Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Des Moines

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

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!

Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines

4.9

4.9 (1050)

$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

KellyGold

Dined 3 days ago

Our server was so great! Had great energy, so fun, and very thoughtful of our experience. Truly made our night!

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5.0

5 (87)

$30 and under

Sushi

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Wasabi is located at 9500 University Avenue in West Des Moines. Chefs at Wasabi serve the highest quality New York style sushi, Japanese fusion dishes. Unique custom cocktails and more.

Top review

Danielle

Dined on Oct 14, 2026

We eat here every time we pass through town ! It’s so good. The spicy egg drop soup is amazing

In Confidence Speakeasy

4.7

4.7 (65)

$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

Char

Dined on Aug 29, 2026

Great place to have a group meet up before heading out to local events - loved the entire experience. NOTE: they do not offer any small plates or food, Thank you

Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

4.8 (855)

$31 to $50

American

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

SharonGold

Dined 6 days ago

our waitress was amazing. atmosphere was 10/10.

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Popular dish

Farmer's Cheese

Popular dish

Sakura Farms Pork Chop

Popular dish

Chicken & Biscuits

30hop Ankeny

5.0

5 (45)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Ankeny

About the restaurant

At 30hop in The District at Prairie Trail, we’re all about good food, good vibes, and great company. Each visit feels fresh and inviting—a place where you can kick back, connect, and enjoy the moment. Our menu satisfies every craving, from classic comfort favorites to bold, globally inspired flavors.

Pair it all with our rotating selection of local craft beers, creative cocktails, and a weekend brunch where sweet meets savory. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch, patio drinks, or dinner with friends, 30hop delivers food for legends and hospitality with heart.

Top review

Marlin

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

The food was very good and there were many choices. Our waitress was excellent and very friendly and knowledgeable, we’ll definitely be back.

Savor by Savor the Rise

4.9

4.9 (21)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Des Moines

About the restaurant

Chef Dale is joining the Savor the Rise team to bring you Savor, the same great quality you've enjoyed with the bakery and cafe, but bringing his years of culinary expertise to bring you an unforgettable dining experience!

Top review

Kathy

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

Great place! We are so happy to support quality food in Indianola.

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

4.7 (329)

$31 to $50

American

Urbandale

About the restaurant

Lively & flavorful tapas along with vibrant cocktails offer a unique shared experience that challenges the traditional. At Aura, it's good vibes only! Our invigorating environment is the perfect place to gather friends & family.

Top review

Dined 3 days ago

The food was perfectly prepared. The ginger dumplings were deliciously seasoned. The elote dip and homemade chips were delightful. The rack of lamb was cooked to perfection. We enjoyed every dish.

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Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.7

4.7 (1281)

$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

Sam

Dined 6 days ago

My server Ruthie was the absolute best! She made sure I had everything I needed throughout my evening and the entire staff made me feel very valued and made sure I was taken care of throughout my meal

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801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (3370)

$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

Alec

Dined 1 day ago

The pinnacle of Des Moines here, bring your checkbook though..

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4.7

4.7 (164)

$30 and under

Mexican

Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Emily

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

We had a lovely dining experience here. It was the first time for us and we ordered a few items to try. Our faves were the chicken empanadas and the rice. Our tacos were also delicious. We both ordered the specialty margarita which complimented the food. The flavors and textures were amazing. Service was on point. Haven't had such attentive service in awhile, which is refreshing. The only thing that felt off was the choice of music, kind if an odd vibe, but it certainly didn't affect our enjoyable experience.

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