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We made reservations for my husband's birthday. The door automatically opened. We were seated right away in a booth. Place is well lit with natural light. The place is modern - a juxtaposition of the origins of the name. Waitress was spectacular. The food was amazing. I wouldn't have expected anything less than the 100% attention we got since the price for 3 was about a paycheck for many Iowans but this was for one meal in a day. Great for an experience - not for everyday.
You don't expect much out of an Iowa March. It's usually a gray, wind-whipped slog where optimism goes to die. But every now and then, the Midwest throws you a curveball--a freakishly warm evening that begs for a drink outdoors. So you find yourself on the patio at Prime & Providence, thinking you're just there for a quick Negroni... and then, like all good mistakes, it turns into dinner. The place has a certain swagger. Inside, it's all polished wood, warm lighting, and that calculated, upscale confidence that says: yes, we know what we're doing. Outside? A little louder, a little less restrained--music thumping harder than you'd expect for a steakhouse that wants to be taken seriously. Not quite divey, not quite fine dining--somewhere in that strange, modern middle ground. The Negroni shows up first--bitter, balanced, unapologetically adult. Exactly what it should be. My date opts for a mocktail, which, to its credit, doesn't feel like an afterthought. Already, things are looking promising. Then the crab cake hits the table. This is the kind of crab cake that makes you pause for a second. Minimal filler, mostly sweet, delicate crab meat held together just enough to keep it from collapsing into itself. A proper crust on the outside, a tender, almost custard-like interior. Whoever's on the line knows what they're doing. The slaw on top? Bright, crisp--but veering just a little too sweet, like someone got heavy-handed with the sugar when they should've trusted the natural acidity. And the bisque underneath--silky, rich, technically sound--again drifts into that same sweetness. It's a recurring theme here. Still, the crab cake itself? Damn near perfect. The kind of dish you'd come back for without hesitation. We skip the obvious move--the steak--and go rogue. The burger arrives: chopped filet, raclette, sautéed mushrooms. A $39 burger that dares you to question it. Cooked somewhere between medium rare and rare--pushing the boundary. For me, not a problem. I like a burger that still remembers where it came from. My date? Less convinced. Fair enough. It's a risky play serving a burger that loose, that pink. But flavor-wise? Deep, beefy, indulgent. The raclette melts into everything like it's supposed to be there all along. Then come the scallops. There's an old-school culinary dogma that says grilled scallops are a mistake--too delicate, too easy to ruin. I've heard it before, probably from some French guy who smoked too much and yelled a lot. But here? They don't pull it off either. Albeit, perfect doneness. That elusive texture--just set, still tender, not rubbery, not overworked. The char adds a necessary bitterness, a counterpoint... because once again, the plate leans sweet. Jalapeño jam, lemon fondue--it's all technically interesting, but the sugar creeps in where restraint would've elevated the whole thing. You keep thinking: just dial it back a notch, please. It needed (more) acid to balance it, the delicate scallop was as they say, lost in the sauce. Dessert is bread pudding. Comfort food, dressed up. It mostly delivers--warm, rich, satisfying. But then you hit these odd pockets--what seem like bananas gone rogue. Dark, tough, almost jarringly out of place. Not caramelized in a good way, but in a way that makes you stop mid-bite and reconsider your life choices. It's a small thing, but at this level, small things matter. Service? Solid. No ego, no guessing. Our server knew the menu, didn't try to bluff, kept the drinks flowing, and checked in just enough without hovering. That's harder to find than it should be. But there are quirks you can't ignore. The sweetness--again and again--feels like a chef who doesn't quite trust the product to stand on its own. When you're working with seafood this fresh, this well-cooked, you don't need to gild the lily. Let the crab taste like crab. Let the scallops speak for themselves. And then there's the absence of bread service. At a place like this? It's almost sacrilegious. Not because anyone needs the bread--but because it signals something about hospitality, about understanding the rhythm of a meal. You notice when it's missing. Still, you look around. The room--especially inside--is arguably one of the best in the Des Moines area. The kind of place that feels like it belongs in a bigger city, even if it's still figuring out exactly what it wants to be. The bill lands around $250. You knew that going in. No surprises there. And that's the thing about Prime & Providence--it's so close. The technique is there. The ingredients are there. The ambition is obvious. But somewhere along the line, someone decided that more sweetness equals more appeal, and it just muddies what could've been a knockout. Dial that back, trust the kitchen, and this place doesn't just compete--it dominates. Until then? It's a very good meal, flirting with greatness, but not quite sealing the deal.
We enjoyed our experience. We had the Sunday $99 for two dinner. I loved the crab bisque. Focaccia bread was fantastic. Filet minion was cooked very well and we tried the butter candle. Unfortunately, the butter candle is infused with rosemary so a no for us. The 50/50 mashed potatoes were amazing. The lasagnatol was interesting. The top had a cold cream on it with red sauce and I didn't love either of them. Dessert was a triple chocolate cheesecake and it was fabulous. Loved the crust the most.
The food and service were very good. They took our coats, gave a full run down of the menu and were very attentive. All the food was very good. I had a steak with horseradish cream sauce which was tasty, My father in law had a Caesar salad and said it was the best salad of his life. My qualm is it is very expensive and you get charged for every little thing. I was even duped to pay $10 for still water. We ended up paying about $700 for 4 people which left me regretting it. I have eaten equally as good of food a nice places for much less.
We love to stop in for the Sunday special! $99 dinner for two that includes two salads, a steak to share, two sides and two desserts.
Prime & Providence absolutely lived up to the hype. From the moment we sat down, everything felt intentional but relaxed, which isn't easy to pull off in a higher-end spot. The food was the real standout. The fish was cooked perfectly--crispy on the outside, tender inside--and the sauces were rich without being heavy. You could tell care went into every layer of the dish, from the seasoning to the presentation. Nothing felt rushed or overdone. Cocktails were just as impressive. Well-balanced, strong without being overwhelming, and honestly one of the better old fashioneds I've had in a while. It's the kind of drink you slow down for. Service was attentive without hovering, and the atmosphere hit that sweet spot between upscale and comfortable. This is the kind of place you come for a date night, a celebration, or just because you want a really solid meal done right. Definitely coming back.
Fantastic service! We stopped in early for dinner to celebrate a birthday, and the restaurant truly knows how to make a guest feel awkward. Yes they can accommodate only if we can vacate the table within two hours for a reservation they have. Thankfully the rest of the staff was remarkable and made our evening delightful. The ambiance is warm, elegant, and perfect for an evening out. They even provide a small treat for birthdays or anniversaries if you have a reservation--always a nice touch. Our server deserves a gold medal for hospitality. She explained the menu in detail, highlighted the specials, and managed to make us feel like the most important table in the room. The appetizers were, without question, the stars of the show. If I could have ordered them as my main course, I would have walked out a very happy diner. The menu is à la carte, and the sides are generous enough to share, which helped justify the price... somewhat. Unfortunately, the entrees did not quite live up to the anticipation--or the bill. They were fine, just not "write-home-about-it" fine. Overall, I left full but slightly underwhelmed. Next time, I might skip the entrée, double up on appetizers, and spend the extra cash on a few more ounces of wine. At least that would guarantee a happy ending to the evening.
Took a chance with no reservations on a thursday night and so glad we got in, the decor is unique and very well done. We sat in a room that had a great bar, booth seating with great lighting. Service was 10 out if 10 our waitress was very knowledgeable, went through the menu had great recommendations. For starters, we have the crab cakes, which was a really good size, came with the sauce and huge lumps of crab. My issue was the breading felt mushy, which made the crab cakes feel very soggy, but other than that, it had really good flavor. I also had the crab bisque that was fantastic. Huge and tons of lumped crab that was in a soup. It was amazing better than a lobster bisque. For dinner had the king's salmon also amazing flavor really good size salmon. And 2 drinks, the old fashion which was spot on fantastic. And another drink that had mezcal in it also very, very good. All in all I cannot wait to go back and try more of the menu.
Atmosphere: This restaurant is a vibe, from the music selection to the open and inviting dining area. Food: I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor of the salmon wonton tacos; despite the salmon being raw, it was delicious. The meatballs and octopus, however, were slightly overcooked. The oysters were good. Service: The service at the restaurant was okay. The staff was attentive enough, though there were moments when we had to wait longer than expected. I'm looking forward to my next visit to try more items from the menu. There are several dishes that caught my eye, and I can't wait to see what else the restaurant has to offer.
Primeand Providence WOW After our experience with another pricier steak restaurant last year I was definitely nervous to spend a large amount of money only to be disappointed again but I was ready to try something different and it was an early brat dinner so we bit the bullet! Prime and Providence knows what they're doing without a doubt Here's what we got! Caesar Salad (forgot to take a pic of the presentation) 9/10 (did not care for the anchovies that I thought was bacon) but the salad itself was perfect: just enough dressing & crispy salad. The dressing did have a little sweetness to it but i liked it! Definitely a shareable salad! Focaccia Bread 10/10 Moist, subtle but delicious savory taste! Came with the garlicky butter that I put an unhealthy amount of butter on. Chefs kiss! Ribeye & Filet 10/10 Wow. Talk about melt.in.your.mouth! Perfectly seasoned and cooked a PERFECT medium rare. We added the "candle stick butter". Felt like it was a birthday cake but butter Loved drowning my steak in that butter, could feel my arteries tingle with the amount of butter I consumed lol. Sides: Potatoes Au Gratin & Mac n Cheese Potatoes 9/10 only reason I gave it a 9 is cause it does require salt and pepper but the cream sauce was so delicious with it and potatoes were fork tender perfect! Mac n Cheese 10/10 perfection. No seasoning required it was that good. Noodles a perfect al dente. And to the breadcrumb haters... don't even cause it was the best addition! & you know we had to get dessert! Creme Brûlée 8/10! I personally like my crème brûlée warm and most places don't but the flavor was great and a "light & refreshing" end to our meals! Tips: don't order the bottle water cause they charge $10 it's not free & the pop is not free refills. Other than that I have zero complaints and when I'm looking for a place out for a special occasion, that will be guaranteed to be delicious, it will without a doubt be this place!
Oh you better run to Prime and Providence if you know what's good for you! (And if you like steak houses and have a couple hundred dollars to spend). We loved our first visit to this joint, let me tell you this is the best steak house I've been to across many states and with my steak house loving family who make it a point to visit all major chains and local spots. That this place is a solo, homegrown Des Moines steak house is incredible, and they are going toe to toe with the giants like Ruth Chris and Capital Grill. Our server was a cut above, pun intended, so knowledgeable and so accommodating. We ordered oysters, delicious bread, filet, t-bone, rainbow carrots and bacon creamed corn and we loved it all. No complaints, no notes. And don't think "why would anyone order carrots?" Because they transformed those colorful babies into a sweet, creamy delicacy you won't soon forget. We brought our own wine for a chunky corkage fee but my parents love wine so it was worth it to them (not me!) My dad accidentally ordered a $40 old fashioned because he picked the most expensive bourbon on the menu, so maybe ask the price before you order some of their more fancy concoctions. But like I said, bring a heavy wallet, an empty stomach and get ready to be blessed by the steakhouse gods in this gorgeous, classy environment. read more
2 months ago
We celebrated our anniversary at prime and Providence on Sunday evening. While we have had dinner here a couple times in the past this was our first experience on a Sunday night. Apparently Sunday night is the best night to go enjoy this restaurant as they do a fantastic $100 split plate special. The special included a starter (wedge salad), entree (which for us was a filet mignon) as well as two sides and a dessert. We added the seafood tower, which is also a Sunday special for $40. The seafood tower was amazing. It included two scallop Rockefellers, a lobster tail, a ton of muscles and a few jumbo shrimp. The one we opted for was roasted, but they also have a chilled version. The service was absolutely fantastic and the meal was amazing. My only complaint was the drinks in the lounge were a bit expensive before our meal. I had an old-fashioned for $30 and my wife had an Aperol spritz around the same price. The cocktails were very good just about double what were used to paying at nice restaurants in the area. We will absolutely be back to enjoy this dining establishment again in the future, and it will absolutely be on a Sunday as you get the best bang for your buck! read more
We made a reservation on what turned out to be a snowy spring evening. When we got there around 6:15 the place was very full. We were there on a Sunday so I suspect a lot of other people were taking advantage of the Sunday dinner for two like we were. We were greeted when we came in the door and the service from the time we entered until the time we left was outstanding. As we are celebrating our anniversary, our table was decorated for that which was a nice touch. We looked over the very extensive menus and did settle back in on the $99 dinner for two. In theory it is smaller portions than some of their other dishes, but there was more than enough food there for the two of us. We got the filet mignon, which was wonderfully prepared and an outstanding cut of meat. We got the 50-50 potatoes, and asked later what the 50-50 meant and discovered it's 50% potato and 50% butter and cream. They are delicious but decadent! We also got the asparagus which was very good. It had a wonderful sauce, and was tender and flavorful. We also each got the wedge salad which was almost a meal in itself. And we each got the carrot cake for dessert. We had to bring a lot of the carrot cake home because we were quite topped off at that point. The carrot cake is a slightly different twist than some, but very good nonetheless. The wine list is very good and prices are what you would expect at an establishment of this type. All in all, I would definitely go back and try some other things. If you're into oysters, they have quite a selection of those, but that's not really my jam. read more
3 days ago
2 months ago
We made reservations for my husband's birthday. The door automatically opened. We were seated right away in a booth. Place is well lit with natural light. The place is modern - a juxtaposition of the origins of the name. Waitress was spectacular. The food was amazing. I wouldn't have expected anything less than the 100% attention we got since the price for 3 was about a paycheck for many Iowans but this was for one meal in a day. Great for an experience - not for everyday. read more
6 months ago
You don't expect much out of an Iowa March. It's usually a gray, wind-whipped slog where optimism goes to die. But every now and then, the Midwest throws you a curveball--a freakishly warm evening that begs for a drink outdoors. So you find yourself on the patio at Prime & Providence, thinking you're just there for a quick Negroni... and then, like all good mistakes, it turns into dinner. The place has a certain swagger. Inside, it's all polished wood, warm lighting, and that calculated, upscale confidence that says: yes, we know what we're doing. Outside? A little louder, a little less restrained--music thumping harder than you'd expect for a steakhouse that wants to be taken seriously. Not quite divey, not quite fine dining--somewhere in that strange, modern middle ground. The Negroni shows up first--bitter, balanced, unapologetically adult. Exactly what it should be. My date opts for a mocktail, which, to its credit, doesn't feel like an afterthought. Already, things are looking promising. Then the crab cake hits the table. This is the kind of crab cake that makes you pause for a second. Minimal filler, mostly sweet, delicate crab meat held together just enough to keep it from collapsing into itself. A proper crust on the outside, a tender, almost custard-like interior. Whoever's on the line knows what they're doing. The slaw on top? Bright, crisp--but veering just a little too sweet, like someone got heavy-handed with the sugar when they should've trusted the natural acidity. And the bisque underneath--silky, rich, technically sound--again drifts into that same sweetness. It's a recurring theme here. Still, the crab cake itself? Damn near perfect. The kind of dish you'd come back for without hesitation. We skip the obvious move--the steak--and go rogue. The burger arrives: chopped filet, raclette, sautéed mushrooms. A $39 burger that dares you to question it. Cooked somewhere between medium rare and rare--pushing the boundary. For me, not a problem. I like a burger that still remembers where it came from. My date? Less convinced. Fair enough. It's a risky play serving a burger that loose, that pink. But flavor-wise? Deep, beefy, indulgent. The raclette melts into everything like it's supposed to be there all along. Then come the scallops. There's an old-school culinary dogma that says grilled scallops are a mistake--too delicate, too easy to ruin. I've heard it before, probably from some French guy who smoked too much and yelled a lot. But here? They don't pull it off either. Albeit, perfect doneness. That elusive texture--just set, still tender, not rubbery, not overworked. The char adds a necessary bitterness, a counterpoint... because once again, the plate leans sweet. Jalapeño jam, lemon fondue--it's all technically interesting, but the sugar creeps in where restraint would've elevated the whole thing. You keep thinking: just dial it back a notch, please. It needed (more) acid to balance it, the delicate scallop was as they say, lost in the sauce. Dessert is bread pudding. Comfort food, dressed up. It mostly delivers--warm, rich, satisfying. But then you hit these odd pockets--what seem like bananas gone rogue. Dark, tough, almost jarringly out of place. Not caramelized in a good way, but in a way that makes you stop mid-bite and reconsider your life choices. It's a small thing, but at this level, small things matter. Service? Solid. No ego, no guessing. Our server knew the menu, didn't try to bluff, kept the drinks flowing, and checked in just enough without hovering. That's harder to find than it should be. But there are quirks you can't ignore. The sweetness--again and again--feels like a chef who doesn't quite trust the product to stand on its own. When you're working with seafood this fresh, this well-cooked, you don't need to gild the lily. Let the crab taste like crab. Let the scallops speak for themselves. And then there's the absence of bread service. At a place like this? It's almost sacrilegious. Not because anyone needs the bread--but because it signals something about hospitality, about understanding the rhythm of a meal. You notice when it's missing. Still, you look around. The room--especially inside--is arguably one of the best in the Des Moines area. The kind of place that feels like it belongs in a bigger city, even if it's still figuring out exactly what it wants to be. The bill lands around $250. You knew that going in. No surprises there. And that's the thing about Prime & Providence--it's so close. The technique is there. The ingredients are there. The ambition is obvious. But somewhere along the line, someone decided that more sweetness equals more appeal, and it just muddies what could've been a knockout. Dial that back, trust the kitchen, and this place doesn't just compete--it dominates. Until then? It's a very good meal, flirting with greatness, but not quite sealing the deal. read more
We enjoyed our experience. We had the Sunday $99 for two dinner. I loved the crab bisque. Focaccia bread was fantastic. Filet minion was cooked very well and we tried the butter candle. Unfortunately, the butter candle is infused with rosemary so a no for us. The 50/50 mashed potatoes were amazing. The lasagnatol was interesting. The top had a cold cream on it with red sauce and I didn't love either of them. Dessert was a triple chocolate cheesecake and it was fabulous. Loved the crust the most. read more
8 months ago
The food and service were very good. They took our coats, gave a full run down of the menu and were very attentive. All the food was very good. I had a steak with horseradish cream sauce which was tasty, My father in law had a Caesar salad and said it was the best salad of his life. My qualm is it is very expensive and you get charged for every little thing. I was even duped to pay $10 for still water. We ended up paying about $700 for 4 people which left me regretting it. I have eaten equally as good of food a nice places for much less. read more
4 months ago
We love to stop in for the Sunday special! $99 dinner for two that includes two salads, a steak to share, two sides and two desserts. read more
9 months ago
Prime & Providence absolutely lived up to the hype. From the moment we sat down, everything felt intentional but relaxed, which isn't easy to pull off in a higher-end spot. The food was the real standout. The fish was cooked perfectly--crispy on the outside, tender inside--and the sauces were rich without being heavy. You could tell care went into every layer of the dish, from the seasoning to the presentation. Nothing felt rushed or overdone. Cocktails were just as impressive. Well-balanced, strong without being overwhelming, and honestly one of the better old fashioneds I've had in a while. It's the kind of drink you slow down for. Service was attentive without hovering, and the atmosphere hit that sweet spot between upscale and comfortable. This is the kind of place you come for a date night, a celebration, or just because you want a really solid meal done right. Definitely coming back. read more
1 year ago
Fantastic service! We stopped in early for dinner to celebrate a birthday, and the restaurant truly knows how to make a guest feel awkward. Yes they can accommodate only if we can vacate the table within two hours for a reservation they have. Thankfully the rest of the staff was remarkable and made our evening delightful. The ambiance is warm, elegant, and perfect for an evening out. They even provide a small treat for birthdays or anniversaries if you have a reservation--always a nice touch. Our server deserves a gold medal for hospitality. She explained the menu in detail, highlighted the specials, and managed to make us feel like the most important table in the room. The appetizers were, without question, the stars of the show. If I could have ordered them as my main course, I would have walked out a very happy diner. The menu is à la carte, and the sides are generous enough to share, which helped justify the price... somewhat. Unfortunately, the entrees did not quite live up to the anticipation--or the bill. They were fine, just not "write-home-about-it" fine. Overall, I left full but slightly underwhelmed. Next time, I might skip the entrée, double up on appetizers, and spend the extra cash on a few more ounces of wine. At least that would guarantee a happy ending to the evening. read more
9 months ago
Took a chance with no reservations on a thursday night and so glad we got in, the decor is unique and very well done. We sat in a room that had a great bar, booth seating with great lighting. Service was 10 out if 10 our waitress was very knowledgeable, went through the menu had great recommendations. For starters, we have the crab cakes, which was a really good size, came with the sauce and huge lumps of crab. My issue was the breading felt mushy, which made the crab cakes feel very soggy, but other than that, it had really good flavor. I also had the crab bisque that was fantastic. Huge and tons of lumped crab that was in a soup. It was amazing better than a lobster bisque. For dinner had the king's salmon also amazing flavor really good size salmon. And 2 drinks, the old fashion which was spot on fantastic. And another drink that had mezcal in it also very, very good. All in all I cannot wait to go back and try more of the menu. read more
3 months ago
4 months ago
Any one less than 5 stars has never had good food. Staff was very attentive (thanks Matthew), the sides were amazing (mushroom risotto is a must), best steak we've ever had (coming from cattle farmers so means a lot).... A must try if in or around the area read more
4 months ago
Atmosphere: This restaurant is a vibe, from the music selection to the open and inviting dining area. Food: I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor of the salmon wonton tacos; despite the salmon being raw, it was delicious. The meatballs and octopus, however, were slightly overcooked. The oysters were good. Service: The service at the restaurant was okay. The staff was attentive enough, though there were moments when we had to wait longer than expected. I'm looking forward to my next visit to try more items from the menu. There are several dishes that caught my eye, and I can't wait to see what else the restaurant has to offer. read more
2 months ago
3 months ago
9 months ago
Seasonal escargot and Caesar; one hour to receive a starter and salad... still waiting on our mains. read more
7 months ago
2 years ago
Primeand Providence WOW After our experience with another pricier steak restaurant last year I was definitely nervous to spend a large amount of money only to be disappointed again but I was ready to try something different and it was an early brat dinner so we bit the bullet! Prime and Providence knows what they're doing without a doubt Here's what we got! Caesar Salad (forgot to take a pic of the presentation) 9/10 (did not care for the anchovies that I thought was bacon) but the salad itself was perfect: just enough dressing & crispy salad. The dressing did have a little sweetness to it but i liked it! Definitely a shareable salad! Focaccia Bread 10/10 Moist, subtle but delicious savory taste! Came with the garlicky butter that I put an unhealthy amount of butter on. Chefs kiss! Ribeye & Filet 10/10 Wow. Talk about melt.in.your.mouth! Perfectly seasoned and cooked a PERFECT medium rare. We added the "candle stick butter". Felt like it was a birthday cake but butter Loved drowning my steak in that butter, could feel my arteries tingle with the amount of butter I consumed lol. Sides: Potatoes Au Gratin & Mac n Cheese Potatoes 9/10 only reason I gave it a 9 is cause it does require salt and pepper but the cream sauce was so delicious with it and potatoes were fork tender perfect! Mac n Cheese 10/10 perfection. No seasoning required it was that good. Noodles a perfect al dente. And to the breadcrumb haters... don't even cause it was the best addition! & you know we had to get dessert! Creme Brûlée 8/10! I personally like my crème brûlée warm and most places don't but the flavor was great and a "light & refreshing" end to our meals! Tips: don't order the bottle water cause they charge $10 it's not free & the pop is not free refills. Other than that I have zero complaints and when I'm looking for a place out for a special occasion, that will be guaranteed to be delicious, it will without a doubt be this place! read more
8 months ago
We really enjoyed the food here. It's pricey but we were pleasantly surprised by how large the portions were. The service, specifically how long it took to get our food, was slower than expected, but we weren't in hurry as it was a date night. If we are at a regular bar&grill, it would have felt way too long. But the food will bring us back. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Prime and Providence for Thursday dinner. Ambience: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Food: 3.5/5 Price: 4/5 Lobstercargot: plated like a traditional escargot but it's tiny lobster chunks. Delicious in flavor, not sure it's worth $26 but this was probably the best dish, IMO. Caprese Salad: if the Lobstercargot wasn't at the top of the list, then it would be their Caprese salad. I would love to see more caprese salads made like this one. Yummmm! The tomatoes were ever so slightly mealy, but the basil and mozzarella were spot on. Overall, it was delicious and we loved it. House Chop Salad: I love a good chop salad, but I wasn't a fan of this one. The flavors didn't jive, and it was not a chop salad we enjoyed at all. The dressing, I think, was meant to be a vinaigrette but it was kinda creamy, kinda soggy, and we weren't sure what was all in the salad. What the menu said vs. what we got didn't really match. Tuna Del Mar: fantastic! Medium rare tuna steak with mushrooms, it was fire and we loved this entree. The sriracha sauce is just enough heat and flavor, to complement this dish. Roasted Seafood Tower: I waffled between this one and the Hearth Shellfish Mixed Grill and, in hindsight, I wish I would've gotten the Mixed Grill. The tower was disappointing. I asked for some clarified butter but otherwise, the seafood tower had no sauce and minimal flavor. Maybe it's me, but I love flavors and sauces and found this one so bland. Also, the tower comes with 4 seafoods: king crab leg, 3 half lobster tails, 3 colossal shrimp and 3 sea scallops. The scallops and 1 of 3 lobster tail halves were undercooked (2 were fine, 1 undercooked). The colossal shrimp and the half king crableg were perfectly cooked. I'm glad I asked for the butter, but found this whole tower bland and tasted like a burnt grill. Oysters: might I recommend an oyster flight? I wanted them all, and ended up with none. Sad, I know. But I didn't want 6 of any of them, I wanted 1-2 of all of them! May go back to try just the oysters. Broccolini: what a disappointment. It's sweet, I don't do (most versions of) sweet broccoli. We each ate one bite, I spit mine out and we left the rest. It wasn't good...actually it's terrible. Perhaps I'm a savory eater but the miso whatever brown blob was on top is not complementary of this vegetable. Flowers Pinot Noir bottle: good choice, we liked it. We plan to go back and try more items, but we know what we won't be trying again! For a $350 meal in WDM for 2 people, I do expect a little more quality than what we got. Service was fantastic, food runners were spot on, it's unfortunate that some of the dishes were subpar. -- at Prime and Providence. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
The place was interesting. It was not crowded when we arrived around 6pm and it wasn't crowded when we left at 7:30pm. We were in a room all by ourselves adjacent to the bar. It wax odd actually. When I asked if they were busy they said, yes just later reservations. Not sure how much later since we didn't leave until 7:30 and no one had joined us in the room. The other strange thing was the music was playing quite loud. Abnormally loud actually. I guess it struck me as odd because the song that was playing was Big Pimpin'. Personally don't hate the music but odd for an upscale restaurant. The server was knowledgeable and explained the menu to us. That was nice. The wine menu was extensive. We heard good things about a few menu items so we tried them. The Ceasar Salad had an extremely fun presentation. The Lobster Cargot was tasty but I think I still prefer escargot. The two side dishes we had were probably the best part of the meal 50/50 mashed potatoes and the lasagnatolo. Our main dishes were unimpressive and actually mine was far from delicious. Not sure I will be rushing back as there are so many places to try. Overall my expectations were not met based on all the hype... read more
Prime and Providence brings unique culinary experiences to the metro. They bring a one-of-a-kind Demant grill and roaster to their chic-modern restaurant. Chef Iannerelli brings some new twists to old favorites but also executes a standard filet to a high level. The lounge side has its own unique menu with a little bit lighter fare. I hear the black label burger is unreal. The presented drink menu is on the pricier side, but you can still order your go-to drink for a reasonable cost. If price is of no object to you, the reserve menu presents some of the finest choices available in Iowa. Rare cuts such as Kobe strip loin and Shimane ribeye top the list. We started with the Triple Smoked Bacon and Chargrilled Octopus. The bacon is a 1" slab of pork belly covered in red pepper marmalade on a bed of mustard grits. I was nervous about the mustard grits because I'm not particularly fond of either. But wow, after the pork belly was consumed the table cleaned the plate of the jam and grits. The octopus had a buttery soft chew and a wonderful smoky flavor. For the fish course, we chose a dozen chargrilled oysters 6 crab stuffed and 6 garlic butter and shrimp cocktail. The oysters were phenomenal. For the people at the table that had their first ever oyster, I expect they'll be disappointed when they try them elsewhere. The shrimp cocktail nearly rivals that of St. Elmo's (if you know, you know). I will go back for another dozen when I don't have to share (and maybe get 6 of those massive shrimp too). This sample of their seafood tempted me to order the shellfish tower but I'm saving that for the next time I go. For our mains, I ordered the 12 ounce filet au poivre. I chose this simple dish so that I could get a good read on how they stack up against the many other fine steakhouses in the area. I was not disappointed. The steak was cooked to an exact medium well. The crust was still crackling when it arrived. My wife ordered the bison short rib. She described it as intensely flavorful. For sides, we ordered the forest mushrooms, lasagnatolo, and brussel sprouts. The mushrooms paired perfectly with our steaks. I dumped a spoonful into my brown gravy. The brussels sprouts were a bit too al dente for me. I gave feedback that they should be split rather than left whole. But let me tell you, that lasagnatolo could be a meal in itself. I only had one piece, but it was filling. For dessert, we ordered the crème brûlée and raspberry sorbet. We also each ended with a cocktail. All in all you will have a wonderful experience that warrants the price point. read more
7 months ago
7 months ago
2 years ago
Great service from Valeria! Food was excellent. We started with oysters Rockefeller; 6 of east and 6 of west coast oysters. To my surprise, our favorites were the west coasters! The coal fired flavor added an extra flair. Next were 2 salads, the wedge and Caesar. I only had the wedge because I am celiac. The blue cheese was top notch. The dressing perfect, not overpowering. Enough blue cheese favor less than twang. If that went enough we ordered the seafood tower. That was good but not my favorite. My husband ordered the bison short ribs while my daughters shared a filet. Both were cooked to perfection. Our sides were the rainbow carrots and the risotto. Finally, the espresso crème brûlée. That was the cherry on top of a great meal and experience. read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
We started with a Regulator and an Intercontinental OF. Both were GOOD! Ordered a half dozen oysters on the half shell, and a Lobstercargot. While the oysters were good, the Lobstercargot won the appetizers. The oysters included (in order from ok to good): a misty points points from Smith Island, VA, a 1871 fro Watts Bay, VA, a Peachtree from the Wicomico River, VA, a Triple Bogey from Moback Bay, VA, and a Royal Miyagi and Fanny Bay both from Bayes Sound, BC. For mains, we ordered a P&P Surf and Turf and sea scallops served in a lemon fondue. We also ordered a side of truffle risotto and the crab creamed corn (special). I found the surf and turf a bit on the salty side, but my wife said it was spot on. The scallops were my favorite, refreshing yet rich (my wife thought there was a touch of heat). The creamed corn was also a favorite, this coming from someone who doesn't like creamed corn. The risotto was also phenomenal. Dessert was a double crème brûlée. I consider myself a connoisseur of it. The brûlée was even through the I think, Amanda entire top. The crème was definitely vanilla-forward, but good nonetheless. Not the best I've had. The texture was too cake-like, with too much loose liquid. My wife described the crème brûlée as "that's gross". Amanda was our server, and was outstanding. My only complaint was a lack of a table touch from the manager or chef. The ambiance is more relaxed than other fine dining establishments in Des Moines, but still good. The music however didn't fit the rest of the restaurant, and was too loud. Overall, I both recommend Prime and Providence and will be back. read more
2 years ago
After several visits, I've determined that this place ALWAYS delivers amazing food and drinks. Don't forget to grab a taste of their Peerless barrel pick read more
1 year ago
Service was superb, all food was excellent. Recommend the Rainbow Carrots as a side - not your ordinary vegetable side dish. Also the lobster escargot appetizer was excellent. They did a few extras for our birthday celebration which was very nice. read more
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