what's the different?
this place looks pretty good
this place does look pretty good

Question

Answer

The second sentence sounds like a second person agreeing with the first person.

Looking for a restaurant, perhaps.
My wife: "This place looks pretty good."
Me: (Glances at menu posted in front) "Hey, you're right, this place DOES look pretty good."

Answer

"What's the difference?" (Please, use capital letters.)

Using "does" emphasises the opinion.