One is always trying to strike the right note with a date spot – not too predictable, not over the top. I find that on an engaging date I hardly notice the food and wine, but it is never a bad idea to put yourself at the advantage of knowing upfront that the food, drink, atmosphere and service will co-operate with your cunning plans.
Here are my three fail-proof suggestions depending on how fancy you feel like being – and a bonus suggestion for the brave 🙂
Amarcord – No frills
Phone: 011 781 5020 Address: 53 Conrad Dr, Randburg, 2194
This is a mom and pop shop of old school hearty Italian food. The Italian chef steps out of the kitchen occasionally to greet regulars and there is a completely mixed crowd age wise. You can’t go wrong with any of the pastas or traditional Italian fare. I would definitely stick to these.
Amacord is unlicensed (with no plans to license) and so you can bring as many bottles of wine (or beer – or anything) as you please with no corkage. I think this makes for a perfect casual date if you want to pick up a few bottles of your favourite wine. You’ll come across as a down to earth, wholesome values type of guy at this unpretentious establishment.
Recommended food
Starter: Melanzane alla Parmigiana (big enough to share) – R70
Main: Lasagne Della Casa alla Bolognese – R90
Dessert: Tiramisu Della Nonna – R45
We drank: Hermanuspietersfontein Kleinboet – this red blend’s name is quite a mouthful but worth trying! Retails for R150 per bottle at Spar.
Thomas Maxwell – Frills
Phone: 011 784 1575 Address: 140 11th St, Johannesburg, 2196
Despite being high-end the understated location of this restaurant is Parkmore. It is well laid out and the candle lit ambiance makes it a much more intimate option than some of the other restaurants of its calibre. Its French Bistro décor is simple and classy and the service is flawless – the chef will usually greet guests and a wine expert can assist you in choosing/telling you about a wine.
The food will never disappoint – fare includes their famous rabbit dishes (Rabbit Risotto – R185) but also something for everyone, from Wasai Sirloin – R175 to Chicken Truffle Pie – R118 (both of which I can recommend). The sides come in separate bowls – the chips and spinach are delish.
Thomas Maxwell will make your date feel like a VIP, and this can only bode well for you.
Recommended food
Starter: Warthog Carpaccio – R90
Main: Mushroom and wild Porccini Risotto (I am a mushroom addict!) – R135
Dessert: Chocolate Fondant – R60
We Drank: Goose Expression R580 – amazing red from Retief Goosen’s wine range!
Whisky: Enjoy one for the road from their extensive whisky collection – recommended: Laphroaig single malt.
LBV – Medium amount of frills
Phone: 011 706 7662 Address: 277 Main Rd, Sandton, 2191
LBV is tucked away behind Cramerview Shopping center. It strikes the perfect balance between casual and fine dining. It doesn’t have the romantic atmosphere of Thomas Maxwell but it doesn’t compromise on service or quality. There is an extensive wine list and, despite unassuming nibble options like chilly poppers, this is a serious kitchen.
We had a warm evening so we sat on the patio. Our waiter, McDonald, looked after us well – when our fries didn’t come out at exactly the same time as our mains he brought us Jagger Meisters to compensate. Nice touch!
LBV ticks all the boxes for a great first date spot – and a good spot for a girl to take a guy on a date (this is 2016!).
Recommended food
Starter: Jalapeno Poppers R65
Main: Pan Glazed Whole beef Fillet R165
Dessert: The Infamous Chocolate Lava Cake R60
Side: Bacon, Jalapeno & Cheddar Fries R48 – must have!
We drank: Life from Stone Sauvignon Blanc R210 – one of my all time favourite whites.
Bonus Feature: Roll Egoli – Roller-Skating Rink
Address: 296 Main Rd, Sandton, 2191
It’s never a bad idea to find out early on if you’re dating someone with a sense of humour. Egoli Roller Rink will establish just that, and whether they have any co-ord! All you need is an hour before one of these dinner dates to go for a spin and you’ll work up an appetite and also see if you’re dealing with someone who can laugh at themselves!
Price: R85
Hours: In the week they close at 6pm. On Fridays and Saturdays they are open until 9pm. It’s one minute away from LBV if you want to combine the two!
