Oak Park

Restaurant · Des Moines

Oak Park

Restaurant · Des Moines

1

3901 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

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Highlights

Nestled in a cozy and romantic setting, this modern American gem offers delectable dishes like duck fettuccine, potato gnocchi, and a standout bacon-glazed pork chop, all elevating your dining experience to unforgettable heights.  

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3901 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Get directions

oakparkdsm.com
@oakparkdsm

$100+ · Menu

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3901 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Get directions

+1 515 620 2185
oakparkdsm.com
@oakparkdsm

$100+ · Menu

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Last updated

Mar 9, 2025

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"For a year before the debut of Kathy Fehrman’s seasonal modern-American restaurant, the Oak Park management team tested and perfected recipes, all studied for and passed their level one sommelier exams, worked with local farms to plan and plant an on-site garden, and started acquiring bottles for what will grow to be a 7,000-bottle wine cellar. It’s no wonder since opening day, Oak Park has been booking out for months in advance. (Here’s an insider tip: Stop in any day they’re open —Tuesday through Saturday for dinner — and you can likely find an open stool or two at the bar if you time it right.) The story gets even sweeter when you realize the kitchen is helmed by the husband-wife team of Ian and Jessica Robertson, who previously worked at James Beard Award-winners like ABC Kitchen and Eleven Madison Park. The best-sellers include potato gnocchi with truffle beurre monté, the caviar and chips (which taste uncannily similar to a classic Iowa potluck item, “AE Party Dip”), and the bacon-glazed pork chop cooked in the restaurant’s own bourbon. Dessert options range from a $4 hazelnut chocolate bar to a showstopping $100 banana split." - Karla Walsh Karla Walsh Karla Walsh is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. She has written about travel, health, food, wine, psychology, fitness, beauty, and beyond for more than 15 years. She has visited four continents and near

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Steven “PizzaSteve” Catus

Google
A truly amazing place. The atmosphere was wonderful. I loved that there was a cozy fireplace near where you check in. The restaurant is beautifully designed and our booth made for a more romantic date night. The service is outstanding. Our waiter Mitch was fantastic and gave us some great suggestions for both food and beverages. The food is delectable and the plating is exemplary. We had a wonderful time there

Jeffery Jewell

Google
What can I say that hasn't been already said. Amazing across the board. Service from Jules was outstanding. Each course was exceptionally well thought out presented in an artistic way. Yes, it's pricey but considering this is not the type of place most people dine at all of the time, it is more than well worth the amount.

Christina Ney

Google
We had a reservation for 5:45. We arrived a little after 5 to have a pre dinner drink at the bar. The wine selection was extensive but not overwhelming like some wine menus can be. I was able to enjoy a glass of wine while my boyfriend had two glasses of beer until we were seated promptly at 5:45. Our survey was Colby, and they were very accommodating for my gluten allergy and allowed us to enjoy our meal with the perfectly timed check-ins. We were very happy with Colby for making this dining experience so amazing! Caviar Cones My boyfriend ordered the caviar cones and has only had caviar a few other times previously. They didn’t stand out to him as a must order. Caesar Salad For our first course we selected the Caesar salad which came split on separate plates, which was ideal for my allergy. It was the perfect portion, well balanced dressing to lettuce ratio. My boyfriend said all croutons need to be like the ones on this salad. They were soft, yet crunchy, but didn’t crumble at the fork. Filet Mignon I got the 8oz filet, I’ve gotten filets at a ton of similar restaurants in the dsm area and while is wasn’t super special it was perfectly cooked, the addition of the potato puree was the perfect amount to compliment the steak. I can never pass up a filet and I would definitely order this again. Bacon Glazed Chop The standout of our experience was the pork chop. WOW. I’m personally not usually a fan of pork chop but we heard from many people to order it. We both loved the flavor, tenderness, and overall thought this was the highlight of our meal! Whether you’re dining with a partner or out with a group, someone has to order the bacon glazed chop! You won’t regret it! Hot Fudge Sundae We decided to end our meal with a sundae, we normally don’t save room but we knew we wanted to try a dessert. The salted caramel and vanilla ice cream were so delicious. They make their ice cream in house which is what encouraged us to get something with ice cream. The candied pecans were delicious and perfectly sweet. The chantilly cream, man I could eat a bucket of that, it was so good. It was a great end to our experience at Oak Park. Atmosphere - we loved the vibe of the space, the bar was so unique and we loved that everyone got a window for dinner and it didn’t feel over crowded. We felt we had plenty of space between other guests so enjoy our time and chat at a normal level. Overall our favorite experience at a higher end restaurant in Des Moines! ETA: one of the memorable things was out coats from coat check. They kept them warm, so we had warm coats before leaving! A great service for a winter out.

Stefany Reed

Google
Wonderful service. I greatly appreciate the effort to have a creative selection of vegetarian options on the menu. Sam the sommelier was so personable and knowledgeable as was our server whose name has unfortunately slipped my mind. Love all the windows. Make sure you ask for main dining room area. We were off to the side where there are just four tables. It was not as much fun as being around other diners. Definitely a great restaurant that I will visit again. My photo is of the Carrots Wellington.

Bryce Gordon

Google
We came here for our anniversary and everything about Oak Park is phenomenal. They take such care in the eating experience as a whole. Our waitress Jules was very attentive and came to check on us at the perfect moments. The sommelier was also great. He helped find us a vintage that matched our wedding year and our palettes. We ordered the chilled oysters for the first course, the Caesar salad for the second, the bacon glazed chop and filet mignon for the third and the chocolate flower pot for dessert. All the food was incredible and I would definitely recommend coming here if you haven't checked this place out!

tiffany peterson

Google
Date night was so amazing at Oak Park. I love that you order all the food at once and they bring it as you finish the previous course. You can tell this food is made with love and expertise. I really love trying new restaurants and this one is very high on my list! Caviar Cone Caesar Salad Heirloom Tomato Salad Scallops Pork Chop Mint Ice Cream Raspberry Souffle

raj devan

Google
I've been eager to dine at Oak Park for a while, and I finally managed to go there yesterday with my friend Tori. Here are my thoughts on the experience: First and foremost, the ambience is top-notch—a perfect blend of elegance and comfort that sets the stage for a delightful evening. The attention to cleanliness is impressive, and I appreciated the meticulous care in the presentation of utensils and plates. The service was outstanding. From the moment we arrived, the hostess greeted us warmly, and our waitress was exceptional—professional, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. It's clear that the staff works seamlessly together, with the manager also checking in to ensure everything was to our satisfaction. The menu features seasonal changes, which meant some items were unavailable during our visit. However, our waitress handled this gracefully and offered great recommendations. I started with oysters, which were beautifully plated, followed by swordfish. Tori opted for a crab dish, both of which looked fantastic. While I found the swordfish a bit under-seasoned for my taste, I recognize that this is a high-end restaurant, and the chef knows what they're doing. This is merely a personal preference, as the quality of the food was undeniably excellent. A delightful surprise was the butternut crème brûlée, which was simply divine. Additionally, we were treated to a bite of matcha as a palate cleanser before the meal—a thoughtful gesture that elevated the dining experience. The pricing is reasonable for the type of setting and service provided. While I did find the portions for some sides a bit small, the exceptional service and overall experience of fine dining more than made up for it. Overall, I would rate Oak Park 4.5 stars. The ambience deserves a perfect 5, as does the service and the attentiveness of the staff. The food, while great, earns a solid 4.5 due to the slight seasoning issue. I do suggest that they keep an eye on their seasonal menu to avoid running out of popular items, but this did not detract from our overall experience. I highly recommend Oak Park for anyone looking for a lovely dining experience!

Dave Donahue

Google
We had an absolutely phenomenal dinner at Oak Park. Service was perfect; and all the food and cocktails were fantastic. We particularly loved the caviar cones, gnocchi, mushrooms, the filet entree, beet salad, and the duck pasta. I personally really enjoyed the carrot Wellington as well. And we finished with the fancy banana split - very expensive but delicious and has lots of tasty and visually appealing elements. All in all, a very pricey, but fantastic dinner. We will certainly plan to return and try additional items!

Mikhala F.

Yelp
WHOA. My parents took me here for my birthday dinner, and we were blown away! What an absolute TREAT it is to have a restaurant of this caliber in Des Moines. My dad is in culinary school, and he was so excited about their program to grow microgreens, garnishes and other items in their garden out back. The space itself is stunning - so elevated and perfect for a fancy evening out. Service is top tier! We had great service from the moment we walked in, throughout our meal, to the hostess taking our photo for us at the end. Cocktails: FOOD: I love that they start with an amouse-bouche! It's a great fine dining touch. We shared the shishito and another small plate and both were delicious and presented well. For our main course, we tried the filet mignon, smoked lamb belly fusili, and king crab mafalda. All were delicious! For dessert, the team was kind enough to bring out a birthday treat - ice cream, birthday sign chocolate, souffle, and caramel to pour over. We also got the cream pie and creme brulee to share. All in all, an incredible fine dining experience here - so glad they are in DSM!

Niki J.

Yelp
From top to bottom this is a top notch place. The service is far beyond anything I've ever seen with details like heating up your coats! The food is exceptional. The wine selection was perfect for the pairings. And the building was build with such great thought and care. I'm so glad Oak Park is in Des Moines!

Colby W.

Yelp
Haven't been to every restaurant in Iowa, but i feel confident in saying this is top 3 in all of Iowa. It's fantastic. Menu changes seasonally, wait staff is always attentive and friendly, food is always tremendous.

Joshua J.

Yelp
Plan for a Dining Experience! We parked next to the newly planted Prarie. The wine list is extensive and the iced tea is refreshing. We ordered several appetizers along with Morels, and then the amuse arrived. Pea sorbet, Savory and refreshing! The chilled oysters arrived and we ordered another half dozen immediately. The Bourbon candied bacon is more savory and should be renamed BOURBON CANDIED Pork Belly. The gnocchi appetizer was beautiful. Our salad course was good, the asparagus salad requires a bit of carving... The Burrata and beet salad with Strawberries was the winner of the second course. House made pasta is delicious! I Ordered the Clam y Pepe made with house bucatini and my friend raved about his Morel Radiatori ( all pasta is house made ). The other two in our party ordered fish and it was perfect. They have a $100 banana Split. Perfect for 4 guys to share. We ordered a large French press and the most expensive dessert. The armagnac caviar is an interesting addition to the foie gras ice cream and the puff tarts. It's incredible. Totally worth it. The Vibe is Prairie modern, the staff is attentive and plan for a fun evening of local ingredients presented in a modern way.

Mara F.

Yelp
We have been here twice now and love it! The food is amazing. They do change up their menu which stinks when you get something you love (butternut squash/chestnut soup) and then it's not there anymore! But I appreciate the change ups too, you can't go wrong getting anything here! Everything is so good and local/fresh. Our service both times have been with Cole and he does an awesome job! Highly recommend!

Kristina O.

Yelp
Oak Park was a dream and absolutely necessary for our metro. I pray the rest of DSM metro feels the same way. Impeccable service, the food was divine!

Kayla Z.

Yelp
Great upscale atmosphere and service. Staff was informative, friendly, and had recommendations from the menu. Bathrooms are unisex and dimly lit with real towels to dry your hands. Nicely decorated and individual rooms, some with a baby changing station and some with urinals. Ordered The Lark off the cocktail menu and it was delish! I even ordered a second. So good at $13/glass! We started with the candied bacon appetizer and I loved this dish! Tasty, cooked perfect and tender, a few bites of this were just right. My Caesar salad had a great ratio of dressing to lettuce and tasted good, like you would expect of a salad. The duck fettuccine also tasted great. Food was warm and good portion size. The duck was cooked well and tasted delicious. A different spin on the fettuccine dish, and tasty overall. Ended with the creme brûlée which had delicious complimentary fruit flavors. Great dish. Also tried a few bites of our dinner guests food. The brioche bread with truffle butter was good, and the carrot Wellington was ok-if you like carrot and goat cheese. I'm not a goat cheese fan and that flavor is very commanding in the dish, so I tried a small bite but would not order this myself. Also tried the potato that complimented the filet mignon. Requested extra crispy and was very basic but tasted good with the sauce on the dish. My experience and this review was good compared to a few others at our table, thus the 4/5 stars.

Mike Z.

Yelp
Fancy dinner that looked spectacular but fell short on the fine details. I give Oak Park a 6 out of 10. Initial impression: The restaurant presents itself in a beautiful way. You can look into the kitchen as you walk up. Our table for four was immediately available and our coats were checked at no charge. The drinks range from basic to very high end. The dishes appeared to be absolutely stunning. The staff presented the menu and dishes perfectly. I expressed slight disappointment in being placed in a booth in the bar area vs. a table, but the host didn't acknowledge my comment. There were several open tables along the windows. But anyhow, I wasn't going to let that bother me further. My pour of West Bank-Bordeaux got me warmed up. $35 The amuse-bouche was a nice little treat to go with my red wine ahead of the meal. - gratis The bacon entree got my hopes up. It had a delicious crust and light, crisp veggies to complement it. $19 My wife's Caesar salad was pleasantly chilled and dressed while my bisque was warm but somewhat bland. The crab was really the highlight of the dish. The soup itself wasn't memorable. $33 The Wellington had a nice flaky pastry and the filling was cooked perfectly. I did feel the goat cheese left a bitter taste in my mouth, however. $32 The pork chop was cooked to well done and had some bites of strong char flavor; fantastic otherwise. $44 The filet was aged. The extra seasoning and salt with the dish brought the steak over the top and blew out my palate. I needed the bordelaise to balance it out. $59 - I was left without drink or water during the entire service of this course. I had nothing to wash away the taste of salt. I resorted to drinking my wife's water. The crème brûlée was flawless. I didn't want to share it. I loved the berries and petals. $15 The donut dessert was awful. I requested a knife from staff in order to try it. We genuinely struggled to cut off a piece with our spoons. It was bland without a dollop of filling on the spoon. I'd happily exchange this dish for a box of glazed donuts from Hy-Vee - or 2 considering it was $15. For reference, Hy-Vee donuts are not great. Big miss. They are primarily losing points for seasoning (both over and under), a critical service error (empty drinks for an entire course) and overall value ($284 for 2 plates with a single glass of wine and 2 cocktails before tip). Lastly, the donut. Unfortunately this was the last bite of the meal and was what we talked about at the bar afterwards. I likely will give it a year to improve before returning.

Tony H.

Yelp
After waiting 4.5 months for our Friday night reservation, we arrived at the hyped up Oak Park. When we arrived, we noticed there's not a lot of parking but that's not a big deal because it's not that big of a place. The building was beautiful and clean with a classy ambiance. We started at the bar with a glass of wine- I really like the sounds of silence Pinot noir. There was a big selection of wine. When we were seated, we were greeted by our waitress who was really nice and we ordered a bottle of Malbec- which was pretty good. We eventually got our complimentary croquette which was tiny but really good. You're probably wondering why 3 stars- Our food took a long time to get and was small portions and overpriced. I got the salmon, which was good but I could've made just as good at home. Nothing was really mind blowing to me and it was overhyped in my opinion. I am all about supporting local but this is a one and done for me. We were there 2.5 hours. Pics attached.

Cortney K.

Yelp
This place lives up to the hype. It was pretty busy for a Wednesday night, but two of us were still able to walk in and sit right at the bar. This place is perfect for a special occasion, date night, or even an elevated girls night out. The highlights: - Service was great. Shout out especially to our bartender Rick and the sommelier Sam for going above and beyond with the food and wine recs. - The WINE. Wow--the best selection (both in quantity and QUALITY) that I've seen in Iowa. The wine offerings alone are worth a trip here. - The food was delicious. We enjoyed the roasted oysters, the beet salad, and the duck fettuccine. The oysters were warm (not hot, as you might expect since they are called "ROASTED oysters" on the menu). Each one plated on a dollop of garlic salt. Sneaky good. - Impressively stocked bar. They even had anejo tequila stocked--a TRUE rarity here in Des Moines. Overall, one of the best restaurants I've dine at in Des Moines. I will 100% be dining here again. Would highly recommend checking this place out!

Erin H.

Yelp
Celebrated a birthday dinner here and it was incredible. We were greeted at the door by the general manager and immediately taken to our table. We had a server who was kind and patient as she walked us through the menu. The wine director stoped by our table as we wanted to order a bottle of sparkling wine and he directed us to a bottle within our budget that was still spectacular. We ordered two small plates. The brioche was soft and I the butter so so creamy and flavorful I wanted to take it home. We also got the bourbon candied bacon and while the portion was smaller than I expected the flavor made up for it. For the entire we both got the fillet mignon which came with the best red wine sauce I've ever had and the perfect balance and meet and potatoes. For dessert we shared a French press of coffee and a cheesecake crème brûlée. This was such a special meal and the staff did everything to make it special. It was relatively quiet in the restaurant but I think if we would have been there later it would have been more lively. Overall highly recommend for any special events!

Mike D.

Yelp
The staff was very helpful, friendly. Food was incredible... a million complex flavors in the gnocchi, steak, bread, mixed drinks. Very pricey, but worth it. Steaks are a level less cooked than you're used to. Ask for medium, it will be medium rare.

Frank M.

Yelp
Four of us went in for cocktails. We knew that Oak Park was awarded 2 Goblets by Wine Spectator magazine. Rick, the bartender made us great old fashioned drinks. I had a Manhattan which was the absolute best. I have had a few Manhattans in my time, even while in Manhattan, NYC. Jules, our server was friendly and spot on to ensure everything was perfect. We also enjoyed a glasses of Cab and caviar cones apps. The final tab was pricey, but the total experience justified the cost. Will definitely go back for a meal and another Manhattan! Kudos to Sam Tuttle, wine director too!

Stephanie P.

Yelp
The experience was lovely. The restaurant was very well designed and perfect for a quiet evening enjoying the company you are with. 5)3 staff are super knowledgeable and do a great job anticipating your needs. We tried the bread trio, Brussel sprout/pear salads and the onion soup to start. All were good with on point flavors. Next our entrees, the mushroom pasta and the pork chop. Wow, the flavor of the pork chop was a 10/10. The fat to pork was a little different it was 80% to meat. So it was a little disturbing but the flavor made up to the excessive fat content. The deserts were good the Sunday was wonderful and the lemon tart was bright. The oatmeal cream pie seemed a little undercooked but the presentation was beautiful. All in all it was a lovely evening.

Elsa L.

Yelp
We had an amazing time at Oak Park over Thanksgiving weekend. We found a spot at the bar (reservation recommended) and tried five different options. We really enjoyed the Caviar Cone - it was a flavor bomb! We also recommend trying the salmon entree. I'll certainly be back - it's a great place for special occasions.

Danielle S.

Yelp
This very unique upscale restaurant gives me the vibes of Chicago, LA, and Vegas. It's beautifully done, the staff was wonderful, one of the best services I've had in Des Moines. The food was delicious from start to finish am a little sad I was too full for dessert, next time for sure. Their menu is seasonal and will change around 9 times just to give a new experience. I have a mushroom allergy and the chef was able to work around that and change the sauce that paired with my Roasted chicken to perfection. The MEDITERRANEAN SHRIMP is to die for, the BOURBON CANDIED BACON was also really tasty, does have a lot of fat but that's bacon for ya. The cocktails we had there were really good as well. Overall it was a wonderful experience, would most definitely come back again.

Abby K.

Yelp
Oh my goodness, we had a fabulous time at Oak Park! Every detail was impeccable. The service, vibes, and the food, all five star. Just waiting for the James Beard award to be placed here! Get yourself on the waitlist, and get ready to ball out, you won't be disappointed. It's truly an experience. The filet mignon and the crème brûlée truly stood out to us as shining stars of the evening, however, everything was delicious. Jules was our server and they were incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and made our experience top notch. To top it all off, we received our coats, and they were warm. A heated coat closet, they really thought of it all! Thanks for the fabulous anniversary dinner, Oak Park! We will be back soon!

Twee W.

Yelp
I'm not sure how I feel about it. It was fun for sure the place was very pretty. Took a while to get greeted. Bisque was underwhelming. Brioche was good, steak was good , duck a bit salty for me but good, fries were really tasty. Honestly ? I rather pay for the chef choice at harbinger. The food here was good but nothing I haven't had, seen or tasted. Everytime I was talking to my husband we keep get interrupted by small talks and plates and silverware movements. I would say it's nice for dsm to have and as long as the food keep changing it'll be worth checking out. Otherwise it's not worth it.

Kristeena J.

Yelp
Went to Oak Park to celebrate my birthday. The service and atmosphere was amazing and unlike any I have experienced in Des Moines. It was beautiful and intimate and we were well taken care of. We thought the food in general was good but great. For the prices I expected the food to blow me away a bit more. My favorite item I had was the cookies and cream sundae.

K H.

Yelp
Reservations months in advance are a must. My wife and I were greeted upon entry and seated immediately. Our server, Ryan, was professional and prompt. However, my wife wore black, and the white napkins left lint on her pants- she said this was a simple thing, and for a place like this she would have expected them to replace her napkin with a black one. We started with cocktails, a Tequila #7 (delectable) and a Lemon Basil Sparkler (refreshing, though a bit too sweet), and both the Spanish Octopus and Chilled Oysters as starters. The octopus was amazing, perfectly done, melt in your mouth. The oysters, while on the petit side, were some of the best I've had (and I love raw oysters on the half shell). For mains, we both chose the 8oz tenderloin filet with bone marrow mashed potatoes. We paired it with a bottle of Andrew Will's Cabernet Franc blend, which I gave a 4.5 out of 5 on Vivino. The filet was absolutely perfect, perfectly medium rare, full of flavor, and wonderful. The mashed potatoes were like nothing I've had before, outstanding. The crème brûlée, champagne and strawberries, and hazelnut chocolate bar were dessert, which were the definition of outstanding as well. One wouldn't think that basil and crème brûlée would pair, but they're a match made in heaven. Oak Park has earned one of my rare to award five stars.

Angie M.

Yelp
As we pulled in you notice the garden that they use for their restaurant. The building and atmosphere is very upscale and we absolutely loved that! We started with drinks at the bar. Most drinks are $15 dollars on average. Our seating was in a cozy room again very impressed with decor. We started with a caviar cone, which was salty and and a lemon creme. The scallops were in a curry sauce, which I was not fond of. 3 scallops for $46 seemed expensive. The carrot Wellington was delicious. The salmon had a glaze on it with teriyaki flavors and I would definitely recommend. The pork chop was too fatty for my taste. My expectations were set high for the food, and I was disappointed value for the price.

Susan S.

Yelp
Overall, this is an amazing restaurant and I would say the best restaurant currently in all of Des Moines. I grew up in a big city and this places ranks right up there with LA, Chicago, NYC. The restaurant is beautifully designed with an intimate atmosphere. The service was impressive however, I would say a bit slower than what I would even expect from a fine dining restaurant. Makes sense since they probably want you to order more drinks in between! As for the food, 100% delicious and meticulously plated. We ordered the Caesar salad which was the best in all of DSM. The bisque was just alright, more brothy than an actual bisque but it was very flavorful. I ordered the duck breast and I would honestly go back and just order the same thing. It was perfectly cooked and the Demi glaze was the cherry on top. My husband had the pork chop which had rave reviews from our server, but I honestly was unimpressed. It was overcooked and tough to cut and eat. The glaze was great but I would not order that again. We had chocolate cake and the donut for dessert but I again was not overly impressed. Those are the reason why I give it 4 stars. I'm definitely going to go back and try out a few new things!!

Tracy S.

Yelp
Probably the nicest restaurant in iowa. Reminds me of some of the nicer places in NYC. Food was all very good. I got the gnocchi and the crab pasta. The flavors (butter and lemon) was too similar and I wouldn't recommend the dishes together. Seperate they were both good. The carrot app was my favorite dish of the evening. He got the steak which was delicious, it paired better with gnocchi. Caesar was very anchovy forward , not my favorite as I'm not a huge anchovy fan, but he loved it very much.

Kurt O.

Yelp
Awesome food; great service; amazing experience. Went for my wife's 60th birthday and they made it very special!!

Kate D.

Yelp
What an experience. Living in Houston, we have become SO accustomed to and spoiled by the availability of service like Oak Park that it can sometimes be hard to travel to places where it isn't a part of the local fare. Oak Park has totally changed that for Des Moines. Their menu is creative and makes for many hard choices, so we tried a lot! The starters of potato gnocchi and bourbon candied bacon were a great combination together and were finished so quickly at our table, I am not exactly sure where they went. ;) The housemade pasta in the Pork Ragù was a perfect fit for our younger eater and her gluten free mom was perfectly cared for by the staff and kitchen with a few adjustments and recommendations throughout the meal. Sam, OP's Wine Director, made several beautiful suggestions for pairings throughout the meal- whether it was for the adults or a super fun sparkling tea so the kiddo could feel involved! We enjoyed the Scallops- that smoked curry emulsion with the peas and fava beans was FANTASTIC. The Ribeye is exactly what you hope for when you order a big, tasty steak off a charcoal grill. But let's be real, if I am anywhere, I am there for the desserts. I was so totally consumed by the basil rhubarb creme brûlée, I didn't get a photo. But to say the taste was the perfect end to a meal is an understatement. Alongside the banana split- the SHOW STOPPER for our younger eater- the desserts perfectly complimented the entire experience. After dinner in the big, beautiful building, we took a moment to walk around the grounds that are being curated for the restaurant- a native prairie land and garden for the kitchen. Both of which add so much beauty to the neighborhood.

David M.

Yelp
I can't say enough positive about Oak Park. Fabulous food, exquisite ambiance, and outstanding service. Our server went above and beyond. Our experience exceeded my expectations.

Ellie B.

Yelp
Oak Park is absolutely phenomenal and a great addition to the Des Moines restaurant scene! Our server Anthony was very knowledgeable about the menu and was very kind. We ordered a bottle of the Michel Magnien Coteaux Bourguignons which was a pinot noir from 2021, would highly recommend it. First, they brought us a palate cleanser which was a crab croquette that had great flavor. We ordered a caesar salad and the brioche. The caesar salad was the best I have ever had. We ordered the filet mignon and the charcoal spaghetti with wagyu bolognese. The steak was the best I have ever had and the potato served with it was delicious. Would highly recommend the charcoal spaghetti as well. We had the cookies & cream sundae for dessert which included a homemade oreo, definitely worth the try. The ambiance is very upscale, the bathrooms are very nice (definitely worth checking out), and the bar is a cool area. Look forward to going back and super excited that this restaurant is in Des Moines!

Dennis V.

Yelp
Let me preface by saying that I've dined in high end restaurants in NYC, London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Rotterdam, et al. Despite all the hype and heightened expectations created by the publicity given to this restaurant, I have to honestly say, "The emperor has no clothes!" The good - the building and ambiance are terrific. Our waitress was great and very attentive. It was nice to be greeted at the door and for our coats to be taken. The not so good - the food was only mediocre, the portions tiny, and the prices very high. The chicken entree arrived nearly cold, the skate entree tasted fishy (not good for skate) and our friend's entrees weren't much to brag about either. Contrary to a few reviews here, Oak Park is far from being the best restaurant in town. It's probably the perfect place for people with lots of money who want to see and be seen. But for us, a delicious dinner at a reasonable price is easy to find at other places in town. Been here, done it, don't need to do it again. Sorry guys.

Scott G.

Yelp
On the positive side, the decor was beautiful and the server did a great job. The gnocchi small plate was tasty. My dining companions liked the mushroom carbonara, duck and Chilean sea bass. I had the filet. It was so salty it bordered on being inedible. I could not taste anything but salt.

Caroline M.

Yelp
How does one rate this less than 5 stars?! Oak Park is so wonderful and Des Moines is very lucky to have this restaurant in town. Dined last week and enjoyed many dishes at our beautiful table near the windows. The designers did a fabulous job of making sure every detail was done to perfection--the front reception area, bar area, the wine glasses, even the restrooms were nice. We selected a couple beverages then ordered. Do not miss the gnocchi! I know I know....you probably have had plenty of gnocchi in your life.....but this was so elegant. Refined. Just wow. I also had the beets. And we shared the brioche--which was So cute--thin slices and delicious butter. I selected the carrot Wellington and my partner had the duck fettuccini. Both were a hit! We were beyond full but I needed to try a dessert (obviously) so we chose the little lemon tart and chocolate mini cake. It was the perfect amount. They send you on your way with a tiny bag of cookies to enjoy the next day (or on your drive home). Des Moines, support this local restaurant. It's incredible!

Alison C.

Yelp
Oak Park has to be one of the top meals I've ever had in Des Moines. Hands down. To those that think the portions look small, the photos do not do it justice. We practically rolled home with super full bellies, and had to push ourselves to finish every bite. It was so good, we didn't want a single morsel wasted!! I didn't take photos because we were celebrating our wedding anniversary and my husband's love language is quality time so the phones were kept away for the occassion. We started with the gnocchi at our server, Mitch's recommendation, paired with the brioche. The truffle cream made this dish SING for us. He recommended dipping the brioche in any left over sauce and this was the hottest tip of the night Next my husband had the butternut squash and king crab bisque which he really had to stop himself from licking the bowl clean. I had the charred raddichio salad which had the perfect combo of flavors - tart from the pears, smokiness from the raddichio, savory goat cheese and sweet crunch from the pecans. I LOVED this dish. We both ordered steak - he the New York Strip and I the filet mignon - both cooked to a perfect medium. My filet cut like butter - it seriously melted in the mouth but the seasoning was top notch and the bordelaise sauce was out.of.this.worrrrrrrrrld! We didn't have much space left but we had seen the table next to us order desserts earlier and we pushed ourselves to find the room. We have two toddlers at home and these date nights are few and far between. We needed to savor every single second! I ordered the cookies and cream sundae and my husband got the Oak Park doughnut. Both were insane. The Bavarian cream in his doughnut took it over the top, and while a cookies and cream sundae may sound simple, the Oak Park version was decadent and beautiful. I had the sparking rose to start and Sangiovese wine with my meal - both phenomenal. My husband did the Old Fashioned followed by their Penicillin cocktail. I tasted the second and I'm typically not a Scotch girl but I would be for that drink! I believe I saw a complaint earlier about the water service - we were offered tap, sparking or still. No issue there. This was a pricy night out but worth every single penny to us as we celebrated our marriage. For those interested in splurging on the chef's table - it looks STUNNING; you can see it as you enter from the parking lot. What an incredible addition to Des Moines!

Heather P.

Yelp
It is everything you've heard it is. Make the rsvp. You'll be glad you did - it's worth the wait. When your table staff recommends the pork chop (yes, over the beef), believe them. They have done their homework. The wine expertise is helpful if you're new to pairing. Oak Park has filled the gap that the DSM fine dining experience was missing!

Tara H.

Yelp
Let's talk oak park. Every review I've seen is absolutely glowing and it was ok, but I won't be rushing to go back for at least a few months. To start- our reservation was for 8:00 pm. We arrived right on time if not a few minutes before. The door was opened for us which was a very kind touch and they even had a coat check (very cool as it was hidden and blended in with the host stand wall). It started to go downhill a bit after that which I will chalk up to growing pains. I fully understand that these things can and do happen especially with a restaurant less than two weeks old, but disappointing nonetheless. We ended up waiting for just over 30-35 minutes for a table with no one checking in on us with an estimated wait (which again it's going to be hard to have an accurate feel for an estimate for a restaurant that new). Once seated, our server was kind and knowledgeable and went over the menu in detail with us. We began receiving food after 9 pm. We received the amuse bouche which was divine. We selected the gnocchi for our appetizer which if I'm being honest I could drink the sauce. It was SO good. I wish it was an entree option. We also ordered the crab bisque- for a bisque it seemed quite thin and not as rich as I was hoping but still delicious. For mains, I ordered to duck confit fettuccine which I felt lacked flavor but was still good- I just wouldn't choose it again (unless it was drenched in the gnocchi sauce ). My husband ordered the carrot Wellington which was beautiful and flavorful. It was cooked perfectly tender and was not soggy. Definitely worth ordering! I had the Negroni-ish mocktail which was the most best mocktail ive had. It tasted so close to the real thing and made me far less sad that I couldn't drink. My husband ordered a glass of wine which was reported to be good but I didn't want to hear about it lest I die of jealousy We opted for no dessert so we could get back to the babysitter more quickly and received the check along with the most delicious biscotti around 10:15. All in all worth a visit and I will most definitely be back once I can enjoy the food and wine to the fullest extent.

Kiara F.

Yelp
We had a fabulous experience at Oak Park for my finance's 30th birthday! The service was friendly, and attentive. The food was exquisite and the portion sizes were perfect. The ambiance was very intimate and charming. We will be back, it is a must try!

Chris F.

Yelp
I cannot recommend Oak Park enough! Every single detail of this restaurant is meticulously thought out, and it shows. The staff was unbelievable, they treated us like family and were attentive to anything we needed throughout our dinner. And don't worry, if you have any wine questions at all they have the best sommelier, Sam, who will take care of you! Now let's get to business. The food. Despite having lofty expectations, the food hit on every level. We started off with caviar cones and they set the tone. The crème was a great mix. I would highly recommend trying the caramelized onion soup as well, the duck was delicious. The main entrees were the highlight. The Bacon Glazed Chop will have you book a return trip by itself, it's that good! My wife had the sea bass and it was flavorful and cooked to perfection. Again, another top-notch hit. Finally, the banana split dessert was the perfect ending. Every piece of the dessert was intricately added to the dish and the presentation (with fire!) was exciting! Needless to say, we already booked our return trip. This wasn't just dinner, it was an experience.

Kayla C.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant. Very attentive staff. Knowledgeable servers who are able to provide excellent recommendations on wine. Outstanding food! EV chargers in the parking lot. Happy to see Oak Park is also bringing back the traditional swizzle sticks in drinks.

Maria M.

Yelp
First things first. When you check into a hotel what's the first thing you look at? The bed. Hopefully white, crisp, clean bedding. When you walk into a high-end restaurant you should not be greeted by a tablecloth that looks like it came from a Super 8 motel. First glances have lasting impressions. Lovely room, pleasant efficient servers, beautiful stemware. We started with the beet/Avocado salad. What is earth-tone crumble? Looked and tasted like coffee grounds. The dab of avocado is a misnomer as there is barely any the plate. The Carrot Wellington came with a runny mushroom demi-glace (with discernible bright orange dots akin to Cheeze Whiz), and an additional side of more carrots. The seafood pasta came with "lemon crumble" as did the Passionfruit Souffle with gold "crumble " & coffee ice cream. Give this dessert a big no. FYI--when you make reservations (or try to) it's not fully booked at any time. They purposely leave tables empty so they don't overwhelm the kitchen, Book an early seating . That way you won't be rushed and your meal will be out by a decent amount of time.

William G.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant very very nicely finished. Wonderful ambience very comfortable. Plenty of parking. Great bar and bartenders service every where was great. Food was also excellent. They have a sommelier who was very helpful. Highly recommended.

Michael S.

Yelp
Meh at best. Small plates good to decent. Main courses boring and bland. They tried too hard and didn't deliver (literally brought our gnochi, oysters, and caviar out at the same time after being told they'd not and that "every good meal begins with caviar") it's an experience that I would maybe try again. I'll maybe try them in another year or so. There is enough great food in Des Moines to not waste my time on them. I've had friends that went and had to send everything back due to it being too salty. My dry aged strip was ok and me partners sea bass was tolerable.

S M.

Yelp
Food and service was fantastic! We went in for date night and started with the candied bacon and gnocchi appetizers, which were cooked perfectly and very flavorful. The caviar was fantastic as well. Unfortunately, they were out of the full caviar service but brought us bites so we could still try it and Chef Ian came out to add shaved truffles to our gnocchi and apologize that we weren't able to enjoy the full caviar service! My wife said the salmon was some of the best she's ever had, and my duck fettucine was very good too. The chocolate desserts are made from real/dark chocolate so is not the same as milk chocolate most of us are used to elsewhere - not a ding on the taste at all, just an FYI. The cocktails and wine selection are arguably second to none in the metro area and Sam gave us great information on our selection and has built a fantastic collection of wine and Champaigne at the restaurant! Alexis' service the entire time was great! She was attentive without being overbearing or "rushy" and was genuinely kind! The general manager also stopped by to check in and confirm the meal was going well. We will definitely be back!

Jacob M.

Yelp
The interior space was very beautiful and the staff was lovely, unfortunately some of the dishes were just "misses" in our opinions. While I like and enjoy creative takes on classics, the french onion soup just didn't land for me - the main issue was that the soup broth was waay too salty - to the point where the broth was pretty one-note (all I could taste was salt). I wasn't able to pick up any of the sweetness of the onions or any tang from any white wine or dry sherry that might have been in the soup - just salt. Secondary issues of the dish was the small portion of bread, and the decision to go with a quenelle of greyere mousse - while very pretty, to me an important aspect of a french onion soup, is a proportional amount of bread (to sop up the soup juices) and the gooey/crispy texture and savory/rich/nutty flavor from the gruyere. As such, the small amount of bread and mousse really didn't cut the mustard. The second dish that was a miss for us was the carrot Wellington. Again, I love a creative take on a classic, but this dish was dominated by the taste of the goat cheese - the taste of carrot was very much lost - this was such a shame, as carrot can be such a delicious flavor when handled correctly. The third dish that was a miss for us was the duck breast entree. I didn't taste this one so cannot speak to the issues with the dish, but when I asked the member of our party what they thought, he gave me a "meh, it's so-so". I will say the small plates we had (gnocci, caviar cones, maitaki mushrooms and candied pork belly) were all very delicious, and our overall experience was enjoyable (and the staff was super nice and helpful). Saying that, I've eaten at maybe a dozen Michelin rated restaurants in the last couple of years, and the meal at Oak Park fell well short of every one of those dining experiences. I'm hopeful Oak Park will continue to refine their menu, and really take a close look at their quality control procedures to make sure that the food they are serving matches the beautiful atmosphere and quality service.

Joey F.

Yelp
My first visit here was a special time, So I decided to write this little rhyme. Every aspect was beyond the best, It really is the French Laundry of the Midwest. The service and ambiance was the finest, And I've never seen such an excellent wine list. The duck was delish and the caviar a delight, The $100 banana split was perfect to end the night. It can impress Presidents, Kings and Czars, My final verdict: obviously Five Stars.

Love To E.

Yelp
Great restaurant in Iowa, my home, where the political leaders were bought, sold and traded. Education and raising children have been replaced by the Pharisees and back room, fat cat GOP. The staff is tremendous, unlike most Iowans who don't read, apathetic and lazy. Our service was genuine and above the norm for Des Moines. Today, fear and division permeate to alienate. Nevertheless, the restaurant is the top of the list. We tried several items and I would tell you, everything is outstanding! Worth the wait and price.

Jackie J.

Yelp
Oak Park is a unique gem much needed in the Ingersoll Corridor! The staff was knowledgeable and helpful, the atmosphere was upscale, the food was amazing, and the wine selection is vast. I look forward to being a frequent guest at Oak Park!

Hawk O.

Yelp
5 Stars for the beautiful building,ambiance,and service.4 star's for the beautiful silverware and glasses.3 star's for the Skate and Sea Bass entrée. 1 star for $8 dollars for bread! It's the little things that get to me.Also,$35 for one 6 ounce glass of wine.

Scott J.

Yelp
Very chic atmosphere. Prices are reasonable if you skip the expensive apps. Prawns were not great. Caesar salad excellent. They could lay off the salt in the main dishes. I've cream deserts were good. Chocolate cake was meh.

John H.

Yelp
This is the best restaurant in Des Moines today. The food is thoughtful providing a unique experience. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

Kyle A.

Yelp
One of our favorite restaurants! Service is amazing, food is just as great! We had the pork chops, pork ragú, filet mignon, and of course salads. Everything was prepared perfectly!

Ginger K.

Yelp
My son took me for a early mothers day dinner. I believe I got food poisoning. I didn't think the food was very good but it cost so much I felt I shouldn't waste it. This is the first time I've ever made a complaint.