For this year’s Des Best Date Spots, locals voted for places that turn a night out into something you’ll actually remember. These picks go beyond what’s on the menu, focusing on mood, timing, atmosphere, and the kind of moments that linger long after the bill is paid. Rather than single stops, this list is built around experiences, restaurants, bars, and hidden corners of Greater Des Moines that can be mixed and matched into a date night that feels personal, effortless, and worth repeating. 

*All of our Des Best lists are crowdsourced and voted by locals.*
 

Pasta Is a Love Language

When you think of “date night,” you probably picture a dimly lit room, a glass of red wine, and a hearty bowl of pasta waiting to be shared. Des Moines delivers that classic Italian romance in more ways than one, letting you choose the mood as much as the menu. 

For a study in contrast, Aposto and Lucca offer two very different takes on an Italian night out. Aposto is tucked inside an 1880s Victorian mansion, where candlelit rooms and forward-thinking dishes make dinner feel like a secret supper hosted just for two. Lucca, on the other hand, leans sleek and modern, with exposed brick, minimalist design, and a polished prix fixe menu that rewards couples who appreciate clean lines and thoughtful restraint. 

If your idea of romance includes darker rooms, impeccable service, and that comforting everyone-knows-your-name energy, Simon’s and Cosi Cucina deliver in their own classic ways. At Simon’s, owner Simon Gohenn famously makes the rounds to every table, adding to the feeling that you’re a regular, even on your first visit. A complimentary slice of red velvet cake at the end seals the deal. Out in the suburbs, Cosi Cucina channels old-school Italian charm with strong drinks, giant meatballs, and its signature Diana red sauce. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, portions are generous, and conversation comes easily. 
 

Worth Dressing Up For  

These are dinner dates where the food is as beautiful as it is delicious, plated with intention, and meant to be lingered over. Think of them as nights you plan for, reservations you finally make, and meals that become part of the story you tell later. 

Fresh off recent James Beard nominations, Oak Park and Masao represent the leading edge of Des Moines fine dining. Oak Park has earned national attention for its inventive, big-city feel (and big-city pork chop), while still staying grounded in hearty Midwestern roots. Adventure takes a new form at Masao in the East Village where sushi meets French cuisine. It’s inventive, intimate, and the pairing of two complex flavor profiles that you didn’t know you needed in your life but just might change it.  

For a more scaled-back but equally memorable evening, Café Madeleine and Harbinger deliver fine dining in smaller, more personal settings. Café Madeleine, the “blink-and-you-miss-it" spot (seating 16) is built around rotating themes from the mind of Chef David Baruthio like French Korean fusion and Paris in 1900. Or go with the modern Des Moines classic at Harbinger. Chef Joe Tripp was one of the first to redefine fine dining locally, and they are still creative with their seasonal approach to modern yet accessible dishes.  

Supper Club Energy with Sinatra Vibes 

Let’s turn the dial back a few decades and lean into the nostalgic ambience of classic supper clubs. This timeless American ritual is alive and well in Greater Des Moines, where dim lighting and stiff drinks set the scene.  

Christopher’s is a Beaverdale institution, hosting nearly fifty years of anniversaries, celebrations, and regulars who don’t need a menu. Skip’s takes a similarly no-nonsense approach, offering a neighborhood classic that’s blissfully free of trends, with familiar flavors like Cavatelli pasta and pan-fried walleye that pair well with their dark and cozy ambiance.  

New to the scene but perfectly capturing the old-school magic is Tom Archer’s Supper Club, tucked into the basement of the historic Val Air Ballroom. With its burgundy half-moon booths, buzzy energy, and unmistakable throwback charm, it feels like stepping into another era, just with better timing. Pair dinner downstairs with a show upstairs for a classic date night that still feels cool. 
 

Suburban Romance Done Right 

In the suburbs, date night leans into ease, familiarity, and places that reward those willing to make the drive. Think hidden gems, warm rooms, and meals that invite you to settle in. 

For cozy neighborhood energy, Cooper’s on 5th and Aura set the tone in different but equally inviting ways. Cooper’s is a no-frills Valley Junction staple, known for its intimate atmosphere and a cocktail program that made it the first craft cocktail bar in West Des Moines. In Clive, Aura does indeed have aura, pairing a relaxed lounge setting with dishes like walleye risotto and chicken picatta. 

If you’re craving something polished, Arcadia and Prime & Providence deliver upscale indulgence that’s worth the drive. Arcadia has carved out a name in Polk City with its modern take on familiar favorites, adding thoughtful twists that feel fresh without being fussy. Prime & Providence is a local steakhouse that leans fully into indulgence; treat your date to their special Reserve Menu, where you can indulge in Japanese beef flights, caviar service, and other delicacies you won’t find anywhere else.

Fondue Made for Two  

Good food is meant to be shared, preferably with a sexy cheese pull. It starts at The Cheese Shop, the intimate spot where you can pick up cheese trays, sip wine, and take hands-on classes that mix learning with indulgence. Its bigger sibling, Cheese Bar, turns all that cheese into a full restaurant experience with a menu devoted to rich, creamy, and savory dishes like fondue, grilled cheese, and cast-iron mac, making it the place where indulgence really melts together. 

New to the scene, Highland Underground adds a retro twist to the formula. This seventies-inspired lounge pairs craft cocktails with both cheese and chocolate fondue, proving that a little throwback flair and melted cheese can still set the mood.
 

Cocktail Bars Made for Lingering 

Your date night deserves more than just good food, so why not add drinks that are as stiff as they are flavorful? Hello, Marjorie and Good News, Darling (located directly behind HM) bring neon-lit, OG cocktail energy with a side of speakeasy charm. Tucked into downtown Des Moines, these low-lit spots are perfect for cozy sips and lingering conversation. For something more soulful, The Contrary in the East Village turns up the energy with small plates, a contemporary lounge, and DJs spinning smooth R&B. It’s no wonder it’s a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Bar.  

If the weather is good and calls for a drink in your hand, look to Secret Admirer. Their stylish corner bar and quaint patio are the perfect setting (especially on summer nights). Or head over to Bartender’s Handshake on Ingersoll for that New York-style mid-century cocktail bar feel and astroturf patio.  For the perfect viewing experience to end a night in Des Moines, the Republic on Grand offers city skyscape views unlike any other with a buzzy drink menu to match.

Catch a Show, Old-School Style 

For a date night steeped in nostalgia, Des Moines offers timeless entertainment. Start with the Varsity Cinema, an 80-year-old gem brought back to life, where you can enjoy blockbuster hits, indie favorites, or classic Hollywood throwbacks in a theater that hums with history. For live performances, Hoyt Sherman Place steals the spotlight. This 19th-century venue hosts everything from legendary musicians to cutting edge comedians, making it the perfect setting for a night of culture and connection. 

For a truly classic date night, The Ingersoll pairs chef-crafted multi-course dining with live entertainment in a fully restored 1939 theater. Jazz, cabaret, and comedy flow alongside your meal, creating a cozy, elegant evening that feels like stepping back in time.
 

Walk, Wander & Do Something Together 

Sometimes the best dates are the ones that let you wander, explore, and discover together. Take in world-class art at Pappajohn Sculpture Park, where the iconic LOVE sculpture makes a perfect backdrop for photos, or even a picnic on the lawn. Glide across the water at Gray’s Lake in a kayak or paddle boat, or sip something red, white, or rose as the sun sets at Jasper Winery, where summer concerts add the perfect soundtrack to a romantic evening.  

For fresh air with a side of charm, head just outside the metro to Rose Farm in Norwalk or Wilson’s Orchard & Farm in nearby Cumming. At Rose Farm, seasonal beauty pairs with thoughtfully curated farm-to-table dinners, where multi-course meals celebrate Iowa’s growing seasons and turn golden hour into the main event. Wilson’s offers its own kind of romance, with orchard views, cider, and an on-site restaurant where you don’t need to wonder where the food was sourced from.  

For a nature escape that feels different from a typical hike, Brenton Arboretum offers wide-open spaces, long paths, and stunning vistas that make it easy to soak in the scenery and enjoy quiet conversation without feeling enclosed by dense forest.  

Speaking of strolls, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is a Des Moines bucket list item for a reason. It’s a tried-and-true way to sample local bites surrounded by murals, flowers, and every breed of cute dog. Then, walk across the bridge to the Historic East Village where you’ll find an array of boutiques and stores for shopping, along with coffee shops, eateries, and breweries to keep the date lively and full of options.   

Make Something, Do Something, Learn Something 

There’s something undeniably romantic about learning something new together. Whether you’re picking up a new skill or stepping into a setting you’ve never experienced before, these hands-on experiences turn curiosity into connection.  

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a place to learn and linger, offering educational classes, romantic evening events (Dome After Dark just sounds romantic), and immersive views of lush, ever-changing plant life. Pause mid-exploration for lunch or a light bite at Flora cafe, because even curiosity needs snacks. 

You’ll never go wrong with a stroll through the Des Moines Art Center, full of spectacular exhibits that will have you lingering for a while. If the weather allows for a walk through the Rose Garden, it is a romance-inducing experience. When winter shows up uninvited, lean into it at Brenton Skating Plaza, where skyline views, laced skates, and handholding turn cold air into magic. For music lovers, learning how to sit still together counts too. Noce Jazz & Cabaret is the premier spot to enjoy a night of brass, spirits, and cheese plates.  

If your idea of romance involves making something with your hands, Mainframe Studios is your move. Every first Friday of the month, their themed events blend art, community, and creativity. Wander working studios and see what local artists are building. For something even more hands-on, the Culinary Annex offers cooking classes that turn international cuisine into a shared accomplishment. Choose a public class for making other couple friends or book a private session and cook your way through the evening together. 

And if you want to learn something without pretending you’re not having fun, the Science Center of Iowa delivers. Their adults-only Mixology Nights pair interactive exhibits with themed cocktails, making it the rare date where science, drinks, and flirting coexist peacefully. Perfect for a duo or a double date when you want to switch things up.

Book a Room, Cancel Your Plans 

A hotel date can be more than a place to rest; it can also be the centerpiece of a full day (or night) of romance and discovery. For a historic touch, start at the beautifully restored Hotel Fort Des Moines, which has hosted everyone from Johnny Cash to JFK since opening in 1919. Start your date night with dinner at Proudfoot & Bird with some steak frites and devil’s food cake. Then, find your way into In Confidence, a speakeasy beneath the hotel with highball cocktails, high back chairs, and a decidedly Alice in Wonderland vibe. The next morning, wake up to a light brunch and coffee at Hobnob in the lobby, making for a seamless, memorable experience. 

If your style leans more midcentury modern and art deco, Surety Hotel delivers effortless chic. Pair dinner at the Mulberry Street Tavern, named one of the “Most Beautiful Restaurants in America”. Nod to the bedazzled raccoon next to the bar and settle into an opulent booth to nosh on dishes like half chicken, short rib pappardelle, and oysters on the half shell. It’s so good, you’ll want to go back for brunch the next morning, where the lemon-ricotta pancakes are calling your name.

Speed Round: Big Moments & Sweet Endings 

Sometimes you just need the highlight reel. Here are the no-overthinking picks. 

Iconic Proposal Spots 

Save Room for Something Sweet 

  • Crème — Legendary cinnamon rolls, milk bread, and late-night nostalgia. 

  • Tous Les Jours — Elegant pastries that feel fancy without trying too hard.