10 restaurants in Iowa with absolutely stunning views

Many restaurants in Iowa are serving up views that are equally as delicious as their dishes. Check out these 10 examples.

Restaurants are the backbones of communities—not only in Iowa but also nationwide. They give people the sustenance they need to carry on with their busy lives, but also act as places of respite to unwind for a brief moment between meetings or after a long day. They’re also a focal point for travelers, with some people visiting areas they might not otherwise have specifically so they can try a restaurant or two they saw online.

That said, the sad truth is that Iowa’s restaurants have been suffering in recent years. As reported by KCCI Des Moines in May 2024, the COVID-19 pandemic has cast appalling financial hindrances on restaurants in the state. This, combined with labor and products costing more than ever, has caused many eateries statewide to shutter.

One way restaurants are differentiating themselves from the pack—and hopefully sustaining their businesses—is by offering customers more than a friendly smile and a delicious plate: They’re creating an entire experience. For some, that may mean creating a gimmick in the restaurant, but for others, it means providing diners with a view that will be equally as beautiful as the plates, bowls, and cocktail glasses set down before them. Of course, some of these restaurants naturally have amazing views because of their locations, but others have gone through extensive measures to create an unparalleled atmosphere.

With that said, here are 10 restaurants in Iowa with breathtaking views that are worth supporting—and many are already in hotels, so traveling to them is extra easy.

1. Vue Rooftop

Address: 328 S Clinton St, Suite A, Iowa City, IA 52240

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.-1o p.m.

Iowa has some iconic, bucket-list-worthy restaurants, and Vue Rooftop is undoubtedly one of them. Vue is a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as an event space that frequently hosts live music performers, that captures Iowa City’s innate beauty so easily because it’s situated at the tippy top of a Hilton Garden Inn—the 12th floor, to be exact. Boasting both indoor and outdoor seating, Vue Rooftop allows guests the chance to dine in true style. Outside, you can see for miles, and live fire and plenty of fairy lights keep the rooftop warm and well-lit. The indoor scenery is just as exquisite, giving viewers a meal with a view even if they don’t want to eat under the stars. 

You can even attend events here outside of normal restaurant hours. For example, an event called Yoga with a Vue is scheduled for March 9, 2025, at the time of writing. Other events include Musical Bingo, Dueling Pianos, Trivia Night, and more. If that weren’t enough, Vue Rooftop’s menu is just as elegant as its, well, view. You’ll find elevated appetizers and entrées alike, from Thai-inspired Shrimp Cakes and succulent Duck Wontons to Coffee and BBQ Spiced Ribeye and Mango Swordfish.

2. Waterfront Grille

Address: 610 Linden Dr, Arnolds Park, IA 51331

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Iowa City’s skyline is hard to beat, but if you’re more interested in dining by the water, you should check out Waterfront Grille in Arnolds Park. This restaurant is situated in Bridges Bay Resort and sits on Lake Okoboji, the deepest lake in all of Iowa. It isn’t only deep, though—it’s also gorgeous. If you’re lucky, you might even see some local wildlife, including bluegills or black crappies. You’ll also see lots of trees and foliage lining the rigid perimeter of the lake in addition to the umbrellas and other resort iconography, creating a hybrid natural-industrial eating experience. 

One of our top recommendations for dining here is to order the house-made Charcuterie Board and sip and snack for a spell, taking in the lake and getting some fresh air. Then, when you’re hungry, you can order a fuller meal, like the Parmesan Crusted Walleye or Spicy Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Burger. 

3. District 36 Wine Bar & Grille

Address: 1375 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

If our first two options embodied cityscape and naturescape dining experiences, then our next option is the perfect combination of them. District 36 Wine Bar & Grille is located in Ankeny, and it’s surrounded by other businesses—but it also has a good-sized pond outside that’s pretty to look at, especially around sunset. Sitting with friends and chatting, wine glasses in hand, while the grasshoppers ring in the night and the fish lightly bubble the pond’s surface? That’s the ideal after-hours relaxation, if you ask us. 

District 36 has been enchanting the area for nearly a decade, having opened its doors in 2016, and with outdoor seating that’s perfectly complemented by a cozy fire pit, you really can’t go wrong here. The restaurant offers over 170 varieties of wine, though you can also order cocktails, beers, and spirits here. Meanwhile, the food menu instantly makes you salivate thanks to options like the Italian Stuffed Tenderloins, Barramundi Australian Sea Bass, and Caprese Pizza. 

A portion of District 36 Wine Bar & Grille’s patio seating sits partially illuminated by the sun and overlooks a small field of grass and a vibrant pond. (District 36 Wine Bar & Grille)

4. Montage

Address: 222 Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

Montage is a staple fine-dining restaurant in Cedar Falls, making tasty, high-quality, and elevated food accessible to a broader swath of people. The best part? No matter if you sit inside or on the roof—yes, this is another spot with rooftop seating!—you’re guaranteed to enjoy what you see. Outside, fairy lights illuminate the perimeter of the rectangular rooftop patio, and a fire pit in the middle is the perfect gathering spot.

While not as high in the sky as you would be at Vue Rooftop in Des Moines, Montage’s rooftop patio offers a beautiful view of Cedar Falls. But you won’t miss out if you’re inside, as Montage’s interior design is very modern and interesting, incorporating lots of marbled surfaces and lighting fixtures in twisted shapes.

Reservations are recommended but not required at Montage, and once you taste the food, you’ll understand why. Shrimp Tortilla Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce and Goat Cheese Tortas electrify the shared plates portion of the menu, while Blackberry Salmon, Thai Chicken Pasta, Texas Brisket Tacos are just a smattering of the varied and unique entreés you can dig into. If you’re like us, you’ll save room for a slice of S’mores Ice Cream Cake. And if you’re vegan, don’t worry—there are several options for you here, and not just salads!

5. The Republic on Grand

Address: 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 2 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

The Republic on Grand is another restaurant with a stellar view that happens to be nestled inside of a hotel, as it calls the sixth floor of the AC Hotel Des Moines East Village home. This height is the perfect middle ground between Vue Rooftop’s 12th-floor vantage point and Montage’s lower rooftop. Like other similar restaurants, you can eat outdoors or indoors here, and the rooftop dining allows you to see a lot of Des Moines—so much so that you can see the trees that shroud the city’s outskirts. Indoors, the vibe is clean and elegant, with much of the furniture and decor leaning toward black and wooden color palettes. 

What can you expect to find on The Republic on Grand’s menu? Well, for starters (pun intended), you might devour Tuna Tataki or Avocado Fries, and afterward, you might follow it up with a Roasted Mushroom Flatbread. Shrimp Gnocchi and Spinach Fettuccine with Pesto are highlights on the entrée menu, while Baked Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for a chilly night on the rooftop patio.  

6. Brick & Ivy Rooftop

Address: 400 34th Ave SW, Altoona, IA 50009

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Who knew that rooftop restaurants were so popular in Iowa? Enter yet another one, this one going by the name Brick & Ivy Rooftop. But don’t get it twisted; this isn’t any old restaurant. Brick & Ivy Rooftop is a more casual venue compared to others on this list, making it a go-to destination for anyone who wants to have a fun, spontaneous night out in Altoona. Of course, its stunning view helps.

Brick & Ivy Rooftop has multiple rooms of seating, including various indoor and outdoor selections. If you elect to sit outside, you’ll be able to see nearby attractions, including a water park, a race track, and more. Of course, the higher you go in the building, the more of the city you’ll be able to see. 

Brick & Ivy Rooftop is an elevated dive, a poignant spot for watching games with friends and family—with the added bonus of fresh air and lively surroundings. While you enjoy yourself, you can nibble on Brisket Mac & Cheese, tacos dripping with salsa verde, Sheet Pan Loaded Nachos, and so much more. You can even get Scalloped Potatoes here, a dish that we’d argue should be much more common in restaurants than it is.

7. Backwater Bar & Grill

Address: 113 S Main St, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Friday: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Backwater Bar & Grill, located in Prairie du Chien’s The Waterfront Hotel, has a more rustic charm to it compared to the other entries on this list, and that’s what makes it so magical. This restaurant doesn’t need several stories to create an immaculate ambiance; instead, one side of the building gives you a great view of its quaint, small-town surroundings, while the other lets you watch the Mississippi River flow. There’s a laid-back energy to this restaurant that makes you want to stay a while—perhaps that’s because of the fire pits that keep you warm as you watch the river do its dance, or maybe it’s the occasional live music that lights the place up. In any case, when you’re at Backwater Bar & Grill, you’re having a good time.

But what are you eating? Well, that depends on your taste. This restaurant has a reputation for serving flavorful and juicy herb-roasted chicken and hot wings, as well as craft cocktails that are perfect for sipping while watching the view outside. For instance, one signature drink here is The Muddy Duck, which combines flavors of chocolate, banana, rum, and Irish cream to create an elixir that will make you feel like you’re floating right on down the river, too. 

8. Denali’s on the River

Address: 1749 Golf Course Blvd, Independence, IA 50644

Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

When you hear the word “Denali,” you might think of the mountain in Alaska or even the drag queen from season 13 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” But chances are that your mind first goes to Denali’s on the River if you live in Independence. This restaurant can be found at River Ridge Golf Course, and it sits on the Wapsipinicon River, with the property going right up to the river’s edge, including a fire pit and a few tables. Denali’s describes its food as “[h]igh-end sports bar food,” and the menu does that title justice. For instance, you can’t visit here and not try the Turtle Eggs, which are chicken breasts that have been filled with jalapenos and pepper jack cheese and cocooned in bacon. They’re served with ranch, making them even more of a TKO. Other hot options include the Breakfast Pizza, Parmesan Garlic Ribeye, and Denali Dog, which sees a jumbo hot dog get slathered in American cheese. 

As with the other restaurants on this list, Denali’s a wonderful place to get food or drinks and simply relax with loved ones. The river is serene, and the staff maintains a pleasant atmosphere. The restaurant has a solid list of alcoholic drinks to enjoy, but unlike other sports bar-like establishments, Denali’s has great non-alcoholic options, including French Vanilla Lattes, Mochas, and Hot Chocolate.

9. Watermill Kitchen + Bar

Address: 300 E 9th St, Coralville, IA 52241

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 6:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Sunday: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Watermill Kitchen + Bar is one of the many businesses inhabiting Iowa River Landing, with this restaurant operating in Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center. And if you’re looking for a meal with a view, this is the place to be. The restaurant and hotel are surrounded by gorgeous greenery and water sources, including fountains. Watermill has indoor and outdoor seating alike, with the patio boasting stringed lights that create a romantic atmosphere.

We particularly recommend this restaurant during the fall, as the lush greenery surrounding this area becomes gorgeous once it turns burnt orange and maroon. The inside is brightly lit and clean, so you can’t go wrong indoors, either.

Watermill Kitchen + Bar describes its fare as “modern Midwestern,” which encapsulates its offerings rather nicely. You can grab quick bites here in the morning, whether you want a Blueberry Crumb Cake or a Smoked Salmon Bagel. Or, you can sit down for a warm meal, such as Cheese Grits or Crumpet Benedict. Meanwhile, lunch and dinner options include Iowa Corn Cakes, Chicken Bacon Flatbread, Baked Onion Soup, Turkey Reubens, and Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf. Now, that alone is worth visiting for (and we promise not to tell your mom that Watermill’s is better).

A small courtyard outside of The Lofton Hotel, in which the Watermill Kitchen & Bar is located, sits shaded from the sun. (Watermill Kitchen & Bar)

10. Proudfoot & Bird

Address: 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 2:30 p.m.-11 p.m.

If you ask us, a perfect day consists of visiting one of Des Moines’ enchanting coffee shops for breakfast and then hitting up Proudfoot & Bird for a late lunch or dinner. Out of every entry on this list, this final, award-winning restaurant is perhaps the most visually pleasing on the inside. Don’t get us wrong: Proudfoot & Bird has a stunning view outside, giving diners a beautiful glance at downtown Des Moines—and all of the charm that inherently comes with the city. But Proudfoot & Bird’s interior is on another level. From marbled tables to carved ceilings and ornate light fixtures that almost resemble the sandworms from “Dune” in the best, chicest way, Proudfoot & Bird is a true sight to behold. And as its website explains, the restaurant’s names come from the architects who designed the building. If only they could see how happy their design still makes people.

Once you’re done gawking at the decor, you’ll want to place your order (we know; it’s hard). Here, the menu is tantalizing, as you might expect. The starters include Iberico Rabbit Meatballs and Kung Pao Octopus, and oysters come in two varieties: Half Shell and Wood Roasted. Meanwhile, shareable plates include Sweet Potato Casserole and Charred Heirloom Carrots, and entrées range from Chickpea Curry to Chorizo Crusted Sablefish. We’ll take one of everything, as well as a Vanilla Old Fashioned—for good measure.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.