Where to fuel the fire of desire this Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day falls on a work day, so unless you can take the day off, you'll be postponing your romantic celebration until the weekend. Either way, try one of these tested places for a special meal.

CAPE TOWN

Cuvée at Simonsig wine estate

Cuvée restaurant on the Simonsig wine estate offers indoor and outdoor dining with a mix of Cape Dutch nostalgia and modern comfort. The food is fresh and uncomplicated, complemented by Simonsig wines. The six course Aphrodisiac Menu for R385 per person, including a glass of wine, is a great Valentine's Day treat.

To book: 021-888-4932 or cuvee@simonsig.co.za

Tintswalo Atlantic

At the bottom of Chapman's Peak facing Hout Bay across the harbour, the deck at Tintswalo Atlantic is the place to serve up the ocean on a plate.

In Shangaan, Tintswalo means ''the intangible feeling of love, gratitude and peace bestowed upon someone offering you a meaningful and worthy gift". To book: 087-754-9300 or reception@atlantic.tintswalo.com

JOHANNESBURG

The Other Side Restaurant

This restaurant on Monaghan Farm, north of Lanseria airport, is perfect for a day trip. Tables have views of a dam and meadows. Most of the fresh food is organic. For Valentine's Day it has devised adelicious menu for R950 per couple. See www.monaghanfarm.co.za for more information. To book: theotherside@monaghanfarm.co.za

Casalinga Ristorante Italiano

To make a booking at this Muldersdrift Italian food spot that has won the Most Romantic Restaurant award, call 087-941-1223 or enquiries@casalinga.co.za

Kievits Kroon, just outside Pretoria

Book the Valentine's Dinner - a seven-course meal and wine pairing - at the restaurant Granita for R550 per person.

A package including dinner, accommodation and breakfast the next morning is available for R1850 per person sharing a junior suite, or R2350 per person sharing a VIP Suite . To book: 012-808-0150 or reservations@kievitskroon.co.za

Thaba Ya Batswana

Hold cuddly lion cubs at Thaba Ya Batswana Eco Hotel and Spa, near the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve in the south of Johannesburg . Spend some time in the enclosure where the cubs roam, and then follow the romantic walkways to the Kraal Kombuis Restaurant for lunch overlooking the highveld bush.

The Sinzinani Spa is also available for pampering. You can even spend the night in one of the eco kraals. Room rates start at R2340 per room per night including breakfast. To book: 011-959-0777

DURBAN

The Grill Room

The obvious treat in this city is The Grill Room at the Oyster Box hotel.

To book: 031-514-5000 or restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

Roma Revolving Restaurant

This legendary Italian restaurant on the 32nd level of John Ross House has sea views. Its specialities are continental dishes, seafood and fresh game. Have a drink in Gino's Sky Bar on the 33rd level. To book: 031-337-6707 or info@roma.co.za