Romance doesn't start and stop with Valentine's Day, and Joburg has no shortage of unique ways to celebrate your love all year long. Sure, we don't have the ocean views, the romantic, old cobbled streets, or even a river promenade to stroll along, but Joburg does have some fantastic restaurants and bars, beautiful parks, countryside getaways, and other fun places to go on a date.
Browsing a food market hand-in-hand or sipping sundowners with a spectacular view of the city, maybe even a thrill-seeking bungee jump in Soweto – here's our guide to some classic, and some less conventional, places to impress your date in Joburg.
DRINKS AND DINING
Pull up a seat with a view for sundowners in Joburg
Joburg is the perfect city for sundowners. Even in the middle of winter, the sun still sets relatively early. Order an ice-cold drink, find a table with a view, and enjoy one of Joburg's famously memorable sunsets at a local rooftop restaurant or terrace.
You can't beat the tree-lined view from Flames at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff . I n Rosebank, David Higgs' renowned Marble restaurant on the top floor of Keyes Art Mile's Trumpet building offers views that stretch out to the Magaliesberg mountains.
Sitting at the top of Africa’s tallest building, The Leonardo , at a dizzying 234m-tall, you can’t get higher than Alto234 bar. It's an exclusive spot offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the entire city and, of course, Moët is the drink of choice.
For something different, check out the hip City Centre rooftop hangout the Living Room in Maboneng in the City Centre, and for the very best views of the Joburg urban skyline, rooftop bar and restaurant The Twenty Twenty Club at Hallmark House is a must.
As you can tell, this is a city with a wealth of tall buildings to enjoy a sky-high view, but Joburg is also surrounded by rocky ridges. S ome of them are topped with mansions and others are declared as nature reserves, meaning you are spoilt for choice when it comes to interesting vantage points to enjoy a different perspective of the city. Read our guide to Joburg's best viewpoints and rooftop bars here .
Eating under the stars at The Northcliff Boutique Hotel
Experience nature's majesty at Pablo House
Built clinging on to the ridge overlooking the rugged Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, Pablo House is the brainchild of bassist Louis Roux from the Shadow Club band. It’s a hideout with glam interiors and luxury touches. It also has a delicious restaurant, Pablo Dos Manos, renowned for great brunch, wood-fired pizza, and small-plate Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Reservations are absolutely essential and subject to availability. In-house guests always come first.
See the setting sun at spectacular Cyra
Treat your date to a swoon-worthy dinner at Cyra, a fine dining spot from acclaimed Chef Candice Philip at The Houghton Hotel. Named after the Persian word for 'sun', every plate is wonderfully considered and presented here, and the views (especially as the sun is setting) never get old. Seven-course dinners are offered from Wed – Sun, and a four-course lunch is served every Sun.
Playful plates and serious style at The Pot Luck Club
Nestled in the leafy charm of Melrose, The Pot Luck Club's new home at The Peech Hotel is where bold flavours meet serious style. Surrounded by beautiful design and lush gardens, this is a fun spot for playful plates and a stellar wine and cocktail list. Whether you're in for a flavour-packed dinner (Tue – Sat) or a leisurely Saturday lunch, expect a sharing-style menu featuring favourites like Pork Belly Ssam with blood orange and fish sauce caramel. Why not turn date night into a full staycation in one of the hotel's luxurious rooms?
Up the love stakes at The Marabi Club
Effusive reviews for this place all generally remark on the atmosphere or (that South Africanism) 'vibe' of The Marabi Club, a combination of superb food, slick service from jauntily dressed wait staff, interiors that conjure Joburg in an earlier age, and a moodily lit stage on which a jazz band plays. Every Thursday is date night at Marabi Club with a special three-course meal, complimentary wine, and live jazz music. Reservations are a must.
Tea for two at Tea & Antique
Tea & Antique in Bedfordview blends charm and cosiness. This family-run haven serves up Chinese tea and mouthwatering dim sum in a beautiful, antique-filled setting. Whether you’re sharing dumplings or indulging in dainty Chinese cakes (the peach and oolong tea variety is a must-try!), it’s the kind of place where even the smallest details make your date feel special.
Wine tasting at Gerakaris Family Wines
Gerakaris Family Wines, Joburg's very first winery, is nestled in the lush surrounds of the REEA Foundation’s urban farm in Craighall Park. Sip on Syrah or Chenin Blanc while soaking in the serene vineyard. Whether you’re a wine expert or just looking to enjoy some chilled-out moments together, Gerakaris offers wine-tasting events that let you explore their signature wines straight from the Swartland.
A memorable night at Mix Cocktail Bar
Music and love go together like Joburg and expansive skylines, and mixologist-led Mix Cocktail Bar at Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank has an interesting line-up of music events Tue – Sat, from jazz and vinyl to DJ sets. Plus, you get to enjoy a memorable view with your swanky drink. Entrance is free, although booking is essential at concierge@meshclub.co.za or via the online link.
Dare to dine in the sky with Sky Events
Not for the faint of heart, the most extreme seat in Joburg hovers 50m off the ground at a 22-seater table suspended from a crane – full service and a fine-dining menu included with unbeatable, 360-degree panoramic views. Parked on the sprawling campus of St. Stithians College in Bryanston, the crane is the show-stopping feature of Sky Dining, where you are strapped in like you're on a roller coaster ride and, as the first course is being served, pulled up to a cruising altitude of 50m. Experiences range between 60 to 90 minutes for a multicourse lunch, dinner, or champagne breakfast, and the chef is even on board with you preparing select elements of your meal on site. Check out upcoming events here.
Go for a bite in Rosebank
Looking for a cute date spot in Rosebank? Look no further than The Zone @ Rosebank. For a taste of the Mediterranean with a side of glam, head to Akti, where you can tuck into moussaka, souvlaki, and octopus while soaking in the chic atmosphere. After your Greek feast, treat yourselves to a scoop (or two) of Paul's Homemade Ice Cream – a local favourite featuring cute booths for perfect selfie snaps with your love. If you're after something a little more sleek and stylish, swing by Proud Mary at Hyde Hotel for oysters, picanha steaks, and a killer coffee bar.
