Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.6

243 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

12851 University Ave 400, Clive, IA 50325-8254

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 27, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines

Lively & flavorful tapas along with vibrant cocktails offer a unique shared experience that challenges the traditional. At Aura, it's good vibes only! Our invigorating environment is the perfect place to gather friends & family.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Wine Bar
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(515) 225-6005
Website
http://auradsm.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Jared Walterberry

Location
12851 University Ave 400, Clive, IA 50325-8254
Neighbourhood
Urbandale
Cross Street
60th and University Ave.
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

April Wine Dinner
Apr 17, 2025 only
Join us on the 3rd Thursday of every month for our monthly wine dinner! Each month we feature hand-selected wines presented by our in-house sommelier, perfectly paired with unique dishes inspired by the wines themselves. It's a great opportunity for our regulars to try something new and our new guests to see us at our creative best. Sign up on Open Table today and don't miss out on this amazing experience!
May Wine Dinner
May 15, 2025 only
Join us on the 3rd Thursday of every month for our monthly wine dinner! Each month we feature hand-selected wines presented by our in-house sommelier, perfectly paired with unique dishes inspired by the wines themselves. It's a great opportunity for our regulars to try something new and our new guests to see us at our creative best. Sign up on Open Table today and don't miss out on this amazing experience!

Offers

Happy Hour Everyday!
Multiple dates available
Mon - Sat - 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Discounted food and drinks every day 3pm-5:30pm.

What 243 people are saying

Aura Restaurant & Lounge reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Iowa
Great for fine wines
Iowa
Good for special occasions
Iowa
Lively
Des Moines
Innovative
Des Moines
Healthy
Des Moines
Neighbourhood gem
Des Moines
Great for fine wines
Des Moines
Romantic
Des Moines
Good for special occasions
Des Moines
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Aura Restaurant & Lounge is a hidden gem that consistently impresses with its "amazing food and service." Guests rave about the attentive staff, including standout servers like Nick, and the involvement of the owners, ensuring a top-notch experience. The menu boasts "fantastic" dishes and creative cocktails, making it perfect for special occasions or casual dining. Despite minor service hiccups, the "lovely atmosphere" and delectable offerings keep patrons returning for more.

244 Reviews

S
Shari
Des Moines2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was my third visit to Aura. I can say without hesitantcy that the food has maintained high-quality, the service has been great, and the setting is lovely. I would recommend this to anyone who wants delicious and unique food in a in a beautiful setting.
Is this helpful?
s
stephanie
Tampa1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server, Nick, was spectacular. He made our group feel welcome immediately and took care of all our needs before we even had to ask. It felt like we were his only table! Food was delicious, everyone thought their meal was their new favorite. Thank you
Is this helpful?
NV
NancyV
San Francisco4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a birthday celebration, great service, great attention paid to the birthday person
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Omaha1 review
5.0
Dined on March 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and appetizers. Convenient location. Perfect for a business lunch. Service was excellent with Nick our server.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome! Great drinks and great food! Would recommend to anyone!
Is this helpful?
S
S VIP
Des Moines10 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had appetizers and drinks at the bar. Service from Bailey was great! The Dumplings and Brussel sprout appetizers were delicious.
Is this helpful?
J
James VIP
Chicago11 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first visit. The wait staff was exceptional, and the food was excellent. The owners came over to answer any questions and were always checking in. They have a tremendous bar with just about every taste you would like. This place is at the top of our list.
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth
Des Moines6 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love the new menu. Aura has always been a favorite of ours but the recent changes continue to elevate it in our book.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer VIP
Des Moines7 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect for date night , great evening with my husband
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy
Des Moines9 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The meal was fantastic! Grace was our server & was delightful!!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Aura Restaurant & Lounge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (515) 225-6005.

Aura Restaurant & Lounge is rated 4.6 stars by 243 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 27, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

12851 University Ave 400, Clive, IA 50325-8254

Additional information

Cross Street
60th and University Ave.
Neighbourhood
Urbandale
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Jared Walterberry
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://auradsm.com/
Phone number
(515) 225-6005

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Experiences

April Wine Dinner

May Wine Dinner

Offers

Happy Hour Everyday!

Menu

What 243 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Aura Restaurant & Lounge offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Aura Restaurant & Lounge restaurant rated?

Is Aura Restaurant & Lounge currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information