Midwest Matchmaking’s Top Date Spots for Singles in Des Moines, IA

If you’re a Midwest single in Des Moines looking for some ideas to wow your date, our exclusive Midwest matchmakers are here to help. Below, our Des Moines Cupids have listed some of our favorite locales that will almost guarantee your first date will become a second:

Skip’s:

Established in 1981, Skip’s is an American style restaurant with a wide variety of menu options ranging from appetizers, soups or salads to pasta, steak and seafood. Also a full service bar with premium liquors, bottled/draft beers and an extensive wine list. The homey atmosphere and unique setting sets the perfect tone for romance. http://skipsdesmoines.com/

Tursi’s Latin King:

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience favored by locals and out of town-ers, you’ll want to take your date here. In business for 69 years, there’s a reason it’s been a city favorite. The ambience, wine, meals and appetizers are all stellar and sure to impress. http://tursislatinking.com/

Alba:

Alba is an upscale American restaurant and bar featuring reclaimed ceiling doors for a perfect dining experience. Midwest singles, when you land a second date for your good taste in this venue selection…you’re welcome. https://www.albadsm.com/

Wasabi Tao:

This famous dining spot is located right in downtown Des Moines and is a group of family-owned restaurants focusing on bringing the high-quality taste and aesthetic of New York City sushi to Iowa. They also have a full bar and convenient access to most places in town. http://www.wasabidsm.com/

RōCA:

This special Des Moines date spot has been included in the Open Table Top 100 Hottest Restaurant in America list. The group highlights hip, new restaurants, hot spots, celebrity chefs and avant-garde restaurateurs. http://www.rocadsm.com/

Proof:

Claimed the best restaurant in Iowa, this Midwest dating spot pushes the envelope of Des Moines cuisine. Taking its influences from the Mediterranean and Northern Africa, Proof blends the old world with the new by using local ingredients in all of its dishes. Proof believes heavily in the experience – we want you to come and feel comfortable enough to let our staff provide you with the evening you were looking for. https://www.proofrestaurant.com/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral

Stuffed Olive:

With a warm, comfortable atmosphere, great wines, beers and top-shelf spirits, this popular Midwest date spot is many of our Midwest Matchmaking clients’ favorite place to start, end or spend your entire evening. Their tapas menu offers appetizer-sized portions of globally influenced entrees, for a sampling and sharing dining experience. http://thestuffedolive.com/

The Republic on Grand:

Sit inside or check out the sixth floor outdoor lounge overlooking the downtown city lights with your Midwest Matchmaking date. Pair a craft cocktail with artisanal chef favorites – featuring eclectic American cuisine. https://therepublicongrand.com/

Hoq:

If you’re an environmentally conscious eater in the Midwest dating scene (or if your date is), you (or they) will be impressed by this Des Moines date spot’s local sourcing, composting their organic waste, recycling, and purchasing whole animals raised humanely. Approximately 90% of their ingredients come from local farms. They feature grass-fed beef and lamb, and pasture-raised chicken and duck. All are raised without the use of hormones, antibiotics, steroids or cages. Their butter and cream come from grass-fed cows and they use local organic or chemical-free produce. http://hoqtable.com/

Strudl Haus:

If you’re looking to switch up the vibe of your Midwest Matchmaking date in the Des Moines area, this delicious bakery is an authentic Central European Restaurant and Bakery, the creation of Chef Michael Leo, a European trained chef and sommelier from Austria.  They are proud to serve one of Des Moine’s largest and finest wine lists. http://strudlhaus.com/

Simon’s:

From 1952 to 1986, Hank and Dorothy Montiquise ran the Franklin Food Shop out of this Des Moines location. Later, Terry and Sandy Battani decided the location was suitable for a neighborhood pizza joint. No matter whose name was on the door, the customer here was always treated like family, given top-notch value for their money and left with a smile. The Midwest Matchmakers agree that this is a first-date favorite. http://www.simonsdsm.com/

Splash:

Iowa’s first and only oyster bar, this dining experience also offers delectable cheese and charcuterie boards, a long wine list, a full bar and plenty of options for Midwest singles. http://splash-seafood.com/

Lucca:

This romantic seafood venue also boasts vegetarian and vegan options, and of course, a full bar and extensive wine list. Located in downtown Des Moines, they offer live music on certain nights as well. Des Moines singles, you will love this place! http://restaurantwebexpert.com/Lucca/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral

DJango:

What says romance better than French food? This  comfortable, Midwest brasserie-style restaurant in Des Moines offers everything you love about French cuisine without the attitude. Classic French dishes such as Steak Frites and Bouillabaisse are served alongside a wide selection of fresh salads, omelets and juicy hamburgers made with house-ground beef. At the heart of Django is an interactive chef station featuring jet-fresh seafood and artisan cheese plates. http://www.djangodesmoines.com/