Great food. Local ingredients. Great service. Chill atmosphere. What a gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adrian Sawczuk
Wow! Great team & service, incredible food, and perfect small intimate feel. Salads were fresh and large, the quail was delicious. A must visit while in Decorah. Would come back over and over.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mitchell Overton
Amazing food in great atmosphere! My wife and I agree that it was the best, most flavorful meal we’ve had at any restaurant in years. The service was terrific even on a busy night Valentine’s night and we will definitely be back the next time we’re in Decorah.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ty Bestor
Crab cakes were spot on. Wait staff went above and beyond. Very nice small, quiet place to enjoy the evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
William Petersen
The first place my wife and I go when we visit Decorah. A relatively small lunch menu but each item a keeper. Pretty decent options for us vegetarians too. Killer desserts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Navigator62112880570
This place was hoppin’! We got an early reservation and got seated at one of the small tables. We prefer to sit at the bar, but here the bar was reserved seating too. The locale was cute, the atmosphere cozy. Our server was on a serving mission! She was the epitome of efficiency (and maybe not in a good way). It felt so hurried and our dining ware flew off the table the same second we finished something on our plates. Quick and swift seemed to be the virtues of this place. In the beginning we snickered a little bit, but then it got a bit uncomfortable as we felt so hurried. The funniest thing was when we ordered olives to start and she asked if we wanted the small or the large ones. We opted for the large, but when the bowl of olives was brought out, my husband exclaimed: «if THESE are the large ones, I wonder what the SMALL ones look like!» They were tiny! Oh well. The cocktails were great, it’s obvious that they have a bartender that takes their job very seriously. The main courses were delicious, so nothing to say about that. But if they slow down the express dining service a tad, it would be a more pleasant experience. It said that we had the table for 90 minutes, but we were out within an hour!
Susan Moser
Best meal on our trip thus far and the service matched! Highly recommend, great food/drinks, fun atmosphere and great vibes 😉 We had the salmon and the Special which was a Green Curry Hake 🙌🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Alex Watters
Ever once in a while, you stumble upon one of those unassuming Main Street bistros that turn out to be serving up amazing food with a shocking bar selection. That’s exactly what happened with La Rana. My cousin and his wife said that it’s one of their favorites and after this chicken salad, I can see why. The ciabatta was pillowy soft and this Sriracha almond chicken salad was perfection. The salad was lightly dressed with an amazing balsamic vinaigrette, and I’m glad that I split the sandwich with someone because it would have been tough to get through both halves. My only regret is not going back there and having the chicken curry special with a glass of wine in the evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Janna Lafferty
We tried to go the first night we got to town but they were booked for the night. Made reservations for lunch the next day and totally understood why it was booked. Super small, super cute and super delicious. I had the grilled cheese and sweet potato soup and I declared it the best grilled cheese of my life. So amazing.
Friendly service, buzzy atmosphere, and delicious food. I fell in love with the ahi tuna sandwich.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh Wander
Rude service which I assume is because we brought kids with us. Called the day before to confirm they would make grilled cheese for children, was told yes of course, then had to argue with the server about it, who then had to calm down the kitchen worker that wanted to come yell at us (wife overheard the convo in the kitchen). My kids would have been fine with cheese on a hamburger bun, both of which were available for the dinner window. Ordered a bottle of wine and the response was “ok” which is weird to me as a food service industry worker of 20+ years because it’s the easiest way to increase your check and tip. I appreciate her stopping the kitchen worker from yelling at us but was not happy with the indifferent and sometimes rude service. I won’t get in to all the little comments and just general disgust towards us for bringing in grandparents and children. We are from a major metro outside of Iowa and frequent places like this. Food was ok but ultimately mid, especially for the price. Honestly it was the worst restaurant experience my wife and I have had in over a decade from a service standpoint. Just say no kids or 6 tops if you have a problem with it. We were prepared to spend $500 on drinks and food but left for much less with plenty of time left on our reservation because we clearly were not welcome.
Side note: not our experience but the table next to us was an elderly couple celebrating combined birthday and anniversary milestones. Their server (not ours) was made to tell them that a large group (presumably us) got their order in before theirs and they might get their food late. Ok.. then he had to tell them they would still need to leave at the 90 minute mark finished or not. They actually got their food before us which was a good call by the kitchen. But still.. imagine being 80+ years old, celebrating your bday and 60+ anniversary, then being told you might get kicked out before you’re finished. Just figure it out and get them their food before threatening.
If you’re a single couple, have fun. Food is decent and you will probably get better service than us.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Emma Fischer
I had La rana one year ago. And on that day I got the tomato basil soup. From that day forward I have thought about that soup and grilled cheese everyday. Flash forward a year later we went and visited La rana again they had the tomato basil soup and it was to die for again. We also got their lovely mocktails, panzanella salad and lava dessert. It was pretty busy considering it was rush hour but our server was lovely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Michael Wade
They State they're open till 2pm. The door sign says last seating 145 p.m. for lunch we arrived at 1:43 and we were turned away. We we told the young lady we only wanted salad but she still did not want our business and sent us on our way. We will never ever visit this restaurant again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Keith Shields
La Rana is a wonderful little upscale bistro just off of the main street in Decorah. We made reservations ahead of time for a Friday night visit. We were greeted at the door and had wonderful service all evening. The menu is filled with items that you will not find in most Iowa towns. The bar also has options to meet everyone's taste. Everything we ordered was very good and came in a timely manner. Definitely worth a visit when in Decorah.
Great food. Local ingredients. Great service. Chill atmosphere. What a gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow! Great team & service, incredible food, and perfect small intimate feel. Salads were fresh and large, the quail was delicious. A must visit while in Decorah. Would come back over and over.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food in great atmosphere! My wife and I agree that it was the best, most flavorful meal we’ve had at any restaurant in years. The service was terrific even on a busy night Valentine’s night and we will definitely be back the next time we’re in Decorah.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Crab cakes were spot on. Wait staff went above and beyond. Very nice small, quiet place to enjoy the evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The first place my wife and I go when we visit Decorah. A relatively small lunch menu but each item a keeper. Pretty decent options for us vegetarians too. Killer desserts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place was hoppin’! We got an early reservation and got seated at one of the small tables. We prefer to sit at the bar, but here the bar was reserved seating too. The locale was cute, the atmosphere cozy. Our server was on a serving mission! She was the epitome of efficiency (and maybe not in a good way). It felt so hurried and our dining ware flew off the table the same second we finished something on our plates. Quick and swift seemed to be the virtues of this place. In the beginning we snickered a little bit, but then it got a bit uncomfortable as we felt so hurried. The funniest thing was when we ordered olives to start and she asked if we wanted the small or the large ones. We opted for the large, but when the bowl of olives was brought out, my husband exclaimed: «if THESE are the large ones, I wonder what the SMALL ones look like!» They were tiny! Oh well. The cocktails were great, it’s obvious that they have a bartender that takes their job very seriously. The main courses were delicious, so nothing to say about that. But if they slow down the express dining service a tad, it would be a more pleasant experience. It said that we had the table for 90 minutes, but we were out within an hour!
Best meal on our trip thus far and the service matched! Highly recommend, great food/drinks, fun atmosphere and great vibes 😉 We had the salmon and the Special which was a Green Curry Hake 🙌🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ever once in a while, you stumble upon one of those unassuming Main Street bistros that turn out to be serving up amazing food with a shocking bar selection. That’s exactly what happened with La Rana. My cousin and his wife said that it’s one of their favorites and after this chicken salad, I can see why. The ciabatta was pillowy soft and this Sriracha almond chicken salad was perfection. The salad was lightly dressed with an amazing balsamic vinaigrette, and I’m glad that I split the sandwich with someone because it would have been tough to get through both halves. My only regret is not going back there and having the chicken curry special with a glass of wine in the evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We tried to go the first night we got to town but they were booked for the night. Made reservations for lunch the next day and totally understood why it was booked.
Super small, super cute and super delicious. I had the grilled cheese and sweet potato soup and I declared it the best grilled cheese of my life. So amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hands down the best restaurant in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Friendly service, buzzy atmosphere, and delicious food. I fell in love with the ahi tuna sandwich.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rude service which I assume is because we brought kids with us. Called the day before to confirm they would make grilled cheese for children, was told yes of course, then had to argue with the server about it, who then had to calm down the kitchen worker that wanted to come yell at us (wife overheard the convo in the kitchen). My kids would have been fine with cheese on a hamburger bun, both of which were available for the dinner window. Ordered a bottle of wine and the response was “ok” which is weird to me as a food service industry worker of 20+ years because it’s the easiest way to increase your check and tip. I appreciate her stopping the kitchen worker from yelling at us but was not happy with the indifferent and sometimes rude service. I won’t get in to all the little comments and just general disgust towards us for bringing in grandparents and children. We are from a major metro outside of Iowa and frequent places like this. Food was ok but ultimately mid, especially for the price. Honestly it was the worst restaurant experience my wife and I have had in over a decade from a service standpoint. Just say no kids or 6 tops if you have a problem with it. We were prepared to spend $500 on drinks and food but left for much less with plenty of time left on our reservation because we clearly were not welcome.
Side note: not our experience but the table next to us was an elderly couple celebrating combined birthday and anniversary milestones. Their server (not ours) was made to tell them that a large group (presumably us) got their order in before theirs and they might get their food late. Ok.. then he had to tell them they would still need to leave at the 90 minute mark finished or not. They actually got their food before us which was a good call by the kitchen. But still.. imagine being 80+ years old, celebrating your bday and 60+ anniversary, then being told you might get kicked out before you’re finished. Just figure it out and get them their food before threatening.
If you’re a single couple, have fun. Food is decent and you will probably get better service than us.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
I had La rana one year ago. And on that day I got the tomato basil soup. From that day forward I have thought about that soup and grilled cheese everyday. Flash forward a year later we went and visited La rana again they had the tomato basil soup and it was to die for again. We also got their lovely mocktails, panzanella salad and lava dessert. It was pretty busy considering it was rush hour but our server was lovely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
They State they're open till 2pm. The door sign says last seating 145 p.m. for lunch we arrived at 1:43 and we were turned away. We we told the young lady we only wanted salad but she still did not want our business and sent us on our way. We will never ever visit this restaurant again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
La Rana is a wonderful little upscale bistro just off of the main street in Decorah. We made reservations ahead of time for a Friday night visit. We were greeted at the door and had wonderful service all evening. The menu is filled with items that you will not find in most Iowa towns. The bar also has options to meet everyone's taste. Everything we ordered was very good and came in a timely manner. Definitely worth a visit when in Decorah.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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