We’ve all been on one. A date when the conversation is so stilted that you’re tempted to gouge an eye out with your steak knife, and the arrival of the food is the highpoint of the evening.

Then there are those evenings when the chemistry is right, but the food takes a million years to arrive – and halfway through the evening, the waiter dumps a whole tray of drinks on your head. (Yes, that really did happen; to a friend, not me!)

Along with the risks, dating can also be a rather expensive exercise. At the end of the evening, including petrol and parking or a taxi, you’re lucky if the whole exercise comes in under R500. As a couple, it can be tricky to find the cash to do this on a regular basis; while for singles, there are those extra costs to consider, like the haircut, and that inevitable new pair of shoes/pants/earrings that seem essential for a successful evening.

Whether you’re coupled up or desperately seeking a restaurant for a first date, we scoured the country to bring you a list of restaurants where you can get two main meals and a bottle of wine for under R250 (before the tip of course!). This way, if the date is a disaster, at least you can still afford to pay the rent!

Johannesburg

Bombay Blues
There’s a new secluded bar area as well as tented enclaves for private seating outside.
To eat: kheema masala dosa (rice and urdal dal crêpes filled with minced lamb and served with coconut chutney and sambhar).
And: murg makhanwala (butter chicken).
To drink: choose a chenin blanc ranging from R60 to R90
Total cost: R220-R240

Café Picobella
The big covered veranda raised well above street level makes this casual venue one of the most pleasant places to eat in the suburb.
To eat: grilled calamari, served with rice and vegetables.
And: chicken involtini (chicken breasts rolled around Swiss cheese and zucchini) served with cream potatoes.
To drink: Vergelegen Vin de Florence
Total cost: R250

Deli su Casa
There are comfy banquettes for couples or Karoo-styled farmhouse tables.
To eat: gourmet (chicken or beef) burger with halloumi and avocado.
And: chicken and mushroom pasta.
To drink: Nederburg Rosé or KWV Chenin Blanc
Total cost: R207

Parker’s Grill
This is a pleasant, intimate establishment that was moved lock, stock and barrel from its previous location in Hurlingham, Sandton.
To eat: grilled calamari
And: Vienna schnitzel
To drink: Allée Bleue white
Total cost: R228

Pronto
It’s authentic. Any holiday gaps see the owners heading straight to Italy for culinary and cultural inspiration, ensuring the direct line between Italy and Craighall Park is always open.
To eat: salmon vermouth with fettuccine
And: spaghetti with meatballs
To drink: Delheim Pinotage Rosé
Total cost: R244

Pretoria

Al Dente Ristorante
Lunch times are quiet and make it the perfect spot for something intimate.
To eat: bacon, onion and red wine sauce pasta
And: vegetarian Mediterranean pizza
To drink: house white (sauvignon blanc)
Total cost: R203

Boston Kitchen Deli
The bottled items and artwork for sale could make you feel like you're eating in a charming farm stall.
To eat: every Monday, get all main meals at half price. Try the grilled fillet with butter sauce or the blackened lamb cutlets.
And: the sole main dish.
To drink: any chenin blanc for the fish, and any pinotage for the red meat.
Total cost: R190-R220

Guia
The enclosed balcony is a favoured spot and looks onto a nature reserve, making for the best seats in the house.
To eat: they have set menus for two that change seasonally.
To drink: Two Oceans Merlot 
Total cost: R239

Tranna
It’s quiet so you can enjoy your meal without any hustle and bustle.
To eat: mixed tandoori platter for two (chicken tikka, chicken kebab, lamb shish kebab, samoosa and chilli bites) or chicken palak (boneless chicken pieces prepared with spinach and cream).
And: lamb keema masala (lamb mince prepared in rare spices and cooked with peas).
To drink: a white wine ranging from R70 to R100
Total cost: R220-R250

Durban

Butcher Boys
This top Durban steakhouse has moody lighting inside, and a friendly atmosphere on the veranda.
To eat: the chicken and prawn curry
To drink: a bottle of Two Oceans red or white
Total: R237

Havanna Grill
Modern and minimalist, this restaurant is always busy; good if you’re afraid of awkward silences. The balcony has superb views.
To eat: Penang red coconut curry
And: ravioli (pumpkin, ricotta and spinach)
To drink: Bottle of Vriesenhof / Paradyskloof
Total: R245

Bangkok Wok
This cheap and cheerful local eatery makes great Thai staples. Sit out on the deck and look out over Florida Road.
To eat: chicken curry
And: beef curry
To drink: Laborie Merlot
Total: R220

Beach Bistro
The interior décor might be a bit of a mix, but request a table on the deck and look out over the beach.
To eat: fish and chips
And: stir-fry chicken
To drink: Bon Courage Chenin Blanc
Total: R185

Marco Paulo
Curved glass frontage and hip furniture make for a slightly more formal date.
To eat: Mafiosa pizza
And: Mozambican peri peri chicken
To drink: Simonsig Chenin Blanc
Total: R227

Spiga D’Oro
It’s always packed, so Spiga is handy if the conversation is a little stilted.
To eat: spaghetti bolognaise And: napolitana
To drink: house wine
Total: R189

Cape Town

Bardelli’s  
Their excellent pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven with gourmet toppings, like the signature Figaro.
To eat: There’s a special on at the moment – order two Olympia pizzas (an Olympia’s four quarters have different toppings) and get a free bottle of house red or white. Only valid from Monday to Wednesday.
Total cost: R198

Bombay Bicycle Club
A gorgeous, elaborate and inspiring space with a wild bohemian edge – worth going just for the uplifting vibe.
To eat: creamy wild mushroom risotto with parmesan, rocket and truffle oil.
And: baby spatchcock chicken, saffron, raisin and almond couscous and minted yogurt dressing.
To drink: Ken Forrester Petit Chenin.
Total cost: R236

Carlyles
Locals frequent it for pizzas piled high with fresh ingredients.
To eat: bacon, feta and avocado pizza.
And: creamy fettuccini alfredo pasta.
To drink: Darling Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.
Total cost: R190

El Burro
The balcony overlooking Green Point Stadium is hot property on balmy summer evenings.
To eat: pork carnitas plated tacos
And: chicken enchiladas
To drink: house white or red.
Total cost: R217 

Posticino
Posticino is worn-in and comfortable so, even though the tablecloths are freshly laundered, you won’t feel mortified if you knock over a glass of red wine during a particularly animated conversation.
To eat: margarita pizza And: spaghetti bolognaise
To drink: Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Total cost: R200

Rick’s Cafe Americain
Comfy couches, wooden tables and two fireplaces complete the picture, with an upstairs deck for summer.
To eat: BMB burger (a choice of ostrich or beef) topped with grilled bacon, mushrooms, melted brie, tomatoes and rocket, served with chips.
And: Rick’s wiener schnitzel
To drink: house dry white or red wine
Total cost: R244

Royale Kitchen
Choose from the retro booths downstairs or go upstairs to Royale Kitchen at night to a magical, Amelie-inspired space.
To eat: Sweet Petunia burger (150g beef patty, grilled mushroom, fresh rocket and homemade mustard mayonnaise).
And: Provincial burger (grilled chicken breast with melted brie and cranberry sauce).
To drink: Simonsvlei Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Total cost: R214

Sidewalk Café
The reincarnated Sidewalk Cafe is one of those small and bustling local brasseries.
To eat: chicken, bacon and avocado burger with onion jam and chilli mayonnaise.
And: chicken penne with mushrooms, red onion and red pesto cream.
To drink: Sidewalk white
Total cost: R240

Toro Wine Bar
Combining Italian food with grapes is the concept, promising great artisan wine and tasty antipasti. While patrons share the antipasti on the table, it can get quite romantic with smooth music in the background.
To eat: the owner sets up a board and serves antipasti ranging from Parma ham and salami to gorgonzola, camembert and bruschetta.
To drink: Cardinal Vanity
Total price: R220

Woodlands Eatery
The Woodlands Eatery is a cosy, relaxed neighbourhood bistro.
To eat: mushroom and clam pasta
And: lamb and crème fraîche pizza
To drink: Waverley Organic Red
Total price: R247

By Katharine Jacobs
Research by Kelly Pluke