Restaurants near Iowa State University

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

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

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

40 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. Noir

4.7

Exceptional(105)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Lounge • Ames

Noir is a prohibition-themed bar dedicated to bringing the class of the roaring 20s back to the present day. At Noir, guests enjoy signature cocktails, friendly staff, and live music from local musicians.

A photo of Red Lobster - Ames restaurant

2. Red Lobster - Ames

4.4

Awesome(16)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Ames

Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo. Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today. Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA restaurant

3. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

4.8

Exceptional(1280)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Clive

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.

4. Oceanside Grill

new

3.5

Very Good(5)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Ankeny

At Oceanside Grill, we are committed to providing our patrons with the freshest seafood and steak around. We have excellent cocktails and menu items for all budgets.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines restaurant

5. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.6

Exceptional(928)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • West Des Moines

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.

A photo of Destination Grille restaurant

6. Destination Grille

4.8

Exceptional(405)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Grimes

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!

7. 30hop Ankeny

4.5

Awesome(9)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Ankeny

Located in the District at Prairie Trail, we pride ourselves on being both unique and inviting with an atmosphere that’s all about kicking back and enjoying the good times! The menu is built to satisfy every craving—from classic comfort foods to bold flavors.Find us:Ankeny, IA Cedar Rapids, IACoralville, IALee's Summit, MOOmaha, NE

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

8. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(820)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

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 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

9. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.9

Exceptional(3216)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

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.

10. Wasabi - Ankeny

4.6

Exceptional(67)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Des Moines

Wasabi serves the highest quality sushi and Asian dishes in the Des Moines area.Hours of Operation:Monday thru Thursday 11:00am to 9:30pm.Friday and Saturday 11:00am to 10:30pm.Sunday 11:00am to 9:00pm.Social Hour Monday thru Friday 3pm - 6pm.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KathleenVIP
Hawaii •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Good always delicious! Great wine selection! Service was excellent!
More info
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IAPrice: Moderate• American• Clive
•
4.8
LW
LizW
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The meal was delicious, my filet was cooked to perfection. The dining room is beautiful and inviting. Dessert…. Yumm
More info
Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• West Des Moines
•
4.6
S
SarahVIP
Iowa •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 15, 2025
Food was great. the service was excellent they don't have a kids menu, but they will grab a menu from their bbq restraunt next door for kids. Such great service
More info
Oceanside GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Ankeny
•
3.5
D
Dadandgirls
Wisconsin •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Modest food menu but flatbread was good. This is a signature cocktail club almost exclusively. They seemed to struggle with the idea of three of our group sharing a wine bottle.
More info
NoirPrice: Moderate• Lounge• Ames
•
4.7
C
Carol
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 26, 2024
We were pleased to have our Red Lobster in Ames, Iowa open on Christmas Day as many dining venues were not. We made a reservation and were seated upon our arrival. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and polite. Our waitress told us her family of eight was sitting at the table across from us. Thank you for being our family on Christmas Day!
More info
Red Lobster - AmesPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Ames
•
4.4

Explore OpenTable

Landmark
Neighborhood
City/Region

Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Calhoun Wildlife Area
Jordan Creek Park
SpringHill Suites Des Moines West
Kolb Memorial Park
DSM Airport
Johnny Clock Museum
Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Legion Park
Edward Edinger House
Des Moines International Airport
Floyd Park
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport Conference Center
Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown
Hotel Fort Des Moines
Jane Springer Sports Field
Jefferson Park
Tanger Outlets Williamsburg
Fonda Opera House Museum
Lucas Mall

Ames

Iowa