Since 2024, Iowa’s dining and drinking scene has earned uncommon national attention, with eight restaurants and bars landing on USA TODAY’s prestigious Restaurants of the Year and Bars of the Year lists.
The honorees span the state and showcase its evolving culinary identity — from West Des Moines’ fire-driven fine dining at Prime & Providence to the destination-worthy Texas-style smoking at Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew in rural Luther. Des Moines continues to shine with Oak Park’s hyper-seasonal sophistication and Harbinger’s globally inspired vegetable-forward menus, while Iowa City claims its own standouts through The Webster’s polished Midwestern cooking and Gabe’s iconic music‑bar grit. Even the state’s bar culture is drawing national praise, thanks to the intimate cocktail precision of The Bartender’s Handshake and the nostalgic mid-century charm of Hello, Marjorie.
Together, these eight spots reflect a state pushing its culinary boundaries — and finally getting noticed for it.
USA TODAY’s Restaurants of the Year in Iowa
Prime & Providence
Prime & Providence earned its spot on USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list for redefining fine dining in Iowa through its ambitious live‑fire cooking program and premium ingredients. Opened in 2024 by chef and co-owner Dominic Iannarelli, the restaurant centers on a custom 15-foot hearth that imparts smoky depth to everything from wagyu steaks to rolled lasagna and even a dramatic Caesar salad. The $450,000 grill setup alone signals its commitment to craftsmanship and culinary spectacle. With a luxe oyster bar, top-tier seafood selections, and an eye for theatrical presentation, Prime & Providence elevates West Des Moines’ dining landscape and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with national culinary destinations. Its selection by USA TODAY stems from its blend of innovation, technique and atmosphere — offering diners an experience that feels both cosmopolitan and distinctly Iowan…