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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Iowa

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alba Restaurant restaurant
1. Alba Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(404)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Des Moines
Booked 8 times today
At Alba Restaurant in Des Moines, the steak cuisine is a celebration of both quality and culinary artistry. Diners consistently rave about the exceptional cuts of meat, such as the NY strip stroganoff and the savory Hangar Steak complemented by Alba’s signature steak sauce. One patron enthused, “We had the pear salad as a starter and it was delicious. My son had the duck and I had a side of potatoes. Both were beyond our expectations for wonderful flavor!” Another highlighted, “The cook on my NY Strip was excellent,” showcasing Alba's commitment to perfecting each dish. The frequent menu updates ensure every visit offers a new delight, truly setting Alba apart as a premier destination for steak lovers in Des Moines. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a fine dining experience, Alba promises a meal where every bite is a masterpiece.
A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant
2. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines
4.0
Excellent(664)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Des Moines
Booked 6 times today
Tupelo Honey in Des Moines is a celebration of authentic American Southern cuisine, right in the heart of the city. Praised for its revival of Southern traditions and flavors, the restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere where "the food was great and our server was delightful," as one diner noted. The menu features classics like fried chicken with "honey dust" and shrimp and grits, described as "awesome" by satisfied guests. Patrons consistently laud the "fantastic flavors" of dishes such as the Breakfast Bowl and applaud the impeccable service and "chill atmosphere." It's a must-visit for anyone craving genuine American fare, with reviews raving about how "everything we had was excellent" and the staff being "courteous and attentive." Whether it's a family brunch or a leisurely dinner, Tupelo Honey encapsulates the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary excellence.
A photo of Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines restaurant
3. Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines
4.5
Awesome(852)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Des Moines
Booked 3 times today
Louie's Wine Dive in Des Moines is a treasure trove for wine lovers, boasting a meticulously curated wine list and featured wineboard filled with hard-to-find, quality-focused selections. Patrons rave about the "exceptional bottle of Chardonnay" and commend the wine selection as consistently "good." This Wine Bar sets itself apart with its warm, casually elegant atmosphere, making it the ideal spot for a social gathering of food and wine enthusiasts. Reviewers consistently highlight the enjoyable experience, with one noting, "Really love this place! Wine and spirits selection is really good." Louie's Wine Dive not only promises a delightful wine experience but also complements it with award-winning food, making every visit memorable.
A photo of HoQ restaurant
4. HoQ
4.6
Exceptional(352)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown Des Moines
Nestled in the historic East Village of Des Moines, HoQ epitomizes the essence of farm-to-table dining with a commitment to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Diners rave about the "delicious" lamb shank and the "wonderful" atmosphere, highlighting the restaurant's ability to turn simple dishes into memorable experiences. According to one patron, "Every bite tasted like it had been picked just minutes before." This glowing testament underscores HoQ's dedication to freshness and quality. Whether it's the "fabulous" Mediterranean Bowl or the "exquisite" Free-Range Chicken Burrito, HoQ consistently impresses with its innovative and conscientious cuisine, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic farm-to-table fare in Des Moines.
A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA restaurant
5. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA
4.7
Exceptional(1172)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Clive
Booked 67 times today
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Clive is a pinnacle of Wine Bar cuisine, offering a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. The establishment is renowned for its "Napa-style tasting rooms" and an impressive selection of award-winning wines perfectly paired with each dish. Guests rave about the quality, with one noting, "the wine menu was incredible," underscoring the extensive options available. Another guest celebrated the authenticity of their dining experience, sharing that "the wine tasting room could have had more help," emphasizing the popularity and draw of their wine offerings. Whether it's a casual visit or a special occasion, Cooper's Hawk stands out as a top destination for wine lovers seeking a memorable and authentic Wine Bar experience.
A photo of Aura Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
6. Aura Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(214)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Urbandale
Booked 9 times today
Aura Restaurant & Lounge, nestled in the cozy corners of Urbandale and Clive, is a beacon for Wine Bar aficionados. Renowned for its vibrant selection, the wine menu at Aura is a curated experience that complements their mouth-watering tapas perfectly. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, with glowing reviews highlighting the "exceptional quality" of both food and drink. One diner celebrated the "very good" wine menu, noting how well it paired with their meal choices. The ambiance of Aura, coupled with its top-notch service, ensures a memorable outing. Whether it's a casual evening or a special occasion, Aura’s Wine Bar scene is poised to impress with its sophisticated yet approachable offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a truly exceptional wine and dine experience.
A photo of 30hop Ankeny restaurant
7. 30hop Ankeny
4.6
Exceptional(4)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Ankeny
Booked 2 times today
30hop Ankeny stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine in the heart of Ankeny, offering a dynamic atmosphere matched with a menu that makes every visit memorable. Guests rave about the "Classic burger, cooked exactly as requested" and the innovative "poke bowl" that leaves diners craving more. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its "constantly rotating craft beers" and "crave-able menu items." Reviewers consistently highlight the "friendly staff" and "great experience," with special mentions of dishes like the "Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese and BBQ Bacon Burger," which are both crowd-pleasers. The vibrant, modern ambiance paired with exceptional service makes 30hop Ankeny a must-visit destination for those seeking the best of Contemporary American dining.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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