Not only do some Iowa restaurants provide a romantic setting for a meal, but some also were founded on a romantic beginning.

The Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth in Kalona is located in the town’s historic Kalona Hotel. Owner Paula Miller operated a gift shop from the location for several years. When she met future husband, Warren, who had grown up in Kalona, they decided to open a restaurant there, converting the gift shop into a restaurant that encourages you to slow down and enjoy life.

“Atmosphere is something that is very, very important to me,” Paula says, “and is second only to the food.” Even...