Best restaurants near me in Altoona, IA

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

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Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

42 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino restaurant

1. AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino

4.4

Awesome(1140)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Des Moines

Booked 4 times today

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.

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

2. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(825)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 56 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!

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

3. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.9

Exceptional(3225)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 34 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.

4. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1230)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 26 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.

5. Eatery A

4.8

Exceptional(557)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Des Moines

Booked 21 times today

Eatery A is Des Moines's destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients, we strive to offer our guests exotic flavor profiles that let the ingredients take center stage.

A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant

6. Mulberry Street Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(592)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Des Moines

Booked 8 times today

Mulberry Street Tavern brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to Downtown Des Moines. Once a hub for the city transit, it is now adorned with rich woods, leather, and a zinc bar that create a warm and timeless social destination. The open-hearth kitchen produces shareable worldly tavern fare, hearty entrees and, hands down, the best burger in Des Moines. Enjoy perfect classic cocktails, eclectic award-winning wines, and interesting regional and foreign beers on draught.

7. Alba Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(425)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 9 times today

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.

8. Proudfoot & Bird

4.9

Exceptional(716)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Global, International • Des Moines

Booked 10 times today

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.

9. The Latin King

4.6

Exceptional(233)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Des Moines

Booked 8 times today

The Latin King restaurant was founded in 1947 by Rose and Jim Pigneri, who immigrated from Terravecchia, Italy to Des Moines. Rose and Jim wanted to bring authentic Italian fare to Des Moines and began this undertaking in earnest upon selling their home to finance the Latin King restaurant lease, which had previously operated as the Cinderella Sandwich Shop (circa 1930) and the Chanticleer Restaurant (circa 1937). Pigneri named the Latin King after New York City’s Latin Quarter and operated the Latin King for 35 years, notably taking only 10 days of vacation time during his tenure. Pigneri sold the Latin King to his third cousin Bob Tursi in 1983.

10. Bar Nico

4.8

Exceptional(94)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Des Moines

Booked 7 times today

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.

Dining near Altoona, IA at a glance

Updated on 4/29/2025

Wasabi - Johnston

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American

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From verified diners like you

P
Paul
Iowa •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great dining option to celebrate special occasions! Food was delicious and specials were outstanding
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.9
M
MarikaVIP
Nebraska •66 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The large selection of vegetarian options is so great. Service might have been considered slow, but allowed for uninterrupted conversation.
More info
Eatery APrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Des Moines
•
4.8
E
Erin
Iowa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 21, 2025
I have been to the new location a handful of times and it’s an amazing experience. The cocktails are spectacular and the food is delicious. The only downfall I have is how difficult it is to get into now. For two people on a weekday, you need a reservation. If you don’t have a reservation, they make you feel less than desirable. If you do have a reservation, they tell you that you need to be out by a certain time. The old location was comfortable, welcoming and reliable. I won’t stop coming because the drinks and food are fabulous, however I hope that they get their occupancy under control.
More info
The Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines
•
4.7
D
Debbie
Iowa •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 21, 2025
Ordered the squash salad with grilled chicken. Very fresh lettuce. Excellent flavor and service was fast. Definitely will go back to try several other items on the menu.
More info
FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
•
4.7
G
georgeVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
Prompt, efficienr, and friendly service. Good food at good price.
More info
AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows CasinoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Des Moines
•
4.4

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

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Best restaurants near me in Altoona, IA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

42 restaurants available nearby

1. AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino

2. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

3. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4. Fresko

5. Eatery A

6. Mulberry Street Tavern

7. Alba Restaurant

8. Proudfoot & Bird

9. The Latin King

10. Bar Nico

Dining near Altoona, IA at a glance

Wasabi - Johnston

American

See what locals rave about

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