We’ve all got that one restaurant – a hole-in-the-wall gem that always has a line out the door, but is worth the wait. Maybe it’s a casual fried chicken shack, or maybe it’s a romantic wine bar. For the residents of Decorah, it’s La Rana Bistro. This tiny restaurant in Iowa is usually packed, with only a few seats in the restaurant and the bar, but it’s worth the wait to get a taste of this Mediterranean restaurant’s innovative takes on classic dishes. The charming atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for date night. If you don’t have a reservation, the odds are you’ll be waiting quite a bit for a table. But if you ask the locals, that’s a sure-fire sign of one of Iowa’s hidden dining gems.

The storefront of La Rana is so tiny, you could easily miss it as you pass by on Decorah's main drag.
La Rana Bistro/Facebook
Inside, the small dining room is filled with quirky art - but you're likely to have a lot of competition to get in the door.
GailCheryl/TripAdvisor
La Rana is one of the smallest restaurants in Iowa, and certainly the smallest fine-dining one. It only has a few tables - perfect for a romantic dinner.
La Rana/Google Local
If you're dining alone, you might be able to snag a seat at the tightly packed bar and enjoy a meal with a cocktail.
Traveltheworld012/TripAdvisor

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Your meal at La Rana starts in style with crusty bread accompanied by balsamic vinegar.
Stevenrealife/TripAdvisor
The menu is seasonal, and you can usually find a nice light quiche to try for an appetizer.
La Rana Bistro/Facebook
The restaurant has a focus on fresh seafood, and you'll usually find a soup or light fish preparation on the menu.
Stevenrealife/TripAdvisor
Of course, carnivores aren't left behind either - La Rana's steaks are delicious and usually a fraction of the price of high-end steakhouses.
Robert F/TripAdvisor
The seasonal desserts are worth a try as well, and all the pies are made in-house. Bring a friend, and you'll get to try two!
La Rana Bistro/Facebook

Have you visited La Rana Bistro in Decorah? Let us know what you thought of this tiny restaurant in Iowa and its seasonal menu. You can visit the restaurant’s website and Facebook page for more information on the current menu. For another charming tiny restaurant in Iowa, check out the state’s smallest diner.

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Featured Addresses
La Rana, 120 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101, USA