Written by: Hennie Fisher
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, romantics are starting to make plans to celebrate the special day. Below are some of Pretoria’s most romantic restaurants - special date night ideas in the capital city.
It is not often that Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend. This year, it falls on a Friday and we get to dress up, forget about our budgetary constraints, and splurge on an evening of romance and great food. While some people prefer a small, candlelit table, tucked away in a corner, others might find romance across the white expanse of a freshly laid table. Whatever your preference, here are some of our most beloved romantic restaurants in Pretoria:
Fermier
If dressing up and dining out in a special little restaurant is what you love doing for Valentine’s Day, then Fermier is meant for you. Chef-owner Adriaan Maree continues to impress both Pretoria locals and visitors to the capital. In fact, he was awarded two stars for his innovative cooking in 2025.
The small restaurant is intimate with tables for two being well-spaced. On cooler evenings, the soft sheepskins on every seat are the perfect addition that makes for a cosy night out. The dimmed lighting is always romantic, and there are always incredible options to choose from when it comes to the wine list. Fermier has a set menu, with a wine pairing option to elevate an already incredible experience even further.
Enjoy attentive service, a wonderfully innovative set menu, and stare into your Valentine's eyes as course after course get served.
Website: www.fermierrestaurant.com
Phone: 076 072 5261
Brasserie de Paris
Boasting various smaller dining rooms, a lovely basement wine bar and various interesting nooks and crannies, Brasserie de Paris’ regulars have probably already secured their favourite tables for Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t been, be sure to ask for one of the corner tables for two. They are small, round tables ‘À la française,’ where one can discreetly catch your Valentine’s attention by tapping their foot under the table. At the same time, tables such as a corner table in the bar area, or on their wonderful roof terrace, are just as lovely.
This is probably also one of the romantic restaurants in Pretoria with the best playlists. Not to mention the wine list! And, if you choose nothing else from the menu, make sure you order their peppered fillet with frites - definitely one of the best spoils in town!
Brasserie de Paris has ample parking and they will always make a special effort if you phone them ahead of time. So, be sure to have those red roses delivered in good time.
Website: www.labrasseriedp.co.za
Phone: 012 460 3583
Wood & Fire
The layout of Wood & Fire in Brooklyn Mall includes banquettes that are perfect for Valentine's dinner in an intimate environment. Settle in and get cosy with your Valentine, whilst keeping an eye on what’s going on in the rest of the restaurant.
If you are looking for romantic restaurants in Pretoria that serve a great selection of sushi, Wood & Fire is worth adding to your list. They also serve platters to share with your partner, as well as small plates featuring all kinds of deliciousness (like their delicious salmon croquettes) to nibble on.
It is, however, their delightful fusion of Asian flavours that makes the food here worthwhile. Think calamari with miso mayo and nori, or sesame and seven-spice-crusted seared tuna with coconut rice, citrus and wasabi ponzu, and avocado mayo. Wood & Fire is a wonderful, romantic restaurant that never disappoints.
Website: woodandfire.co.za
Phone: 012 346 2261
La Madeleine
Daniel Leusch, the owner of La Madeleine, knows a thing or two about the restaurant trade. People may think this lovely, small restaurant is slightly old-fashioned, but there’s no better experience for Valentine’s dinner than this. Why? Because you can dress up and have the best Peach Bellini in town, of course! And then, indulge in various choices of starters, mains and desserts that are as familiar and comforting as they are delicious.
There are few restaurants that treat duck as well as La Madeleine does, often with the obligatory, but oh so delicious orange sauce. Also, don’t miss out on their crème brûlée for dessert.
Website: https://lamadeleine.co.za/
Phone: 012 361 3667
Steyn’s Culinary School
Here, where future chefs are taught, the Steyn family - under the guidance of Maritha - often open their school's doors to the public for dinner. They have a beautiful courtyard where one can dine (weather permitting) under the evening sky. This year, this is one of the romantic restaurants in Pretoria that takes you on a trip around the world. Think Peruvian-style ceviche with popped quinoa as an amuse-bouche, followed by tomato consommé with parmesan mousse. Then, indulge in a little Korean pear sorbet - to clear the palate – before being served a main course of herb-crusted lamb with golden potatoes, sweet butternut, pea purée and an old-fashioned red wine jus. Dessert will be Armenia-inspired: an apple Soufra with halva ice cream.
Website: www.steynsculinaryschool.co.za
Phone: 012 362 5340
Out In Africa, Injabulo Restaurant
Looking for something different when it comes to romantic restaurants in Pretoria this year? Head out to Dinokeng and experience romantic old-world charm at Out In Africa this Valentine’s Day. Their Injabulo Restaurant is located in an old train dining car and is geared to spoil guests.
For Valentine’s Day, they are serving a special, set menu. Starting with one of the most romantic drinks in the world - a Kir – they’re pairing it with little cheese gougères and setting the scene for a wonderful evening. Thereafter, expect a special Out In Africa Gazpacho, followed by shrimp and scallop ceviche. A choice of mains will feature either Moroccan-style lamb or an inventive beetroot Wellington, and some cheese, biscuits and a lovely Gianduja Semifreddo for dessert will end off the evening beautifully.
Whilst it might be a bit of a drive, it’s definitely worth it. Why not hop into an Uber and let romance transport you to a night away under African skies?
Website: injabulo-restaurant.co.za
Phone: 010 300 5775
Clearly, there are ample choices when it comes to romantic restaurants in Pretoria this Valentine’s Day. From fine dining and Asian fusion to traditional French cuisine and train cart dining, couples are certainly spoilt for choice. Where will you be heading this Valentine’s Day?
