SA’s best romantic restaurants
It’s tricky to think of an original yet appropriate way to propose to your sweetheart. But doing it in a good restaurant in a great setting is hard to beat. Why not enjoy yourself while building a memory from an experience created together? With that in mind, our team brainstormed eating options in the Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. There were many great venues, but we opted for those that ticked the boxes in terms of food, wine, ambience and views, without completely blowing the budget. Some venues delivered perfect plates and faultless service but were discarded for seeming a little stiff.
Our criteria
We opted for authentic, relatively relaxed settings that partners would feel comfortable in – to help with the element of surprise! When nerves are prominent you’ll want to entrust your meal to competent staff to make it run smoothly. They know that enduring endless tasting menu courses isn’t necessarily a great precursor to presenting a ring, for instance. Owner-run establishments with an excellent food track-record took preference. Alternatively, a restaurant with a small yet experienced team. Other positives include a thoughtful yet expertly executed menu, a decent wine list and unobtrusive service. Human interface was important, i.e. somebody to field queries verbally and to discuss special requests.
We put it to the test
Each featured venue was contacted with our proposal queries – would the restaurant be able to cater for every romantic whim and would they go out of their way to make the meal memorable? The owners or managers of the restaurants listed below were adept at advising about suitable menus. Some concocted creative suggestions for presenting a ring – or offered to consult the chef. They advised about the setting, privacy issues and often suggested extras such as a willingness to play a special song or arrange flowers. Some recommended venues to stay over. They all offered a few good bubblies – essential for a celebration. And to top it off, we even solicited their suggestions for quality wine-by-the-glass pairings.
IN THE CAPE
The Roundhouse
The Glen, Cape Town; tel 021 438 4347
A hotspot for proposals in the 1920s, this revamped historic venue is a delightful Cape Town formal dining environment with attentive service if you want to splash out. Manager Dean Salt will pull out the stops, but suggests popping the question with bubbly on the lawns at sunset, then moving inside for a superb dinner (four à la carte dishes R395; with wines R595). They’ll set a table on the fl at roof in windless weather on request. Other touches include personalised congratulations on your menu, and tailoring to lighter or richer preferences courtesy of Ramsay-trained chef PJ Vadas – butter-poached lobster with broad beans, bacon and celeriac purée to raspberry souffé with pistachio ice cream could tempt you. If nerves allow, draw it out over a seven-course tasting menu (R650; with wines R1 200). Wines aren’t cheap, but you can splurge on vintage Champagne, MCC or multiple icon wines. KM
Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine
Jordan Wines, Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Stellenbosch; tel 021 881 3612
If your fiancée-to-be will appreciate topnotch food and wine in a delightful setting without too much fussing, this is the place. Scottish chef patron George Jardine creates deceptively simple flavours using cleverly harmonious ingredient partners from his open kitchen. Outdoor or glassed-in tables overlook a dam and Stellenbosch vista. Lunch of two or three courses (R225 or R250 respectively) is lovely, but restaurant manager Andrew White recommends the intimate, adult-orientated Thursday or Friday tasting menu evenings. He’s your man for creative proposal scenarios, too. Begin with bubbly and views at 18:30. A six-course menu (R300; with wines R500) is served to all tables simultaneously, but the chef is bound to add special touches. Jardine’s repertoire includes smoked fish and meats and he gives vegetable purées a magical touch. With dinner offering such value, splash out on wines including boutique Sterhuis vintage MCC or Champagne. KM
Ryan’s Kitchen
12 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek; tel 021 876 4598
Tables are snugly situated and close to the pass where chef patron Ryan Smith chats, hence an intimate mood – and kitchen cooperation – is assured. Dinner with dimmed lights is best after a sundowner on the tree-lined verandah. A Taste of Africa menu (R395) is possible, but à la carte suits romance better. You might have a creative Namibian red crab starter, followed by venison with buchu essence. Smith’s eye-catching plates favour local ingredients and have fun with South African food stereotypes. The wine list is small, in keeping with the venue; bubbly Franschhoek-focused. The chef’s guaranteed-to-woo dessert suggestion is awesome – the addition of a sugar crown will display the ring on a dark chocolate and beetroot chiboust, beetroot macaroon with beetroot ice cream. Incorporating Valrhona chocolate, its R75 price tag is justified. The venue has a guesthouse attached. KM
IN GAUTENG
Linger Longer
Wierda Road, Wierda Valley, Sandton; tel 011 884 0465
Going on 50 years, Linger Longer has seemingly been around since God was a lad, serving classic French cuisine in a city synonymous with the fickle. Generously proportioned chairs and white linen-draped tables fill the restaurant’s intimate dining areas; antique plates, books, mirrors and paintings adorn the walls; and a fireplace warms the restaurant on colder nights. Yet despite its refined styling, it avoids being stuffy. Staff and hands-on management go out of their way to make you feel welcome – and know just when to give you space. Linger Longer’s Yellow Room and private garden area invite intimate tables. Always in touch with the mood of his guests, chef-patron Walter Ulz suggests a simple, not-too-heavy menu, paired with good wine. The starter would have to be foie gras terrine on truffle toast, some porcini perhaps because they’re in season, artichokes and salmon. Dessert, a chocolate heart filled with wild berry mousse, raspberry sauce and fresh fruit. If you really want to pull out all the stops, you’ll find some French Champagne, but the local offering is just as impressive (prices start at R210 for Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel and top R4 000 for a Dom Ruinart). GC
De Hoek
Magaliesburg; tel 014 577 9600
A venue so special that you won’t feel the need to arrive by helicopter or limo. But you could, if you wanted to. The magic of this elegant sandstone hotel at the foothills of the Magaliesberg lies as much in its beautiful country gardens as its fine cuisine. Tables are draped in crisply starched white linen and laid in fine silverware. The menu changes daily, but any special requests are considered. Dishes you might want to request for a special dinner are the pan-seared scallops with saffron-infused basmati rice, tomato and spinach tart served with lemon-thyme butter and the hazelnut parfait served with a brandy-snap cornet filled with chantilly cream and apricot sauce. Whether it’s a table for two in the garden or a picnic on the banks of the Magalies River that flows through the property, De Hoek is a popular couples’ destination. And it helps that no children under 12 are allowed. There’s also hot-air ballooning and horse-riding in the area, but if you’re staying over, you might prefer to hole up in your room – the hotel has won best luxury country hotel in the world, twice. Romantic turndown includes rose petals, sparkling wine and a bubble bath. Pricy wine selection, with the most affordable sparkler a Graham Beck (R285). Top-end Champagnes to toast a special occasion include an NV Laurent Perrier at R1 250 and a 2004 Dampierre Family Reserve at R1 500. GC
CreAte
Alpine Attitude, Atterbury Road, Menlo Park, Pretoria; tel 012 348 6504
The quirky Alpine Attitude boutique hotel, which showcases the works of a number of up-and-coming artists in the city, plays host to one of Tshwane’s best intimate restaurants, led by a talented and surprisingly young chef. Named after a street in which the hotel is located, Alpine Attitude is ultra modern with bedrooms decorated in different themes, like transparent, funky, black and white, and nature. Book a special table by the pool – or check in for the night and order room service – and leave the rest in the hands of Alicea Malan and her team. Malan enjoys personalising her menu, so if it’s a special occasion and you want oysters, your partner’s favourite soup – or perhaps Malan’s cold sumac-seared tuna with tomato confit or dark chocolate and Earl Grey mousse with berry, rhubarb and pistachio crumble, she’ll be happy to oblige. Limited wine list, with few sparkling wines, so you might want to bring your own favourite bottle (corkage is R50). Overnight guests receive a welcome basket on arrival, with a romantic turndown for our couples ranging from rose petals in the room to wherever your imagination may take you. GC
In KZN
9th Avenue Bistro Avonmore Centre, Ninth Avenue, Morningside; tel 031 312 9134
Hands-on owners guarantee the personalized service required in planning a well-executed proposal. Chef Graham Neilson is complemented by his wife Gina who is as efficient as she is eager to please. As regular hosts to proposals and anniversary celebrations, Gina will assist with everything from ordering a beautiful floral arrangement to booking the most intimate corner table, plotting where best to disguise the ring in their beautifully presented food or perhaps putting together a special menu. To make the most of the occasion, opt for the six-course tasting menu (R250 per person) which could include a Jerusalem artichoke soup with corn and rocket pesto or pepper-seared tuna sashimi with a Japanese radish and cucumber salad. The appealing wine list with some lesser-spotted alternatives includes good by-the-glass options, some half-bottle choices and a small international contingent. For special occasions, select from quality MCCs, Italian prosecco or Champagne. TG
Oyster Box
Oyster Box Hotel, Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga; tel 031 514 5000
Start in the Lighthouse bar for breathtaking views and classic or contemporary cocktails. The super-stylish Grill Room offers classical dishes served with suitably etiquette-conscious service and a stellar wine list of iconic international and local wines which sommelier Thato Goimane will personally guide you through. To make the ultimate statement in your declaration of love, hire out the glass-roofed under-floor wine cellar. A venue hire of R2 000 applies and dinner consists of a three-course meal from a set menu (R450 per person). This privilege brings along with it complete privacy and a dedicated waiter who will serve you amid the First Growths and other such coveted wines. Any other special request will be gladly accommodated. TG
Hartford House
Hlatikulu Road, Mooi River; tel 033 263 2713
Majestic Hartford House, steeped in history and nestled in the heart of a racehorse stud farm, typifies hopeless romance. At the mention of an impending engagement, staff members are quick to spring into action. Instead of the stately dining room, offers are made to set up a private dinner table in the gazebo in the sprawling English country garden or at the pretty fountain which is hidden from view by lush vegetation. Talented chef Jackie Cameron laboriously prepares a five-course set menu for dinner (R350 per person) and the Diners Club platinum wine list is befitting of an occasion that requires a little ceremony. TG
Inspiration for romance
- A private table in the garden with a specially designed light menu – more conducive to romance – paired with wines by the glass. Linger Longer
- Helicopter GPS coordinates for the wine farm, with white serviettes on the lawn spelling ‘marry me’ visible overhead. Or a hilly spot and an upturned wine barrel holding gourmet snacks and chilled Kaapse Vonkel. Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine
- On a rose petal-strewn table with cocktails, a personalised menu could start with oysters and include your partner’s favourite soup or dessert – the chef will be happy to listen. CreAte
- Cushions and bubbly under the tree. A spun sugar ‘crown’ for the ring on a decadent dessert trio of dark chocolate and beetroot chiboust, beetroot macaroon and beetroot ice cream. Ryan’s Kitchen
- To make the ultimate love statement if your budget is unlimited, hire out the glass-roofed under-floor wine cellar. Dinner is a three-course set menu with complete privacy and a dedicated waiter. Oyster Box Hotel
- It’s a bit of a climb, but an early dinner for two on the flat round roof is a romantic option on a wind-free night. Sip Ross Gower Pinot Noir Brut by the glass. The Roundhouse
