers a menu of African-inspired dishes with contemporary flair.
Valentine’s Day: Indulge in a three-course menu with a wine pairing and live music for Valentine’s dinner. At R1000 per couple, the evening is set to be memorable and romantic.
Tipsy Flamingo
Tipsy Flamingo, an upmarket cocktail bar in Kloof, is your go-to for delicious food and thirst-quenching cocktails. It has become a beloved gem known for its flirty flair, live music and unforgettable nights. Furthermore, as a finalist in Durban’s Top 3 Cocktail Bars, it is perfect for sipping, laughing and dancing the night away.
Valentine’s Day: Going above and beyond, the Tipsy Flamingo is offering a week of love specials. A seafood platter for two and a bottle of Durbanville Hills Wine costs R480 from Wednesday, 12 February through to Sunday, 16 February while stocks last.
If you want to spend your Valentine’s Day sipping cocktails and indulging in South Africa’s best cuisine, there are many munch spots from which to choose. Love really is all around us.
For more food and drink inspo, click here.
Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
