You’ve done dinner and a movie. You’ve booked the same old restaurant. You’ve promised each other a proper night out for months now—but life keeps getting in the way. Sound familiar?
Whether you’re overdue for a little one-on-one time, celebrating something special, or just craving a change of pace, Sandton Central is where date night (or day) gets its spark back. From indulgent escapes to lazy Sunday soirees, this guide is for couples who’ve been around the block—and want to enjoy every minute of it together.
Morning Starts Made for Two
There’s something special about a morning that’s just for the two of you—no emails, no errands, no rush. Start your date day the easy way with a table at Tashas Nelson Mandela Square. It’s a local classic for a reason. With a menu full of generous breakfasts, fresh juices, and rich coffee, it sets the tone for a relaxed and intimate morning. If you’re craving something a little more decadent, Shazmin’s Luxe Patisserie nearby serves up a feast of pastries, éclairs, and couture cakes that make breakfast feel like dessert in disguise.
After breakfast, take a gentle walk around Nelson Mandela Square. Whether you’re browsing boutiques, pausing for a selfie with the iconic Madiba statue, or just taking in the pulse of the city, it’s a good reminder of how nice it is to just be together, unhurried.
If you’re in the mood for something unique, book an art tour at The Leonardo. This curated journey through Africa’s tallest building reveals a private collection of original South African artworks, thoughtfully arranged around the elements of earth, fire, wind, and water. From contemporary sculpture to heritage-inspired installations, it’s a creative way to connect—and to see another side of Sandton. Once your tour wraps up, the experience ends with a visit to Alto234, where you’ll sip Moët & Chandon and share tapas while overlooking Johannesburg from 234 metres above the ground.
Linger Over Lunch, Stay for the Night
If your idea of romance includes a few hours off the grid, Sandton’s stay-and-dine specials make it easy to turn a lunch date into a proper getaway.
Start with a slow afternoon at the DAVINCI Hotel & Suites, where their ongoing couple’s package includes a bottle of bubbly, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a three-course dinner at Maximillien Restaurant, followed by a plush night in and a generous breakfast the next morning. From R4,860 per couple, it’s an easy excuse to leave real life on hold for 24 hours.
Prefer a slightly different setting? The Michelangelo Towers Celebrate Package brings that old-school romance to life with a luxury suite, a 3-course dinner at ROAR Bistro and Bar, a bottle of house wine, and a romantic turndown. From R5,950, it’s the kind of offering that takes all the decision-making out of the equation. Just book it, show up, and let Sandton do the rest.
Afternoon Affairs: Taste, Toast, and Take Your Time
Afternoons in Sandton Central are best spent lingering a little longer. On the first Saturday of each month, the DAVINCI Hotel and Suites hosts a poolside High Tea that blends classic elegance with a relaxed, modern feel. For R465 per person, enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats, a welcome drink, and live entertainment between 2pm and 5pm. It’s an easy way to reconnect and reset together.
Prefer something a little punchier? Head to Hotel Sky’s Eclipse Restaurant any day of the week between 3pm and 5pm for their 2-for-1 classic cocktail special. It’s a stylish late-afternoon pick-me-up, perfect for catching up over a drink and watching the afternoon fade into evening. Bookings are recommended, so secure your spot via eclipse@hotelsky.co.za or call +27 010 880 4449.
From high tea to happy hour, this is your reminder to pause, toast, and savour the time together.
Sundowners with a View (or a Local Pour)
Nothing sets the tone for an evening like a golden hour moment. Head to Alto234 (if you haven’t already), Africa’s highest urban bar, for rooftop views and Moët on arrival. Until the end of August, their winter special offers entry and bubbly for R300 per person—a small price for a setting this spectacular. If you’ve been meaning to reconnect, this is where you do it.
For a more grounded option, try Molo Lounge at the Radisson Blu Sandton, where SAB beers and ciders are 30% off every day between 5pm and 8pm. It’s a great place to catch your breath, kick off your evening, and sink into the slower pace of a proper night out.
Dinner That Does More Than Feed You
Date nights should feel different. Special. Like you made an effort. And with Sandton Central’s winter specials, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to do it right.
Book the Sandton Sun & Towers Winter Indulgence Package and enjoy R1,000 to spend on dinner at San Restaurant, along with a stay in a Standard Room, breakfast the next morning, and 20% off all spa treatments. From R4,995 per couple, it’s a simple way to say, “let’s put ourselves first tonight.”
You could also explore Her Story Fiercely Plated, a one-day-only culinary event on 9 August (Women’s Day) at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton. Created by chefs Lulu and Phindile, this powerful lunch and dinner experience is a celebration of heritage, bold flavours, and untold stories—perfect for couples who bond over brilliant food and big conversations.
Evening Entertainment Worth Dressing Up For
Once dinner’s done, keep the momentum going. If you’re in the mood to laugh, Nik Rabinowitz is performing his comedy masterpiece, Geriatric Millennial, between July 29th and August 9th at the Theatre on the Square. It’s a sharp, self-aware set about middle-age and millennial quirks, perfect for couples who know a thing or two about font size settings and dicky knees.
For something with more edge, book your tickets to Harold Pinter’s “The Dumb Waiter” between the 12th and 26th of August. This dark one-act play, set in the tension-filled world of two waiting hitmen, is theatre at its finest—thoughtful, intense, and bound to leave you talking all the way home.
Or, if you’re looking to laugh, dance, and wonder what you just watched, catch Falace in Wonderland at Hotel Sky’s Infinity Auditorium. This bold, cheeky, and noughties-fuelled musical reimagines Alice’s journey through the ups and downs of online dating. It’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Wrap It All Up With Something Soft
One of the best parts about dating in Sandton Central? You never have to cut it short. If you’ve booked a package at one of the nearby hotels, the rest of the night is yours. Whether you’re winding down with a nightcap, ordering dessert in bed, or just enjoying the peace and quiet, you’re exactly where you need to be.
See you Soon, Lovers!
So, if it’s been too long since your last proper date, consider this your nudge. Book the table. Make the reservation. Pick the show. Whether you’re marking a milestone or just finding your rhythm again, Sandton Central is the perfect setting for the kind of love story that keeps evolving.
