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Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Iowa

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OpenTable
Updated April 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!


A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant
801 Chophouse – Des Moines
4.9
4.9 (3226)
$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
Jonna
Dined 5 days ago
We went for my husband’s birthday dinner before going to a show at the Civic Center and it was absolutely amazing! The staff and server we phenomenal and the food ever more!! We have found a new special occasion dinner location! Thank you for everything!
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A photo of Grand Marnier Souffle of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grand Marnier Souffle
A photo of Roast Prime Rib of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roast Prime Rib
A photo of Sliced Prime Rib au jus of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sliced Prime Rib au jus
A photo of Proudfoot & Bird restaurant
Proudfoot & Bird
4.9
4.9 (716)
$31 to $50
Global, International
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
John
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
Nice dining experience. The pace of the evening and the arrival of food from starters to main dishes etc. allowed for a relaxing dining experience for our party of four. The food choices were amazing and prepared with care and plated with thoughtfulness in presentation. Food tasted great. Best Brussell Sprouts we have ever had in a dining experience. From being greeted at the door, to our servers and support staff, we were welcomed and taken care of. A first-time visit will be followed up with more visits to come.
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A photo of Crispy Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
A photo of French Onion soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
French Onion soup
A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Frites
A photo of Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort restaurant
Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
4.8
4.8 (470)
$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
Keith
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
Always excellent service and great food. The menu is great and the wait staff is always genuine and hospitable
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A photo of Maryland Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Maryland Ribeye
A photo of 10 oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
10 oz Filet Mignon
A photo of Mother's Day Brunch of a restaurant
Experience
Mother's Day Brunch
A photo of Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at the Rhythm City Casino restaurant
Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at the Rhythm City Casino
4.7
4.7 (1670)
$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
TerryVIP
Dined on Apr 26, 2025
The food was excellent. We sat at the bar and Alex was our server. He was great.
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A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Bisque
A photo of Filet Medallions & Shrimp of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Medallions & Shrimp
A photo of Atlantic Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Atlantic Salmon
A photo of CRAVE - Sioux City restaurant
CRAVE - Sioux City
4.7
4.7 (790)
$30 and under
American
Sioux City
About the restaurant
CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar was built out of a passion to create a dining experience unlike any other. We combine quality-sourced ingredients, chic ambiance, outstanding service, and diverse menu choices to create an unforgettable dining experience. The energy of the restaurant is all encompassing – the buzz of guests and staff, the warm and open design, the modern sushi bar, the fresh spin on American cuisine, and the sense of discovery around every corner. A CRAVE guest will leave knowing they experienced just the right mix of great food, entertainment, and service in what can only be defined as The CRAVE Experience.
Top review
Jill
Dined 6 days ago
Food is a bit pricey but good. Wait staff was attentive. However, after we paid our bill, no one ever came to refill our water or ask if we wanted another drink. We were there for over two hours with no water.
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A photo of Sushi Cones of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sushi Cones
A photo of Moms Love Brunch & Moms Love CRAVE of a restaurant
Experience
Moms Love Brunch & Moms Love CRAVE
A photo of Midtown Reserve restaurant
Midtown Reserve
4.7
4.7 (133)
$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
Kathleen
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
Gabby was great! Food and drinks outstanding! See you again soon!
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines
4.7
4.7 (945)
$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
Nancy
Dined 1 day ago
Literally are server ZACK was beyond amazing and his expectations were amazing!! The scenery was beautiful everyone was really nice and respectful
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A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ribeye
A photo of Lamb Chops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lamb Chops
A photo of Ruth's Pairings of a restaurant
Experience
Ruth's Pairings
A photo of Woodfire Grille at Diamond Jo - Dubuque restaurant
Woodfire Grille at Diamond Jo - Dubuque
4.6
4.6 (1068)
$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
heather
Dined on Apr 13, 2025
The best place I've ever eaten, the food was absolutely amazing. The waitress outstanding
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A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant
Popular dish
New York Strip
A photo of Alba Restaurant restaurant
Alba Restaurant
4.6
4.6 (425)
$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
paigeVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
It was a wonderful place for a birthday celebration.
A photo of In Confidence Speakeasy restaurant
In Confidence Speakeasy
4.3
4.3 (35)
$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
Daniil
Dined on Apr 4, 2025
Amazing cocktails and great vibes. Loved the live music
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