Best Contemporary American Restaurants in West Des Moines

7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA restaurant

1. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

4.8

Exceptional(1162)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Clive

Booked 113 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

2. Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(213)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Urbandale

Booked 7 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 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 14 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.

4. Alba Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(403)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Des Moines

Booked 14 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 Destination Grille restaurant

5. Destination Grille

4.7

Exceptional(369)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Grimes

Booked 18 times today

Destination Grille in Grimes is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of American culinary diversity. This restaurant is celebrated for its "fantastic" food and "great vibe," with reviewers raving about dishes like the "amazing" scallops and lobster bisque that's "spot on." The ambiance is described as "fabulous" and "perfect," making every meal a memorable event. Guests particularly praise the service, highlighting servers like Kennedy for their knowledge and attentiveness. Whether it’s the gluten-free options or the highly recommended dishes, Destination Grille stands out as a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant

6. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.0

Excellent(664)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Des Moines

Booked 21 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.

7. HoQ

4.6

Exceptional(352)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 2 times today

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.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Davidvip
Las Vegas •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Very good lobster roll was outstanding.Prime rib was done just right
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Destination GrillePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Grimes
•
4.7
T
Toddvip
Indiana •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time, great food, wine, and service. Great to get many tapas items and share. Relaxed atmosphere and will definitely go back!
More info
Aura Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Urbandale
•
4.7
E
Erin
Greater Boston •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Alba consistently delivers a high quality dining experience. Des Moines best restaurant in my book. Really excellent food! The only thing I don’t love is all the hard surfaces makes it loud when it’s busy.
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Alba RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Des Moines
•
4.9
J
Julie
Kansas City / Kansas •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 3, 2024
Dined on a Sunday afternoon. We had a party of 6. The server was very attentive and the pace was just right. We started off with the beignet and cheese curds. Both were excellent. Rum butter dipping sauce for the beignet was delish. The squeaky cheese were fried in a light batter which is how I like it. Had the eggs Benedict which was great. Also try the house rose wine.
More info
Louie's Wine Dive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Des Moines
•
4.5
D
Debra
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined on Oct 18, 2024
Excellent beer options and the food was awesome. Highly recommend!
More info
30hop AnkenyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Ankeny
•
4.6

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West Des Moines

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in West Des Moines

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7 restaurants available nearby

1. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

2. Aura Restaurant & Lounge

3. Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines

4. Alba Restaurant

5. Destination Grille

6. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

7. HoQ

See what locals rave about

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