We made a reservation online, had a pretty easy time checking in for our table. The front entrance was a little hidden from the (metered) road we’d parked on. There are a few short steps to walk down from the front entrance once you’re inside (Google said wheelchair accessible, not sure if they open the exit door for these people or how that’s supposed to work, it didn’t apply to us but I did notice that.)The food was great, but for two people to get water, one entree each, and no sides or dessert it was $75. The portions were rather small, and they didn’t serve bread or side salads. I’m not sure how much it would be to get a standard meal’s worth of food here with beverages, but I imagine it’s rather pricey.The tables (no booths from what I could see) were extremely close together. We could easily hear every word the conversations of the tables adjacent to us. Because of this I don’t think it’s worth the “fine dining” price point.Service was great, but we didn’t order appetizers or dessert because it just felt awkward to have a date night with the couples at the adjacent tables; we just tried to leave as soon as we could.I got the full portion of the gnocchi and I’m happy I did because despite being delicious it was rather small; I can only imagine the half portion.Parking: Metered street parkingWheelchair accessibility: Only entrance has narrow entryway, manual door, two short steps to descend. The exit door (locked from the outside) might be easier to enter with a wheelchair if someone inside opens it for you. This exit is blocked by a metal gate/railing that can be pushed open
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mike Wright
Decided to try the duck the dish was good but not for 35 dollars. Wish it came with different sides instead of the greens. Also not much of a selection for appetizers. Eggs or frys is about the best things I can
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Truffle Fries
Janelle Winter
Best gnocchi I’ve ever had; wanted to lick the plate clean! Service was phenomenal and they have a unique deal where you can pay an additional $18 and get a small plate and a dessert with your entree. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi with Chicken Confit
John Miller
Delicious food, nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hanger Steak, Gnocchi with Chicken Confit
Ryan S
Service was great, my main issue with this place is the price and quality. I've been to so many restaurants, especially in DSM and this is by far one of the most overpriced. I went to Oak Park and twice as much, but got 4x the value with service, food, etc. I love getting duck dishes at nice restaurants, and the duck I had here has completely turned me off all duck dishes for the foreseeable future. Definitely won't be going back to Alba ever.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
AngelaH
Food was over the top. Service perfect. We will be back. My son said it was the best steak he's ever had in his life. Drinks were fantastic too as were all of our entrees, appetizers and desserts. Definitely top 5 restaurants in Des Moines.
Megan
The food was delicious! Our server was very friendly and very helpfully answering questions and explaining the menu! The atmosphere was very elegant! Definitely planning a night back here!
AbimaelR
The staff was remarkable, the food was delicious, and the drinks were great. All around a great valentines meal. I really commend the staff for their teamwork. Everything was flawless. Management should be proud.
JeromeK
We gave this place another try and we are glad we did! Good service, our waitress was amazing, helpful and attentive. The food was ?. Drinks were damn near perfect. We will be back again. Oh yeah try those potatoes they got! Flame
Taylor
Delicious food! Dining room layout was very claustrophobic for a busy holiday like Valentine's Day, you're sitting less than 3 inches away from the diners to your left & right. For the price you'd expect to have a bit more of a luxury experience rather than feeling like a packed sardine, but the food & service were immaculate & I'd still come again to dine next year. :)
Our group of four got sat at the Chefs table and it was awesome! I was a little worried at first that it would be difficult to talk with our group since we were seated side by side, but I was wrong. The atmosphere was excellent and it was really fun to watch the chefs work. My NY Strip was cooked to perfection and my wife's pasta was absolutely incredible. Overall it was a great experience and we are already looking forward to coming back. 10/10.
Brady Williams
Alba is a very cozy, upscale restaurant with a fairly focused menu. Everything we had was delicious and well prepared, our server and her assistants were all delightful and helpful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
LaDaleG
The food and the service were wonderful. The beef stroganoff and lamb shank were delicious. We celebrated our Daughter's birthday and we could not have chosen a better place! Thank you.
Steven “PizzaSteve” Catus
One of my Top 5 places to eat in Des Moines, they have a great menu that is always changing with amazing food. They have a wonderful atmosphere and the staff is fantastic.
We made a reservation online, had a pretty easy time checking in for our table. The front entrance was a little hidden from the (metered) road we’d parked on. There are a few short steps to walk down from the front entrance once you’re inside (Google said wheelchair accessible, not sure if they open the exit door for these people or how that’s supposed to work, it didn’t apply to us but I did notice that.)The food was great, but for two people to get water, one entree each, and no sides or dessert it was $75. The portions were rather small, and they didn’t serve bread or side salads. I’m not sure how much it would be to get a standard meal’s worth of food here with beverages, but I imagine it’s rather pricey.The tables (no booths from what I could see) were extremely close together. We could easily hear every word the conversations of the tables adjacent to us. Because of this I don’t think it’s worth the “fine dining” price point.Service was great, but we didn’t order appetizers or dessert because it just felt awkward to have a date night with the couples at the adjacent tables; we just tried to leave as soon as we could.I got the full portion of the gnocchi and I’m happy I did because despite being delicious it was rather small; I can only imagine the half portion.Parking: Metered street parkingWheelchair accessibility: Only entrance has narrow entryway, manual door, two short steps to descend. The exit door (locked from the outside) might be easier to enter with a wheelchair if someone inside opens it for you. This exit is blocked by a metal gate/railing that can be pushed open
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Decided to try the duck the dish was good but not for 35 dollars. Wish it came with different sides instead of the greens. Also not much of a selection for appetizers. Eggs or frys is about the best things I can
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Truffle Fries
Best gnocchi I’ve ever had; wanted to lick the plate clean! Service was phenomenal and they have a unique deal where you can pay an additional $18 and get a small plate and a dessert with your entree. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi with Chicken Confit
Delicious food, nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hanger Steak, Gnocchi with Chicken Confit
Service was great, my main issue with this place is the price and quality. I've been to so many restaurants, especially in DSM and this is by far one of the most overpriced. I went to Oak Park and twice as much, but got 4x the value with service, food, etc. I love getting duck dishes at nice restaurants, and the duck I had here has completely turned me off all duck dishes for the foreseeable future. Definitely won't be going back to Alba ever.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Food was over the top. Service perfect. We will be back. My son said it was the best steak he's ever had in his life. Drinks were fantastic too as were all of our entrees, appetizers and desserts. Definitely top 5 restaurants in Des Moines.
The food was delicious! Our server was very friendly and very helpfully answering questions and explaining the menu! The atmosphere was very elegant! Definitely planning a night back here!
The staff was remarkable, the food was delicious, and the drinks were great. All around a great valentines meal. I really commend the staff for their teamwork. Everything was flawless. Management should be proud.
We gave this place another try and we are glad we did! Good service, our waitress was amazing, helpful and attentive. The food was ?. Drinks were damn near perfect. We will be back again. Oh yeah try those potatoes they got! Flame
Delicious food! Dining room layout was very claustrophobic for a busy holiday like Valentine's Day, you're sitting less than 3 inches away from the diners to your left & right. For the price you'd expect to have a bit more of a luxury experience rather than feeling like a packed sardine, but the food & service were immaculate & I'd still come again to dine next year. :)
Restaurantji Recommends
Our group of four got sat at the Chefs table and it was awesome! I was a little worried at first that it would be difficult to talk with our group since we were seated side by side, but I was wrong. The atmosphere was excellent and it was really fun to watch the chefs work. My NY Strip was cooked to perfection and my wife's pasta was absolutely incredible. Overall it was a great experience and we are already looking forward to coming back. 10/10.
Alba is a very cozy, upscale restaurant with a fairly focused menu. Everything we had was delicious and well prepared, our server and her assistants were all delightful and helpful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and the service were wonderful. The beef stroganoff and lamb shank were delicious. We celebrated our Daughter's birthday and we could not have chosen a better place! Thank you.
One of my Top 5 places to eat in Des Moines, they have a great menu that is always changing with amazing food. They have a wonderful atmosphere and the staff is fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deviled Eggs, Beet Salad, Beef Strogonoff, Creme Brulee
Butternut squash soup and osso buco were fantastic!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5