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

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

Booked 5 times 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

4.4

Awesome(16)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Ames

Booked 1 time today

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(1329)

$$$$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.

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

4. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.9

Exceptional(3231)

$$$$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.

5. 30hop Ankeny

4.7

Exceptional(13)

$$$$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

6. Oceanside Grill

new

4.3

Awesome(10)

$$$$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

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

4.6

Exceptional(954)

$$$$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 The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

8. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(828)

$$$$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!

9. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1233)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

“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 Bar Louie - Jordan Creek restaurant

10. Bar Louie - Jordan Creek

3.8

Excellent(10)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Des Moines

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.

Dining near Ames, IA at a glance

Updated on 5/12/2025

Wissota Chophouse - Ottumwa

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From verified diners like you

R
Ryan
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always good food and service…drinks were perfect and taste of barrel reserve is always delicious!
More info
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IAPrice: Moderate• American• Clive
•
4.7
C
Carole
Iowa •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
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
K
Kristin
Iowa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
A+++ Always delicious with by far the best steaks & food in Des Moines Always fun with the best people who make it a very enjoyable experience Always the perfect choice for any and all occasions
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.9
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

Frequently asked questions

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

There are 114 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

40 restaurants available nearby

1. Noir

2. Red Lobster - Ames

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

4. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

5. 30hop Ankeny

6. Oceanside Grill

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

8. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

9. Fresko

10. Bar Louie - Jordan Creek

Dining near Ames, IA at a glance

Wissota Chophouse - Ottumwa

American

See what locals rave about

Frequently asked questions

What cuisines are available near me in Iowa?

How many restaurants are on OpenTable in Iowa?

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