Best Cozy Restaurants in Ankeny

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanPizzeriaFusion / Eclectic

Regions

Des Moines

Neighborhoods

Des MoinesDowntown Des Moines

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

1. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

Exceptional(3209)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 27 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.

2. Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

Exceptional(706)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Global, International • Des Moines

Booked 12 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.

3. Eatery A

4.8

Exceptional(551)

$$$$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.

4. Alba Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(422)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 4 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 AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino restaurant

5. AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino

4.4

Awesome(1128)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Des Moines

Booked 7 times today

AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino is cozy because of its classy yet comfortably casual atmosphere. Reviewers have mentioned the quiet, private setting, with one stating, 'nice quiet place, very good food and drinks at very affordable prices'. Another highlighted the 'nice quiet area' on a date, which shows the restaurant's ability to provide a comfortable, intimate setting. The restaurant's overall high ratings for ambiance suggest a cozy, enjoyable dining experience.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant

6. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(680)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Des Moines

Booked 14 times today

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. We look forward to seeing you soon! We are currently closed on Monday's

A photo of Splash Seafood Bar and Grill restaurant

7. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1953)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 4 times today

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill is a cozy spot in Downtown Des Moines. Reviewers rave about the 'quiet and cozy' atmosphere, and the 'fantastic' decor, complete with whimsical wall murals and 9 large saltwater aquariums. The 'soft and inviting' seats, the 'fun ambiance', and the 'cool and modern' vibe all contribute to a warm and welcoming environment. It's the perfect place to enjoy 'yummy food', 'excellent service', and a 'nice atmosphere', as one reviewer put it.

8. Bar Nico

4.7

Exceptional(89)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Des Moines

Booked 7 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.

9. Parlor

4.5

Awesome(31)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizza Bar • Des Moines

Booked 4 times today

At Parlor we've created relaxed, social surroundings with family booths, shuffleboard, patio seating, full bar and sports on tv. Reconnect with the simple joy of a cold drink and a hot slice of pizza, or sausages and slaw. Everything is curated for you to enjoy yourself, so what are you waiting for?

A photo of Panka Peruvian Restaurant restaurant

10. Panka Peruvian Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(51)

$$$$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.

‘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

K
KatieVIP
Austin •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Eric was a fantastic waiter. I enjoyed his energy, class and service. His recommendations were spot on.
More info
Proudfoot & BirdPrice: Very Expensive• Global, International• Des Moines
•
4.8
D
DavidVIP
Atlanta •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful family dinner while traveling through Des Moines. We enjoyed all of our food, great service, very attentive! The bread was amazing as well!
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dorset •1 review
4.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Great service. Very attentive staff. But 2 pizzas with a drink each was still over $50 even on happy hour.
More info
Eatery APrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Des Moines
•
4.8
E
Eric
Hawaii •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Everything was wonderful. Food is always excellent.
More info
Alba RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Des Moines
•
4.6
W
William
Iowa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Steak was perfect. Salmon was perfect. Wait staff was excellent.
More info
AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows CasinoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Des Moines
•
4.4

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