Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Iowa

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Iowa? 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!

Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort

4.9

4.9 (477)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Washington

About the restaurant

Flame creates the sizzle at our high-end American steakhouse. The finest cuts of beef and seafood are prepared to impress and delight in an atmosphere of rich wood, comfortable colors, fresh flower centerpieces, and warm lighting. Traditional steaks or beef, lamb, or pork chops are prepared as cuts or on the bone. Try our impressive Ruthie's signature line of steaks such as the filet marmalade, Maryland Ribeye or, our latest, the French onion filet. Seafood is at its best in the hands of our Chef De Cuisine. His attention to detail and delicate touch complete the best available sautéed or grilled fish and seafood dishes. Chilean sea bass, wild-caught salmon, and Australian lobster tail help to complete a menu dedicated to extraordinary dining.

Top review

Gayla

Dined 2 days ago

As always service, food quality and ambiance were top of the line.

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4.9

4.9 (728)

$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

Matthew

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

David is a great barman, nice spot for celebrating an anniversary.

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Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

4.8

4.8 (141)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Cedar Rapids

About the restaurant

Midtown Reserve offers the best sourced USDA Prime grade steaks, decadent desserts, an extensive wine list, and fine dining dishes. We offer an intimate and classy dining experience, chef specials, and spirited cocktails.

Top review

Mark

Dined 6 days ago

We ordered a variety of drinks, which were all excellent. We ordered, Lobster, Steaks, Scallops and Salmon. Everyone is our party was very happy with their selections. They have a nice array of add ons to complement our main dish. Our server was Gabby and she took really good care of us. This was our first visit and we certainly will be going back in the near future.

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Woodfire Grille at Diamond Jo - Dubuque

4.6

4.6 (1072)

$31 to $50

Steak

Dubuque

About the restaurant

Woodfire Grille is a contemporary wine centric steak and seafood restaurant that features USDA Prime grade steaks and inspired fresh seafood in an upscale and contemporary dining experience. Lauded in reviews that include the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, validates that it is simply the best dining experience in its respective market. With a classic interior, the ambiance is warm with natural wood tones, is welcoming and sure to delight all your senses. Our classically trained chefs personally select our ingredients. Our menus change seasonally as it is our goal is to source locally and offer only the finest produce, meats and seafood available. You will find a lively bar that attracts a dynamic crowd and features an unparalleled wine list and an impressive offering of wines by the glass. Unique to Woodfire is the crafted cocktail program unmatched in the area. Created by our team of creative mixologist, the list is a collection of classic and modern cocktails.

Top review

ChadVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Excellent evening with my wife. Wonderful service and fantastic food in a warm and elegant environment. Highly recommend.

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Popular dish

New York Strip

Alba Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (428)

$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

Brenda

Dined 6 days ago

We had a wonderful meal for our anniversary. I had the gnocchi and beet salad. Fabulous! My husband had beef stroganoff and said it was great. Excellent wine selection and happy hour drinks. Our server Ash was attentive and very pleasant. So was the bartender. Great service!

Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at the Rhythm City Casino

4.6

4.6 (1702)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Davenport

About the restaurant

Ruthie’s is a high rise, fine dining experience. With a beautiful view (especially during the sunset hours), it’s the perfect place for your next birthday, anniversary, or special occasion meal. Our steak and seafood options are top notch. From lamb to lobster to filet mignon, we only serve the best at our establishment. We even serve gluten and nut free choices, so you won’t have to worry about indulging with us. All you need to bring is good company for a great evening.

Top review

Marni

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

This was the best meal I've had here and Amber was phenomenal as usual. We highly recommend ruthies and will return. Food excellent.

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Popular dish

Lobster Bisque

Popular dish

Filet Medallions & Shrimp

Popular dish

Atlantic Salmon

Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.5

4.5 (976)

$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

Eli

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

food was amazing and came out faster than expected. the staff and our waitress Kait were more than friendly and i received the same amount of respect i get when i valet park there. was very satisfied with everything

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Ruth’s Pairings: A Prix Fixe Experience

Mulberry Street Tavern

4.4

4.4 (611)

$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

Clayton

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

A beautiful setting but relaxed atmosphere with great food.

Vinny Vanucchi's 'Little Italy' - Dubuque

4.3

4.3 (751)

$30 and under

Italian

Dubuque

About the restaurant

The new Vinny Vanucchi’s ‘Little Italy’ location in Dubuque, Iowa, embodies every thing loved about our original Vinny’s location in Galena, Illinois. Serving the same Italian favorites including Nana Lu’s Meat Lasagna, Auntie Gracie's Sausage Ragu, and Dee Dee's Tortellini Carbonara, meals are complete with piping hot Garlic Bread, and Salad tossed with Vinny’s Italian House Vinaigrette Dressing. From eclectic artifacts and family portraits to rich wood floors and checkered tablecloths, we’ll transport you and your family to the Old Country. The moment you step into Vinny’s Dubuque, you'll swear Nana Lu is hard at work in our kitchen. You'll smell the slow-cooking marinara sauce and feel like part of the familia. • Family Recipes Passed Down 5 Generations • Pasta Bowls and Baked & Stuffed Pastas • Chicken and Veal Specialties • Vinny’s Thin Crust Pizza • Extensive Wine List • Import & Domestic Brews

Top review

Olive

Dined 5 days ago

Such a cute place and the service was wonderful! Would definitely go again!

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Popular dish

House Salad

In Confidence Speakeasy

4.3

4.3 (39)

$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

Geoff

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Great place. Will be back again. We didn't have food but your survey forced me to answer that question. Great place. Didn't love that we got kicked out at 11 pm for a private party....that wasn't mentioned when we made the reservation. Very cool place though.

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