Whether it’s a romantic brunch, lunch, dinner, picnic, movie night or staycation, this Valentine’s Day, take your pick from these restaurants and hotels in Jozi that have gone all out to ensure you’re spoilt for choice to celebrate the day of love with your special someone.

Vivace Bar & Restaurant at Radisson Blu (Sandton)

This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a lavish three-course Valentine’s Day dinner at Vivace, overlooking the Sandton skyline. Starting from 6:30pm onwards on 14 February and priced at 495 per person, couples can enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, his-and-hers signature cocktails and a welcome canapé, before proceeding to the set menu. Starters include golden-brown halloumi cheese on chilli-crushed avocado, crunchy onion rings, or classic tomato and basil soup with cheddar baked breadsticks and mascarpone. For mains, savour the grilled lamb rump on parmesan mash potato, confit pearl onions and fried herbs or oven-roasted kingklip with fat cut crispy chips on a spicy Neapolitan sauce or a three-type mushroom risotto, wild rocket leaves and Danish feta cheese. Dessert is a Lovers’ Platter served with rich coffee-soaked tiramisu, chocolate truffles and red velvet cake. You can also enjoy live entertainment during dinner. Additionally, you can book a romantic staycation on 14 February priced at R2,675 per couple, which includes a bottle of bubbly on arrival, Valentine’s Day dinner for two and breakfast in bed. For reservations, call 011 245 8000 or email tanith.hillocks@radissonblu.com.

Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel (Sandton)

Enjoy a romantic evening with a Valentine’s Day canapé dinner at Radisson Blu Gautrain’s poolside deck, with mesmerising views of Sandton. Start with a welcome glass of bubbly, then move on to a feast of freshly shucked oysters topped with watermelon, basil and lime salsa. Follow this up with a hot and cold canape buffet featuring potato blinis topped with smoked salmon and caper crème fraiche, goat’s cheese mousse-filled phyllo cups with caramelised figs and walnuts, chicken and julienne vegetable rice paper wraps, mushroom and feta tartlets, artichoke arancini and more. For a sweet ending, share a dessert platter featuring mini red velvet cupcakes, mini chocolate eclairs filled with white chocolate mousse and chocolate-dipped strawberries. This experience is priced at R495 per person, starting from 6:30pm on 14 February and includes live entertainment. Additionally, you can book a superior room for R2,100 per couple on 14 February, which includes the Valentine’s Canapé Dinner, breakfast for two and a late check-out. Alternatively, you can indulge in a romantic weekend on 11–13 February or 18–20 February, priced at R1,950 per couple per night, which includes accommodation in a superior room, a Valentine’s-themed dinner valued at R450 per person and breakfast for two. For reservations, call 011 286 1000 or email reservations.gautrain@radissonblu.com.

Alto234 and Aurum Restaurant at The Leonardo (Sandton)

What could be more romantic than celebrating Valentine’s Day at Africa’s highest urban bar? Enjoy an exclusive Valentine’s Day sunset experience at Alto234 on 14 February from 4 to 6:30pm or a ‘night lights’ experience from 7:30 to 10pm. Priced at R550 per person, the experience includes two glasses of Moet & Chandon champagne and a Leonardo red rose on arrival, assorted tapas, romantic instrumental music with a fantastic backdrop, and 360-degree views of the Joburg skyline from the 57th floor rooftop bar. You can book the experience on www.alto234.co.za or call 011 806 6888. You can also enjoy a special à la carte Valentine’s Day lunch from 12 to 4pm or dinner from6 to 10pm on 14 February at Aurum Restaurant. The menu includes starters featuring smoked springbok carpaccio, Saldanha Bay oysters, mushroom arancini and summer vegetable carpaccio; mains such as varied pasta options, beef fillet, braised pork belly, roasted duck confit and a seafood platter for two; and desserts such as crème brulee, tiramisu, pear and gorgonzola, plus a complimentary friandise platter of assorted macarons and orange blossom fudge. For reservations at Aurum, call 076 471 1489.

Flames Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel (Westcliff)

Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend in style on the Hill at the Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff. At Flames, patrons can enjoy a Valentine’s brunch buffet priced at R895 per person on 12 and 13 February from 11am to 3pm or a Valentine’s dinner on 13 or 14 February at R995 per person (excluding drinks). Brunch includes a welcome cocktail and live stations comprising an oyster bar, handcrafted sushi, hot dishes such as lobster medallion benedict and beef Wellington, and desserts such as a red velvet waffle station, a chocolate fountain and other sweet treats. The four-course Valentine’s dinner experience begins with a cotton candy welcome cocktail, followed by an exotic selection of courses including foie gras, 22k golden lobster carbonara, tender crispy pork belly, and three dessert options including chocolate lovers gateaux and rose pavlova. There is also a separate Russian caviar menu to choose from. Dinner will be served from 6 to 8:30pm. Guests can also book a Private Retreat for Two package, which is available from 11 to 14 February and includes accommodation in a private room or suite, surprise Valentine’s amenities on arrival, a complimentary Signature Westcliff breakfast and the Valentine’s dinner. For reservations, call 011 481 6000.

Lacuna Bistro and Bar (Sandton)

Spoil your special someone with a lavish, three-course dinner at Lacuna Bistro this Valentine’s Day. Starting from 6pm on 14 February, dinner is priced at R990 per couple and includes a welcome drink and live entertainment. The menu includes prawn tempura or vegetarian spanakopita as an amuse-bouche; starters include smoked springbok carpaccio, a poke bowl or butternut and pea risotto; mains include beef fillet, seven-spiced fish, chicken supreme or a deconstructed seasonal vegetarian lasagne; and for dessert you can choose from a chocolate tart, red velvet cake or classic strawberries and cream, followed by tea or coffee. For reservations, call  010 226 4815 or email  lacuna.bistro@suninternational.com.

OUI BAR + KTCHN at Radisson RED (Rosebank)

Kicking off the Month of Love, the Radisson RED hotel has a slew of interesting offerings. For the full month of February, guests can book the RED Hot Love Room Special priced at R1,495, which includes a one-night stay for two and an in-room breakfast picnic with a complimentary gift. On 12 February, patrons can enjoy a RED Rooftop session with live entertainment by the resident DJ from 6pm. On 13 February, you can enjoy a three-course Valentine’s Day Lovers’ Lunch at OUI BAR + KTCHN. Priced at R495 per person, lunch will be served from 1 to 3pm and includes oysters dressed with a sun-dried tomato and chilli pesto, a choice between beef whole short rib, chicken galantine and creamed spinach, and three cheese fettuccine for mains, as well as a Happy Ending platter-for-two of fruit and cheesecake. The same menu will also be available for Valentine’s Day dinner from 6 to 9pm on 14 February. Lunch and dinner will be accompanied by live entertainment, as well as fun activities such as table tennis and a just-for-fun table quiz. For reservations, call 010 023 3580 or email Info.rosebank@radissonred.com.

Avianto (Muldersdrift)

At Avianto, patrons can enjoy a Valentine’s Day breakfast buffet priced at R580 per couple available from 7 to 11am, a three-course Valentine’s Day lunch priced at R790 per couple that will be served from 12 to 3pm and a five-course Valentine’s Day dinner priced at R995 per couple, available from 6:30pm. The hotel also has a wide range of interesting staycation packages and wellness packages for the Valentine’s weekend. The romantic staycation package from 12 to 14 February includes accommodation in a luxury room, dinner and breakfast for R3,670 per couple. Avianto’s Romantic Exclusive Picnic is priced at R1,500 per couple per day and is available from 12 to 14 February. There is also a choice of a romantic movie night and picnic for two on 12 February, priced at R995 per couple. The Avianto Half-Day Couples Retreat priced at R4,950 per couple from 12 to 14 February includes two wellness treatments, a light lunch, a nature walk, dinner, one-night’s stay in a luxury room and breakfast the next morning. For more details and reservations, call 011 668 3000 or go to https://www.avianto.co.za/product-category/valentines-weekend-2022/.

Saigon (Rivonia)

If you dig South East Asian food, then this Valentine’s Day, you’re in for a treat! Saigon restaurant is offering a three-course dinner menu on 14 February from 6 to 10pm. Priced at R385 per person, dinner includes a sharing starter platter, two mains, two sides, a dessert sharing platter, one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink per person, and a gift. The mouthwatering menu includes appetizers such as crispy vegetable or chicken spring rolls, prawn crystal salad roll and beef skewers; mains such as barbecue duck, vegetarian green Thai curry, crispy ginger fish, caramelised pork and egg, peppered prawns, chicken cashew nut and spicy tofu with sides of steamed rice or rice noodles; and a dessert platter featuring pavlova, chocolate mousse and fried banana and ice-cream. For reservations, call 011 807 5752 or 078 450 6925.

Pappas on the Square (Sandton)

Enjoy a Greek- and Mediterranean-style Valentine’s Day dinner on 14 February at Pappas on the Square, overlooking the happening Nelson Mandela Square. Priced at R449 per person, the three-course set menu includes starters such as oysters, lamb phyllo cigars, prawn kataifi and dolmades; mains such as oxtail casserole, whole rainbow trout and fillet camembert; and desserts such as bougatsa, malva pudding and frozen sorbet. Dinner will be served from 6 to 10pm. For reservations, call  011 884 9991.

Olives & Plates (Hyde Park)

Celebrate the day of love with a romantic, three-course dinner at Olives & Plates this Valentine’s Day. Priced at R680 per person, dinner on 14 February will be served from 4 to 9pm. The menu includes starters such as pan-seared scallops, dry-aged carpaccio, double-baked souffle and mille feuille Caprese, while mains include trimmed lamb cutlets, grilled king prawns, linefish and spinach dolmades, followed by a surprise decadent dessert selection. Reservations can be made by calling 010 013 1074.

Sotta Sopra (Rosebank)

This Valentine’s Day, surprise your sweetheart with a delectable Italian three-course lunch or dinner at Sotta Sopra. Priced at R950 per couple or R475 per person, the set menu is available any time between 12 and 10pm on 14 February. For starters or antipasti, choose from lobster ravioli poached in vanilla butter or lemon-ricotta ravioli; for mains you can enjoy a herb-crusted, oven-roasted sirloin steak or mushroom and truffle linguine; and for dessert, try the red velvet fondant, champagne macerated strawberries and marzipan crumble and caramel espresso brittle. You can also enjoy a complimentary friandise platter featuring chocolate and kalhua bonbons. For reservations, call 076 460 3907.

TANG (Sandton)

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in luxurious settings with an Asian-inspired three-course dinner at TANG restaurant on 14 February. Priced at R950 per person, dinner will be served in two seatings at 6:30pm or 8:30pm and includes a complimentary glass of Mirabelle Rose per person. The Valentine’s Day set menu includes an amuse-bouche of shiso truffle oysters, an izakaya selection comprising rock shrimp, robata octopus, tuna tataki, pork belly or dim sum; mains include Peking duck, angus fillet or tofu wok; and for dessert, patrons can indulge in a salted caramel fondant or a fortune cookie with ice cream. For reservations, call 071 379 2161 or make a reservation online at https://tanghospitality.com/reservation/.

Four20 Bespoke Hotel (Midrand)

Bring in the Valentine’s weekend in style on 13 February with a gourmet picnic and champagne and sorbet tasting at the Bubble Garden at the Four20 Bespoke Hotel. Priced at R850, you can book a Cupid’s picnic basket for two starting at 12pm in the Bubble Garden, which includes a complimentary glass of bubbles, sorbet and MCC champagne tasting and a chicken or beef prego roll or a vegetarian wrap with fries or sweet potato fries. The package also includes live entertainment by the resident DJ. For reservations, call 064 507 2409 or email tasneem@tamexecutive.org.

Old Town Italy (Melrose Arch)

If you’re looking to bring in Valentine’s Day with a twist, Old Town Italy has got just the thing for you. Enjoy a pizza-making class at 6pm on 14 February, priced at R575 per couple, which includes the pizza-making experience, Old Town Italy wine and an antipasto board. For kids aged four to 12 years, Old Town Italy also has a special Valentine’s Cookies & Cream class on 12 February, priced at R120 per child. The class starts at 10am and includes heart-shaped cookie decorating and a milkshake. For reservations, call 010 109 8632 or book via https://web.facebook.com/oldtownitaly/?_rdc=1&_rdr.

Arbour Café & Courtyard (Birdhaven)

Experience love at first bite with your date this Valentine’s Day with Arbour Café & Courtyard’s romantic four-course dinner. On 14 February, you and your special someone can dine under the stars while sipping on Prosecco and indulging in a French-inspired meal from 6 to 10:30pm. Priced at R975 per couple, dinner includes two glasses of Valdo Floral Edition Prosecco and a set menu featuring a choice of starters including steak tartare, moules marinière in a creamy white wine sauce or baked brie with chilli cranberry sauce. Follow it up with a blissful berry palate cleanser, before tucking into the main course, which includes a choice of chicken supreme with new potatoes, garlic duck confit and celeriac pomme purée, a 250g pepper steak with sauteed baby spinach and Lyonnaise potatoes or aubergine steaks with brown mushroom, parsley and sweet potato chip. For dessert, you can savour a sinful crepè suzette orange and crème malva. You can also up the ante by ordering a bottle of Valdo Floral Edition Prosecco with the four-course meal for two, priced at R1,245. For reservations, email info@arbourcafe.co.za or call 010 753 2007.

The Hussar Grill (Montecasino)

 Celebrate the Month of Love at the all-time classic steakhouse The Hussar Grill in Montecasino with a two-course meal and a complimentary bottle of The Hussar Grill Red and chocolate vodka martinis all through February, priced at R385 per couple. On 14 February, this offer also includes a welcome glass of Pongracz Rose. For reservations, call 011 568 4517.

Lemoni (Bedfordview)

If you prefer to spend Valentine’s Day in the comfort of your home and yet not miss out on all the trimmings, order in a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner from Lemoni. Priced at R850, the Moonlight Box features choices of a Celestial Lover’s non-vegetarian set menu, a vegetarian menu or a vegan menu, which can be home delivered or collected from the restaurant on 14 February. To order, email lexi@lemoni.co.za or call on 011 455 7015 for more details.