Alba Restaurant

Alba Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. p

   paige VIP

   Des Moines4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 19, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was a wonderful place for a birthday celebration.
   

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2. J

   Joshua

   Des Moines1 review

   1.0

   Dined on April 5, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   While at Alba, my partner and I had New York strips with sides of potato pave and their diced potato option. The steaks initially had to be sent back after ordering them rare, which were received as medium/well done. We waited quite a while for the waiter to check on us to send them back. We did receive rare steaks the next round but they were nothing extra ordinary. Despite being rare, the steaks were still brownish in the middle indicating that they were not the freshest cuts. Though the steaks were underwhelming, especially for the price, the potato pave was very good. The sides did have to be ordered separately at the cost of some entrees at other restaurants though, which was off putting. I've only ever seen that at very high end steak houses, which Alba unfortunately is not. They used what seemed to be carpet samples for coasters and poured their wine under the the widest part of my glass (which may just be a nitpick as I do enjoy my alcohol, but gave me the impression of being a bit stingy). In all, the place had a nice vibe to it, but was well overpriced for what you get. I may come back to try other entrees sometime in the future, but it will not be high on my list.
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Minneapolis1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 30, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I typically encounter only a handful of truly exceptional dishes each year—those I’d rate a perfect 10 out of 10. During my recent visit to Alba, I experienced two of them in a single evening. The potato pavé and the gnocchi were absolutely outstanding. The hanger steak was cooked to perfection, complemented beautifully by a rich mushroom brandy sauce that elevated the dish even further. Given the exceptional quality of the food, I was genuinely surprised by how reasonably priced everything was. While Alba isn’t a budget restaurant, I’ve paid significantly more for meals that were nowhere near as memorable. Alba has firmly secured a spot in my top 10 restaurants of all time. If you’re in town, I highly recommend making a visit—you won’t be disappointed.
   

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4. J

   Joe

   Des Moines4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 27, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful evening try the seasonal dishes, good apps and cocktails as well.
   

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5. D

   Denise

   Des Moines4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 23, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We actually ate in the bar - happy hour is 4-6, and they had 1/2 price glasses of wine and some pretty good 1/2 price appetizers and a $8 burger/fries special.
   

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6. J

   Jean VIP

   Washington DC48 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on March 9, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 1

   Loved the dinner menu, but unfortunately the chicken was barely warm. Also, the noise level is one of the worst I have ever experienced. We were yelling to try & communicate.
   

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7. E

   Eric

   Hawaii3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 4, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Everything was wonderful. Food is always excellent.
   

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8. G

   Geoff

   Des Moines5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 23, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food. Great service. The menu was somewhat limited but what we ordered was really good. Definitely a great spot for a night out as a couple or with friends. A little pricier that it probably should be but that seems to be how everything is now.
   

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9. L

   Logan

   Denver1 review

   4.0

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Came for the Valentines Day experience. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was very nice. Our waitress was incredible and very considerate. At the start of the meal, she made sure we understood what all the menu items were what they came with and was just all in all very friendly. I definitely would recommend and will be visiting again.
   

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10. M

    Mark

    Des Moines4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    The food, atmosphere, and service are consistently excellent. The creativity of the chef is to be commended. We appreciate the seasonal changes as well. Having two different portions size options is great. It lets us try more things.
    

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