This is a perfect blend of ambience and delectable dishes. The décor is classic with an art deco twist. And since we arrived at 8pm on Sunday there was only 2 other guests in the whole place. However, we were not greeted promptly and the service was aloof and slightly inattentive.
The food however was outstanding and I thought the prices were reasonable. As starters we enjoyed the warm spinach salad with bacon, caramelized onions & oranges and grilled chicken and peanut spring rolls served with a sweet chili sauce. Both were full of great flavor.
For a main entrée, I had a pan roasted chicken with carrots and garlic mashed potatoes, my dinner companion had the coconut crusted mahi mahi with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, fruit salsa in a spiced rum sauce. The presentation was wonderful and the taste was outstanding.
And as a shock the restrooms were somewhat outdated and there was actually broken glass on the floor in the men’s restroom.
The food and the atmosphere really impressed me. Hopefully the service will improve next time. (It seems, as the reviews below state, that this was just a fluke)
by Tony
Been here twice now. Both times the service has been top notch. The setting is classy and upscale. Great place to take someone you're trying to impress. The menu changes enough to encourage repeat visits. You won't believe you're at a Des Moines restraunt when your food comes. Can be pricey though. But if you're ready for that, its worth it.
by Brown Dog
Took my girlfriend on our second date there and we loved it. Service, food, and ambiance was fantastic. Glad to see that Des Moines has a resturant in an older building such as the Hotel Fort Des Moines. It adds an element of romance to the meal. Be prepared to spend some $$$ though.
by Pensadora
There was no wait, and the staff was very professional and courteous.
I agree that the bartender was very knowledgable. He and the waitress both made excellent suggestions.
I ordered mahi mahi and it was very fresh, very tasty.
The wine was tasty and the wine guy knew his stuff. Very impressive, even if he was making it all up.
it's a great spot to just hang, chat, and enjoy a couple glasses of wine.
43 is a classy restaurant/bar in the lower level of Hotel Fort Des Moines. The feature an extensive wine list including over 30 wines by the glass. Enjoy a lively cocktail hour at the martini and wine bar. Private dining spaces for your special occasions. Cocktails from 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner at 5 p.m. seven days a week.