Written by: Hennie Fisher
Although we are all slightly cash-strapped in January and February, having a special Valentine’s Day is something we also want, which is why it's worth knowing where to find budget-friendly restaurants for Valentine's Day in Pretoria.
Yes, Valentine’s Day is commercially driven and unnecessary, but in the world where traditions and culture are often sacrificed because of conflict and hatred, it is invigorating to focus on a special day that celebrates love.
Whatever your stance on Valentine’s Day, it’s still worth making time and effort to let your loved ones know that you appreciate and admire them. If budgets are tight and you can’t treat your Valentine to dinner at one of Pretoria’s smartest restaurants, here are a few suggestions on where to enjoy a night out without having to worry about the bill too much…
Vee & Forti
This little Italian deli would perhaps not be categorised as inexpensive, but what Forti and his wife, Vee have done so cleverly is that it is the type of place where one can choose little bites that would not break the bank. Hence, it falls under the budget-friendly restaurants for Valentine's Day well if you make clever choices...
Settle into one of their lovely outdoor couches next to your suitor, order a glass of house Chardonnay, and nibble on some hearty Italian-inspired food. For as little as R179 for two, you can get a platter with baguette, olives, taramasalata, hummus, tzatziki and melanzane dip. Or, if you desire something more filling, their delightful pork belly - roasted Roman-style on the rotisserie - on a brioche bun with a side salad to share at R179, paired with two glasses of high-quality, local MCC at R70 a glass, means you could walk out of there with a bill under R350 for two.
Although your budget may not allow you to hop on a plane to visit Italy this time around, you could pop in at Vee & Forti and imagine yourself dining al fresco at a small Italian trattoria.
Read more about Vee & Forti’s love for life and each other here.
Website: www.veeandforti.com
CT Hotel
The former Sheraton Hotel, now known as CT Hotel, overlooks the beautifully Herbert Baker-designed Union Buildings and offers three dining options: the Magnolia Restaurant, Tiffin’s Bar and Via Veneto. Each boasts different options that would suit your pocket.
Bring your Valentine to enjoy the view from a small table outside on the terrace overlooking the Union Buildings while the sun sets in the west. P.S. They have safe parking under the building, which is quite convenient.
Website: www.cthotelpretoria.com
Piza e Vino
The suburb of Queenswood’s relatively new shopping precinct - Queens Quarter - boasts various smaller eateries. Piza e Vino offers ample indoor and outdoor seating options - from high tables outside to banquettes inside - and is definitely one of the budget-friendly restaurants for Valentine's Day this year. Order a plate of courgette fritters at R42 to share, two gnocchi Napolitana at R105 each, along with two Cosmopolitans at R60 each, and your budget-friendly Valentine's dinner will set you back less than R400, including a tip!
Website: pizaevino.co.za
Beira Alta
Book one of Beira Alta’s special domed cubicles at the back of the restaurant for a special, intimate Valentine’s dinner. Share a platter of cod fritters in their own house batter at R105 for a true taste of Portuguese South African cuisine. Then, enjoy two chicken pregos at R130 each, and pair it with two beautiful Mojitos at R95 each. That way, your dinner for two could be less than R300 per person, including a tip.
Apart from their branch in Menlyn Maine, this small franchise is scattered across the country, including locations at the Leap Frog Centre in Fourways, Ballito Lifestyle Centre and Sibaya Casino in KZN.
Website: beiraalta.co.za
Clearly, there are several budget-friendly restaurants for Valentine's Day in Pretoria. So, don’t let your budget be the reason why you don’t celebrate love this year!
