Aura Restaurant & Lounge

Name: Aura Restaurant & Lounge
Address: 12851 University Ave 400, Clive, IA, United States, 50325-8254
Telephone: (515) 225-6005
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.9

4.9

161 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(515) 225-6005
Website
http://auradsm.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Women
Executive chef
Brandon Liss

Location
12851 University Ave 400, Clive, IA 50325-8254
Neighborhood
Urbandale
Cross street
60th and University Ave.
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 161 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

161 Reviews

T
Tkirk
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a most enjoyable “girls night” at Aura and the evening was enjoyed with great service, Nick, and fab food and drinks! Sorry can not remember the host who was also most courteous and delightful. Highly recommend Aura for an evening of fine dining and ambience, will be back soon!
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B
Bailey
Omaha
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
great service, delicious food and drinks. highly recommend
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J
Jimb
Des Moines
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
Aura has been one of my favorites. However the service levels have dropped recently. In the course of dinner, we were interrupted at least a dozen times checking on food, water etc. plus server did not know to allow a taste of wine when ordering the bottle. Totally appreciate attentive service but this was just annoying especially when they would just interrupt a conversation. Unfortunately I don’t think we will return.
1 person found this helpful
d
denisongirl
Des Moines
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The service was excellent! Our waitress checked on us frequently and made sure our beverages were quickly refilled. We loved our food. Each of us had dishes we not had before and were pleased with our selections. We’ll be back!
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C
Clive
Des Moines
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time coming here and we loved it! The service was outstanding - just like the food! We had the pork dumplings for an app- SO GOOD. We shared the knife & fork Caesar salad and that was a perfect choice. I had the Chicken piccata - so tender and flavorful! The delicate Parmesan crust was phenomenal. My husband had the deBurgo and it was equally delicious. Dessert offerings sounded amazing but we’ll try those another time! Can’t wait to go back! S. Mudlaff
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WR
WendyRosetta
Portland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place! I like to bring anyone that’s willing to go with me. The ambience is superb!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was incredible. This is the nicest restaurant I've found in Des Moines! It is pricey but absolutely worth it.
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MJ
MichaelJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for Restaurant Week. We went before the dinner rush. Our server Jeffery was excellent. The food was excellent and we were served quickly. I'd highly recommend this restaurant.
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SB
ShelleyB
Des Moines
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Six of us dined during Restaurant Week and had, we all said, the best RW dining experience EVER. There were wonderful options for each course - everything we tried was declicious. We only wished we had time to go twice that week, but our schedules were full. AAAA++++ We'll be back to try the regular menu soon.
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CA
CaribeAzul
Naples
64 reviews
vip
4.0
64 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
We had a nice experience. They are open for lunch. Not sure why a lot of restaurants do not around here. The food was good, although the salad had too much dressing on it, however, it was tasty. Next time, we'll order the dressing on the side. We love the tapas menu because it gives you the opportunity to try several things without committing to a large plate of food you may or may not enjoy. The service was excellent, and we received a complimentary dessert as it was our anniversary. All in all, it was a positive experience. We'll be back
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TE
TrudyE
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was amazing - she was handling all the tables in the restaurant by herself and she did a wonderful job!
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VB
VinnieBob
Des Moines
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Very nice ambience and a very relaxing atmosphere. Acoustics are well controlled… you can hear the music, you can hear the person across from you speaking at normal levels. I had the salmon which was cooked perfectly, wife had chicken picata which she said was good but the sauce might have been a touch heavy. Happy hour drink prices are very good. We’ll be back.
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CB
CharlesB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We started our meal with the Korean cauliflower that everyone at the table enjoyed including my brother who doesn't normally like cauliflower. My brother and I ordered the salmon, my wife ordered the shrimp scampi, and my sister-in-law ordered the chicken rigatoni. Everyone loved their meals and drinks. My wife and I shared the delicious chocolate lava cake for dessert.
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C
Christi
Des Moines
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service and awesome cocktails! All are so welcoming and make the evening special
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S
Shan
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Food was okay. It wasn’t busy at all for a Saturday night.
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S
Sherryl
Des Moines
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We very much enjoyed our evening at Aura last Friday evening. We love the atmosphere. Very upscale and modern, with a toned-down touch. Our server (Erica) was excellent and experienced. The food was exceptional and well presented. Perfect evening!
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S
Shari
Denver
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were greeted warmly when we arrived. We were lucky to get seated at a large table up front that was semi private. Waitress was great and accommodating. Everyone in our party enjoyed the tapas we choose to start with and their entrees. Ended the meal with delicious chocolate desserts.
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CS
ChrisS
Des Moines
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Food was ok but a little underwhelming for the price. Food temps could have been better and the overall restaurant temperature wasn’t very comfortable.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience4
Visited a month ago and really liked it. Today, it was unfortunately poor. 2 drinks never arrived. Server recommended we not get an appetizer other customers were complaining about. Had to ask host to go find our server twice. Food quantities were poor. Check was messed up after explaining to the server twice how we wanted it split. Too bad we took guests based on first experience. This experience may prevent both of us returning.
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LI
LorryI
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Totally enjoyed our dinner there. We ordered tapas….Korean fried cauliflower, tempura shrimp, honey garlic chicken lavash, and ginger pork potstickers. All were outstanding. Our server was super friendly, attentive, and service was fast. Will definitely be back.
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MR
MelissaR
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great unique food and drinks . Delicious flavors. Beautiful ambiance
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LE
Love2Eat
Des Moines
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Over the food was very good. The tri-tip steak for the table was cooked a bit more than we would have preferred. Other appetizers were great.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food and service is very good! Great menu, especially for tapas. I surely suggest checking them out!
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MH
MichelleH
Des Moines
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
3rd time in two months that we have come here, and the food is fabulous. Haven’t had all the tapas yet, but will be back to make our way through the list! Wonderful flavors and ingredients are on point!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Antonio
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Great flavor, good ambiance-lighting nice, little noisy. Portions were very small for the price.
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IR
IowaRoots
Kansas City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
They did a nice job. Good food good service. Will be going back.
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b
brettm
Las Vegas
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing decor and food. Top notch. Better than most Vegas and Miami restaurants.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoy Aura…would highly recommend!
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DD
DDV2011
Des Moines
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food, wine and service! Love the atmosphere and decor too. We will back for date night, girls night, anytime.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
First visit. Never knew this place existed. Good food (albeit all options we had were a bit salty) and nice atmosphere. Cozy and clean. Server was a bit discombobulated. Obviously, a place where regulars hang out, which is validation for consistency and quality. Bartenders were efficient and knowledgeable. Add it to the list of "return again".
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EB
EngineerBob
Des Moines
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience4
Would have given 5 stars were it not for their failed reservation system. Had a confirmed reservation for two at 7:30 pm. Arrived at 7:25 pm to check in and was told their tables are full and it may be a 20 minute wait... I'm sorry, what!? Thankfully it was more like an 8 minute wait, but ridiculous if they are taking reservations and don't enforce them. Tapas and cocktails were very well made, but pricey. Server was friendly and helpful.
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A
Aura
Des Moines
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We went there for our anniversary and had a delicious meal. I would recommend this place.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fantastic! Consistently on point!
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JL
JustinaL
Lake of the Ozarks
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous evening! Our server was great!
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N
Nick
Des Moines
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience3
No big complaints but I think that the food is ok but to costly for what it is. I wasn’t blown away with my steak. I could have grilled the same at home for cheaper and probably better. The Tapas were better than the entrees by far. Cocktails were good and priced reasonably. I think it’s a status type of place where people attend to feel high end. I don’t think it meets high end like they’re trying to be, just my opinion. I probably wouldn’t return for dinner but maybe for drinks.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The evening, the food and specialty drinks were all exceptional.
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RS
RandyS
Des Moines
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding service, great atmosphere, excellent food and variety of choices.
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N
Norton94
Des Moines
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time here, and I'm already excited to go back to share with friends
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LK
LoriK
Des Moines
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
We enjoyed Aura! The atmosphere was inviting and the food was good. I enjoyed that they had so many tapas to choose from that were unique. I didn't give 5 stars because there were certain things that were just not memorable for me. I had the salmon, which while good, was not something I would crave or desire to go back again for. It lacked enough of the glaze to complement it. My husband had the filet mignon. Cooked wonderfully. Small portion of potatoes for the price though and could have used some finesse on the presentation. We actually enjoyed the tapas slightly more than our entrees. Again, delicious food, good service and atmosphere. Just not overly memorable that would make us want to go back again or something I would crave.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great menue and excellent food and service!!!
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FAQs

Aura Restaurant & Lounge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (515) 225-6005.

Aura Restaurant & Lounge is rated 4.9 stars by 161 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

12851 University Ave 400, Clive, IA 50325-8254

Additional information

Cross street
60th and University Ave.
Neighborhood
Urbandale
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Women
Executive chef
Brandon Liss
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://auradsm.com/
Phone number
(515) 225-6005

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Chicken Picatta

Chicken Rigatoni

Cobb Salad

Menu

What 161 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Aura Restaurant & Lounge offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Aura Restaurant & Lounge restaurant rated?

Is Aura Restaurant & Lounge currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information