The 20 Best Restaurants in Iowa

Set in a wooded location, Twin Springs Supper Club offers a contemporary take on the classic supper club experience. The kitchen focuses on well-prepared steak and seafood, with options like salmon and pork chops noted for their careful cooking. Fresh bread and shareable starters add to the meal. Attentive ownership and upbeat, personable service create a welcoming dining atmosphere.

Martini's Grille offers classic American steak and seafood dishes in a dining room overlooking the Mississippi River. Guests highlight expertly cooked steaks, a popular seafood platter, and comforting sides such as mac and cheese and composed salads. Desserts, including rich chocolate creations and seasonal specialties, provide a satisfying finish. Attentive, accommodating service and scenic views make it a favored spot for celebratory meals.

The Stuffed Olive Des Moines is known for its extensive martini selection, offering creative cocktails in a comfortable, polished bar setting. A menu of small and shared plates, including items like bruschetta and risotto dishes, pairs well with the drinks for a lighter meal. Attentive, accommodating service contributes to its appeal as a relaxed spot for drinks and bites.

Kountry Kupboard Osage Iowa combines a cozy café with a nostalgic country store, offering shelves of classic packaged foods alongside freshly prepared items. Guests praise the homemade pecan caramel and cinnamon rolls, often enjoyed warm with coffee. Friendly, attentive staff and simple lunch options contribute to a welcoming small-town atmosphere.

30hop offers modern American cuisine with global influences, from hearty comfort dishes to lighter vegetarian and low-carb options. A rooftop terrace, patio, and contemporary indoor space provide versatile settings for meals or drinks. Guests highlight the flavorful, well-prepared dishes and attentive service, even during quieter hours.

Peppercorn Pantry offers a cozy small-town tea room experience focused on comforting brunch and lunch dishes such as quiche, casseroles, and hearty soups. Guests appreciate the generous plates accompanied by fresh sides and a changing selection of housemade desserts, including a warm chocolate bundt cake with caramel. A small adjoining gift shop adds to the charm of the visit.

Black Sheep Coffee Baa is a cozy spot for fresh-baked pastries, breads, and quality coffee. Guests enjoy items like almond sticks, cinnamon rolls, and lemon cake, along with smoothies and ice cream. The café also offers make-your-own sandwiches and a daily lunch special. Friendly service and free wifi make it a comfortable place to relax or get some work done.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in West Des Moines offers a polished setting for classic American steakhouse dining. Guests highlight tender, expertly cooked steaks, including filet, along with traditional sides. The atmosphere is elegant yet inviting, with attentive, knowledgeable service and a well-regarded bar for cocktails and wine pairings.

Tea Cellar is a welcoming tea house offering an extensive selection of hot and iced teas, many blended in-house. Guests can enjoy their drinks in a cozy, cellar-style space that invites reading, studying, or conversation. Quiches and baked desserts complement the teas, and thoughtful touches like a wall of teacups add to the charm of the experience.

Located in the 801 Grand building, Basil Prosperi is a popular lunchtime spot for the business crowd, known for reliable salads, soups, sandwiches, and pastas. Guests highlight hearty options like lasagna with a mildly spicy sauce and flavorful soups. Service is quick and courteous, and the bustling dining room still allows for conversation, making it suitable for both dine-in and carry-out meals.

LP - Street Food offers a focused menu of elevated street-style dishes, with items like gyros, pretzels, tacos, and poutine frequently praised for their bold flavors. Rotating specials and off-menu options keep the experience dynamic. A strong cocktail program and a broad selection of craft beers complement the food. Lively ambiance and attentive service contribute to its appeal.

A Taste of Italy is a cozy Italian deli and grocery offering classic sandwiches on freshly baked, crisp bread. The menu highlights hearty options such as Italian beef and sausage combinations, alongside cold-cut selections. Regulars value the welcoming staff, who offer suggestions to help guests navigate the many sandwich choices. Shelves stocked with Italian grocery items add to the authentic, neighborhood feel.

Pete's Pizza is a bustling neighborhood bar and pizzeria known for its very thin, flavorful crusts and generous toppings. The menu includes classic combinations as well as more adventurous options like jalapeño and cream cheese or sauerkraut-topped pies. Attentive staff keep drinks flowing, with pitchers and frosty mugs popular among groups. Inflatables, vintage beer cans, and arcade games create a playful, laid-back atmosphere for a casual pizza night.

Maxwell's On The River offers riverfront American dining in a stylish hotel lobby setting with seasonal outdoor seating. The menu spans hearty burgers, tacos, steaks, and fresh breakfast favorites, with some gluten-free choices. Guests note attentive, well-paced service and a capable bar pouring espresso drinks, cocktails, and a range of whiskies.

PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios is a locally owned brewery in Calmar offering a broad range of craft beers, often highlighted through customizable flights. The spacious taproom provides ample seating and parking, with beers named after nearby towns adding a local touch. Guests note friendly, attentive service and the added interest of art and merchandise displayed throughout the space.

Irina's Steak & Seafood offers an elegant setting for enjoying classic steak and seafood dishes with a creative touch. Guests highlight flavorful, well-prepared plates and a polished ambiance suited to special occasions. Service is generally described as professional and attentive, contributing to a composed, upscale dining experience.

Red Lobster offers classic American seafood in a casual, family-friendly setting. Guests highlight the fresh-tasting lobster, shrimp, and scallop dishes, along with comforting pasta options and the signature warm biscuits. Service is frequently described as attentive and efficient, even during busy periods, contributing to a consistently pleasant dining experience.

Grace On Main is a cozy small-town spot serving American comfort food with an emphasis on pizza. Diners highlight the well-crafted crust and generous toppings, alongside hearty pasta, burgers, and fresh salads. A modest wine selection complements the menu, and the personable staff and friendly local crowd create an inviting, down-to-earth atmosphere.