Iowa is Home to One of the Best ‘Hidden Gem’ Restaurants in the U.S.

USA Today recently put out a list of the best "hidden gem" restaurants across America, and there's one Iowa spot that made the cut!

USA Today used their network of food writers from all over the U.S. to come up with their list, which features a total of 14 restaurants. Of those 14 eateries, four are in the Midwest, and only one is here in the Hawkeye State. It's called Alba.

Alba

Located at 524 E 6th St in Des Moines, Alba's website describes the business as "an upscale American restaurant & bar featuring reclaimed ceiling doors for a perfect dining experience." It was opened by Jason Simon back in 2008, and the building he chose is pretty unique... it's a renovated 1950s auto garage and car dealership!

Susan Stapleton of the Des Moines Register is the writer who chose Alba for the list, but she's not the only one that's given the restaurant some national attention. Susan writes:

"...the restaurant earned three nominations for a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Midwest in 2010 for [Jason] Simon and 2016 and 2017 for former chef Joe Tripp."

Owner Jason is still at the helm in Alba's kitchen, while Matt Small is currently serving as the sous chef. The constantly-changing menu "offers a creative culinary twist on traditional American cuisine" with "fresh seasonal ingredients, the finest cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits, vegetables, and herbs." 

Alba's Hours

If you want to know what Alba currently has available on their menu, you have to stop into the restaurant and see for yourself! It's open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. For additional information, you can check out Alba's official website HERE.

Other Midwest Hidden Gems

As we mentioned above, only four Midwest restaurants made USA Today's list of the best hidden gems. The other three are:

• La Jalisciense - Detroit, Michigan
• Nick’s Hamburger Shop - Brookings, South Dakota
• Orenda Cafe - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" here in Iowa? Let us know in the comments or by sending us a message on our station app!

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READ MORE: 3 Iowa Chefs, a Bakery, and a Bar Are All Up for Major Awards in 2026