Best restaurants near me in Ames, IA

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

Wheelchair access

41 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(106)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Lounge • Ames

Booked 1 time today

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

4.5

Awesome(17)

$$$$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

4.7

Exceptional(1341)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Clive

Booked 93 times today

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. 30hop Ankeny

4.7

Exceptional(13)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Ankeny

Booked 4 times today

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

5. Oceanside Grill

4.1

Excellent(11)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Ankeny

Booked 3 times today

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 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

6. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.9

Exceptional(3237)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 38 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.

7. Wasabi - Ankeny

4.5

Awesome(67)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Des Moines

Booked 5 times today

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.

A photo of Bar Louie - Jordan Creek restaurant

8. Bar Louie - Jordan Creek

3.8

Excellent(10)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Des Moines

Booked 3 times today

At Bar Louie, we're passionate about delivering flavor packed experiences. Defined by our award-winning handcrafted martinis and cocktails, our lunch, dinner and happy hours elevate the top-shelf bar experience. In a vibrant atmosphere energized by our local community, we serve all guests looking to create unforgettable moments - making us the go-to-spot for all occasions, from a spontaneous happy hour hangout to a celebratory spot for milestone events.

9. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1235)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 43 times today

“Fresko” meaning “fresh” inspires our creation of seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Fresko makes natural food from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. The culinary team prepares product from start to finish applying natural time honored techniques with care at every step. This enriches the flavorful and nutritious product we serve and benefits our community. Fresko believes we are what we eat and eating well means living well.Fresko features a splendid assortment of original cocktails with a deep spirits menu and a beer program with sixteen beers on tap in addition to bottles and cans. Fresko's wine menu focuses on quality selections at a great value to our guests.

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

10. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(829)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 53 times today

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!

Dining near Ames, IA at a glance

Updated on 5/30/2025

Wissota Chophouse - Ottumwa

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From verified diners like you

D
Dakota
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our server was absolutely amazing especially with all of the children at our table. Kelsey is always so great at making sure everything comes out perfectly and timely.
More info
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IAPrice: Moderate• American• Clive
•
4.7
B
Barbara
Iowa •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
Great period whiskey/music bar atmosphere, delicious drinks, great music and good limited menu for food if you wish. Perfect date night experience.
More info
NoirPrice: Moderate• Lounge• Ames
•
4.7
L
Loren
Minneapolis - St. Paul •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 16, 2025
A very good experience. Our waiter (Ian) was a pleasure, he understand customer satisfaction and does so with a very nice smile. Food was solid and prepared very well (sometimes the Coconut Shrimp gets overcooked, but not tonight), delightful.
More info
Red Lobster - AmesPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Ames
•
4.5
C
Carole
Iowa •48 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
really good service and wonderful food. had reservation and already had our table set waiting for us
More info
30hop AnkenyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Ankeny
•
4.7
S
SteveVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
Great service and food. Need better quality wine glasses.
More info
Oceanside GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Ankeny
•
4.1

Frequently asked questions

Here are the most popular cuisines: American, Steakhouse, Contemporary American, Farm-to-table, Italian and many more.

There are 115 restaurants on OpenTable in Iowa.

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Best restaurants near me in Ames, IA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

41 restaurants available nearby

1. Noir

2. Red Lobster - Ames

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

4. 30hop Ankeny

5. Oceanside Grill

6. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

7. Wasabi - Ankeny

8. Bar Louie - Jordan Creek

9. Fresko

10. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

Dining near Ames, IA at a glance

Wissota Chophouse - Ottumwa

American

See what locals rave about

Frequently asked questions

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