With food that is fresh and well prepared, dining at the Bistro Montage is quite satisfying. The menu features items like foie gras on chunks of apple-filled spring rolls, and beef medallions served with blue cheese mashed potatoes and green beans ­ remember this is the heartland! The décor is tasteful and features red walls and tiled floors as well as a montage of black and white artistic photography along the walls. One of the restaurant's highlights is its flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. The service is friendly and accessible, and the clientele is diverse. Casual dress attire.

Located in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, the Forty Three Restaurant and Wine Bar#13;#10;provides an exceptional menu and allows diners to enjoy a meal while surrounded by the beauty of a turn-of-the-century dining room. The décor features ornate architectural details, high ceilings, and maple and cherry wood furnishings. The menu ranges from pork to seafood entrées, as well as a selection of vegetarian, beef and veal options. There is a nice selection of wines, liquors and beers also available.

Whether it's the Santa Fe Chicken or the California Pizza, a meal at J. Benjamin's is bound to be tasty. The local restaurant is renowned for its homemade sauces and marinades. Entrées range from tuna salads and spice ribs to steaks and sandwiches. The service is good, and the décor includes plush booths that have comfortable seating.

The menu is diverse, and the beers are a sure thing at this lively local eatery. The Rock Bottom Restaurant's décor is basic, but locals and tourists flock here for the food, drinks and live entertainment. Menu entrées run the gamut and include culinary creations like Adobo-Crusted Pork Loin, Wild Mushroom Swiss Burger, and a variety of pastas, sandwiches and salads. The Rock Bottom also features a nice selection of beer-batter breads. The ambience is festive, and beers are brewed in house!

The saltwater aquarium décor may be a sign of what this contemporary restaurant does best. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill is located across from the Civic Center and offers a range of seafood creations. The menu is innovative and combines various culinary styles. A favorite entrée is the stuffed cabo poblano peppers, which are filled with shrimp and crabmeat and accompanied with a chipolte demi-glaze and carpaccio. The ambience is sophisticatedly upbeat, and the service is good. Casual dress attire.