Looking for a romantic, intimate and classy restaurant in Pretoria for Valentine’s Day? Look no further…here are my five favourite Pretoria restaurants for the Day of Love.
Capito! – One of the Best Italian Restaurants in Pretoria
Candlelight, flowers and great background music. I love Capito!’s vibe. The space is contemporary, but cosy. Walking into Capito! feels like walking into your mom’s dining room (if your mom is Italian and a great cook). With his passion for reinventing classic dishes, Chef Pellie Grobler adds subtle twists to old Italian favourites. Capito! also has an impressive and comprehensive wine list. Wine lovers are sure to find a wine that tickles their fancy. And if the comprehensive wine list has you a little frazzled, Capito!’s sommelier is on hand to recommend the perfect bottle for a romantic evening.
Capito! will be offering a 3-course set menu on Valentine’s Day, at an affordable price of R550 per person.
Location: The Club Retail, Cnr Pinaster Ave and 18th Street, Hazelwood, Pretoria
To book: 012 346 1932
Prosopa – The home of Greek dining in Pretoria
In Waterkloof Heights hidden away from the hustle-and-bustle you’ll find one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Pretoria – Prosopa. Chef Patron Dino’s Mediterranean heritage shows in each dish he serves. While Prosopa’s acclaimed sommelier, Moses, will ensure that you will be sipping some fantastic wine. Their extensive tapas menu is perfect for a relaxed, romantic valentine’s dinner. (May I recommend their fried brinjal starter).
Prosopa will be offering a Valentine’s Dinner special on 14 February 2025 at R800 per person.
Location: 103 Club Avenue, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria
To book: 012 460 1663 / dino@prosopa.co.za
Fermier – Pretoria’s fine dining headquarters
If you are looking to impress with a fine dining experience, then look no further than Fermier. Tucked away in the corner of Karoo Yard this restaurant is one of Pretoria’s culinary gems. Chef Adriaan is a master at his trade. I especially love his dream of a restaurant that is self-sustainable. The team at Fermier serve a set menu from Tuesday to Saturday, with a set seating time of 19:00. This restaurant works on reservations only and booking well in advance is essential.
For Valentine’s Day, Fermier is offering a 7-course tasting menu at R900 per person (with the option of wine pairing at an additional R450 per person).
Location: Karoo Yard, Corner of Albeth and Lynnwood Road, 141 Lynnwood Road, The Willows, Pretoria
To book: 076 072 5261 / bookings@fermierrestaurant.com
Pasta Barra –Stylish Mediterranean hospitality
I recently visited Pasta Barra for the first time and I’m sold. Although you can’t help being impressed ty the restaurant’s beautiful modern interior, Pasta Barra is all about Mediterranean hospitality – which means great food and wine. With delicious and beautifully plated dishes and some of the best wines South Africa has to offer, Pasta Barra is a great choice for Valentines Day.
I have it on good authority that they will be running a Valentine’s Day special this year, so keep an eye on their social media platforms. Be sure to book a table on the veranda (and to order one of their amazing pasta dishes).
Location: 114 Bronkhorst Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
To book: 060 873 6024
Brasserie de Paris – A French affair!
If old school elegance and ambience is what you are all about then you’ll love Brasserie de Paris. The restaurant is set in a historical Karl Jooste House. Jooste was a friend of the French architect Le Corbusier and isn’t very difficult to see Le Corbusier’s influence in the design of the house. The building and carefully selected art pieces make for an elegant, yet relaxed dining experience. But it’s their amazing French inspired menu that keeps Peet and I going back time and time again.
Brasserie de Paris will be offering a Special Valentine’s 5-course dinner on 14th and 15th of February for R1850 per couple.
Location: 381 Aries Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria
To book: (012) 460 3583 or visit their website
Photographs: Fay van Eeden
