The largest city in South Africa, nicknamed the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg might not be as happening as Cape Town, but it is surely a fantastic choice for a romantic getaway. There is plenty for couples to do here, and if you are looking for restaurants to go to for a romantic meal, you will find a number of wonderful options to choose from! Located in the city's heart and a little outside, these restaurants are known for their delicious and diverse cuisines, drinks menu and lovely ambience. So, whether you are planning a nice lunch or dinner, here are 15 of Johannesburg’s most romantic restaurants:
1. Level Four Restaurant
Source
Located within the 54 on Bath hotel, Level Four Restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience. Boasting elegant and cosy interiors featuring bright wallpaper, white arched windows, a fireplace, the Perrier-Jouët Champagne bar and an outdoor terrace area, it is perfect for a romantic meal with your beloved. It is open throughout the day, and you can pick from their in-room dining, à la carte, breakfast, dessert and tea menus depending on when you arrive. Their mouth-watering food combines the classic and contemporary local dishes and must be had with a glass of wine, followed by some dessert. For something different, come over for their High Tea Buffet with live entertainment and complimentary champagne.
Address: on Bath Hotel, 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa Timings: 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Breakfast), 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Lunch), 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner), 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Weekday afternoon tea), 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Saturday High tea buffet) Popular dishes: Grilled seabass, rib eye, vegetable coconut curry, mushroom risotto, potato rösti, Basque cheesecake, café au lait crème brule etc. Average cost: Approximately R 500 to R 600 for two
2. Marble Restaurant
Source
The Marble Restaurant in Rosebank is a tribute to South Africa’s tradition of cooking on fire and is known for its delectable food and ambience. The restaurant has simple yet stylish decor with its wooden floors, grey couches and chairs, hanging lights, beige walls, a bar, and private dining areas. What makes it such a great choice for a romantic meal, especially for dinner, is its stellar views of the surrounding mountains, greenery and the sunset. As you wait for your food to be brought out, you and your partner can converse over drinks and appetisers like soup, snails, coal-fired prawn tails, grilled asparagus etc. And once you’ve eaten, make sure to pick something out from their dessert menu! It is important that you make a reservation well in advance and dress in smart casuals, as they have a dress code.
Address: Trumpet on Keyes Corner 19 Keyes and, Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa Timings: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Tuesday to Saturday), Sunday to Monday closed Popular dishes: Prime rib, confit duck, grilled chicken, char-grilled salmon, woodfired pumpkin and harissa, trifle, smoked chocolate mousse, cheesecake etc. Average cost: Approximately R 700 to R 1,000 for two
3. Qunu
Source
Offering the ideal ambience for an intimate dinner with your partner, Qunu at the Saxon hotel serves traditional African food with a contemporary twist that is prepared with local ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant interiors feature cream walls, woven lampshades, hanging lights, and many silver accents. You can also sit in the outdoor area, which is more romantic! Order some wine to go with your meal; if you can’t decide what to get, they have sommeliers who can advise you. And make sure to end with some dessert like their mouth-watering saxon torte, raspberry mousse, mango parfait, rooibos poached peaches etc.
Address: 36 Saxon Rd, Sandhurst, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa Timings: 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM (Breakfast), 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (Lunch), 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Dinner), 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Sunday brunch) Popular dishes: Chicken consommé, Pan fried duck breast, Wagyu fillet, Seared venison, Grilled sous vide courgette, Poached cape crayfish etc. Average cost: Approximately R 700 to R 1,000 for two
4. The Grillhouse Rosebank
Source
The Grillhouse is an award-winning upscale restaurant and steakhouse in Rosebank that is known for serving some of the best meat in the country. And don’t worry if you’re vegetarian because they have plenty of options for you! It has a cosy ambience owing to its art deco style interiors, including exposed brick walls, leather seats, large hanging lights and fine timber. They also have a private dining area and a wine cellar. You can pick out something from their extensive drinks menu to have alongside your meal, and don’t forget to get something sweet; crème brûlée, malva pudding, and New York-style cheesecake are a few of the items on their dessert menu. Moreover, they also have a branch in Sandton and Melrose Arch.
Address: 1, The Firs, Hyatt Centre, Oxford Road & Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa Timings: 12:00 PM - Dinner (Monday to Saturday), Lunch only on Sundays Popular dishes: Fillet on the bone, seafood platter, oysters on the half shell, vegan linguine bolognese, roquefort salad etc. Average cost: Approximately R 500 to R 700 for two
5. La Boqueria Parktown North
Source
Not as expensive as some of the other restaurants, La Boqueria Parktown North, is a renowned eatery that resembles a Hispanic-style restaurant. It makes you feel like you are in a restaurant in Barcelona and mostly has wooden interiors with hanging macramé plants and lots of greenery, ceiling fans, hanging lights and more. It is perfect for a casual yet romantic meal if you’re craving delicious Hispanic food because it serves dishes from Peru, Argentina and Mexico. They also have a great drinks menu and desserts like el gelato, chocolate caramel sundae, drunken crema and whoopie pie.
Address: 17 3rd Ave, Parktown North, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa Timings: 5:00 PM onwards (Dinner, Tuesday to Saturday), 12:00 PM onwards (Lunch, Tuesday to Sunday), 10:00 AM onwards (Brunch, Saturday to Sunday) Popular dishes: Cajun calamari, ham and cheese croquettes, pollo frito taco, Buddha bowl, pork rib coca, grilled corn riblets etc. Average cost: Approximately R 300 to R 400 for two
6. Bespokery
Source
Bespokery, with its casual atmosphere, is perfect for a laid-back meal with your loved one. Known for serving dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine that are suitable for people with varied dietary needs, the restaurant guarantees you a superb time. They size their portions such that you can share them with your companion! The interiors are quite simple and modern and consist of white and exposed brick walls, open bulbs, neon signs, metal chairs, wooden tables, etc. You can also sit in the outside area. What’s great is that they also serve different kinds of tasty local wines with your food that you would surely love. Do share some dessert once you’ve eaten.
Address: shop no. 3, 66 Tyrone Ave Bespokery, Parkview, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa Timings: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Lunch, Wednesday to Thursday), 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner, Wednesday to Thursday), 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Friday), 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Saturday), 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Sunday), Monday and Tuesday closed Popular dishes: Caprese chicken roulade, Porcini arancini, spicy harissa mussels, saffron poached quinoa, cheesecake, chocolate mousse etc. Average cost: Approximately R 400 to R 500 for two
7. Flames
Source
Flames is a famous fine dining establishment at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg and a superb choice for a romantic meal. It is open throughout the day and serves mouth-watering food made from fresh ingredients. Make sure to get a seat out on the terrace, which overlooks a lot of greenery and the city’s buildings; it is the perfect place to sit around sunset when the views are simply spellbinding. The decor inside the restaurant is quite simple but sophisticated and includes couches and leather seats, hanging lights, and paintings on the walls. At the same time, the terrace features large umbrellas over the tables and a small water fountain. Order some wine to have alongside your food, and don’t miss out on their desserts!
Address: 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg, 2132, South Africa Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Breakfast, Monday to Friday), 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Brunch, Saturday to Sunday), 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Lunch, Monday to Friday), 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Dinner, Monday to Sunday) Average cost: Approximately R 600 to R 1,000 for two
8. Choo Choo Junction
Another affordable option for a meal with your partner, Choo Choo Junction is quite popular for its food from all around the world, served with a unique twist. The establishment isn’t too big, but it is cosy and has a great ambience because of its industrial-style interiors that feature exposed pipes, lights hanging on chains, plants, stools and wooden tables, colourful walls, a small brick bar etc. You must get something to drink with your food as they also have an extensive drinks menu with cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, whiskey, gin, brandy and much more.
Address: 57 4th Ave, Linden, Randburg, 2104, South Africa Timings: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Saturday), 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Sunday) Popular dishes: Moussaka melt, inquisitive naanwich, flirty Florentine pizza, Choo Choo burger, Sultat Alkusks salad, meaty platter etc. Average cost: Approximately R 300 to R 350 for two
9. Clico
Source
The Clico Restaurant is located within the Clico Boutique Hotel in Rosebank and is popular for its personalised service; it is an ideal choice for an intimate meal. They serve various delectable European food, and their menus keep changing frequently to offer something new to their customers. The establishment has white walls, triple-volume ceilings, glass stack doors, upholstered chairs and more that make for a cosy environment. You would find different dishes on the menu if you come for lunch or dinner, but make sure to order some wine along with your meal and desserts afterwards since they have a great selection.
Address: 27 Sturdee Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa Timings: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Popular dishes: Beef fillet, fiery duck, vegan Tuscan chicken, Neapolitan pizza, burrata, springbok loin, iced peaches, berries and meringue etc. Average cost: Approximately R 400 to R 500 for two
10. Piccolo Mondo
Source
Situated in Sandton, Michelangelo Hotel’s Piccolo Mondo is one of the most well-known restaurants for romantic meals owing to its sophisticated vibes and pretty city views. This elegant establishment is fairly large and features wooden panelling on the walls and ceiling, carpeted floors, cushioned chairs, chandeliers and lots of gold and marble accents. Their extensive menu consists of traditional European dishes made with a modern twist and a wide range of drinks you must try; their alcohol selection includes Chardonnay, Rosé, Merlot, Shiraz and more. And you mustn’t miss out on their delicious desserts, which are sure to be the perfect end to your wonderful meal.
Address: Mandela Square, Corner & 2146, 5th Ave, Rivonia, Sandton, South Africa Timings: 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Breakfast), 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM (Lunch), 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM (Dinner) Average cost: Approximately R 700 for two
11. The Elm Tree
Source
The Elm Tree within the Syrene Boutique Hotel is a simple, elegant, peaceful restaurant. Located in a courtyard under an old elm tree and surrounded by lots of greenery, it is the perfect place for you and your partner to enjoy a lovely meal. The hotel itself is ideal for a romantic weekend! There is also an indoor area which is especially great for private events. The Elm Tree is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves delicious European food made from locally sourced ingredients and a variety of drinks and desserts that you must try; you can go for à la carte of the buffet.
Address: 28 Wessel Rd, Rivonia, Sandton, 2128, South Africa Timings: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM Average cost: Approximately R 700 to R 800 for two
12. (Central One) Bar & Restaurant
Source
Famous for its scrumptious fusion food, the (Central One) Bar & Restaurant offers exceptional views of the city skyline. It makes for an excellent spot for a romantic date, especially around sundown. The establishment is yet elegantly designed and features hanging yellow lights, wooden floors, a bar, handmade tiles, and an outdoor seating area. Perhaps you can go to the bar for some drinks before you sit down and finish the meal with their yummy desserts. Make your reservations in advance, so you get a table next to the window!
Address: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Cnr Rivonia Road &, West St, Sandton, 2196, South Africa Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Breakfast), 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Lunch), 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner) Popular dishes: Grilled beef rib eye, Cape Malay lamb curry, mushroom risotto, tomato and feta penne, chocolate sundae, warm sticky toffee pudding etc. Average cost: Approximately R 500 for two
13. Signature Restaurant
Source
One of Johannesburg’s most well-known fine dining establishments, the Signature Restaurant in Gauteng, is famous for its sophisticated interiors. It has carpeted floors, hanging yellow lights, velvet couches and chairs, flowers on tables, wooden panelling on the walls and a bar area. Their floor-to-ceiling windows offer marvellous views of the city outside and the sunset, making it wonderful for a romantic meal. Open for lunch and dinner, and their menu comprises a multitude of European dishes, including lots of seafood and yummy desserts that will leave you wanting more. Furthermore, you must also try something out from their drinks menu, which features local and international wine. The live jazz or blues music playing in the background makes the experience more pleasant.
Address: Shop U13, Morningside Shopping Centre Cnr Rivonia & Outspan Roads, Morningside, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa Timings: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Monday to Saturday), 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Sunday) Popular dishes: Salmon kingklip, sushi platters, beef carpaccio, poached lobster, shellfish platter, chicken tortellini, bean ragout etc. Average cost: Approximately R 700 to R 1,000 for two
14. Ethos
Source
Are you in the mood for some lip-smacking Mediterranean food? Head to Ethos in Rosebank for food that will leave you licking your lips! An elegant and stylish restaurant, its decor includes wooden chairs and couches, large glass doors overlooking the outside seating area, plants, a small bar, hanging brass lights, a glass case with bottles of alcohol and more. The open space, which receives lots of sunlight during the day, makes for a great place for a nice meal with your beloved. They have an extensive drinks menu consisting of wine, cocktails, beer, gin, whiskey etc. If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, they have a special Christmas and New Year’s menu and the restaurant is beautifully decorated.
Address: Corner Eastwood and, Parks Blvd, Rosebank, 2196, South Africa Timings: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Popular dishes: Orzo Chicken “Youvetsi,” grilled halloumi, octopus stifado, tomahawk, Soutzoukakia, beef rib, Ethos tiramisu, Ethos summer berry meringue etc. Average cost: Approximately R 500 to R 700 for two
15. Lokkum Restaurant
Source
Another popular restaurant that serves delicious Turkish Mediterranean food, the Lokkum Restaurant, is a must-visit if you’re planning a romantic date. They serve barbeques, seafood, vegetarian and baked dishes, often made with ingredients sourced from Turkey and various kinds of local and international drinks. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with hanging lanterns, cushioned chairs, wooden flooring, wooden beams on the ceilings with white cloth, plants etc.
Address: FF001 , Lake Level Fourways Mall, 1 Short St, Fourways, Sandton, 2068, South Africa Timings: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Popular dishes: Lamb shish, mince pide, meze platter, shrimp casserole, be yti sarma, calamari tartare, baklava, sutlac etc. Average cost: Approximately R 400 to R 500 for two
Johannesburg has several restaurants, especially fine dining establishments, that are ideal for a romantic meal with your partner. Whether you want to have a nice meal together or celebrate a special occasion, there is undoubtedly something for you in this city where you will get lip-smacking food and drinks and a romantic and charming atmosphere, often with a spectacular view!
