Aposto at the Scala House

Italian Restaurant 4.7 (394)


Aposto at the Scala House is praised for its romantic ambiance and authentic Italian dishes, particularly its housemade pasta. While customers enjoy the delicious flavors and attention to detail, some have noted occasional service inconsistencies. The intimate setting further enhances the dining experience, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

Overall:

4.6

(327 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.8

Service:

4.2


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (515) 244-1353

Address: 644 18th St, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I had really high expectations for my visit to Aposto, but I left feeling somewhat let down. The ambiance is beautiful, very romantic, but the food wasn't as great as I hoped. The gnocchi lacked the flavors and texture I expect from a good Italian restaurant. What ultimately made my visit less enjoyable was the slow service; it took far too long to get our orders taken and food delivered. I think I may give it time and come back another day, but I expected better based on the reviews. " (*Curated Review*)

" If you love authentic Italian food, Aposto is the place for you! Every dish we ordered was filled with fresh ingredients and prepared masterfully. I particularly loved the duck confit with polenta. The texture was divine, and the flavors were harmonious. The pizze fritta was also a hit with the table! Service was attentive, although it took a little while for our mains to come out. But honestly, it was worth the wait. The atmosphere, coupled with the great food, made for a memorable evening. I'd recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy a great meal! " (*Curated Review*)

" Had a lovely dinner at Aposto last night! The service from the staff was exceptional, making us feel valued customers. My partner and I shared the beet salad, which had a perfect balance of flavors. For mains, the seafood risotto was delightful and rich, while the osso buco was satisfying. The only downside was dessert; the cakes were decent but didn’t blow us away. All in all, it was a delightful experience and I'd recommend it for a nice evening out. " (*Curated Review*)

" Absolutely loved my visit to Aposto! The interior has a vintage charm that makes it very romantic. I appreciated the seasonal menu—everything felt fresh. I highly recommend the duck confit; it was exquisite! The gnocchi had an amazing texture, though it could have used a little more seasoning. The service was attentive but not intrusive. I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed my time there and will definitely be back for more delicious food! " (*Curated Review*)

" Our experience at Aposto was nothing short of magical! We celebrated our anniversary there and were blown away by the charm of the historic house. The service was impeccable; our waitress was kind and knew the menu inside and out. For starters, we ordered the fried polenta, which was delightful, and I could not get enough of the bone marrow pasta. It had a depth of flavor that reminded me of dishes I've had in Italy. The ambiance was cozy and romantic, perfect for a celebration. We capped off the evening with the crème brûlée, which was heavenly. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a special night out. Just make sure to book in advance! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (317)

" I had an unfortunate experience at Aposto. While the restaurant's charm is undeniable, the food was lacking in flavor. I ordered the seafood risotto, which sounded great on the menu but tasted very bland. My partner's dish was only slightly better. We were also let down by the slow service; it took too long to have our orders taken and then receive our meals. I appreciate the effort put into the presentation, but when the food doesn't deliver, it's hard to enjoy the experience. I'll consider returning for lunch in the future but wouldn't prioritize it. " (*Curated Review*)

" Visited Aposto last weekend after hearing rave reviews, and I have to say I was impressed! The atmosphere is just beautiful—the kind of place that feels special as soon as you walk in. We shared several dishes, including the polenta cakes and the gnocchi; I must say the gnocchi was probably the best I've had outside of Italy! The flavors were well-balanced, but I did feel like some portion sizes could be a little larger for the price. Our server was friendly enough, although a bit busy, which made the service feel a touch slow. Overall, a lovely spot I would happily return to enjoy. " (*Curated Review*)

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