Choosing a venue for the first date can be complicated, not to mention figuring out what to wear, drink and say. Meeting for drinks can be a safe option if you don’t want to commit to a full sit-down dinner, but what if the sparks start to fly and you want to linger longer over a bite to eat? This is where wine bars, cocktail spots and restaurants with fancy bars come in. When things are going in the right direction, move from perching at the bar with drinks to a more intimate dinner at a table in the corner. We’ve got a list of places that’ll get you well on your way to a second date.

Johannesburg

@ Monte Winebar
The restaurant has many nooks and crannies suitable for one-on-ones. There are over 50 different wines available by the glass, and the menu features light meals.

Bombay Blues 
The secluded bar area and tented enclaves for private seating outside create an intimate atmosphere. Order some spicy Indian food to liven things up a bit.

Bottega 
Select one or more of the many cocktails on the menu in the warm and relaxed interior.

Gray Restaurant  
Relax without distractions and focus on your good company and excellent food.

Life Grand Café  
The popular cocktail selection is rounded off nicely with tapas.

Orient  
Sharing is definitely caring at Orient. Many of the wines on the extensive list are available by the glass, or you can order a good cocktail.

Pretoria

Café 41  
Choose from the impressive wine collection while seated in the open-plan main area and retire to the cosy lounge with a fireplace. Platters to share are available, too.

De Kloof  
Sample any of the wines in the WineStation system to stimulate some interesting table talk.

Prosopa
The varied wine list and meze selection makes Prosopa a good spot for couples to mix, match and share.

Durban

Havana Grill
With over 15 wines available by the glass, Havana Grill is a busy spot that’s perfect for first dates. The comfortable atmosphere will help ease any awkward moments of silence.

Marco Paulo
Settle onto comfy leather couches for a pre-dinner drink and see where the evening takes you.

Spiga  
Spiga has a full bar, good coffees and fine aperitifs. There’s always a good crowd, which is handy if the conversation is a little stilted.

Cape Town

5 Rooms Restaurant  
Start your evening with a drink at the teardrop-style bar and then order some snacks.

Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar  
This is a glamorous whisky, wine and cocktail bar, perfect for people-watching if the conversation is limited.

El Burro  
More than 60 varieties of tequila are on offer. Sip them slowly to enjoy their individual flavour profiles and banish the butterflies.

Fork  
Have a drink at the charming little bar downstairs and then move upstairs to a cosy booth.

French Toast  
The wine bar offers a chic environment with 80 wines by the glass and bistro-style snacks. Select a private banquette or table.

Posticino  
Posticino is worn-in and comfortable, so you won’t feel mortified if you spill some red wine during a particularly animated conversation.

Rick’s  
Ordering a selection of tapas is a great way to start the evening. There are over 80 wines on the wine list and a range of great cocktails.

Societi Bistro  
Have drinks at the quaint little bar before moving onto the trendy terrace.

The Sidewalk Café  
Perfect for sundowners or romantic dinners, this charming venue is casual and quirky.

Winelands

5 Ryneveld  
This is a cute and quirky meeting place. Have drinks in the lounge or at the bar before settling at a table for dinner.

Restaurant at Waterkloof  
Enjoy a glass of bubbly at the designer fireplace in the retro lounge.

Tokara  
Enjoy a drink at the bar. Get a seat where massive windows enhance the views, with ingenious half-moon tables (for two) pushed right up against the glass.

By Kelly Pluke

Have we neglected one of your favourite drinks-and-dinner spots? Let us know here info@eatout.co.za. Also check out our list of restaurants with fireplaces if you’ve made it through the first few dates and want to dine at length next to a crackling hearth.