I know generic date nights usually comprise of dinner and a movie. Since our cinematic options are not as thrilling these days and I’m a foodie we’ll focus on the dinner part. Oh and drinks. (Kids can be stressful after all.)
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, spicing up an otherwise routine Friday night, or just hungry – I hope you’ll enjoy these date night ideas for you and your loved one.
It’s an opportunity for couples (married or not) to take some time for themselves and act like teenagers would on their first date. It’s good for couples to occasionally dress up (men included), leave the kids at home, and enjoy each other’s company. Date night is about the two of you. So try and keep the talk of kids, work, and boring topics such as mortgages off the dinner table.
It is important to note that some of my picks may be on the pricier side. But it is date night and I’m a big supporter of the “Treat Yo Self” movement. These moments are priceless after all, aren’t they?
Anyways let’s get into it.
Here are my top three picks:
– BLACK
– Rodizio
– Basilico
I’ve chosen my favourite thing about each place.
Best Cocktails – BLACK
Bistro Lounge and Cocktail Kitchen or BLACK for short, is newly opened. When it’s in Gaborone’s CBD the name is important. Lets be honest, BLACK is clever.
It’s a chic, modern and clean in its design and has set itself apart from anything else currently in Gabs. This is a great place to start your evening with a cocktail or two.
I’m generally not a fan of cocktails because in my experience they are always overpriced and lack taste. This is where BLACK sets itself apart for me. The cocktails are very reasonable, I’m talking college student affordable. Also, the composition of the cocktails themselves are unique and like your relationship a match made in heaven.
In their roughly 14 days of being open I have been there twice and tried 5 different cocktails. All in the name of science of course!
Now it all depends what you like – gin, vodka, rum or other stuff. Making it to the top of my list is the Pink Grapefruit Vodka Fizz. It’s comprised of Smirnoff Vodka, Monin Grapefruit and soda water. It’s then poured over crushed ice and garnished with a cherry and mint. It’s summary, it’s light but boy does it pack a punch.
BLACK has a very chilled and relaxed lounge ambiance which is not too loud. It is ideal for conversation over drinks. It is also quite “vibey” if you’ll allow me to use that word.
Best Food – Rodizio
Now Rodizio has a classy, upscale feel to it and their menu is influenced by Brazilian culture. There are two branches to choose from with each venue carries a different ambiance. I prefer the Rodizio at Riverwalk for a date setting.
I’m a huge fan of seafood. Unfortunately our lovely landlocked country proves limiting when wanting to order such. Rodizio has never altered in their quality and a favourite of mine is their Santiago Platter. Which has prawns, fish (I want to say sole or hake), grilled calamari, fries, rice and a side salad. Everything on this plate is good.
Their steak is also good. Their meat special is also a winner. If your better half is a fan of meat then without a doubt, this should be their meal of choice. You pretty much get as much meat as you can handle. It also has any meat you can think of: chicken wings, lamb, lamb ribs, pork, pork ribs, picante, crocodile, wild pig – the list is endless. This all comes with bottomless sides in the form of butternut, creamed spinach and chips. Rice is also an option, if you’re that kind of person, I’m not.
Also, meat sweats are a real thing so prepare for this when you choose the special!
Desserts. Their crème brulee is good, their chocolate mousse is even better. I’m a chocoholic though so I’m biased towards the mousse.
Best Date Ambiance – Basilico
My last pick is Basilico, the Italian restaurant. Whilst there are mixed reviews about their food, their setting is definitely a favourite. It’s incomparable with the attention to detail they’ve given it.
I’ve been there two times to date and happened to order pasta both times. The first was a vegetarian lasagne which was delicious and made me forget my meal was lacking in meat. On my most recent trip I had ‘Le Tagliatelle Alla Bolognaise’. (Or spaghetti bolognaise with tagliatelle pasta for us common, uni-lingual folk.) Oddly enough I preferred the lasagne.
Having been there both at night and during the day I can say it’s more cosy, attractive and intimate at night. It’s the ideal setting for a date. At night the restaurant’s beauty is at full capacity as their fairy lights outside change the entire look of the place. It’s nice during the day in natural light but at night its almost magical. Overall, they have managed to create an Italian dining experience in Gaborone which is a welcomed alternative.
Happy dating.
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1 Comment
Very useful post. Thank you!