10 Best Restaurants in Iowa
The 2026 selection of restaurants in Iowa, presented in the order of the 10 Best destination selection.
Oak Park
Des Moines, United States
Oak Park occupies a contemporary restaurant space on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines, with gardens reinforcing its connection to the seasons. Natural materials and generous light frame a dining room that combines the comfort of a neighbourhood address with an ambitious kitchen. The setting gives Iowa’s agricultural character a clear place in an urban evening out. An à la carte menu moves from seafood crudo, oysters and vegetable dishes to pasta and more substantial mains. A Josper charcoal grill supplies another strand, bringing beef, pork and fish into a repertoire that also gives vegetables considered treatment. Preparations change with the seasons, while dishes such as carrot Wellington show the kitchen’s interest in using familiar forms for different ingredients. Local growers and the restaurant’s own garden help shape the selection. The wine list ranges across established and less familiar regions, with cocktails and alcohol-free drinks offering further choices. Diners can assemble a shorter meal or settle in for several courses. The combination of gardens, contemporary interiors and varied cooking makes Oak Park a useful introduction to Des Moines’ evolving restaurant scene.
Harbinger
Iowa
Aposto
Iowa
Django
Iowa
801 Chophouse Des Moines
Iowa
Centro
Iowa
Cobble Hill
Iowa
Orchard Green
Iowa
Baroncini
Iowa
Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar
Iowa