One Iowa Eatery Made the 2025 List of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

USA Today has released their annual Restaurants of the Year list, and one Iowa restaurant has made the cut!

The cool thing about USA Today's 2025 Restaurants of the Year list is that it isn't filled with a bunch of super fancy, super expensive restaurants in major cities. It includes places all over the map! The article reads:

"...this year’s USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year isn’t just another list of hot spots with monthslong waits for reservations in major metros like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. It’s a celebration of local flavors and stories, curated by reporters from across the country who know that a meal of Italian cuisine in Mamaroneck can be just as rewarding as one in Manhattan."

Out of the 44 restaurants to make the list, there is exactly ONE Iowa restaurant:

Oak Park in Des Moines!

Oak Park, located at 3901 Ingersoll Ave, just came on the culinary scene in the second half of 2023. According to the Des Moines Register, the design of the brand new building was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie-style architecture. The space is a solarium, which allows for tons of natural light. Other features include a cozy lounge area, acorn-shaped lighting, a fireplace, local artwork, a wine room, and a chef's table that's located right in the kitchen.

As far as the staff goes, Oak Park has a huge team of experts that includes Executive Chef Ian Robertson, Guest Relations Manager Lea Fitzgerald, Wine Director Sam Tuttle, Bar Manager Richard May, Executive Pastry Chef Jess Robertson, and more. The team goes above and beyond to create "an inviting and refined experience in culinary recreation and impeccable service" for their customers.

Ok, let's talk about the most important part of a great restaurant... the food. One of the things that sets Oak Park apart from other eateries is their on-site garden, which they utilize for fresh, seasonal ingredients. And, every dish looks like an individual work of art!

The menu at Oak Park changes often, but the Des Moines Register recommends dishes like the Potato Gnocchi, the Caviar Cone, the Bacon-Glazed Chop, and the Carrot Wellington. Oh, and don't forget dessert! Current options include the Fried Bread Pudding, Lemon Cheesecake, the Coconut & Lime Sundae, and the $100 Banana Split! The $100 Banana Split consists of "pistachio, banana saffron, and foie gras ice creams served with champagne mousse, gold leaf, various accoutrements and finished off with armagnac caviar, shaved chocolate truffle, and a special Oak Park spoon to take with you!"

If you want to check out Oak Park, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can make a reservation online HERE.

Other Midwest restaurants that made USA Today's list include:

• Bodhi - Indianapolis, Indiana
• Roots Eatery and Pub - Wolcott, Indiana
• Mabel Gray - Hazel Park, Michigan
• Tomato Brothers - Howell, Michigan
• The Aperture - Cincinnati, Ohio
• Agni - Columbus, Ohio
• Social at the Stone House - Massillon, Ohio
• Sanaa's Gourmet Mediterranean - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Three Brothers - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• BroKogi Korean Fusion Restaurant - Stevens Point, Wisconsin