February 14 is a day to love someone, and the best way to love someone is to eat with him or her. If you didn’t have time to grab groceries, Des Moines has a great restaurant scene, whether couples are looking for steaks, seafood or ethnic cuisine to celebrate the romantic holiday. AMUSE has found a few of the more interesting places to eat around the state’s capital.

Bistro 43

4345 Hickman Road

Des Moines

515-255-5942

Bistro 43 is a dressier restaurant that features unique American food. The comfortable atmosphere is complimented by good cuisine. Pork chops with grilled baby squash and smoke cheddar grits is just an example of the food on the menu. Entrees range from $12-20, and reservations are recommended.

The Trattoria

207 4th St.

Des Moines

515-288-6821

The Trattoria is a northern Italian restaurant in Des Moines. The open atmosphere of the restaurant fits perfectly with murals that adorn the walls; The Trattoria is often considered a local Italian favorite. Entrees include such specialties as caramelized onion linguine with artichokes and garlic in a white wine sauce and range from $12-20. Reservations are accepted.

Waterfront Seafood Market

2900 University Ave.

West Des Moines

515-223-5106

The Waterfront Seafood Market is one of the unique seafood places in the metro. The entrees are often classic and tasty because the restaurant features several varieties of fish and various cooking methods. Coconut shrimp and salmon alfredo with baby peas are two choices available. Entrees range from $12-20 and reservations are not accepted.

Ohana Steak House

2900 University Ave.

West Des Moines

515-225-3325

Ohana Steak House is one of the shining jewels of the metro restaurant scene. Using teppanyaki-style, or tableside, cooking, this Japanese steak house is unique. Choose your entree (chicken, beef, pork or seafood), watch it cook and then eat with a variety of sides placed at your table. Reservations are encouraged, and entrees range from $12-20.

Jesse’s Embers

4810 86th St.

Urbandale

515-251-7175

Jesse’s Embers is an upscale steakhouse in a suburb of Des Moines. The extensive menu includes grilled creations as well as salads. The lobster tail and Iowa Maytag Blue Cheese Fillet are just some of the grilled specialties. Salad portions are also full-size, and the Crispy Breaded Chicken Salad is a great alternative to steak. Entrees are $12-20, and reservations are recommended.

Cheesecake Factory

101 Jordan Creek Parkway

West Des Moines

515-457-9888

The Cheesecake Factory has over 200 menu selections and 50 types of cheesecake. Located in the Jordan Creek Complex, this restaurant features large portions and wonderful food. Entrees include pizza, burgers, salads, pasta, seafood, steak and sandwiches. Entrees are $15-25, and reservations are not accepted.