Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Iowa

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

1. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.8

Exceptional(779)

Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 29 times today

The Stuffed Olive in Des Moines is a popular spot for special occasions. Known for its vast martini menu and globally influenced tapas, this place is a hit with its warm and comfortable atmosphere. The reviews are glowing with mentions of excellent cocktails, food, and service. One reviewer even noted the special Valentine’s Day menu was 'on fire', highlighting the restaurant's capability to cater to special events. It's a go-to place for a relaxed dinner, a quiet meal before a show, or a fun evening with friends.

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

2. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

Exceptional(3179)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 25 times today

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.

A photo of Splash Seafood Bar and Grill restaurant

3. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4.5

Awesome(1953)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 2 times today

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill is a perfect place for special occasions. With a DiRoNA award for serving only the freshest seafood, it offers an elegant dining experience. Reviews highlight the excellent service and delicious food, making it a favorite for every occasion. They even go the extra mile to make your special day more memorable, writing "Happy Birthday" on your plate and treating you to a fine bottle of wine.

4. Alba Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(407)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 14 times today

Alba offers a creative culinary twist on traditional American cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, the finest cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits, vegetables and herbs. Our menu changes often, we invited you to join us to discover a new favorite.

5. Eatery A

4.8

Exceptional(542)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Des Moines

Booked 20 times today

Eatery A is Des Moines's destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients, we strive to offer our guests exotic flavor profiles that let the ingredients take center stage.

6. Cooper's On 5th

4.9

Exceptional(138)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Des Moines

Booked 5 times today

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.

7. Baratta's

4.5

Awesome(134)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Des Moines

Baratta’s has been a Des Moines staple for over 50 years and is always welcoming new guests to the table. With multiple locations now open, catering available, and take-out options, there are several ways to enjoy our menu. From celebrating anniversaries and birthdays to fueling kids up before football games and dances, Baratta’s is a tradition that keeps getting better.

A photo of Panka Peruvian Restaurant restaurant

8. Panka Peruvian Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(48)

Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Des Moines

Peruvian flavors are among the most distinctive in the world. Aji Amarillo peppers add indescribable flavors to many of the most popular Peruvian dishes, over 3,000 colorful varieties of potato are native to Peru, with almost 500 national dishes.Panka Peruvian Restaurant serves traditional Peruvian dishes being the Lomo saltado the most popular, part Criollo, part Chifa, Criollo meaning mixed influenced, and Chifa is the cuisine in Peru, which blends influences of Chinese ingredients. At Panka Peruvian Restaurant we like to make you feel like a family like we do in Peru and tell you about our culture and food.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines restaurant

9. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.6

Exceptional(853)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • West Des Moines

Booked 50 times today

Ruth's Chris Steak House is a premier dining establishment renowned for its specialty in serving USDA Prime steaks. Each steak is expertly prepared and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate, ensuring a delicious and unforgettable dining experience. Located in West Des Moines, Ruth's Chris Steak House has been recognized as the 2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner and 2024 Wine Spectator's award recipient, a testament to its commitment to exceptional quality and service. Whether you're a steak aficionado or simply looking for a remarkable dining experience, we invite you to join us and indulge in our award-winning cuisine.

A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines restaurant

10. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(1849)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • West Des Moines

Booked 45 times today

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in West Des Moines is a perfect spot for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to date nights. The restaurant is known for its bold flavors, inviting atmosphere, and excellent service. Patrons rave about the variety on the menu and the attentive service. As one reviewer put it, 'We enjoy eating here and it’s one of our favorite spots.'

‘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

P
Patrick
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing! Great hummus! Seafood ok but it’s Iowa. Patatas bravas are missing the spanish salsa, but food and price were excellent. This is definitely my new favorite place to eat. Thanks
More info
Eatery APrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Des Moines
•
4.8
J
Julie
Iowa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food was excellent. Appreciated that we were offered smaller portions (at a reduced price). Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Made every effort to assure us a pleasant dining experience. Definitely recommend for a special night out.
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.8
D
Dale
Iowa •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We enjoyed the upscale ambience of the new stuffed olive. The food is as good as ever and the service excellent. It’s quiet so you can talk without any difficulty. I like all the different seating choices.
More info
The Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines
•
4.8
D
DanVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •28 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
Great food and service as usual! Danny served us well.
More info
Splash Seafood Bar and GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.5
J
Jake
Phoenix / Arizona •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Sam and the team were excellent. Great date destination with the food, service, and ambiance hitting it out of the park!
More info
Alba RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Des Moines
•
4.8

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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Iowa

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

2. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

3. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4. Alba Restaurant

5. Eatery A

6. Cooper's On 5th

7. Baratta's

8. Panka Peruvian Restaurant

9. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

10. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines

See what locals rave about

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