Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in Iowa

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in Iowa? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses 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 book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

4.8 (690)

$50 and over

Global, International

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private areas available, seating eight and ten guests respectfully.

Top review

Dined 3 days ago

Delectable food and excellent service! Upscale ambience.

Discover more

Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

4.9

4.9 (138)

$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

Catherine

Dined on 18 Dec 2024

If you're seeking a warm ambience and friendly servers, check out this wonderful restaurant in Valley Junction - West Des Moines!

Twin Springs Supper Club

4.9

4.9 (815)

$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

Abbie

Dined 7 days ago

Thank you so much for making our anniversary dinner such a great experience. The food and service were great. Happy Holidays🥂

Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (908)

$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

Amy

Dined 4 days ago

Food was good but extremely overpriced. Wait staff was very attentive. Tables were tucked in very tight so not much privacy. I really like this steakhouse and have been numerous times before. Perhaps it was just extremely crowded with the holiday and the environment felt different but for some reason I felt a little abused at paying $600 to feed 5 people…no drinks involved.

CRAVE - Sioux City

4.8

4.8 (762)

$31 to $50

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

KathyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Our server went above and beyond tonight. We asked for bread with our meal. Apparently in the entire restaurant there is no bread available, odd. The server asked the chef and returned with toasted dinner rolls to eat with our pasta. We appreciated her extra effort. Come on Crave, serve bread with dinner.

Martini's Grille

4.8

4.8 (1122)

$31 to $50

Steak

Burlington

About the restaurant

Martini's Grille is the Great American Steakhouse featuring top quality Midwest beef and pork, fresh seafood daily, and world-famous Chicken Lips! The cocktail list includes over 50 classic and designer cocktails. The panoramic view of the Mississippi is perfect for casual dining or upscale private parties and wine dinners. In addition, Martini's features a patio during the summer months and an upscale venue for private events.

Top review

BernardVIP

Dined on 18 Dec 2024

Had a very pleasant evening. Had the opportunity to speak with Jamie and Bart.

Discover more

Popular dish

Petite Filet

In Confidence Speakeasy

4.4

4.4 (20)

$30 and under

Speakeasy

Des Moines

About the restaurant

For Large reservations or other inquiries please call 515-528-7733 x 4627 f=

SPEAKEASY BAR IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DES MOINES

Hotel Fort Des Moines brings the Prohibition-era feel to downtown Des Moines - In Confidence. Enjoy our hidden secret with a curated wine collection and crafted cocktails.
Enjoy your downtime in a unique casual setting deserving of the Great Gatsby himself!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 23 Nov 2024

Great bar! Only thing is we saw it was happy hour between 5-7pm but we got there at 645pm and was told it was over. Drinks were still great!

801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (3182)

$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

Chrissy

Dined 2 days ago

This was such a perfect Xmas eve dinner! We got the little booth in the corner and loved every minute of it 😍

Discover more

Popular dish

Grand Marnier Souffle

Popular dish

Sliced Prime Rib au jus

Popular dish

Roast Prime Rib

Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at the Rhythm City Casino

4.7

4.7 (1599)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Davenport

About the restaurant

Ruthie’s is a high rise, fine dining experience. With a beautiful view (especially during the sunset hours), it’s the perfect place for your next birthday, anniversary, or special occasion meal. Our steak and seafood options are top notch. From lamb to lobster to filet mignon, we only serve the best at our establishment. We even serve gluten and nut free choices, so you won’t have to worry about indulging with us. All you need to bring is good company for a great evening.

Top review

Nancy

Dined 2 days ago

Enjoyed another dinner at Ruthie’s. Excellent service and food. Beautiful setting. Have to appreciate a restaurant that creates an environment allowing for communication; ceiling, carpet, upholstered chairs, tablecloths. The only place in town where the decibels are acceptable. Elegant and enjoyable.

Discover more

Popular dish

Lobster Bisque

Popular dish

Filet Medallions & Shrimp

Popular dish

Atlantic Salmon

Table 32

4.8

4.8 (530)

$30 and under

American

Sioux City

About the restaurant

We have worked diligently to develop a unique atmosphere here at Table 32. Not just with our décor and physical structure of the amazing vintage backdrop of the old Creamery building dating back to the early 1900’s. We have also put our minds together to develop our food and drink menus as well as focusing on the “craft” of the recipes themselves. We are focused on real ingredients and hand crafting them into something truly delicious. Then it comes down to providing you, our guest, a fun and relaxing dining experience without all the expectations of fine dining. We are working with our staff to develop a culture that promotes great people, great fun and amazing food and drink.

Top review

BurkeVIP

Dined on 6 Dec 2024

The steaks, potatoes, vegetables, cocktails, and dessert were all 5 stars. Service is always 5 stars, as well.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Iowa

Explore more Diners' Choice lists