Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Des Moines

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Des Moines? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Proudfoot & Bird

4.7

4.7 (688)

$50 and over

Global, International

Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Doug

Dined 3 days ago

Staff was friendly and helpful. The duck was to die for.

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Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

4.9

4.9 (137)

$30 and under

American

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Catherine

Dined 3 days ago

If you're seeking a warm ambience and friendly servers, check out this wonderful restaurant in Valley Junction - West Des Moines!

Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (906)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine, or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner, or simply wanting to enjoy an excellent culinary experience - we will create a safe and memorable evening for you. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

KariVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Always good. Tiffany and Andres are our favorites. Excellent service, as always.

In Confidence Speakeasy

4.4

4.4 (20)

$30 and under

Speakeasy

Des Moines

About the restaurant

For Large reservations or other inquiries please call 515-528-7733 x 4627 f=

SPEAKEASY BAR IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DES MOINES

Hotel 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!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Great bar! Only thing is we saw it was happy hour between 5-7pm but we got there at 645pm and was told it was over. Drinks were still great!

801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (3179)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Austin

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing, huge shoutout to ben and quinn both amazing guys made our night that much better lovely place best place in iowa you could ever take that special someone!

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Popular dish

Grand Marnier Souffle

Popular dish

Sliced Prime Rib au jus

Popular dish

Roast Prime Rib

Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar

4.9

4.9 (317)

$30 and under

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar serves comfort food with local flair in a historic building on Main Street in Grinnell, Iowa. Prairie Canary was opened in September 2012 and is currently owned by Chef, Paul Durr. Located in the city of Grinnell, also known as “The Jewel of the Prairie” and home to Grinnell College, Prairie Canary provides a gathering place where guests can enjoy Midwestern flavors in an inviting, understated atmosphere that speaks to the colors and textures of the Iowa prairie.
Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar is all about being local. From the name of the restaurant to the dishes on which the food is served, effort was taken to showcase local talent and area producers. Enjoy your meal on hand-thrown plates and bowls. Sit at hand-made hickory tables. Savor farm-fresh produce grown just miles away. Sip on an Iowa wine or pint of beer. We look forward to seeing you!

Top review

Matt

Dined on Nov 10, 2024

Great food and attentive waitstaff. Overall fun evening.

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Popular dish

Iowa Chop

Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.6

4.6 (850)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Amelia

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and experience overall! Highly recommend!

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4.7

4.7 (375)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Grimes

About the restaurant

Welcome to Destination Grille. A contemporary, upscale yet casual restaurant that reminds us of travels and destinations around the globe. We are an experience like non-other!

Please join us Monday through Saturday from 11am-9pm and Sundays 11am-8pm.

Don't forget to join us for a night cap Fridays and Saturdays, our bars remain open until 11pm on both levels!

We have a lot of options with a fabulous ambience on each level, but it can be overwhelming your first time, please call if you have any questions!

Top review

Rob

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Very good evening for our birthday celebration. Our server Sam was excellent and attentive. Fun for all!

Alba Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (407)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

BillVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Great service, incredible food. All the dishes were excellent. The Beef Stroganoff was the hit of the night!

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

4.7

4.7 (1196)

$30 and under

American

Clive

About the restaurant

Experience the perfect fusion of award-winning wines, Napa-style tasting rooms, and modern casual dining at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine influenced by international flavors from our scratch kitchen. Each dish is expertly paired with our selection of wines for the best food and wine match. Whether you explore the tasting room for a pre- or post-dinner adventure or join the world's largest wine club, we believe in the power of food and wine to create lasting connections. Dining reservations are highly recommended, but walk-in guests are always welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.

Top review

Jeff

Dined today

Great food, great service, loud in the restaurant

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Popular dish

House-Made Truffles

Popular dish

Cooper's Hawk Chocolate Cake

Experience

Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm

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