Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Des Moines

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Des Moines? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines

4.9

4.9 (1050)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine, or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner, or simply wanting to enjoy an excellent culinary experience - we will create a safe and memorable evening for you. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

KellyGold

Dined 3 days ago

Our server was so great! Had great energy, so fun, and very thoughtful of our experience. Truly made our night!

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4.8

4.8 (855)

$31 to $50

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private areas available, seating eight and ten guests respectfully.

Top review

SharonGold

Dined 6 days ago

our waitress was amazing. atmosphere was 10/10.

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Popular dish

Farmer's Cheese

Popular dish

Sakura Farms Pork Chop

Popular dish

Chicken & Biscuits

In Confidence Speakeasy

4.7

4.7 (65)

$30 and under

Speakeasy

Des Moines

About the restaurant

For Large reservations or other inquiries please call 515-528-7733 x 4627 f=

SPEAKEASY BAR IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DES MOINES

Hotel Fort Des Moines brings the Prohibition-era feel to downtown Des Moines - In Confidence. Enjoy our hidden secret with a curated wine collection and crafted cocktails.
Enjoy your downtime in a unique casual setting deserving of the Great Gatsby himself!

Top review

Char

Dined on Aug 29, 2026

Great place to have a group meet up before heading out to local events - loved the entire experience. NOTE: they do not offer any small plates or food, Thank you

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

4.7 (329)

$31 to $50

American

Urbandale

About the restaurant

Lively & flavorful tapas along with vibrant cocktails offer a unique shared experience that challenges the traditional. At Aura, it's good vibes only! Our invigorating environment is the perfect place to gather friends & family.

Top review

Dined 3 days ago

The food was perfectly prepared. The ginger dumplings were deliciously seasoned. The elote dip and homemade chips were delightful. The rack of lamb was cooked to perfection. We enjoyed every dish.

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Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.7

4.7 (1281)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House is a premier dining establishment renowned for its specialty in serving USDA Prime steaks. Each steak is expertly prepared and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate, ensuring a delicious and unforgettable dining experience. Located in West Des Moines, Ruth's Chris Steak House has been recognized as the 2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner and 2024 Wine Spectator's award recipient, a testament to its commitment to exceptional quality and service. Whether you're a steak aficionado or simply looking for a remarkable dining experience, we invite you to join us and indulge in our award-winning cuisine.

Top review

Sam

Dined 6 days ago

My server Ruthie was the absolute best! She made sure I had everything I needed throughout my evening and the entire staff made me feel very valued and made sure I was taken care of throughout my meal

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4.6

4.6 (455)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Alba offers a creative culinary twist on traditional American cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, the finest cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits, vegetables and herbs. Our menu changes often, we invited you to join us to discover a new favorite.

Top review

Wynn

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

Great food & service last Tuesday! Alba is our go-to restaurant when we have downtown events.

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4.6

4.6 (1922)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Downtown Des Moines

About the restaurant

DiRoNA award winning Splash Seafood Bar & Grill serves only the freshest seafood flown in daily and expertly prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles. Splash Seafood bar and Grill also serve the Midwest's finest cuts of steaks and chops with the same care as they give the seafood. Be pampered by the highly experienced wait staff in one of Des Moines most unique and elegant dining rooms surrounded by whimsical wall murals as well as 9 large salt water aquariums. Splash Seafood offers an extensive wine list, recognized with an Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, as well as a full bar specializing in tropical drinks. Also enjoy a more laid back atmosphere in the raw bar, Splash Oyster Bar & Seafood Market, just across the hallway from Splash Seafood. Enjoy all the fresh oysters and shellfish that the raw bar has to offer as well as the full menu from Splash Seafood. Also be sure to take advantage of the raw bars Seafood Market to enjoy the freshest seafood at home.

Top review

john

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

Sablefish special was outstanding. Moist,tender and flakey. The lobster bisque was full of big and small pieces of lobster. Much more loaded than some other restaurants. Our waiter was excellent. Came by at the right times even though he was busy with other tables. Will definably come again.

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4.6

4.6 (617)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Eatery A is Des Moines's destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients, we strive to offer our guests exotic flavor profiles that let the ingredients take center stage.

Top review

MirandaGold

Dined 6 days ago

The best pizzas and bruschetta, always so good! Meatballs are 10/10 too

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Experience

Happy Hour

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines

4.5

4.5 (2018)

$30 and under

American

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is your destination for bold flavors and warm hospitality. From expertly crafted wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood to signature cocktails, mocktails, and curated wines, every detail is designed to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're gathering with family, hosting a client, or toasting to a special occasion, Firebirds offers elevated cuisine at an approachable price. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio and let us show you what extraordinary dining feels like. Reserve your table today — we can’t wait to serve you.

Top review

Baily

Dined 4 days ago

We made a reservation for two and we were seated right away. I had noted in the booking that it was my husband’s birthday, and both the host and server wished him a happy birthday. We also got a free dessert because of that, very nice! The food was delicious and the server was very friendly. Highly recommend the 3 course meal deal. Thank you for making his birthday special!

The Latin King

4.5

4.5 (353)

$30 and under

Italian

Des Moines

About the restaurant

The Latin King restaurant was founded in 1947 by Rose and Jim Pigneri, who immigrated from Terravecchia, Italy to Des Moines. Rose and Jim wanted to bring authentic Italian fare to Des Moines and began this undertaking in earnest upon selling their home to finance the Latin King restaurant lease, which had previously operated as the Cinderella Sandwich Shop (circa 1930) and the Chanticleer Restaurant (circa 1937). Pigneri named the Latin King after New York City’s Latin Quarter and operated the Latin King for 35 years, notably taking only 10 days of vacation time during his tenure. Pigneri sold the Latin King to his third cousin Bob Tursi in 1983.

Top review

ChrisGold

Dined 7 days ago

Regulars at the King with expectations that are always met or exceeded. Red sauce never disappoints regardless of the pasta choice/order extra for the onion-rings & mozzarella sticks.

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