About us
Restaurant & Lounge
At Aura, our mantra follows the words of the Dalai Lama: “Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.” We’re in the pursuit of good vibes, an energizing atmosphere, and an upscale destination for guests to gather at tables full of family and friends.
We specialize in modern American fare featuring farm-to-table ingredients, dishes meant to share, and hand-crafted cocktails that always go down smooth. Our chefs have infused the enticing flavors encountered on their global travels into our menu, resulting in a dining experience that’s unlike any other in Des Moines. Allow our lush lighting, dramatic décor, and unforgettable cuisine to set the background for first dates and celebratory dinners alike.
Aura was created in 2021 as a collaboration between renowned local restaurateurs Jay Wang and Michelle Booth. Jay has a long history of success in the Des Moines dining scene, most notably for his Wasabi series of restaurants. During the pandemic, Jay saw the need for a place to feel good and be happy with the ones we love the most. His experiences living in cities such as New York City, Beijing, and London have shaped his vision for Aura.
Michelle is a Clive native who has spent more than 25 years in the restaurant business, running such successful operations as Fleming’s, Jimmy’s American Café, and Omaha’s Twisted Fork. She has since earned several accolades, including a spot among the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality and a nomination for Business Records 40 Under 40 list in 2019.