Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Des Moines

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

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!

801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.9

4.9 (3243)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown Des Moines

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, enjoy beautiful views and excellent customer service at 801 Chophouse. We value our guests and want to give you the best dining experience possible. Our restaurant has only prime USDA steaks, paired with innovative side dishes and an award-winning wine selection from around the world to create an upscale dining experience you won't find anywhere else in Iowa. 801 Chophouse is the premier steakhouse in Des Moines and even offers private dining room options. Book a reservation online or via phone today.

Top review

Carl

Dined 3 days ago

The best steak restaurant in service. There is no comparison to the quality of meat and preparation. The service is unrivaled. The hand cut fries are an indicator of the lengths this establishment goes to provide the best customer service.

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Popular dish

Grand Marnier Souffle

Popular dish

Roast Prime Rib

Popular dish

Sliced Prime Rib au jus

Proudfoot & Bird

4.9

4.9 (723)

$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

BudVIP

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Great food and fantastic service. Our waiter was exceptionally knowledgable on food and wine.

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Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (947)

$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

Michelle

Dined 4 days ago

Pick your proof tequila dinner was delicious— cannot wait until the next spirit dinner.

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Experience

Father's Day Steak & Surf 3-Course

Experience

The Wild Ride: Black Stallion Wine Dinner

Experience

A Night with Paul Hobbs

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4.7

4.7 (1941)

$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

JamesVIP

Dined on May 23, 2025

Great warm, attentive, and welcoming service. The food was fantastic.

Alba Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (426)

$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

David

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Great food and service. Chicken breast and salmon were perfectly cooked. Gnocchi is a signature dish and always good.

The Latin King

4.6

4.6 (245)

$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

Michelle

Dined on May 24, 2025

It was our anniversary. We had a great meal , great food and drinks. Service was great ! We always enjoy going to the Latin King. It’s a staple in Des. Moines !

Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.6

4.6 (964)

$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

Chris

Dined on May 13, 2025

Absolutely a first class experience. We were treated like royalty. The food was phenomenal and the steaks were cooked to perfection. Can’t wait to get back!

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Ruth’s Pairings: A Prix Fixe Experience

Mulberry Street Tavern

4.4

4.4 (603)

$31 to $50

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

THE COURTYARD IS OPEN!! Mulberry Street Tavern brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to Downtown Des Moines. Once a hub for the city transit, it is now adorned with rich woods, leather, and a zinc bar that create a warm and timeless social destination. The open-hearth kitchen produces shareable worldly tavern fare, hearty entrees and, hands down, the best burger in Des Moines. Looking for something..... well, more? How about a 12oz bison ribeye or hand made pappardelle with short rib ragout. Enjoy perfect classic cocktails, eclectic award-winning wines, and interesting regional and foreign beers on draught. As we are a quaint eatery, we do not accept reservations for more than six guests.

Top review

SuzyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We started in the bar and then ate in the restaurant. Menu was varied and the food was very good (bison ribeye, prix fix steak, smashburger). Only complaint was the slow delivery between starter and main entree. We waited about 15' to get the starter and at least 25' for the main entrees after we finished the starter. While the waiter was great, the speed of service needs work.

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Popular dish

Half Chicken

In Confidence Speakeasy

4.3

4.3 (38)

$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

PatriciaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Truly an amazing experience. We went through a "secret" door that looked like a wall, went down stairs into this totally beautiful bar. The wait staff was truly amazing and accommodating! The lighting was perfect. What else can I say; just a place you want to go!

Bravo Italian Kitchen - Jordan Creek

4.1

4.1 (857)

$30 and under

Italian

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Bravo Jordan Creek is an upscale-casual Italian restaurant in West Des Moines, perfect for those seeking authentic pasta, wood-fired pizza, and signature entrées. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and wine in our inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by stunning Roman-ruin décor. Planning a holiday party or Thanksgiving celebration? We offer catering services and easy reservations to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Bravo Jordan Creek is the place to eat in West Des Moines, IA for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

Top review

KathrynVIP

Dined on May 17, 2025

Our server was fantastic and the food was prepared perfectly

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Popular dish

Lasagna

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