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Best Fun Restaurants in Iowa

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946 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant
1. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines
4.7
Exceptional(773)
Price: Moderate
• American • Des Moines
Booked 45 times today
The Stuffed Olive is about the entire “Martini & Tapas Experience.” From your favorite classics to new and exciting blends you’ve never seen before, you’re sure to find a cocktail to love on our vast martini menu. Add a warm, comfortable atmosphere, great wines, beers and top-shelf spirits, and The Stuffed Olive will become your favorite place to start, end or spend your entire evening. Our tapas menu offers appetizer-sized portions of globally influenced entrees, for a sampling and sharing dining experience. Pair tasty tapas with your favorite martini for happy hour, dinner or a late-night snack. We welcome you to sit back, relax, enjoy great food, good conversation and your favorite martini. Welcome to the Stuffed Olive!
A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines restaurant
2. Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines
4.6
Exceptional(202)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Des Moines
Booked 9 times today
Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!
A photo of Fresko restaurant
3. Fresko
4.8
Exceptional(1176)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • Des Moines
Booked 39 times today
“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.
A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant
4. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines
4.8
Exceptional(3166)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines
Booked 29 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 Proudfoot & Bird restaurant
5. Proudfoot & Bird
4.7
Exceptional(675)
Price: Very Expensive
• Global, International • Des Moines
Booked 19 times today
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.
A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant
6. Mulberry Street Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(558)
Price: Expensive
• American • Des Moines
Booked 24 times today
Mulberry Street Tavern brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to Downtown Des Moines. Once a hub for the city transit, it is now adorned with rich woods, leather, and a zinc bar that create a warm and timeless social destination. The open-hearth kitchen produces shareable worldly tavern fare, hearty entrees and, hands down, the best burger in Des Moines. Enjoy perfect classic cocktails, eclectic award-winning wines, and interesting regional and foreign beers on draught.
A photo of In Confidence Speakeasy restaurant
7. In Confidence Speakeasy
4.6
Exceptional(18)
Price: Moderate
• Speakeasy • Des Moines
Booked 15 times today
For Large reservations or other inquiries please call 515-528-7733 x 4627 f=SPEAKEASY BAR IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DES MOINESHotel 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!
A photo of Alba Restaurant restaurant
8. Alba Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(403)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Des Moines
Booked 16 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.
A photo of Splash Seafood Bar and Grill restaurant
9. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill
4.6
Exceptional(1952)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown Des Moines
Booked 16 times today
Splash Seafood Bar and Grill is a fun place because of its unique dining experience, as one reviewer said, 'Splash Seafood is a unique dining experience with Fresh Seafood, great service, and awesome atmosphere!!'. The ambiance is praised for being 'cool and modern' with a 'plethora of adult beverages', and the food, 'amazing! Freshest seafood in the Midwest'. Plus, the seafood is served in both traditional and contemporary styles, so there's something for everyone!
A photo of Bar Nico restaurant
10. Bar Nico
4.7
Exceptional(79)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Des Moines
Booked 24 times today
Our restaurant's mantra is "Sin Maiz, No Hay Pais" meaning "without corn there is no country" as such, our tortillas are hand ground in house from heirloom organic Mexican corn varietals - made daily & cooked to order. As a result of our corn obsession, we have no flour in house & are a completely gluten-free kitchen.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Natalie
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We came in from Omaha to celebrate my partner’s birthday and had a very relaxing and tasty time. I got the dragon noodles and they were delicious, hearty and filling. Our server was friendly, attentive and informative about vegan items, and he treated my partner to a birthday dessert! Thank you!
    More info
    FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
    •
    4.8
  • KEVIN
    Iowa •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    A group of 4 people and all had a great time. Our server Jeffery took great care of us. Great job. We always expect great from Stuffed Olive and are always never disappointed. We will be back again.
    More info
    The Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines
    •
    4.7
  • Jody
    Iowa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Staff and service were great. The food and plating was exquisite with fare pricing.
    More info
    Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Des Moines
    •
    4.6
  • Sadie
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 12, 2024
    My fiancé and I were out tonight to celebrate our engagement and exactly 11 months until our wedding day. Every single staff member was excellent and our waiter, CJ, really went above and beyond to help us celebrate. Not only that but we had the best drinks, appetizers, steaks, and soufflé that you can get in the Midwest. We were amazed by everything and can easily say that the experience was worth every penny.
    More info
    801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
    •
    4.8
  • James
    Iowa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    My wife and I celebrated our 20th Anniversary while dining in. The hotel is beautifully restored revealing its historic charm and that is carried out throughout the restaurant area. Our waitress was fabulous and she really did a great job in making us feel special on our date with added touches to the dessert plate and even providing an unexpected discount. It was much more than we would ever spend on a night out together, but due to the occasion, it was well worth it!
    More info
    Proudfoot & BirdPrice: Very Expensive• Global, International• Des Moines
    •
    4.7

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