When it comes to wining and dining your date, Pretoria offers a long list of some of the best restaurants and cafes in South Africa. 

We’ve come up with a list of romantic date ideas – from trendy and modern to fun and adventurous! – you can explore as you plan for the perfect date night. So, read on!

What can you do on a date night in Pretoria?

Here are some romantic ideas you can consider for your next date night!

1. Enjoy a sunset walk or hike in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve

If you’re both looking to spend some adventurous yet romantic time with your partner, a sunset walk or hike in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve is the perfect date idea! 

The reserve is one of the oldest ones in South Africa, with a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 150 bird species, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes. 

You’ll find a variety of activities for visitors, such as mountain biking and game drives, but if you’re looking for something more relaxed, you can just opt to walk the trails.

As you and your partner explore the breathtaking views of Pretoria’s skyline, you’ll feel as though you’re on top of the world. And what’s better than spending cloud nine with your special someone?

With the tranquil and secluded atmosphere of the reserve, you’ll get to escape from the daily grind and soak in the beauty of nature together. 

And you can watch with them as the sun sets and the sky turns shades of pink and orange, and maybe add some cheesy puns and jokes to lighten the mood.

2. Indulge in a couples’ spa treatment at the Kievits Kroon Country Estate

Are you and your partner feeling a little stressed out lately? Why not take a break from your busy lives and treat yourselves to a luxurious spa experience together?

We highly recommend Kievits Kroon Country Estate, where you and your loved one can indulge in a range of spa treatments, from massages to facials, in a tranquil and serene setting. 

It’s the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some quality time together.

And the best part? A couples’ spa treatment can actually help to strengthen your relationship! By encouraging intimacy and communication, you’ll leave feeling more connected and closer than ever before.

Bonus: Kievits Kroon Country Estate also offers several dining options, including a fine-dining restaurant and a more casual bistro. Why not grab a bite after a relaxing massage?

3. Go on a wine-tasting tour at the Irene Country Lodge

Ready your pose for the “cheers!” photo and go on a wine-tasting tour at the Irene Country Lodge. 

You and your partner can stroll through the vineyards, chat with connoisseurs, and indulge in some delicious wines, while enjoying each other’s company.

The lodge’s beautiful setting is sure to take your breath away, surrounded by lush greenery and a lake, which creates a serene atmosphere perfect for a romantic getaway.

We also love the food at the lodge’s on-site restaurants. There’s a wide range of dining options, from fine dining to casual outdoor dining, making it easy for couples to enjoy a romantic dinner or breakfast in bed.

The lodge also offers luxurious accommodations, including private suites and villas with private gardens, heated plunge pools, and fireplaces, which are perfect for couples seeking privacy and intimacy.

If you want to go all out, there’s also an award-winning spa at the lodge, where couples can indulge in a variety of pampering treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, to relax and rejuvenate together.

4. Drop by the Brooklyn Theatre

The Brooklyn Theatre in Pretoria is the perfect stage for a romantic date night. With a variety of performances, from classical music concerts to theatre productions and comedy shows, you won’t run out of options. 

You and your partner can sit back, relax, and let the entertainment whisk you away.

The theatre’s sophisticated ambience is sure to impress your partner and set the mood for a romantic evening. From the elegant seating to the grand stage, every detail adds to the magical atmosphere of the night.

One thing we love about this theatre is the exceptional acoustics. The theatre’s elegant interiors and comfortable seating also provide a luxurious and enjoyable atmosphere for guests. 

The theatre is located in the trendy Brooklyn neighbourhood and is surrounded by a plethora of dining and drinking options, providing the perfect opportunity to extend your date night. 

Don’t forget to dress to the nines and look fab for each other!

5. Have a romantic dinner at the award-winning Black Bamboo restaurant

The Black Bamboo restaurant in Pretoria, also called Blaq by some locals, is a perfect romantic destination for a romantic dinner date. The restaurant is within the Menlyn Boutique Hotel and is known for its mouthwatering cuisine and grand interiors.

We just love how the restaurant provides an intimate and sophisticated ambience, with stylish decor and soft lighting, creating a cosy and romantic atmosphere. 

Black Bamboo’s menu is a culinary masterpiece that combines the flavours of African, Asian, and European cuisine that’s nothing like you’ve ever tasted before. 

The restaurant is particularly known for its tasting menus, which are expertly crafted to showcase the chef’s skills and creativity.

If you want to level up your date night, the Black Bamboo also offers cooking classes and wine tastings, allowing guests to learn more about the culinary arts and indulge in the finest wines.

Moreover, the restaurant’s location in the Menlyn Maine precinct is a convenient setting for a date night. You can enjoy a pre-dinner drink at one of the many stylish bars in the area before heading to Black Bamboo for a delicious and romantic dinner.

6. Try Simo’s Coffee Roastery

If you and your partner are coffee lovers, you can’t miss out on Simo’s Coffee Roastery. What we love about this coffee shop is their deep passion for quality coffee and their cosy atmosphere is truly welcoming. 

The shop is known for its artisanal coffee, which is roasted on-site using carefully sourced beans from around the world.

With a focus on sourcing and roasting their own beans, every cup of coffee is a unique and delicious experience that you and your partner are sure to enjoy.

As a romantic spot, Simo’s provides an intimate and comfortable setting that is perfect for a cosy coffee date with your partner. 

Relax in their homey space and enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans while sipping on your expertly crafted coffee. 

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Simo’s also offers an array of delectable baked goods that are sure to satisfy your cravings. 

7. Go on a Moonlight Horse Ride

If you want to stray away from the cliche and try something new, we suggest trying out the Moonlight Horse Ride. We’re sure this will be a unique experience that offers an unforgettable and romantic date night. 

Firstly, the ride takes place at night under the stars, creating a magical and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic evening with your partner.

As you ride along scenic trails and through open fields, you’ll get to experience the beauty of nature and the tranquillity of the countryside. It’s a peaceful and romantic experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your loved one.

Furthermore, Moonlight Horse Ride offers a variety of packages that cater to different preferences, such as sunset rides or rides with a picnic included. 

This allows you to tailor your experience to your specific preferences and create a truly unique and special date night that you’ll cherish forever.

8. Explore the U-The Space

Looking for a chill and unique date night experience with your significant other? U-The Space might be the perfect spot.

This immersive dining experience combines art, music, and food to create a truly sensory experience that will leave a lasting impression.

The colourful and dynamic artwork on the walls and live music performances add to the already immersive atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening.

The cuisine at U-The Space is both delicious and creative, designed to complement the art and music around you. You and your partner can indulge in a sensory adventure, as you savour each bite of your meal and immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

For a truly intimate experience, U-The Space also offers private dining options, allowing you to create a personalised and memorable date night.

9. Attend the Deep Roots Night Market

Attending the Deep Roots Night Market in Pretoria is a fantastic idea for a romantic and memorable date night. The market offers a unique and lively atmosphere that is perfect for spending quality time with your partner.

You can take a leisurely stroll through the market and explore the various stalls and vendors selling a wide range of locally-made goods, from handmade crafts to delicious food and drinks.

The live music and entertainment provided by local artists create a festive ambience that will make your date night even more enjoyable. It’s also a great opportunity to discover new talent and experience the local arts and culture scene.

This is our favourite thing about this spot. It’s fun and hip, the food is scrumptious, there are lots of beer, and you get to support local vendors and artists.

10. Grab a meal at the Restaurant Mosaic

If you’re planning to amp up the romance and impress your date with a luxurious formal dinner, you have to go to Restaurant Mosaic. This restaurant is multi-award winning and is known for its mouthwatering food.

The cuisine is inspired by South African and French cooking techniques and made with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients.

As you walk in, you’d feel as though you’ve stepped into a world-class restaurant of a different era. The elegant and beautiful interiors of the restaurant create a luxurious and romantic atmosphere that’s just perfect for a special date night. 

We also like how there are multiple dining experiences to choose from, including a degustation menu that features expertly paired courses with wine. 

Restaurant Mosaic is committed to intimacy and so it might be difficult to reserve a table, so make sure to book ahead!