Spread some rose petals and pop the champagne. It’s date night, baby! If you and your partner are all dressed up and don’t know where to go for a special night out, you already know we have the answer. Here are some of the most romantic places to dine and drink in Des Moines for a date night neither of you will forget.

Written by Rachel Wermager, Des Moines Girl Contributor

Simon’s

  • 5800 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, IA 50322
  • Open Monday-Thursday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. 

I can’t say enough great things about Simon’s. This is a great place to celebrate a birthday – we were welcomed with such friendliness and amazing service. The restaurant itself is small and intimate, so it creates the perfect setting for cozy romantic date nights. They have $5 glasses of house wine (my go-to option) and cocktails that my boyfriend approved of. Speaking of delicious, the food was *chef’s kiss* so good. I would go so far as to say it’s my favorite Italian food in Des Moines. The best part of all is the free slice of red velvet cake you get for dessert. 

Aposto at the Scala House

  • 644 18th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314
  • Open Wednesday-Thursday 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

The setting and ambiance of Aposto is what date night dreams are made of. The restaurant is inside an 1880 Victorian mansion, making the destination a one-of-a-kind experience. Each season they feature new menu items so you’ll have to keep coming back to try everything. Their pasta is handmade every day, and yes—you CAN tell the difference. Make sure to let them know if you’re celebrating something special so you can raise a toast to the evening with complimentary champagne. 

The Republic on Grand

  • 401 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Open Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 2 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., and Sunday 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

If you want a classy, bougie date night, this is the place to be. The lounge is located on the sixth floor of the AC Hotel in the East Village and features handcrafted cocktails, champagne flights, charcuterie boards, and small bites like flatbread pizzas and sliders. With indoor and outdoor rooftop seating, you’re almost guaranteed to have a picturesque view of Downtown Des Moines (when you’re not staring deeply into your date’s eyes).

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill

  • 303 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Open Tuesday-Thursday 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. 

What better way to set the mood than dining at Iowa’s first and only oyster bar? *wink* The seafood at Splash is flown in daily from places like Boston, Seattle, Key Largo, and Honolulu to bring you super fresh seafood, even in the Midwest. Besides oysters, the menu is packed with mouth-watering items like lobster mac and cheese, surf & turf, shrimp risotto, crab cakes, and so much more.

Skip’s

  • 4000 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
  • Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. 

Another hidden gem (in my opinion) Skip’s is located on the Southside of Des Moines. The restaurant has been around since 1981 and has a menu of American-style foods including appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, steak, and seafood. The location is quaint and I just love the authenticity you get from this local, small business. I haven’t had the chance to dine-in yet, but my boyfriend and I have gotten take-out from Skip’s and he said it’s one of the best places he’s eaten in Des Moines. Have you been for dinner? Let us know what it’s like! 

Mulberry Street Tavern

  • 206 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Open Tuesday-Thursday 4 p.m. – 1 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (for brunch) and 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. 

Located inside the gorgeously remodeled Surety Hotel downtown, this tavern aims to bring a fresh take on the nostalgic vibes of this timeless location in Des Moines. They serve a full dinner menu, hand-crafted cocktails, wine, a “pub menu” that features small plates and appetizers, and they have brunch on Saturday mornings (if brunch dates are more your thing). If you really want to spice up date night and make it feel like a mini-vacation, you can even book a relaxing night at the hotel (and you know what that means—no one has to be the DD!).

Secret Admirer

  • 110 SW 5th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Open Tuesday-Thursday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday 4 p.m. – 1 a.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 1 a.m., and Sunday 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

This place is literally covered in hearts—how can you not go here for date night?! Their menu is full of unique cocktails (including low ABV options), wine, beer, and seltzers. The location is beyond cute and extremely intimate for a romantic nightcap. Oh, and did I mention the patio has an awesome view of the downtown skyline? Because you’ll definitely want a date night photo with that as the backdrop. 

Honorable Mentions

Don’t see your favorite romantic date night spot included ? Hit us up and let us know. We’ll be adding to this guide as more are added!

Chat with us.