No plans yet for Valentine’s Day? Or you are desperately hoping that you’ll get out of it by saying that all the places you called were fully booked? Why not try one of our options to help you rediscover how fun being a tourist in your own city can be – you might just win a night at a swanky hotel. Romantic or not, we rate you’re bound to have a great time in Cape Town this Valentine’s Day. So go on, make a booking and make someone feel extra-special.
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Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Cape Town
1. African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel
For an unforgettable encounter with luxury, dine at African Pride and let the sparks fly between you and your Valentine. At R550 per person, you will be greeted with a complimentary glass of Graham Beck MCC. What follows is an appetising amuse-bouche which is seared tuna in tomato, olives and caper salsa and pesto creme fraîche. The starter is chicken caesar croquettes and the main course is a choice between roast beef fillet (potato fondant, seasonal vegetables and truffle parsnip puree) and pan seared norwegian salmon (Asian greens, miso butter and ginger). A chocolate and raspberry indulgence is for dessert and that includes white chocolate fondant, dark chocolate marquise and raspberry sorbet. Closing the night is coffee and friandise. Booking is essential.
Contact: 0214698000, [email protected], [email protected], marriott.com
2. Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek
Rolling lawns and a view of vineyards and the ocean is a picture-perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day. If a gourmet picnic sounds good to you, then sunset at the foot of Chapman’s Peak is the way to go. Feel the love of a basket brimming with delicious delicacies and nibbles for you and your significant other. Picnic baskets can be pre-ordered (24-hours in advance) and one blanket and two pillows are provided per basket.
Contact: 0217890900, [email protected], cpv.co.za
3. HQ Steakhouse, Heritage Square
The popular city centre grill sets the tone with a glass of Pierre Jourdan bubbly upon arrival and a three-course dinner that includes their famous salad, steak and dessert tasting platter. It will cost R595 and couples can enjoy a performance by Ricky Botsis from 7 to 10pm. HQ promises lots of dancing and prizes for the best-dressed couple. As your evening comes to an end, don’t forget to pair a cigar with a cocktail or two from their bar as you relax in their red leather seats. Full payment secures booking and two seatings are offered at 6pm. There will be limited tables from 7.30pm.
Contact: 0214246373 or email [email protected], hqrestaurant.co.za
4. Richard’s Bistro and Supper Club, Sea Point
If you are hoping for a romantic evening with a twist, a classic musical performance is a great option. “Kaapse Stories from the Mother City” is an exuberant revue that takes an intimate look at the Cape’s colourful residents while guests enjoy lunch or dinner. They are offering a rate of R900 per couple for the dinner and show. There is also a “love is sweet” dessert surprise.
Contact: 0214344497 or 0214331340, [email protected], richardscapetownsa.com.
5. Signal Hill Terrace at the Hilton Hotel
Dinner is served at the Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge where couples can have a glass of bubbly or a mocktail under a ceiling of stars on arrival. You can also chill poolside while admiring the irresistible views of the city. Their five-course dinner includes twice-cooked lamb with cilantro and chicken mousse as well as apple wood smoked and cured sea bass. Couples who are feeling lucky should bring a change of clothes as patrons stand a chance of winning an over night stay on the evening. The menu is R590 per person and it is essential to book beforehand due to limited space. Signal Hill Terrace is Halaal friendly.
Alternatively, couples who can’t get enough of a romantic evening can also opt for a bed and breakfast which includes a one-night stay in a King Guest Room. It will cost R1450 per person and this includes a five-course candle-lit dinner (twice-cooked lamb with cilantro and chicken mousse as well as apple wood smoked and cured sea bass). Guests will also be treated to a glass of bubbly or a mocktail. Booking beforehand is essential.
Contact: 0214813700, capetowncitycentre.hilton.com
6. Pigalle Green Point
One of Cape Town’s most stylish eateries is also joining in on the Valentine’s Day fun and their menu is not one to miss out on. The welcome drink on offer is a Veuve Clicquot and an impeccable four-course meal that will satisfy your hearts desires. A cost of R1430 per couple, covers an amuse-bouche (hors d’oeuvres) which includes sweet corn and basil veloute with a parmesan and olive twist. For a starter, patrons can choose between beef carpaccio, oysters, pan seared scallop, caramelised pear and toasted almond salad. The mains also include several choices between Norwegian salmon (shallot and parsley crushed potatoes, sauteed asparagus, roast red peppers etc.), herb marinated fillet (truffle mash, wilted spinach and sauteed wild mushroom) and a platter of king prawns (butterfly grilled, savoury rice and grilled vegetables). Dessert is also a choice between crème brulee, chocolate mousse or baked cheesecake and filter coffee or tea to round up the evening. There will be live performances to enjoy as well.
Contact: 0214214343, [email protected], pigallerestaurants.co.za
7. One & Only
For your one and only, book a table at this world-renowned restaurant with celebrated chef, Reuben Riffel. Guests can look forward to a six-course tasting menu priced at R950 per person where specially selected wines have been paired with heart-warming meals. For a more exclusive and intimate experience, book a table in the 5000 bottle wine loft. This is R3000 per couple and includes a bottle of sparkling wine and a dozen red roses.
Reuben’s Tasting Table is also an option for those who would like to celebrate with friends. This caters to parties of 12. One & Only is also home to Nobu Cape Town, an exquisite establishment that specialises in Japanese cuisine and a fusion of Asian and South American dishes. Orders can be made from an a la carte menu. Sweet and savoury treats can also be enjoyed at the Vista Bar & Lounge with magnificent views of Table Mountain. There is an offer of R295 per person for a Valentine’s Afternoon Tea Buffet which will last for the whole of Valentine’s weekend from 2.30-5.30pm.
Contact: 0214314511 or 0214325888, [email protected], oneandonlyresorts.com
8. Radisson Blu Hotel, Waterfront
Soak up the Atlantic Ocean with your eyes as you and your loved one picnic on a bed of grass at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The basket has a mouth-watering selection of freshly baked baguette, marinated olives, summer berry salad, Asian-basted chicken sewers, local cheese and biscuits, peanut butter brownies and a bottle of wine. Each couple can cuddle up with a blanket and umbrella on the water’s edge. Celebrations begin at 6.30pm on Tuesday 14 February. The picnic costs R695 per couple.
Contact: 0214413000, [email protected], radissonblu.com
9. The President Hotel
A classic romantic comedy could be the way to spend Valentine’s Day. Join the President Hotel for a screening of “Love Actually” at their open air silent cinema experience. With the stars above and the Atlantic Ocean in the background, it promises to be an atmospheric evening for celebrating couples, complete with a gourmet picnic basket. It will cost R425 per person and this includes the ticket, headphone rental and the picnic. It is advisable to book early due to limited tickets.
Contact 0214348111, email [email protected], presidenthotel.co.za
10. City Sightseeing Bus
Feel the love of the Mother City as you watch the sun set over it. For a R100 a ticket, you can hop on the Cape Town Red Bus or Sunset Bus that goes to Signal Hill. It departs from stop 1 outside the Two Oceans Aquarium (V&A Waterfront) between 5.30-6pm. You must ensure that you arrive 30 minutes before departure. The duration of the trip is two to three hours and it is advisable to bring warm clothing.
Contact: 0861733287, [email protected], citysightseeing.co.za
11. Table Mountain Sunset Special
Outdoor lovers can spend their evening appreciating the sunset atop one of the world’s 7 Wonders of Nature. Table Mountain Cableway has been running a sunset special that ends on 28 February and this is just in time for Valentine’s Day. During this special, the cable car will be half price after 6pm. Return tickets for adults are R127.50. Don’t forget to take a photo and share it using the hot spot in the Cableway Wi-Fi lounge located at Upper Cable Station.
Contact: 0214248181, [email protected], tablemountain.net
