Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Iowa

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Iowa? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Wasabi - Waukee

4.9

4.9 (58)

$30 and under

Sushi

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Wasabi is located at 9500 University Avenue in West Des Moines. Chefs at Wasabi serve the highest quality New York style sushi, Japanese fusion dishes. Unique custom cocktails and more.

Top review

Chris

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Everything is perfect, the food is delicious, Wasabi never disappoints!

Twin Springs Supper Club

4.9

4.9 (821)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Decorah

About the restaurant

Enjoy a tradional Supper Club experience in the scenic hills and valleys minutes from downtown Decorah. We have prepared the very best in Steaks, Chops and Seafood in the area utilizing locally sourced products. Our full service bar won't disappoint as our mixologist create some unique speciality drinks.

Top review

Kristin

Dined 1 day ago

Wow, food and service was amazing. Took my daughter and her friend there for their Birthdays, owner stopped over to wish them both a Happy Birthday. Steak was cooked a perfect medium-rare and tasted great. Will definitely go back!

Cooper's On 5th

4.9

4.9 (142)

$30 and under

American

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Cooper’s on 5th is a great place for Lunch & Dinner. We have had the pleasure of being West Des Moines’ first Craft Cocktail Bar. Join us for our amazing food menu & award-winning cocktail program. Classic & Reimagined Americana comfort food paired with one of Des Moines’ original & highly awarded craft cocktail programs. Great beer, wine, and martinis.

Top review

Ben

Dined 6 days ago

Great lunch and dinner specials! Excellent drink selection!

30hop Coralville

4.9

4.9 (16)

$30 and under

American

Coralville

About the restaurant

At 30hop there is an unmistakable energy the moment you walk through our doors. We revel in being unique yet approachable providing constantly rotating craft beers, crave-able menu items, and an atmosphere that’s all about celebrating the good times! Visit us in Ankeny, Coralville, or Cedar Rapids. Locations in Omaha and Kansas City coming soon!

Top review

Maggie

Dined 2 days ago

We got a reservation and thank goodness, a table for 2 had a 30 minute wait and some people were waiting an hour or more! Super easy online reservation. Waitress was attentive and very nice. Food was bomb, I got the cheesesteak and a side Caesar salad, my s/o had the tenderloin, the only leftovers I had were due to my making the error of not wearing stretchy pants. I’m picky about mushrooms, but left them on the Philly; 10/10 great decision! Fantastic sandwich. Neither of us had alcohol, and our bill was just over $40 which I thought was SO reasonable. Prickly pear lemonade was good, wish they still had the prickly pear Paloma. Hopefully will be back very soon!

Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (322)

$30 and under

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar serves comfort food with local flair in a historic building on Main Street in Grinnell, Iowa. Prairie Canary was opened in September 2012 and is currently owned by Chef, Paul Durr. Located in the city of Grinnell, also known as “The Jewel of the Prairie” and home to Grinnell College, Prairie Canary provides a gathering place where guests can enjoy Midwestern flavors in an inviting, understated atmosphere that speaks to the colors and textures of the Iowa prairie.
Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar is all about being local. From the name of the restaurant to the dishes on which the food is served, effort was taken to showcase local talent and area producers. Enjoy your meal on hand-thrown plates and bowls. Sit at hand-made hickory tables. Savor farm-fresh produce grown just miles away. Sip on an Iowa wine or pint of beer. We look forward to seeing you!

Top review

Samuel

Dined 4 days ago

Friendly staff, good food and good options, reasonable prices. My table particularly enjoyed the brussels sprouts and the strawberry salad.

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Popular dish

Iowa Chop

Fresko

4.8

4.8 (1194)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Des Moines

About the restaurant

“Fresko” meaning “fresh” inspires our creation of seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Fresko makes natural food from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. The culinary team prepares product from start to finish applying natural time honored techniques with care at every step. This enriches the flavorful and nutritious product we serve and benefits our community. Fresko believes we are what we eat and eating well means living well.

Fresko features a splendid assortment of original cocktails with a deep spirits menu and a beer program with sixteen beers on tap in addition to bottles and cans. Fresko's wine menu focuses on quality selections at a great value to our guests.

Top review

Byron

Dined 1 day ago

Creative menu. Delicious pizza and tacos. Mixology cocktails.

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4.8

4.8 (770)

$30 and under

American

Sioux City

About the restaurant

CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar was built out of a passion to create a dining experience unlike any other. We combine quality-sourced ingredients, chic ambiance, outstanding service, and diverse menu choices to create an unforgettable dining experience. The energy of the restaurant is all encompassing – the buzz of guests and staff, the warm and open design, the modern sushi bar, the fresh spin on American cuisine, and the sense of discovery around every corner. A CRAVE guest will leave knowing they experienced just the right mix of great food, entertainment, and service in what can only be defined as The CRAVE Experience.

Top review

Holly

Dined 6 days ago

Outstanding dinner with a friend. Food and drinks were amazing. Anna, our server, went above and beyond!! Highly recommend Crave and Anna!

801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (3186)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown Des Moines

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, enjoy beautiful views and excellent customer service at 801 Chophouse. We value our guests and want to give you the best dining experience possible. Our restaurant has only prime USDA steaks, paired with innovative side dishes and an award-winning wine selection from around the world to create an upscale dining experience you won't find anywhere else in Iowa. 801 Chophouse is the premier steakhouse in Des Moines and even offers private dining room options. Book a reservation online or via phone today.

Top review

Jeff

Dined 7 days ago

The staff here never disappoints. Great Service and knowledgeable.

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Popular dish

Grand Marnier Souffle

Popular dish

Sliced Prime Rib au jus

Popular dish

Roast Prime Rib

Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (912)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine, or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner, or simply wanting to enjoy an excellent culinary experience - we will create a safe and memorable evening for you. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

KariVIP

Dined 4 days ago

As always, this place is consistent and the service is great. We love Sarah and Tiffany!

Tribute Eatery & Bar

4.8

4.8 (15)

$30 and under

American

Coralville

About the restaurant

Tribute Eatery & Bar specializes in delightful sandwiches and putting a unique twist on timeless favorites. Step inside and you'll be warmly welcomed by our friendly staff. Come prepared with a hearty appetite to savor our delicious bites and a variety of exceptional cocktails, wines, and beers. Our venue is full of charm, vibrant energy, and a fun atmosphere, ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable experience!

Top review

Alex

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

I always enjoy dining at Tribute, whether it be for brunch or dinner. The food and drinks are always delicious, and the service is impeccable! I highly recommend dining at Tribute.

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