As Valentine’s Day creeps ever nearer, restaurants are unveiling their Valentine’s specials and menus.  After all, as the African proverb goes, “The one who feeds you is the one who loves you”.

Here is the latest round up of the best Valentine’s 2015 specials in your city:

Cape Town

One of the Mother City’s most romantic hotels, Taj Cape Town, is rolling out the red carpet this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy dining at one of South Africa’s finest Indian restaurants, Bombay Brasserie or a more relaxed and intimate evening at Mint, the Local Grill, which specialises in innovative international and local cuisine. End your evening off with casual cocktails at the ultra-trendy, Twankey Bar.

5 rooms at the Alphen Hotel offers fine dining in a romantic, exclusive setting with 5 separate rooms decadently designed for privacy. The special Valentine’s menu is cosmopolitan with a twist. There will be live entertainment in the lounge to set the tone for an intimate evening.

Kloof Street House is offering something a little different from the expected romantic dinner vibe – a Valentine’s Day brunch! On arrival, receive a complimentary signature cocktail and then move on to the beautiful three-course menu designed by the executive chef. To make it extra special, there will be live music in their enchanted secret garden.

Celebrate the day of love and affection at Richard’s Supper Stage, with a special Valentine’s-edition of their popular show. Additional love songs have been added to the programme to set the mood, and there will be plenty of other surprises sure to impress your Valentine’s date. After the show, take your Valentine for a twist and a turn around the dance floor.

Out Stellenbosch way, Lanzerac Hotel & Spa will be serving up a lavish four-course Valentine’s Dinner. Think coconut and butternut brûlée, tandoori poussin, potato crusted beef fillet and upside down honey cheesecake. Yum! Your evening includes a complimentary welcome drink and a gift from the Executive Chef.

Nearby, The House of J.C. Le Roux’s Le Venue restaurant has a seductive line-up that will add a glamorous touch to the special day. With live music hitting just the right notes, start with a glass of uplifting J.C. Le Roux bubbly and an amuse bouche, followed by mains and decadent dessert. As an exclusive Valentine’s Day indulgence, bubbly fans who purchase two bottles of J.C. Le Roux La Fleurette on the day, will receive a complimentary box of sweet treats to enjoy with this vivacious sparkling wine.

Johannesburg

Junipa’s in Bryanston will be featuring live music by The Bill Graceful Band to complement the romantic menu designed by the  head chef. As a fun extra, there will a truth or dare competition! Fill out the truth or dare questionnaire and stand a chance to win dinner for two, breakfast for two, a bottle of wine or one of many romantic cocktails.

moyo Melrose Arch invites you to celebrate your soul mate in true moyo style with cocktails, a  three-course menu and soulful sounds. Spending your Valentine’s Dinner at moyo could stand you in stead to win a romantic Bill Harrop’s balloon safari for 2!

Winehouse@Ten Bompas Hotel is offering an unbelievable six-course tasting menu featuring unique items like: asparagus with lemon oil, poached egg, tonka bean and vegetable vinaigrette for starters, pork belly, baby radish, mustard seed and pommes mousseline for mains and a special valentine’s ‘trifle’ of vanilla bean crémeux, elderberry sponge, champagne and meringue for dessert.

If you would prefer something with a bit more active entertainment, Winnie’s Soul and Jazz Restaurant is just what you are looking for – enjoy a three-course meal while listening to the beautiful sounds of diva Sibongile Mngoma. Comedian Lihle Msimang will lend a light hearted lilt to the evening.  An evening of love and laughter!

If you would prefer to skip the pressure of a full Valentine’s dinner altogether, opt for the Valentine’s Day breakfast at Chapters Restaurant. Enjoy a full English breakfast with Haute Cabrière bubbly.

Durban and Surrounds

VickyCristina’s in Hillcrest‘s ‘la vida love food’ motto is perfect for a casual, trendy Valentine’s night. Their special Spanish inspired menu includes ‘Pink Oysters’ (fresh oysters with a pink champagne mignonette), ‘Lambada Con Cerezas’ (grilled duck breast in a cherry and port sauce, with roasted root vegetables and crispy diced potatoes) and ‘Island Figs’ for dessert (figs and bananas flambéed with rum, with coconut ice cream & toasted almonds).

For something a little more formal, Ocean Terrace at the Oyster Box Hotel will once again be pulling out all the stops with a selection of menus and live entertainment on their Saturday night Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Not to leave out the singletons, The Oyster Box is also introducing a Valentine’s Singles Dinner on Friday 13 February. Round up a few friends, or come on your own, for an evening of fun and laughter in the Pearl Room.  The evening will kick off with a welcome cocktail, prepared by a flaring Mixologist and then continue on with a night of live entertainment featuring local comedian Jem Atkins of The Single Dad fame, music from a top DJ and great food.