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Darlings, if you think you need an overpriced prix-fixe menu as an excuse to slip into a cocktail dress and heels, you’re wrong! Whether it’s the first date or a monthly date night, we all love cozying up with some good food someone special … am I right? When the mood strikes, Jozi teems with blush-worthy restaurants – whether tiny or sprawling, of-the-moment or timeless, sure-fire or daring – here are six of our city’s most affordable for wooing your sweetheart!
1. Cornuti
Cosy Cornuti, situated in the midst of the busy suburb of Illovo, looks to be plucked from a charming European village. At this small, gorgeous Italian eatery, you can sit and talk over simple but satisfying fare, such as a hearty bowl of chicken ravioli or a thin-crust pizza with gourmet toppings. Top it off with a decadent dessert, or keep the night going with a bottle of one of their fine wines on offer.
Price range: Approximately R220 for two.
Where: Illovo Square, Shop 2, Piazza Level, Illovo.
2. Thomas Maxwell
Oh, how Thomas Maxwell tempts. Dining in an intimate, candlelit dining room inside this tucked away eatery is the epitome of a romantic experience. The plates that keep arriving are marvels, too, such as the duck and porcini pietettes, rabbit risotto, and grilled prawns. Pair your food with a bottle of French champagne from their extensive list of bubbles for further indulgence. Also, be sure to snap a picture on their red couch.
Price range: Approximately R450 for two.
Where: 140 11th Street, Parkmore.
3. Allora Ristorante Classico
With rustic brick walls, eclectic decorations and a comfortable, cosy ambiance, this Sandton eatery will transport you to a traditional Italian village. Inspired by the luxurious cuisine of Italy, Allora combines classic dishes with a touch of flair to create new, rich flavours. Feast on their creamy Scottish salmon pasta, flat-top grilled linefish or chicken breasts in porcini sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the pan-fried veal escalopes or bacon Salsiccia sausage pizza.
Price range: Approximately R400 for two.
Where: 24 Central, Gwen Lane, Sandton CBD.
4. Tortellini d’Oro
The two of you could be up front, in the warm, welcoming dining room, enjoying beef carpaccio or spinach and feta cannelloni. Or, you could be ensconced back in the more polished section, tackling a multi-course seasonal affair – parma ham and melon antipasto, summer pasta with pesto, rosa tomatoes and roquette, and then a bowl of Italian ice-cream. Either way, at Tortellini d’Oro you get treated to sophisticated cooking amid an inviting, classy backdrop that makes the hours go by too fast.
Price range: Approximately R300 for two.
Where: Oaklands Shopping Centre, corner of Pretoria & Victoria Streets, Oaklands.
5. Lacuna Bistro
This sexy restaurant situated inside The Maslow Hotel boasts a menu that straddles the traditional southern fried chicken with blue cheese aioli with an ambitious toasted sirloin steak baguette served with a red wine jus. The bistro oozes upscale charm – jazz plays softly out of the speakers, the light fixtures are hand-crafted, and the bar – which serves up classic tipples like potent martinis – is one of the most elegant you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
Price range: Approximately R350 for two.
Where: The Maslow Hotel, corner Grayston Drive & Rivonia Road, Sandown.
6. Café Del Sol Classico
It may require saving more pennies than the other places on this list, but dining at Café Del Sol Classico is worth the potential scrimping in the aftermath. This elegant, well-loved restaurant allows you to piece together your own divine à la carte feast, perhaps including tuna picante, porcini chicken breasts or handmade ravioli with seasonal filling. After your main, you might think you’re too full for the Mamma’s Pavlolva, but carry on – dessert maintains the romantic mood for just a tad longer.
Price range: Approximately R400 for two.
Where: Olivedale Corner Shopping Centre, corner of Olive Road & President Fouche Drive, North Riding.
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