Top 5 restaurants in Iowa for business dining

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

Understanding Iowa's business dining landscape requires more than anecdotal recommendations—it demands real spending data and authentic insights into where companies actually invest their entertainment budgets. This data-driven approach reveals not just popular venues, but establishments that consistently deliver the professional atmosphere, service quality, and culinary excellence that successful business interactions demand. As Iowa's economy continues to diversify beyond agriculture into technology, finance, and healthcare sectors, the state's dining scene has evolved to meet increasingly sophisticated business entertainment needs.

Understanding Iowa restaurant industry

Iowa's restaurant industry stands as a formidable economic engine, with eating and drinking establishments expected to directly contribute $10.59 billion in output to the state economy in 2024. The sector supports 124,299 employees across 6,435 restaurant locations, generating approximately $7 billion in annual sales. This robust ecosystem benefits from tourism spending that reached $7.3 billion in 2023, creating a dynamic environment where business dining flourishes alongside leisure tourism. The state's culinary landscape reflects its agricultural heritage while embracing contemporary trends, from the growing farm-to-table movement to the integration of diverse international cuisines brought by immigrant communities. This combination of economic strength and culinary diversity provides business professionals with an impressive array of dining options suitable for everything from casual working lunches to high-stakes client entertainment.

Top 5 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on aggregated business expense data from companies across Iowa, these five establishments consistently rank highest for corporate dining expenditures. This ranking reflects actual business spending patterns rather than individual preferences, providing insight into where Iowa companies invest their client entertainment and business meeting budgets. The data reveals a preference for establishments that combine professional ambiance with exceptional service and cuisine quality.

Ruthie's Steak & Seafood

Ruthie's Steak & Seafood operates as the premier fine dining destination within the Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, having opened in 2016 when the casino relocated to its land-based facility. This upscale steakhouse occupies the sixth floor of the resort, offering panoramic views of the Mississippi River through floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant has received Wine Spectator awards for its extensive collection featuring over 300 global labels, with Executive Chef John Reck elevating the dining experience through his expertise in protein preparation and sauce craftsmanship.

Notable facts: The establishment has hosted numerous celebrity diners including country music artists Trace Adkins and Sara Evans following their performances at the casino's event center. Ruthie's sources prime Midwest beef and sustainable seafood, with 78% of ingredients coming from Iowa producers. The restaurant maintains exclusivity with only 120 seats while offering a private dining room that accommodates 40 guests. As part of the Elite Casino Resorts group, Ruthie's operates identical concepts at their Riverside and Grand Falls properties.

Signature dishes:

• Filet Marmalade: 6oz filet with brandy-pork belly marmalade
• Maryland Ribeye: 14oz Delmonico with herbed butter lump crab meat
• Chilean Sea Bass: Black lentils, blue crab, chorizo, snap pea puree
• Australian Lobster Tails: With bread crumbs and clarified lemon butter
• Pheasant Civet Appetizer: Wild mushrooms, port cream, gruyère cheese

Best for: High-stakes client dinners and celebration meals where impressive ambiance matters. The combination of Mississippi River views, award-winning wine program, and sophisticated menu makes this ideal for closing major deals or entertaining VIP clients. The private dining room provides discretion for sensitive business discussions while maintaining the restaurant's upscale atmosphere.

Draft Day Sports Lounge

Draft Day Sports Lounge at Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport opened in 2016 as a high-energy sports bar featuring 29 high-definition screens including a 360-degree projection TV. This casual dining venue has become a regional destination for major sporting events, hosting viewing parties that regularly draw over 500 attendees. Chef Carina Fleetwood leads the culinary team in elevating traditional pub fare using locally sourced ingredients, with 65% of produce coming from Iowa farms.

Notable facts: The restaurant operates extended hours until 1 AM on weekends and features 24 craft beers on tap, including exclusive brews from local Iowa breweries like Toppling Goliath and Great River. The industrial-chic design incorporates reclaimed wood, exposed ductwork, and sports memorabilia. Unique features include stadium-style seating for large groups and an interactive "Pick the Game" system allowing guests to request specific sporting events on any screen.

Signature dishes:

• Signature Gusto Burger: Half-pound patty with garlic aioli and bacon jam
• Neapolitan-Style Pizza: 12-inch pies with house-made dough and local cheeses
• Iowa Pork Belly Tacos: With apple slaw and chipotle crema
• Buffalo Chicken Dip: Slow-smoked chicken, cream cheese, and artisan chips
• Prime Rib French Dip: With au jus and horseradish cream

Best for: Informal team gatherings, client entertainment during major sporting events, and networking happy hours. The venue's extensive screen setup and stadium-style seating make it perfect for hosting larger groups during playoffs or championship games. The casual atmosphere helps break down formal barriers while still offering quality food and service suitable for business entertainment.

Robert's Buffet

Robert's Buffet at Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport opened in 2016 under the culinary direction of Chef Carina Fleetwood. This expansive buffet spans 8,000 square feet with capacity for 300 guests and features seven live cooking stations showcasing Iowa's agricultural bounty. The establishment has received the Casino Culinary Award for "Best Buffet" in the Midwest region three consecutive years (2022-2024) for its innovative approach to buffet dining.

Notable facts: Chef Fleetwood incorporates her Mexican and Italian heritage into the menu while prioritizing local sourcing—85% of proteins and 70% of produce come from within 150 miles. The buffet's gelato station offers 12 rotating flavors made in-house daily using dairy from Anderson Erickson in Des Moines. Robert's operates with unique pricing that includes discounts for seniors and military personnel, while children pay $1 per year of age. With average daily covers exceeding 800, it stands as one of Iowa's highest-volume restaurants.

Signature dishes:

• Prime Rib Carving Station: Herb-roasted with au jus and horseradish cream
• Build-Your-Own Omelets: With 20+ fillings including Graziano's sausage
• House-Made Gelato: 12 rotating flavors like salted caramel and raspberry truffle
• Chicken Vesuvio: Italian-style baked chicken with roasted potatoes
• Midwest Comfort Station: Featuring Iowa sweet corn and pork tenderloin

Best for: Large group events, team celebrations, and casual business lunches where variety and dietary flexibility are priorities. The extensive selection ensures options for every preference and dietary restriction, making it ideal for diverse teams or when entertaining clients with unknown food preferences. The bright, modern atmosphere and reasonable pricing make it accessible for regular team meetings or training sessions.

801 Chophouse

801 Chophouse in Des Moines opened in 1993 at 801 Grand Avenue, becoming the flagship of what would grow into a multi-state restaurant group. Founded by Jimmy Lynch shortly after completion of the state's tallest building, this establishment has defined upscale dining in Iowa for over three decades, earning the DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) award annually since 2005. The restaurant occupies a prime location in downtown Des Moines, featuring panoramic city views from its second-floor position.

Notable facts: 801 Chophouse pioneered an in-house meat program with butchers dry-aging USDA Prime beef for 28-45 days in climate-controlled rooms visible to guests. The wine program has received Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence" for 15 consecutive years, featuring over 500 selections. Notable patrons have included every Iowa governor since Terry Branstad, Supreme Court justices, and celebrities like Bill Murray and John Elway. Executive Chef Brian Dennis has overseen the kitchen for 25 years, maintaining consistent excellence.

Signature dishes:

• Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye: 22oz with cabernet demi-glace
• Seafood Tower: Featuring oysters, king crab, and shrimp cocktail
• Filet Mignon Oscar: 8oz filet topped with crab and béarnaise
• Truffled Mac & Cheese: With aged cheddar and black truffle
• Bananas Foster: Flambéed tableside with vanilla ice cream

Best for: Power lunches, important client dinners, and executive-level entertainment where reputation and prestige matter. The strict business casual dress code and sophisticated atmosphere signal serious business intent. Three private dining rooms accommodating groups from 12 to 80 guests provide options for confidential negotiations or board-level meetings in Iowa's capital city.

Palmer's Deli & Market

Palmer's Deli & Market founded in 1989 by Carol and Gayle Palmer has grown into a four-location Des Moines institution. Starting as a small deli in Urbandale, Palmer's has become synonymous with artisanal sandwiches and homemade soups, expanding to include a wholesale bakery division supplying bread to 60+ central Iowa restaurants. The flagship Ingersoll Avenue location features a 6,000-square-foot market with gourmet grocery items and full-service deli counter.

Notable facts: Palmer's has been featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and twice won Des Moines Register's "Best Deli" award. Their Palmer's Box Lunch concept, distributed to over 200 businesses daily, includes a sandwich, salad, chips, and famous brownie. The catering division serves major Iowa events including the Iowa State Fair and Drake Relays, preparing up to 5,000 meals daily during peak seasons. The "Deli Day" fundraiser has donated over $500,000 to local charities since 2005.

Signature dishes:

• Graziano Grinder: Italian sausage, banana peppers, giardiniera
• Thanksgiving Sandwich: Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce year-round
• Chicken Wild Rice Soup: Made with Iowa mushrooms and cream
• Palmer's Famous Brownie: 72% Belgian chocolate with walnuts
• Caprese Grilled Cheese: Havarti, tomato, and pesto on sourdough

Best for: Working lunches, catered office meetings, and casual client meetups where efficiency and quality matter equally. The Box Lunch program makes Palmer's ideal for large corporate events or training sessions. The relaxed atmosphere and quick service accommodate tight schedules while the quality ingredients and preparation elevate beyond typical deli fare, making good impressions without formality.

Tips for business dining in Iowa's restaurant scene

Iowa's business dining culture reflects Midwestern values of authenticity and relationship-building over ostentatious displays. Make reservations at least 48 hours in advance for upscale venues like Ruthie's or 801 Chophouse, particularly during the Iowa State Fair (August) or major agricultural conferences when Des Moines hotels and restaurants reach capacity. Many Iowa executives prefer lunch meetings between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, avoiding the late lunch trend common in larger cities.

Leverage Iowa's strong farm-to-table movement as a conversation starter—asking about local sourcing often resonates with Iowa business leaders who take pride in the state's agricultural heritage. During October through December, many restaurants feature special game menus highlighting pheasant, venison, and wild turkey, providing unique dining experiences for out-of-state clients. Consider that parking can be challenging in downtown Des Moines; budget extra time or utilize valet services at 801 Chophouse.

For client entertainment, casino restaurants like those at Rhythm City offer the advantage of extended hours and additional entertainment options, though be mindful that some clients may have policies against meeting at gaming establishments. When hosting larger groups, Palmer's catering services or Robert's Buffet private event spaces provide cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality. Remember that Iowa's business culture values promptness—arriving even five minutes late to a reservation is considered disrespectful, particularly in smaller cities like Davenport where word travels quickly among the business community.