Best restaurants near me in Ames, IA

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Top Rated

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

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BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

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Wheelchair access

40 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Noir

4.7

Exceptional(105)

$$$$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

4.4

Awesome(16)

$$$$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

4.8

Exceptional(1310)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Clive

Booked 71 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. Oceanside Grill

new

4.2

Awesome(9)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Ankeny

Booked 1 time 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.

5. 30hop Ankeny

4.7

Exceptional(11)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Ankeny

Booked 3 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

A photo of Bar Louie - Jordan Creek restaurant

6. Bar Louie - Jordan Creek

3.6

Very Good(10)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Des Moines

Booked 4 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.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines restaurant

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

4.7

Exceptional(944)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • West Des Moines

Booked 30 times today

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(825)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 52 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 Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines restaurant

9. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(1898)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • West Des Moines

Booked 32 times today

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American Restaurant and Steakhouse serving authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and select wines. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio for drink specials and bar bites. We offer top-notch service and upscale dining at a modest price. Reserve Your Table with us today.

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

10. 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.

Dining near Ames, IA at a glance

Updated on 4/29/2025

Wasabi - Johnston

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From verified diners like you

M
Mary
Iowa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had the calamari appetizer which was very good. The calamari was tender and the sweet Thai dressing was delicious. The pasta and mussels was loaded with mussels. Our only issue was the person who order the pasta dish needed a spoon for the pasta. We asked the waitress, but she was so busy that she forgot. Our other meals, bacon wrapped shrimp, shrimp tacos and shrimp poor boy again we're loaded with shrimp and delicious also. We'd order all of them again.
More info
Oceanside GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Ankeny
•
4.2
C
Chad
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was a super busy Friday night yet the food and service remained excellent. We highly recommend the tuna bowl! Love the new location’s character and ambiance! Keep up the great work!
More info
30hop AnkenyPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Ankeny
•
4.7
J
John
Iowa •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Overall, a great dining experience. Food was excellent with great service.
More info
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IAPrice: Moderate• American• Clive
•
4.8
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.
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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!
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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 113 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. Oceanside Grill

5. 30hop Ankeny

6. Bar Louie - Jordan Creek

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

8. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

9. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines

10. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

Dining near Ames, IA at a glance

Wasabi - Johnston

American

See what locals rave about

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