Alba, a Des Moines Restaurant, Named One of the Best 'Hidden Gem' Eateries in the U.S.

The upscale American restaurant was recognized by USA Today for its creative cuisine and unique setting in a renovated 1950s auto garage.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:47am

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USA Today recently named Alba, a restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, as one of the best "hidden gem" eateries in the United States. Alba, which opened in 2008, is located in a renovated 1950s auto garage and features an upscale American menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has received multiple nominations for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Midwest.

Why it matters

Alba's recognition as a top hidden gem restaurant highlights the vibrant food scene in Des Moines and the Midwest region. As a locally-owned, independent restaurant that has found national acclaim, Alba's story demonstrates how innovative, mission-driven establishments can thrive even in the face of competition from larger chains.

The details

Alba was chosen for USA Today's list of the best hidden gem restaurants by food writer Susan Stapleton of the Des Moines Register. The restaurant, opened by owner Jason Simon, has been nominated for James Beard Foundation Awards in 2010, 2016, and 2017 for its creative cuisine and talented chefs. The ever-changing menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients and unique takes on traditional American fare. Alba is located in a renovated 1950s auto garage, giving the upscale dining experience a distinctive setting.

  • Alba opened in Des Moines in 2008.
  • The restaurant received three James Beard Foundation Award nominations in 2010, 2016, and 2017.

The players

Alba

An upscale American restaurant and bar in Des Moines, Iowa, featuring a renovated 1950s auto garage setting.

Jason Simon

The owner and founder of Alba restaurant in Des Moines.

Susan Stapleton

A food writer for the Des Moines Register who selected Alba as one of the best hidden gem restaurants in the U.S. for USA Today.

Joe Tripp

A former chef at Alba who was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award in 2016 and 2017.

Matt Small

The current sous chef at Alba restaurant in Des Moines.

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What they’re saying

“...the restaurant earned three nominations for a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Midwest in 2010 for [Jason] Simon and 2016 and 2017 for former chef Joe Tripp.”

— Susan Stapleton, Food Writer (Des Moines Register)

The takeaway

Alba's recognition as a top hidden gem restaurant in the U.S. showcases the vibrant and innovative food scene in Des Moines and the Midwest. As an independent, locally-owned establishment that has found national acclaim, Alba's story demonstrates how mission-driven restaurants can thrive by offering creative cuisine in unique settings, even in the face of competition from larger chains.