Offering everything from twinkling candlelit dinners to charming tapas dates, these eight romantic restaurants will solve your date-night dilemmas this Valentine’s Day.

9th Avenue Bistro (Durban, Morningside)

An evening here is a perfect way to celebrate an anniversary or impress the new love in your life. Sophisticated dishes are exquisitely presented, the service is attentive and, the wines are delicious. Dishes include salmon gravadlax with cucumber relish and homemade crème fraîche; crispy roasted free-range duck with spinach and onion hash; and a loved-up trio of chocolate mousses.

A delicious soufflé at 9th Avenue Bistro. Photo supplied.

Bouchon Bistro (Cape Town, City Bowl)

Cape Town winery Dorrance shares an intimate and romantic space with this eatery. The cellar restaurant will transport you to the Winelands while the ever-changing tapas menu with a carefully selected wine list is perfect for date night. Think small portions of cloud-like gnocchi and mushrooms; pan-fried polenta strips with a roasted tomato sauce; tender beef tataki; and pepper-dusted squid.

Dining in the cellar at Dorrance Wines at Bouchon Bistro. Photo supplied.

Bel Punto (Umdloti)

Lovebirds can savour a bottle of bubbles and uninterrupted ocean views from the balcony of this seaside restaurant. The menu boasts traditional and modern Italian cuisine, from wood-fired oven-roasted quail to deep-fried olives, and the seafood is spectacular. Romantic tip: Share an indulgent espresso crème brûlée to end off the meal.

Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient (Pretoria, Elandsfontein)

Ask for a private table on the tower balcony if you really want to be alone. Chantel Dartnall’s food is some of the most romantic you can find, perfect for wooing a food-loving partner. End the meal on a sweet note by ordering the playful and charming Recipe for Romance, which looks like a DIY cake (a bowl of flour, butter cubes, chocolate and an egg yolk) but will surprise you.

The interior at Restaurant Mosaic is inspired by the Parisian Belle Epoque. Photo supplied.

La Mouette (Sea Point)

Whether you’re outside next to the fountain with the fairy lights twinkling in the trees, or in a nook of the beautiful old house (alongside a cosy fire in cooler months), this intimate restaurant is a perfect place to spoil someone special. The seasonal tasting menu is a real treat, with dishes like fontina ravioli, tuna sashimi, grilled beef with mushroom cream, and a melting Ferrero Rocher dessert.

La Mouette’s intimate interior. Photo supplied.

La Cucina di Ciro (Parktown North)

Book a table in one of the intimate rooms here or on the vine-covered patio and enjoy a softly lit meal of Italian classics. Start with the sweet-potato-and-sage tartlet or calamari and prawns in a light batter before moving onto to the delicate homemade fettuccine with seafood.

Roots at Forum Homini (Johannesburg, Kromdraai)

The food is fabulous, especially when paired with wine, but the Forum Homini suites make this spot extra romantic. Spend your evening on the deck and enjoy the stunning view while being wowed by chef Chris Tustian’s menu. Think tomato risotto and pan-fried shrimp and desserts of panna cotta or Malibu and white chocolate.

The beautiful setting at Roots. Photo supplied.

Emily Moon (Plettenberg Bay)

The magnificent view will set the scene for a romantic night out. The serene Bitou River can be enjoyed in the late afternoons on the sundowner deck with celebratory cocktails followed by a candlelit evening of mouth-watering food. Think fresh ricotta baked in phyllo with date fig puree and cloud-light gnocchi in a gorgeous Provençal sauce.

Emily Moon. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Made a reservation? Now all you need to do is pick up the perfect Valentine’s Day gift from Woolies  to go with it. (And while you’re at it, save even more stress and get your food shopping done too.)