Date spots to enjoy this Valentine's Day

Looking for the perfect spot to ignite the romance this Valentine's Day or simply treat your closest girlfriends to an unforgettable evening? Glamour has curated a selection of the coolest restaurants guaranteed to not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide the most Instagram-worthy content. Prepare for a dining experience that is both delectable and visually stunning.

Cafe Del Sol, Bryanston: The Epitome of Italian Chic

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For our Johannesburg readers, a standout on our radar is Cafe Del Sol in Bryanston. This trendy Italian eatery perfectly balances serving great food with cultivating an atmosphere of good vibes. It’s a place where sophisticated dining meets relaxed elegance.

They have recently elevated their evening offering with the launch of Landmark After Dark, an exclusive evening bar experience. Designed specifically for pre- and post-dinner drinks, this feature includes curated activations. The very aesthetically pleasing bar area, with its chic lighting and design, provides the perfect backdrop for a drool-worthy Instagram picture, ensuring your Valentine's moments are captured in style. But the appeal of Cafe Del Sol extends far beyond its photogenic interior. The kitchen offers a well-curated menu of classic Italian dishes, expertly prepared to tempt the most discerning palate. Complementing the cuisine is a perfectly selected wine list, chosen to pair wonderfully with your meal.

Glamour's Personal Recommendation: Do not leave without ordering the Seafood Risotto. This dish is, by far, a fan favourite—it’s an indulgence worth every bit of your hard-earned salary.

For Valentine’s Day, they are pulling out all the stops, offering guests an exclusive special: a sumptuous three-course meal that includes a welcome drink and is accompanied by live music, setting a truly romantic mood. This entire luxurious experience is available for the very affordable price of R850 per person.

LA Farms Eatery, Greenpoint: A Carnivore's Dream

For those in search of exceptional quality meat, LA Farms Eatery, situated in the heart of Greenpoint, is the definitive destination. Their philosophy is centred on the Farm to Table dining concept, which guarantees diners the highest quality, ethically sourced meat.The dining experience is enhanced by an open-concept kitchen, allowing guests the unique opportunity to watch their food being prepared. This commitment to transparency is served right alongside their meticulously curated menu offerings.

The Absolute Must-Have: The Wagyu Steak is non-negotiable. Known for its incredible marbling, the steak literally melts in your mouth, leaving you utterly satisfied yet instantly craving the experience once again. This spot is a must-visit for our Halaal readers, as they are proudly Halaal certified and maintain a commitment to an alcohol-free menu, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive dining environment. For a sweet finale, we highly suggest the Chef’s wonderfully light Olive Oil Cake, an unexpected delight that is moist and subtly fragrant. With its relaxed, family-friendly vibe, LA Farms Eatery makes for a perfect date with friends or a comfortable, sophisticated outing.

L A Farms Eatery in Greenpoint- the perfect spot for a day date with close friends

Trade Bar and Social, Cape Town: The Ultimate Rooftop Vibe

Trade Bar and Social is Cape Town’s newest rooftop sensation, offering a vibrant atmosphere, spectacular views, and a constant buzz thanks to a resident DJ who ensures the energy never dips. Perched atop the stylish Trade Boutique Hotel, this "new kid on the block" is rapidly becoming the place to be for both pre- and post-dinner drinks. The drinks menu is a masterclass in mixology, featuring a well-chosen selection of classics with a local twist. For instance, the classic pornstar martini is brilliantly rebranded as the Mavericks Martini, a cheeky homage to the South African who developed the drink while visiting Cape Town's famed strip club, Mavericks. Other expertly curated cocktails include zesty Palomas and rich Espresso Martinis.

When feeling peckish, the bar snacks menu offers elevated local favourites such as olives, artisanal biltong, premium nuts, and perfectly seasoned chips, ideal for complementing your drink selection. The sleek, open-air design and panoramic city views make this the ultimate setting for a trendy night out.

The Trade Bar & Social rooftop bar is the newest bar on the block.

Trade bar and social rooftop bar the newest bar on the block.

Athletic Club & Social: Mediterranean Romance and Jazz

For a perfect, intimate date night centred around excellent Mediterranean-inspired dining, look no further than Athletic Club & Social. This unique, three-story establishment offers diners a multi-faceted experience. The ground floor provides a unique offering of intimate dining by candlelight, setting a truly romantic scene. Moving upstairs, you have the option of enjoying their signature, expertly crafted cocktails on the outdoor terrace or simply dancing the night away to their celebrated Live Jazz performances. Music lovers note: they offer captivating Live Jazz performances every Wednesday to Saturday, transforming a simple dinner into a cultural night out.

Glamour’s Culinary Tip: Start your meal with the flavourful calamari starter—tender and perfectly seasoned. For the main course, the Prawn Saganaki is a definite winner. This combination will not leave you disappointed; in fact, you might just find yourself too full to order dessert, concluding your perfect date on a high note.