Romantic Restaurants in CPT for Valentine’s Day & Beyond
It’s always good to show the ones you love that you care, and what better way to do that than treat them to a lovely meal out? Whether you buy into the Valentine’s hype or not, here are our picks of the most romantic restaurants in Cape Town.
Romantic Restaurants in Cape Town
Feel the love at these romantic restaurants…
Upper Union – Gardens
Located within a heritage building just off the bustling and eclectic Kloof Street, Upper Union is a stylish eatery that serves up a modern, shared-dining concept by Chef Amori Burger. The gorgeous emerald green interior, sparkling chandeliers and decorative touches make this a perfect spot for a romantic evening out. The shared dining style of menu is ideal for date night – deciding what to have will be the perfect conversation starter. Indulge and connect with your long time love or new crush around good food, fine wines and bespoke cocktails.
Romantic highlight: the gorgeous interiors and shared plates style menu – your date will know you’ve done your homework!
Location: Upper Union Street, Gardens
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11h30–16h00 | 18h00–22h00
Good to know: They are right next door to and in partnership with the Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, why not stay the night?
Contact: 021 891 0360
The Nines – Sea Point
The Nines rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge is hosted on the ninth floor of the Station House in Sea Point. Offering breath-taking views over upper Sea Point through floor-to-ceiling windows, providing you and your significant other a stunning vista of the Atlantic Ocean to gush over. This is the ideal venue for sunset drinks, leading to an unforgettable romantic moonlit dinner. The menu offers a variety from land and sea, as well as a range of Italian fare. From Black Truffle Risotto to 48-hour House Braised Short Rib or a sumptuous Seafood Platter – trust us, you’re not going to struggle to find something you like.
Romantic highlight: it has to be the elevated view – not many places in Cape Town are situated at this level.
Location: 9th Floor, Station House, 19 Kloof Road, Sea Point.
Hours: Mon-Sun 12h00 – 23h00
Good to know: There is a lovely lounge area at the bar and outdoor seating that is ideal for sundowners or a pre-dinner drink.
Contact: 021 745 6609
Salsify at the Roundhouse – Camps Bay Glen
Salsify at the Roundhouse should definitely be on your top list of restaurants to visit in Cape Town; the beautiful interiors and gorgeous setting also makes for a romantic dinner date. Located within the historical building, The Roundhouse offers stellar food, prepared by chef Ryan Cole and his amazing team.
Romantic highlight: panoramic views of the Atlantic.
Location: The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay
Why you’ll love it: the food – interesting flavour combinations and fantastic wine pairings.
Contact: 021 010 6444 | Make a reservation
salsify.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia – Constantia Nek
Located on the crest of Constantia Nek, Chefs Warehouse is close enough to the centre of Cape Town, but its majestic views and stellar food will transport you to another world. Ideal if you want to treat your beau to a romantic evening and a delightful dining experience. Chef Ivor Jones prepares seasonally led dishes, inspired by nostalgia and creativity. With whimsical desserts like The Jonesy Bar, and a diversified menu exhibiting bold flavours, Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia is the perfect place for any chocoholic or epicure.
Romantic highlight: enjoy magical views and indulge in exceptional food.
Location: 1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia Neck
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–14h00 (Lunch) *last orders at 14h30 | Mon-Sat: 18h00–20h00 (Dinner) *last orders at 20h30
Good to know: The restaurant closes at 23h00, reservations are advised. They also have plenty of outdoor seating available.
Contact: 021 794 8632 | Email | Book via dineplan
chefswarehouse.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
CHORUS Restaurant at Waterkloof – Somerset West
Bertus Basson’s latest venture, CHORUS Restaurant, focuses on seasonal cooking, with each element prepared simply yet exceptionally. Located on the beautiful Waterkloof Wine Estate in Somerset West, CHORUS Restaurant provides the ideal setting to be alone with your person, while enjoying exquisite food and local wines.
Romantic highlight: perched up high, CHORUS has mesmerising views over Waterkloof Wine Estate, Strand and beyond.
Location: Waterkloof Wine Estate, Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Rd, Somerset West, Sir Lowry’s Pass
Hours: Lunch: Tues-Sun | Dinner: Thurs-Sat
Good to know: a delicious range of local wines, perfect if your date is a wine-lover. They also have a seasonal four- and six-course menu.
Contact: 021 858 1491 | Email | Book via dineplan
bertusbasson.com | Facebook | Instagram
The Bailey – Bree Street
Elegant dining in an elevated setting. The Bailey is one of Liam Tomlin’s latest ventures, offering more than simply a good plate of food, but rather an experience to remember. Located in a three-storey building, The Bailey has something for all tastes – a bistro, Brasserie, and Whisky Bar. Enjoy a delightful dinner at The Brasserie, prepared by the talented head chef, Jacques Grové. Classic and iconic continental dishes such as chicken liver parfait and crêpes Suzette can be expected. After dinner, head upstairs to The Old Bailey Whisky Bar for a nightcap.
Romantic highlight: Ideal if you want to start the evening out with a sophisticated dinner, followed by a drink in a different setting (without the hassle of traipsing around town).
Location: The Bailey, 91 Bree Street
Hours: Bailey Bistro (ground level): Mon-Sat, 07h00–21h00 | The Brasserie: Mon-Sat, 12h00–14h30; 18h00-21h00 | The Old Bailey Whiskey Bar: Mon-Fri, 15h00–late; Sat from 17h00
Good to know: They have a sweeping collection of whisky from all around the world.
Contact: 021 773 0440 | Make a reservation
FYN Restaurant – CBD
Located on the fifth floor of the Speakers’ Corner building, the setting inside FYN Restaurant is fairytale-like. The space is moody and beautiful with awe-inspiring ceiling decorations and contemporary finishes. This is a definite spot to bring a loved-one, sweep them off their feet and treat them to some sophisticated neoteric African-Japanese cuisine.
Romantic highlight: Immaculate food and beautiful decor.
Location: 5th Floor Speakers’ Corner, Parliament Street, Cape Town
Hours: Mon-Sat: 18h00–20h30 (Dinner) | Mon-Sat: 12h00–14h00 (Lunch) *bookings essential
Good to know: the entrance to the building is through Gallery MOMO
Contact: 021 286 2733 | Make a reservation
fynrestaurant.com | Facebook | Instagram
GÅTE RESTAURANT AT QUOIN ROCK ESTATE – STELLENBOSCH WINELANDS
If romance translates to 16 courses of food (in our books, it most certainly does), then this experimental dining experience is the perfect place to wow your date. Located in Quoin Rock Estate, this magical restaurant aims to take you out of your culinary comfort zone and allow you to experience food a little differently. For an invigorating romantic experience, Gåte Restaurant will not disappoint.
Romantic highlight: The wow-factor!
Location: Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch
Hours: Wed-Sun: 12h00–14h00 (Lunch) | Thurs-Sat: from 18:00 (Dinner)
Good to know: bookings must be made at least 24-hours in advance | *dining experience is at least 4-hours long
Contact: 021 888 4750 | Make a reservation
gaterestaurant.co.za | Instagram
One Park Road – Gardens
One Park Road in Gardens is one of the most loved spots in Cape Town, and for good reason. It’s home to The Other Records store, an eatery, a listening bar and an art gallery. It’s a beautifully curated space and a lovely spot to take someone out for a drink or a meal.
Romantic highlight: intimate seating and great music.
Location: 1 Park Road, Gardens
Hours: Wed-Sun: 16h30–late
Good to know: If you’re into records, The Other Records space has an area where you can listen to records before you purchase them.
Contact: 081 047 1248
The Black Sheep – Kloof Street
With its delicious seasonal menu, gorgeous interior and impeccably made cocktails, its no wonder that The Black Sheep is one of Kloof Street’s stalwart restaurants and a favourite of many. Its a great place for an intimate date — moody lighting, good music and some epic views of the mountain too.
Romantic highlight: Moody lighting and intimate seating.
Location: 104 Kloof Street, Gardens
Hours: Mon: 17h00–late | Tues-Sat: 12h00–late | Closed Sun | *Last orders: 21h30
Good to know: Visit their sister restaurant, The Dark Horse Bar, opposite the road for a pre-drink cocktail.
Contact: 021 426 2661
blacksheeprestaurant.co.za | Instagram
Den Anker – Waterfront
Hear us out. This might be in the heart of the touristy Waterfront, but once you muscle past them and get to Den Anker, you’ll see why it’s worth coming here on date night. During the day, you have an unbeatable view of the harbour and Table Mountain and at night, there’s the reflection of the twinkling lights on the water. The food is always good – our particular favourites are the mussels and the seafood stew.
Romantic highlight: get elbow deep over shared mussels with your S/O and enjoy the view.
Location: Pierhead, V & A Waterfront
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11h00–00h00
Good to know: when making a reservation, ask to be near the window on the mountain-side for the best views in the restaurant.
Contact: 021 419 0249
denanker.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Duchess of Wisbeach – Sea Point
Candle-lit tables, checkered floors and a Parisian vibe means that love is always in the air at the Duchess. The menu focuses on classics done right and dishes are generous, tasty and reliable (and there’s a lot to be said for that). Be warned, the Duchess turns into a rip roaring dance party after dark, so make sure you have your party shoes on!
Romantic highlight: the Parisian vibe.
Location: 3 Wisbeach Road, Sea Point
Hours: Mon: 18h30–00h00 | Tues-Sat: 18h30–23h00 | Closed Sun
Good to know: After dinner, there’s a very cool dance party that takes place every night. Don’t miss out.
Contact: 021 434 1525
duchessofwisbeach.co.za | Instagram
Kloof Street House – Kloof Street
The low-key cool of Kloof Street House means that it has the potential to be a weekly date night spot, but is also stylish enough for a special celebration. The interior is cosy and inviting and the fairy-lit courtyard means you can while away the evening under the stars. The menu is made up of consistently good French-inspired dishes – ever the crowd-pleaser. Its location means you can stroll up Kloof Street for after dinner ice cream (our recommendation is at Unframed) or drinks too.
Romantic highlight: eclectic interior with cosy seating and a beautifully lit outdoor area.
Location: 30 Kloof St, Gardens
Hours: Mon: 12h00–late | Tues-Sun: 10h00–late | Kitchen closes at 22h30
Good to know: If you want a particular table, make sure you ask for it when booking – the staff will happily oblige.
Contact: 021 423 4413
kloofstreethouse.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Asoka – Kloof Street
Built around a legendary olive tree in the city bowl, beautiful Asoka is a real gem. Music and food fuse here and it is literally the perfect place to visit for ambient lighting, killer cocktails and a romantic vibe that will last long into the night. The low lighting and cosy seating is ideal for catching up with your beau or getting to know someone.
Romantic highlight: the stunning interior and awesome tunes – how could you not fall in love?
Location: 68 Kloof Street, Cape Town
Hours: Mon-Sun: 18hoo–late
Good to know: They have live music evenings; check their social pages to see when. Also, tuna tacos, need we say more?
Contact: 021 422 0909
asoka.za.com | Facebook | Instagram
La Petite Colombe – Franschhoek
There’s nothing more romantic than securing a dinner reservation that no one else can get; and if there’s a hard-to-crack restaurant, it’s La Petite Colombe. The classically-inspired yet modern-executed food is some of the best in the country, plus you have the idyllic Franschhoek backdrop to set the scene (yes, we know a smidge out of Cape Town). The food by chef John Norris Rogers will surprise and delight at every turn, perfect for a celebratory occasion. (Pic by Claire Gunn)
Romantic highlight: Just being in the town of Franschhoek is romantic – plus the food is so amazing you’ll be oohing and aahing with your loved one.
Location: Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–14h30 | 18h30–22h30
Good to know: They’re usually fully booked, so plan ahead for this one.
Contact: 021 202 3395 | Make a reservation
lapetitecolombe.com | Facebook | Instagram
Mulberry & Prince – CBD
Shared meals are quite romantic (provided your partner is the food-sharing kind) and Mulberry & Prince are doing this style of eating exceptionally well. The restaurant itself is extremely intimate, with hints of pinks and metallics everywhere and diamond artworks by local artist Kurt Pio. We love nestling up at the bar for a night of good wine and small plates.
Romantic highlight: the cosy, intimate venue is perfect for date night.
Location: 12 Pepper Street, Cape Town
Hours: Tue-Fri: 09h00–15h00 | Sat-Sun: 10h00–14h00 | Closed Mon
Good to know: they also offer stellar Sunday brunches, if daytime dates are more your thing.
Contact: 021 422 3301
mulberryandprince.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Thali – Off Kloof Street
What were we just saying about sharing plates being romantic? No one is doing tapas-style food better than Liam Tomlin and his Indian-inspired Thali is exceedingly romantic. Maybe it’s the heady aroma as you walk in or the small cosy seating arrangements, but it’s probably down to the very tactile and very delicious food that makes one of the most romantic restaurants in Cape Town.
Romantic highlight: incredibly delicious tapas-style sharing and an intimate interior.
Location: 3 Park Road, Gardens
Hours: Mon-Sat: from 17h00 (Dinner only) | Last orders at 21h30 | Closed Sun
Good to know: they don’t take reservations, so if this is where you’re heading for date night, go early.
Contact: 021 286 2110
thalitapas.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Still looking for the perfect gift to impress your beau? They’re bound to love one of these gifts from our Valentine’s Day Wishlist.
Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Newsletter
Related Articles
