Finding the best romantic restaurants in Johannesburg to spark you and your better half’s love isn’t as simple as it feels. Romance can’t be forced; getting the right mood at the right moment to bring that connection sometimes needs cosmic intervention.
However, if you are in the right place, you can still get into that magical mood of love, butterflies, and fairies. Restaurants offer the best place—unknowingly setting the mood for romance with their mellow vibes, great atmosphere, therapeutic music, and great food.
Unfortunatley, not all restaurants in Jozi have this magical tough enough to trigger the feelings of affection. But worry not – we’ve done our due diligence and compiled a list of the best romantic restaurants in Johannesburg. Feel free to share your thoughts about this list. If you have better recommendations, let us know in the comments section, and we will check them and add them.
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Marble Restaurant
The Marble Restaurant has often been featured in our blog’s ‘Best Of’ restaurants. It gets full points for having some of the best views, great kitchen staff, and mouth-watering cuisine. It is one of the best romantic restaurants in Johannesburg.
Suppose you want to wow an acquaintance, seek forgiveness from a loved one, or show appreciation to the love of your life for sharing their affection. In that case, the Marble Restaurant in Johannesburg is hands down one of the best venues you should consider.
We recommend going for dinner and picking the rooftop dining section for the amazing sweeping views of the Jozi skyline. The food and sunset should do the rest. Believe me, it is beyond magical.
Romantic Date Favorites: Ice Cream Sandwiches, Beetroot Carpaccio, Blueberry Desserts, Chocolate Desserts, Brownies, Cocktails, Cheesecake, Prime Rib, Siloin, and Wines.
Average Meal Cost: R500 – R700
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Location: Trumpet on Keyes Corner, 19 Keyes and Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 10 594 5550; Email: info@marble.restaurant.
PROUD MARY
You want to take your date to a mellow spot in Jo’burg, with good music, warm lights, and modern decor – that description best describes PROUD MARY. It is one of the most sophisticated restaurants I’ve been to in a while regarding aesthetics. Everything from the decor, food, sound, and service has been done to perfection – and the price tag confirms it all.
PROUD MARY is highly rated among Jo’burg locals. It’s been referred to as ‘1st Tinder Date Worthy,’ and for a simple reason: It is eclectic and offers a wide range of cuisine, from Indian to Mediterranean to European. Your date will love the food service; the staff is charming but not imposing. If both of you are lovers of wine and cocktails, you’ll have to return several times to sample all their stock (that’s the plan, if you get what I mean).
Romantic Date Favorites: Please try out the dessert menu (nothing will disappoint), garden salads, ice cream, wines and cocktails, vegan specials, Moroccan Chicken (mains), Steak and Wedges (mains), and much more.
Average Meal Price: R250 – R450.
Operating Hours: Daily: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm. (Reservation is required).
Location: The Bank, 26 Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 10 023 3316; Email: reservations@proudmary.co.za.
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Mama Samba
The first time I heard about Mama Samba, I knew I had to have the right dancing shoes on—and I was right. This upbeat restaurant has two floors. On the lower level, you have the romantic dining area with a view of Rosebank Square, fireplace, and kitchen, and on the top floor, above a spiral staircase, you have the supper-club lounge, where you can groove. Don’t forget to say hi to Ntombi at the door.
Pro Tip: The plan here is to have an amazing meal below, then head upstairs and move to the rhythm of the beat.
You can also relax at the Ceviche Bar and marvel at Mama Samba chefs’ prowess in creating Nikkei-inspired Suchi dishes.
You’ll love the food and the service at Mama Samba. This is a great restaurant to take a foodie on a date—they’ll be forever grateful. The vibe, feel, and ambiance will add to the charm of the date.
Romantic Date Favorites: Cocktails, Rum, Wines, Desserts, Mocktails, Platters, Vegan Specials (try the Ember Roasted Cauliflower), Lamb Tacos, Squid Tacos, Fried Street Corn, Pulled Pork Boa Buns, and NY Strip.
Average Meal Cost: R350 – R550.
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm—11:00 pm; weekends, 11:00 am—11:00 pm.
Location: Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 10 110 0313; Email: mytable@mamasamba.co.za.
The 11th Floor Restaurant
Here’s the truth – if it’s going to be on the rooftop, it will be fire! That’s the experience you will get if you choose the 11th Floor Restaurant for a romantic dinner. This upmarket establishment is considered one of the best romantic restaurants in Johannesburg.
They say first impressions last, and if you are meeting your partner for the first time or the first date, the 11th Floor Restaurant is where you want to make your first impression. Trust me, they’ll be dazzled!
The rooftop views overlooking Eastgate are to die for—they are more than magical. I always insist on reserving that special table for the sunset—believe it or not, nature can do phenomenal things to boost affection (I’m talking about the sundowner and vibe here).
Romantic Date Favorites: Belgium Mussei Pot, Cocktail Tree, Kingklip and Pork Belly, Lava Mountain, Beef Fillet, Caramel Chocolate, Vanilla Bean Gelato. Lemon Curd and much more.
Average Meal Cost: R500 – R700. (Reservation Required)
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 10:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 7:00 am – 12:00 am.
Location: 11th Floor, Nicol Corner, 28 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, 2007, South Africa.
Contacts: (+27) 10 045 0440; Email: reservations@the11thfloor.co.za.
Level Four Restaurant
Level Four Restaurant keeps popping up on our ‘best of’ lists, this time as one of the best romantic restaurants in Johannesburg. This fancy restaurant, located at 54 Bath in Rosebank, offers a bespoke dining experience for lovers of Jozi.
You’ll notice the elegant surroundings, the attention to detail in the décor, and the artsy food displays—everything here has been done to perfection to give patrons a one-of-a-kind experience.
I have a soft spot for Level Four Restaurant’s outdoor terrace. I love how the morning Jozi rays hit my skin as I enjoy my favorite cup of Cappuccino. The garden below the terrace does magic to the ambiance, giving an enchanting experience to the entire meal. This is the go-to venue if you have a reason to pop Champagne. You’ll be spoilt for choice at their selection.
Romantic Date Favorites: Wines, Champagne, Cocktails, Creme Brûlée, Pineapple Preserve, Lamb and Fish, Nine-Course Meals, Pork Belly, Lamb Shoulder, Lamb Rack, Tartar, Sea Food Linguini, and much more.
Average Meal Cost: R500 – R750.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:30 am—10:30 am; 12:00 pm—3:00 pm; 6:00 pm—10:00 pm. Weekday Afternoon Tea, 2:30 pm—4:30 pm; Saturday High Tea, 1:30 pm—4:30 pm.
Location: 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Contact: (+27) 11 344 8442; Email: LevelFour.Restaurant@southernsun.com.