Whether you’re spending 14 February with your partner, your best friend or both, whether you’re doing Valentine’s or Galentine’s, there are a number of restaurants across SA wanting to make your day all the more special with multiple-course meals and complimentary bubbly on offer.

We’ve rounded up some of them with a specific focus on outdoor dining options and rooftop spots, so you and your loved one(s) can enjoy Valentine’s under the stars.

Cape Town

Beluga

“Cupid’s arrow is pointing towards Beluga this Valentine’s Day,” the eatery located at the Cruise Terminal outside the V&A Waterfront says. After finding its new home, the revamped Beluga boasts an intimate restaurant with a balcony that overlooks the harbour. For Valentine’s Day they’re serving a three-course set menu for lunch and dinner at R990 per couple, with a complimentary welcome drink.

 

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Utopia

Utopia in Cape Town is a rooftop restaurant offering 360° views over the whole city. Book a seat overlooking Lion’s Head, Table Mountain or the Waterfront, and enjoy their Valentine’s menu which includes a glass of Kleine Zalze Brut Rosé on arrival, delicious oysters and a 10-course (yes, 10!) tasting menu at R950pp.

 

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TANG

TANG at the V&A Waterfront (as well as their branch in Sandton, Johannesburg) will be hosting a four-course “romantic evening of sensory delights this Valentine’s Day” at R1 000 to R1 500pp. Have a complimentary glass of Mirabelle Rosé upon arrival while you enjoy the soulful cello sounds of Carol Thorns live at sunset (diners in Sandton will enjoy live music by harpist Jude Harpstar).

 

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The President Hotel

The President Hotel in Cape Town is hosting an open-air picnic and silent cinema experience under the stars this Valentine’s Day at R390pp. Guests will get to watch Leap Year, starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode, and receive a welcome drink, headphones for rent and a picnic box – with oysters!

 

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Apostles Braai Restaurant

The 12 Apostles Hotel’s Apostles Braai Restaurant has a ‘Sushi & Bubbles’ menu on offer for you to enjoy with your Valentine. With live music, the offer includes a 24-piece platter and bottomless bubbly while taking in the scenic ocean view.

 

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Cape Winelands

There are a number of estates offering complimentary drinks on arrival with platters and multiple-course meals in the winelands. From Benguela Cove to Cavalli Estate, with the latter – a 2023 Eat Out star recipient – offering a number of special packages including a picnic with West Coast oysters and bubbly, and a cheese or charcuterie platter on the tasting terrace, with live music and the majestic Helderberg mountain as the backdrop.

 

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A few more winelands specials to check out: Eat Out 3 Star Restaurant Dusk, Mariella’s at Capaia Wine Estate, Clos Malverne Restaurant, De Vier, La Paris Bistro, Root44 Restaurant & Wine Emporium, Stellenzicht Wine Estate.

Johannesburg

AURUM Restaurant

The high-end AURUM Restaurant has various dining areas, including a pool deck, and is hosting an intimate Valentine’s evening at R995pp. Welcome bubbles, courtesy of G.H. Mumm, and a delectable three-course dinner and live entertainment are on offer.

 

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The Maslow

For the first Sunday of every month, The Maslow, located in the heart of Sandton, opens its lush lawns for an unforgettable picnic experience. Come out on 4 February – the dress code is red with a touch of white in celebration of the month of love – and enjoy a meticulously curated basket of tempting eats and a chilled bottle of Graham Beck Cap Classique as you listen to live music. Enhance your experience by booking a stay from an additional R1 575 per couple per night, inclusive of the signature Maslow Sandton buffet breakfast.

 

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Eclipse

Eclipse, located on the fifth floor of the Hotel Sky, boasts spectacular views of the city. For Valentine’s Day they have a three-course menu with charcuterie, starters of Caprese flatbread, beef tartare and prawn salad and an orange sorbet palate cleanser, while mains include kingklip, tomato orzo and roasted tenderloin. End the night with a delicious dessert board with your SO.

 

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Casalinga

The garden escape-like Casalinga Restaurant has a Valentine’s menu on offer – and they also offer the option to extend to a bed and breakfast stay. The Valentine’s menu includes an appetiser, main and dessert and is valued at R550pp, while the overnight stay is going for R2 999 per couple.

Pretoria

16^th by KOI

16^th by KOI, perched atop The Capital Trilogy in Menlyn Maine, is hosting a delectable five-course meal. The exclusive restaurant, known for its spectacular view as it’s the highest rooftop venue in all of Pretoria, will pair the menu with wines from the renowned Delheim Wine Estate for a R750pp fee.

 

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Priva

“With an atmosphere designed for intimacy and connection,” book a three-course meal at Priva this Valentine’s Day. The venue offers an outdoor seating area to take in the wonderful view, with live jazz music throughout the night.

 

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Durban

9^th Avenue Waterside 

Take your seat with your partner by the Waterside for a bespoke seven-course tasting menu. Inspired by romantic holiday destinations that we all know and love, 9^th Avenue Waterside has put together a Valentine’s evening that will take you from a picnic lunch in the midlands to a dinner in the Sabi Sands. The night will begin with welcome bubbly with live jazz music to set the mood.

 

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Spoon Eatery

Spoon Eatery is offering a specially curated three-course menu at R495pp in their indoor space or veranda under the stars. The garden view is especially romantic this time of year, and diners will get to soak up the last of the summer sun while enjoying starters of squid, beef carpaccio or spring rolls, mains of lamb roulade, seared salmon or miso-glazed aubergine, with caramel baked apple sponge or a refreshing parfait to finish.

 

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