Prime & Providence, the steakhouse and seafood bar in West Des Moines, made USA TODAY’s list of best restaurants in the country.
The 2026 USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year list, released today, features 39 restaurants from fine-dining establishments to mom-and-pop taquerias.

“When we learned Prime & Providence had been given this honor, I started thinking back to the leap of faith we took to pursue our dream of having a world-class steak program right here in the Des Moines metro,” chef and co-owner Dominic Iannarelli said. “We believed that our customer base would respond well to the rare Japanese offerings that can be found next to our domestic prime cuts, but we have been blown away by the demand. Great food is just part of the culinary journey. Our staff has been incredible at learning all the details of our cuts and various aging techniques. Their professionalism helps take our restaurant over the top. I can’t thank this team enough for their help in earning this recognition.”
USA TODAY Network food journalists from across the country pooled their expertise to select the list, which includes the places they know, love and recommend.
Prime & Providence was chosen for its modern, upscale steakhouse and oyster bar that blends sophistication with approachability. Opened in May 2024 by Iannarelli and Cory Gourley, the restaurant is built around live-fire cooking on a custom-designed 15-foot hearth using Fogo Charcoal, which gives dishes a distinct smoky depth. The ambiance is warm and elegant, featuring statement lighting, a spectacular wine wall, and liquor lockers for purchase. Guests are greeted with coat check service, adding a refined touch to the experience.
Here’s the full list and more about Prime & Providence.
See the rest of the list here:
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the steakhouse on USA TODAY’s Restaurant of the Year list
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

