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Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Des Moines

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OpenTable
Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best service 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!


A photo of Aura Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
Aura Restaurant & Lounge
5.0
5 (196)
$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
Lynda
Dined 3 days ago
We had an awesome dinner! Quality of food is very good and dollar value for the food is great. Drinks were very pricey. Also great, but pricey. Service awesome!!! We sat outside on a beautiful night. Patio needs some work with ambiance. Indoor was nice. We may treat ourselves again on a special occasion.
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A photo of September Wine Dinner of a restaurant
Experience
September Wine Dinner
A photo of Happy Hour Everyday! of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour Everyday!
A photo of Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines restaurant
Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines
4.9
4.9 (886)
$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
Scottvip
Dined 6 days ago
Food is always good. Winston, our server always makes it special.
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A photo of Taste of Piedmont: 5 Course Wine Dinner of a restaurant
Experience
Taste of Piedmont: 5 Course Wine Dinner
A photo of 4-Course Wine Dinner featuring Far Niente of a restaurant
Experience
4-Course Wine Dinner featuring Far Niente
A photo of Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar restaurant
Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar
4.8
4.8 (310)
$30 and under
American
Des Moines
About the restaurant
Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar serves comfort food with local flair in a historic building on Main Street in Grinnell, Iowa. Prairie Canary was opened in September 2012 and is currently owned by Chef, Paul Durr. Located in the city of Grinnell, also known as “The Jewel of the Prairie” and home to Grinnell College, Prairie Canary provides a gathering place where guests can enjoy Midwestern flavors in an inviting, understated atmosphere that speaks to the colors and textures of the Iowa prairie.
Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar is all about being local. From the name of the restaurant to the dishes on which the food is served, effort was taken to showcase local talent and area producers. Enjoy your meal on hand-thrown plates and bowls. Sit at hand-made hickory tables. Savor farm-fresh produce grown just miles away. Sip on an Iowa wine or pint of beer. We look forward to seeing you!

Top review
BackBayGalvip
Dined on Aug 31, 2024
Super yummy feta tomato soup and burgers! But the highlight was our lovely server, Faye! So warm and welcoming!
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A photo of Iowa Chop of a restaurant
Popular dish
Iowa Chop
A photo of Proudfoot & Bird restaurant
Proudfoot & Bird
4.7
4.7 (660)
$50 and over
Global, International
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
Steve
Dined today
Had a very nice experience, our service was great, the good was superb, the atmosphere was fantastic
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A photo of Crispy Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Frites
A photo of Kung Pao Octopus of a restaurant
Popular dish
Kung Pao Octopus
A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant
801 Chophouse – Des Moines
4.9
4.9 (3131)
$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
Timvip
Dined 5 days ago
The service was outstanding with the food matching.
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A photo of Sliced Prime Rib au jus of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sliced Prime Rib au jus
A photo of Roast Prime Rib of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roast Prime Rib
A photo of Filet Mignon 12oz of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon 12oz
A photo of Bar Nico restaurant
Bar Nico
4.8
4.8 (71)
$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
Mike
Dined 5 days ago
The food was great and the spicy Margaritas were terrific! Our server Izzy took good care of us. We had a great time!
A photo of AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino restaurant
AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino
4.8
4.8 (1069)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Des Moines
About the restaurant
AJ’s Steakhouse proudly serves renowned Iowa steaks and chops, seafood and poultry in a classy, yet comfortably casual, atmosphere. Located inside Iowa's premier gaming and entertainment venue, AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows invites you to enjoy some of the best American cuisine you'll find anywhere in central Iowa. We promise that our outstanding menu and attentive service will leave you truly satisfied.

Join us soon for an unforgettable dining experience you won’t find anywhere else. Check out our full menu online. Then stop in and indulge yourself with all that our award-winning chefs can prepare for you.

Book your next big event at the AJ’s Steakhouse Party Room. A comfortable room, elegant table setting, customized menu with world-class wines, and dedicated staff providing gracious service.
Top review
Leon
Dined on Aug 30, 2024
Great food as always. Great Prime rib special very tender and delicious. They have brought in the nice Caymus Cabernet wine as I suggested. Family dinner with my nephew and everyone enjoyed the steaks and food overall. Nah (sp) was a great server and she took very well care of us and our experience. A hidden Gem of a great steakhouse/fine dining venue. Seth at the bar is always very pleasant and accommodating! AJs is a great place for fine dining at a reasonable price!
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A photo of Prime Rib Sandwich of a restaurant
Popular dish
Prime Rib Sandwich
A photo of French Onion Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
French Onion Soup
A photo of Splash Seafood Bar and Grill restaurant
Splash Seafood Bar and Grill
4.8
4.8 (1946)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Downtown Des Moines
About the restaurant
DiRoNA award winning Splash Seafood Bar & Grill serves only the freshest seafood flown in daily and expertly prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles. Splash Seafood bar and Grill also serve the Midwest's finest cuts of steaks and chops with the same care as they give the seafood. Be pampered by the highly experienced wait staff in one of Des Moines most unique and elegant dining rooms surrounded by whimsical wall murals as well as 9 large salt water aquariums. Splash Seafood offers an extensive wine list, recognized with an Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, as well as a full bar specializing in tropical drinks. Also enjoy a more laid back atmosphere in the raw bar, Splash Oyster Bar & Seafood Market, just across the hallway from Splash Seafood. Enjoy all the fresh oysters and shellfish that the raw bar has to offer as well as the full menu from Splash Seafood. Also be sure to take advantage of the raw bars Seafood Market to enjoy the freshest seafood at home.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined on Aug 20, 2024
Totally worth it! My husband and I have never had a bad meal! So very delicious!
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A photo of Chilean Seabass of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chilean Seabass
A photo of Sea Scallop (2) of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sea Scallop (2)
A photo of Sriracha Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sriracha Scallops
A photo of Alba Restaurant restaurant
Alba Restaurant
4.8
4.8 (393)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Des Moines
About the restaurant
Alba offers a creative culinary twist on traditional American cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, the finest cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits, vegetables and herbs. Our menu changes often, we invited you to join us to discover a new favorite.
Top review
Markvip
Dined on Aug 31, 2024
Dinner was excellent and service suburb. The daily special was really special.
A photo of Fresko restaurant
Fresko
4.8
4.8 (1152)
$30 and under
Farm-to-table
Des Moines
About the restaurant
“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.
Top review
Mikevip
Dined 3 days ago
Sat at bar, great service, excellent food. I would highly recommend this restaurant
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A photo of Steak Sandwich of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Sandwich
A photo of AM Tacos of a restaurant
Popular dish
AM Tacos
A photo of Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Salmon
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