Winter has made its arrival and the cold is settling in. But don’t let the chilly weather keep you locked inside your home, all over the city restaurants boast with a cosy atmosphere thanks to a fireplace. Not only can you still enjoy gourmet meals, you can escape from the cold and enjoy a snug vibe.

We went on a fireplace hunt and want to share our finds with you.

First on the menu is Stephnie’s, situated in the newly opened Lynnwood Bridge mall. With its classic elegance and funky décor, you will feel like you have been transported to a European café. The fireplace has comfy couches placed around it where you can enjoy a good glass of wine or a delicious cup of coffee. A classic piano is a centre piece to the restaurant and soon you will be able to enjoy its soothing sounds as background a compliment. A fusion menu including Indian, Italian and South African dishes will not easily leave you bored. Owner Francesco has a hands-on approach and you will see him in his chef jacket bringing out meals to clientele and keeping an eye on quality control in the kitchen.

Moving on to the sophisticated Waterkloof neighbourhood, you are sure to be warmed up to a pleasant glow at Prosopa. This restaurant with its Mediterranean selection of meals has a soothing, smoothe vibe. The fireplace is a prominent feature and its heat is emanated throughout the interior. (if you want to experience the full heat of it, book the table directly next to it) Secluded booths are nestled into the sides and cloth partitions create a private setting for each. The menu boast with regular specials as the first page, and you can be sure that these will surprise your taste buds every time. Innovate and creative cooking presents meals to you such as Chonzo, Dolmades and Keftedes. Make sure you try their very unique ice cream – basil, lemongrass and chilli that will leave an unexpected tang on your tongue.

Another popular cozy spot in town, is Karoo Café, just off Lynnwood road in the Karoo Lifestyle Centre. The interesting combination of an earthy interior and sophisticated décor creates a well-balanced atmosphere. Scattered throughout the restaurant is little hubs of couches around fireplaces. Here you can sit and relax with a book or play one of the available board games. The menu boasts with traditional South African dishes, prepared with impeccable gourmet presentation. Below the restaurant is an art gallery where the latest local talent is displayed. And an interesting add-on to the setting, is Olive, a Great Dane that has her own special couch in the restaurant.

Other restaurants to visit with a fire place ambiance are:

Toni’s Pizza, Just Cuban, Cherry Berry, Hemingway’s Restaurant, La Madelaine, Le-Si restaurant in Casa Toscana and Cynthia’s Indigo Moon.

Pull your jacket tight, take on the chilly challenge and then relax in the pleasant glow of a fire place. Now you have no excuse to sit at home and not enjoy the many wonderful restaurants found in our city!