Should you be in South Africa on Valentine’s Day, spoil your significant other with a romantic experience at one of these ideal venues, each whole-heartedly curating a specialized treat for the lovers and the beloved.
CAPE TOWN AND SURROUNDS
ABALONE HOUSE & SPA
Indulge in a weekend getaway to one of Cape Town’s seaside gems on the West Coast, Abalone House & Spa in Paternoster. Imagine the most decadent escape possible, cocooned in opulence and surrounded by intricate indigenous gardens – with the cool Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. Picture utter elegance in the midst of wind chime music and flowing water, tangles of orchids, vibrant art and cosy, intimate spaces. You’ll find it all at Abalone House.
This Valentine’s Day, Reuben’s at Abalone House is creating a romantic atmosphere like no other, setting the ideal space suited for lovebirds. The five-course menu for the evening keeps things simple yet elegant, drawing inspiration from the seasonal summer ingredients. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Reuben’s, which includes a glass of sparkling wine and chocolates. Booking is essential.
Pamper your significant other this February with a relaxing treatment at The Spa at Abalone House for the “Month of love” exclusive spa promotion. Book the Africology Shea Aroma therapeutics 60-minute Full Body Massage. Valid until 28 February 2019, advance reservations are essential.
SALSIFY AT THE ROUNDHOUSE
Spoil your loved one with a sophisticated fine-dining experience at the newly opened Luke Dale Roberts venture, Salsify at The Roundhouse in iconic Camps Bay. Chef Ryan Cole heads up this edgy space of eclectic décor that juxtaposes the formal with a dash of attitude and legend and has already established itself as a must visit destination for Cape Town gourmands. The restaurant occupies the upper level of the historical Roundhouse building, boasting rich historical value and majestic sea views. Picture yourself at a table for two surrounded by beautiful roses at this grand venue, sharing a dining experience like no other.
DALEBROOK CAFE
Just opposite the famous Dalebrook Tidal Pool in Kalk Bay, the recently opened Dalebrook Café is the place to be this Valentine’s Day. This endearing seaside café is perfect for a romantic light lunch for those that enjoy an authentic and rustic-feel, topped with a majestic seaside view.
The Valentine’s special includes a combo of 6 oysters, baby calamari with salad or hand cut chips and sweet chili mayo, as well as a slice of homemade cake of your choice to end things off on a sweet note.
LA PETITE FERME
La Petite Ferme, situated in Franschhoek, arguably the most historic, beautiful and captivating town in the Cape Winelands, promises each guest an unforgettable experience this Valentine’s Day. Serving lunch and dinner à la carte, The Restaurant at La Petite Ferme will be sure to exceed your expectations. Chef Kyle Norris and his team will be sure to blow discerning diners away with their creatively styled and locally-sourced menu.
Enjoy an aperitif on the lawn gazing at the majestic views and sunsets of the Franschhoek valley, followed by a romantic lunch or dinner at La Petite Ferme this Valentine’s Day. Think red and white, roses and rosé. Ensconce yourself within the charming surroundings of the ideally located boutique hotel & restaurant. Find yourself indulging in a wine gift for the best-dressed guest in red. Bookings are essential.
HAUTE CABRIERE
When visiting Haute Cabrière this Valentine’s Day, guests will find themselves spoilt by the estate with a complimentary glass of Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose on arrival.
Treat your loved one to a romantic lunch at the Cellar restaurant dining room that overlooks Haute Cabrière’s maturation cellar on one side, and a breath-taking view of Franschhoek on the other. During summer, lunch is served on the terrace enjoying the views of the valley. The food philosophy of chefs Nic van Wyk and Westley Muller inspire bold flavors and classic technique, ensuring a menu that is unique, yet comforting.
ALLEE BLEUE
Entice your beloved with a romantic evening Picnic on the Go in the beautifully manicured gardens at the Franschhoek Family Estate, Allée Bleue. Create your own love nest in a private spot and glam it up with cushions, throws, picnic blankets and themed accessories to impress your other half. Allée Bleue will provide the lavish love-themed picnic basket and the bubbly whilst you enjoy the sublime sunset and scenery.
At Allée Bleue the serviced seated picnic experience, the Chicnic, in the Picnic Courtyard ticks all the boxes – meaning you can simply arrive to enjoy a setting ready for romance, surrounded by the beautiful views of the Franschhoek Valley.
Both the Picnic on the Go and the Chicnic include a bottle of wine and a selection of hand-crafted chocolate truffles. This evening offering takes place from 17h00 until 20h30, with the latest arrival at 18h30.
For the more traditional Valentine’s dinner, Chef Gordon Dovey and his team at Allée Bleue Bistro had a marvelous time creating a romantic 5-course menu which features some favorites to share. Start off with a welcome drink and then treat yourself and your beloved to an evening under the stars (weather permitting) and food to impress.
BOSJES
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Breedekloof Valley gem, BOSJES. This family-owned farm, restaurant, wedding venue and architectural wonder site is the perfect place to share a romantic getaway into the majestic scenery of the Western Cape.
Join BOSJES for a sophisticated monochromatic evening on Valentine’s day where guests can enjoy a 4-course menu from BOSJES Kombuis, paired with wines from the newly launched BOSJES wine range. Chef Kim Cox and her team are bound to pull out all the stops with creatively curated meals for this evening of love. The evening takes inspiration from Truman Capote and guests are asked to bring out their best black and white attire, with a strict black and white dress code.
JOHANNESBURG AND SURROUNDS
FORTI GRILL & BAR
Secure your booking for Forti Grill & Bar’s exclusive Valentine’s Day dinner to celebrate in true Italian splendor. On 14 February 2019, acclaimed chef, Fortunato Mazzone will be pulling out all the stops devoted to the day of love at his fine dining Italian restaurant in Pretoria East. Expect an authentic Italian experience with their 3-course menu, including two platters to share, indulgent main course choices between Kingklip, steak or pasta, decadent dessert options and a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut or Demi Sec Premium French Champagne, Imported Mineral water and coffee/tea included per couple.
With a choice of an early to later seating for the evening, in order to fit in all of the romantic surprises and gestures, guests can be seated at 6pm and then again at 9pm – bookings secured by pre-payment.
FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF
You are ensured of an unforgettable experience at the Four Seasons The Westcliff this Valentine’s Day, where their team has curated experiences for every kind of romantic.
View Restaurant – The name doesn’t lie. The incredible panoramic views of Johannesburg you’ll enjoy from your table are matched only by the creative and satisfying avant-garde cuisine on your plate. Visit View restaurant at The Westcliff this Valentine’s Day for a romantic 5-course meal with breath-taking vistas. Revel in the spoils complete with a complimentary glass of Prosecco with oysters, a rose, an after dinner digestif as well as chocolate covered strawberries to enjoy at home. Limited to 60 guests, booking is essential. www.viewrestaurant.co.za
Flames Restaurant – This Valentine’s Day, Flames restaurant will stray away from their usual à la carte menu and offer guests a delectable 3-course set menu, along with a amuse-bouche and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. This offer is limited and will only take 100 guests, booking is essential to secure this experience.
www.flamesrestaurant.co.za
| All photos courtesy of each restaurant
