3 Top Romantic Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa

1. Trostels Green Briar Restaurant & Bar

Trostels is located in Johnston, just north of Des Moines on 5810 Merle Hay Road.
Call 515-253-0124 - for reservations.

If you're looking for a cozy atmosphere, white tablecloths, candlelight and a rose on your table, Trostels is the place for you. Their upscale menu features slow roasted prime rib, fresh seafood, aged steaks, pasta, poultry and lamb chops. Award winning Chef Troy Trostel features a different specialty appetizer and entree each week. His selections are influenced by seasonal foods and those raised or grown in Iowa.

Select wines are available from Trostels' extensive wine list and a special selection of cocktails are also available. Prices range from medium to high-end, depending upon your selections.

Lunch is served Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with regular dining hours available for your evening pleasure.

2. Sam & Gabes

Sam and Gabes is located at 8631 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa
Call 515-271-3200 for reservations.

At Sam & Gabe's, you will find that they specialize in homemade, Northern Italian Cuisine. The service is high-touch, with owners always on the floor and prices range from mid-to higher range, depending upon your choices. You will notice the warm, intimate candlelit setting as you enter the door. They are accentuated by panoramic photographs of Pisa and Florence, as well as captivating and power piece by photo artist John Scranton.

The menu reveals mouth-watering antipasto and pasta dishes, entrees with ala carte choices of baked potato, steak fries, pasta or rice. Savor butter-tender Medallions of Beef, tender Veal Piccata, fresh Fish and Salmon and Gulf Shrimp. Sam and Gabe's also serves Italian Chicken, Smoked Loin Back Ribs and Healthy/Vegetarian dishes.

This supper-club type of restaurant makes their food from scratch on the premises. So if you're looking for the sexy scent of steak and martinis, make a stop at Sam & Gabes. Hours include Monday through Saturday with doors open at 5:00 for dinner.

3. Splash Seafood Grille

Splash Seafood Grille is located in downtown Des Moines at 303 Locust Street.
Call 515-244-5686 for reservations.

Splash, as its name suggests, is noted for great seafood - and romance. The restaurant is dimly lit, with exotic fish on the walls, fish inspired painting and exotic fish tanks. It is located across from the Civic Center, so their chefs often serve those attending current shows. All dishes are presented beautifully and if your date, by chance, turns out not to be a seafood lover, many other great selections are available.

The wine and drink selection has lots to offer and they will gladly serve you with that perfect drink for your taste. Servers are friendly, knowledgeable and take good care of you. Prices may be more top of the range, but the ambiance is well worth the price.

Splash is indeed a great restaurant for a special occasion as it is impressive but not over the top. So head downtown Des Moines for that special intimate dinner for two. Splash is open for lunch and dinner.

Whether you're someone from nearby or just visiting, I hope you will try at least one of these fine, romantic restaurants for your special evening. May the stars shine on both of you. Hopefully memories of your time together will always remain in your hearts