Restaurants in Des Moines
Best Restaurants
New American • $$$$
“We had our wedding dinner tonight at Harbinger. Low-key, just the two of us. We were treated with such kindness and respect from everyone, including the chef who made concessions to his tasting menu for my wife’s sugar issues. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. We visit Harbinger we are blown away by the quality of our dining experience.”
Peruvian • $$
“Oh my gosh!!! Sophie!!! If you see this, please know I've been meaning to write this for over 1 yr now. You're the best server- you're so so sweet, genuine, and you go out of your way to help customers.
The food here is great! Their pre-meal snack is so different than the typical bread and butter..and oh so good; it is cooked corn with these 2 amazing homemade sauces. 🤩 You wouldn't believe these creamy sauces are dairy free, if that matters to you.
I also had a delicious chicken entree a few times. Check this place out at the Farmers Market where their pupusas sell out by 11am lol.
Lastly!- the place was low key and perfect.”
American • $$
“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.”
Thai • $$
“The food here is great and the atmosphere is so fun. Currently, the seasonal menu (winter 2025) has Yo's Wontons which are in an excellent sauce. I also enjoy the bing bing wraps and drunken noodles.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
New American • $$$$
“Truly the best steak I’ve ever had served at a restaurant. Most places have a hard time cooking a true medium rare steak, but not here! I will definitely be coming back.”
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
Recommended Restaurants
Recommended
Tapas Bar • $$
“A party of five of us visited on 1/8/25. We asked for a table in back as there was live music by the bar and we wanted to be able to talk together Our server was excellent - wish I had gotten her name Food was amazing - we got brussel sprouts, sliders, French fries w Parmesan, stuffed mushrooms, and spinach artichoke dip All came out timely and very good! We had martinis and all were very delicious and also came out quick I’ve been here about six times before and it’s always great Good patio area too Definitely a great place!”
Mexican • $$
“My absolutely favorite place in DSM. Food and drinks are incredible. Exceptional service. Awesome people and vibe. 10/10/10 recommend. Go try it you will not be disappointed.”
Southern • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Restaurants with Delivery
Bar • $
“very cool vibe and great mix of smooth music. gives a big city vibe of a funky cool space that you want to share with friends”
Bakery • $
“I've been going here my whole life as a Des Moines native and Roosevelt alumnus. But only when I went yesterday did I come to appreciate how seriously good La Mie is. The quality of pastries at La Mie certainly rivals and possibly surpasses the quality of pretty much all of the pastries that I had in France and elsewhere in Europe last year. I think most people in Des Moines are not conscious of how good we have it with La Mie being the staple bakery of the city. La Mie pastries could easily be like $10 each if this was NYC, LA, Paris, or Amsterdam. But they are only charging like a few dollars each. The sandwiches are also solid and high-quality, at least one of the sandwiches is served with brie on it which is super nice. I've had some egg dishes a few times and they were never as mind-blowing as the pastries, but this is La Mie Bakery, not La Mie egg house, so I don't really care. I'm confused at the reviews that complain about the pastries... They probably went here late in the day like a dunce. You have to get here early when everything is fresh. Funny to see reviews complaining about the 45-minute max on indoor seating... These people have obviously never worked in the service industry and have never dealt with the frustration of people lolligagging in a busy restaurant while people are waiting to be seated. This place can get crazy busy, so it makes complete sense. This is a bakery, not a cafe, if you want to go somewhere to linger for hours, go to Zanzibar's or Chain & Spoke, that's what I do. Best thing to do is to get your pastries and coffee and go sit outside in the back, enjoy the sun, live a little.”
Bakery • $
“Everything looks delicious here! I got an Ube crinkle cookie, a slice of one of their specialty cakes, and a matcha latte. I loved it all! I enjoyed looking around at the fun mural and decor while waiting for my latte. Friendly staff helped me make the difficult decisions since everything looked so good.”
New American • $$$$
“We had our wedding dinner tonight at Harbinger. Low-key, just the two of us. We were treated with such kindness and respect from everyone, including the chef who made concessions to his tasting menu for my wife’s sugar issues. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. We visit Harbinger we are blown away by the quality of our dining experience.”
American • $
“This restaurant notified us, after we ordered online for delivery, that they believed our driver took our order. They called to tell us that before we even had a chance to believe there was a problem, and fully communicated what the issue was. They remade our order and it was delivered less than a half hour after they discovered the issue. Superior customer service. Highly recommend.”
Bakery • $
“Quick service, lots of options, and they taste homemade!
Way better than any chain. This would be my got to spot to get donuts for a group if I was around here.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Beautiful roasts, great pour overs, delicious shots and Gibraltars. Best in the state that I’ve found! Keep it up guys. Omg and the scones…perfect.”
Tex-Mex • $
“Fuzzy's crew totally nailed it! Mad props! Their menu's kinda wild, right? Like, tons of choices and I got this food allergy thing, BUT... The cashier was super cool, helped me find something safe to grub on. And the food? Seriously mind-blowing! Fuzzy's DSM? Man, they didn't disappoint! I'm definitely heading back for more!”
Mexican • $
“Your food is the Best in Des Moines!🫶🏼 When do you close for the winter?”
Coffee Shops • $
“Best coffee shop in Des Moines!! ☕️ Amazing local honey tooo 🍯”
Ethiopian • $
“The food is amazing! We live in Ames, but come to Des Moines specifically to eat here. Definitely get extra Injera and embrace the experience of eating with your hands!”
Thai • $$
“The food here is great and the atmosphere is so fun. Currently, the seasonal menu (winter 2025) has Yo's Wontons which are in an excellent sauce. I also enjoy the bing bing wraps and drunken noodles.”
Cupcakes • $
“We chose Molly’s for our wedding cakes and boy did people really chow those down. The cakes for our guests were amazing, but our wedding cake was more than I could have ever imagined. They took my inspiration pictures and executed beyond belief. The cake was incredible to eat and to look at. We were speechless. I would recommend Molly’s for weddings and in general as all their items are so delicious. Thank you so much!!”
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
American • $$
“Such a cool vibe! Amazing food and service— will definitely go back again! 😊”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“If anyone is looking for a bar in downtown Des Moines I always recommend this place. We have been here several times and I enjoy it every single time. I feel like I could walk around and look at the decorations and still not see everything. The owner has and opened several bars and restaurants in downtown Des Moines and every single one I've walked into I absolutely love. They all have their own theme/ vibe. He is so incredibly talented and creative. They have a great cocktail menu and we've even had dessert here. I'm a bit older so it's a little dark so I had to use my phone to look at the menu. There are a lot of different seating arrangements so it can accommodate different size parties. You could sit at the bar, tables, booths, etc. I believe they take reservations and if you plan on going I recommend you get one. It always seems very busy. Also, they used to have a speakeasy in this bar but now they are opening a larger space across the street. Which makes me a little bit sad because it was so special! It was so unique and I understand it was very small and they want to have a larger space. But that's actually why it made it really cool! I do wish them the best though! And we will have to try it out when it opens.”
Online Reservation Available
Peruvian • $$
“Oh my gosh!!! Sophie!!! If you see this, please know I've been meaning to write this for over 1 yr now. You're the best server- you're so so sweet, genuine, and you go out of your way to help customers.
The food here is great! Their pre-meal snack is so different than the typical bread and butter..and oh so good; it is cooked corn with these 2 amazing homemade sauces. 🤩 You wouldn't believe these creamy sauces are dairy free, if that matters to you.
I also had a delicious chicken entree a few times. Check this place out at the Farmers Market where their pupusas sell out by 11am lol.
Lastly!- the place was low key and perfect.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Had a great meal today at the AG. I had a pineapple burger and it was excellent. The group of 7 I was with had chicken, burgers and a club along with buffalo chicken dip and spinach dip all was very good and service was outstanding. We will be back”
Tapas Bar • $$
“A party of five of us visited on 1/8/25. We asked for a table in back as there was live music by the bar and we wanted to be able to talk together Our server was excellent - wish I had gotten her name Food was amazing - we got brussel sprouts, sliders, French fries w Parmesan, stuffed mushrooms, and spinach artichoke dip All came out timely and very good! We had martinis and all were very delicious and also came out quick I’ve been here about six times before and it’s always great Good patio area too Definitely a great place!”
Southern • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Steak House • $$
“Great menu options and our waiter Jim was one of nicest and attentive people. I will certainly be back.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Love Truman’s! They hosted us last night for my birthday celebration and they did not disappoint. They never do! The food alone is delicious, their menu has something for everyone, plus some unique pizzas that I have tried to replicate. (Theirs was better 😉) Their service is always great too. Friendly staff, always helpful, and the dude who hosted our party of 26 last night was awesome and made sure we all had a great experience and had what we needed throughout our time there. Thanks for helping make my celebration so special Truman’s! I’ll be back soon!”
American • $$$$
“We had Sam and Billy for our servers at the bar, they were extremely friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Our drinks stayed full with plenty of conversation. This is the reason we continue to come back to this hotel.”
Cajun/Creole • $$
“Amazing food and at a reasonable price and not a bad wait time.”
Sushi • $$$
“Masao is hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Iowa. The sushi is on another level, easily the freshest ingredients you’ll find anywhere around here. You can truly taste the quality in every bite. I ordered the J-Pablo roll, and my wife had the Volcano roll , both were absolutely phenomenal. The flavors were perfectly balanced, fresh, and packed with creativity. You can tell there’s real skill and care behind every dish that comes out of the kitchen. We also decided to try something from the French side of the menu and shared the mushroom gnudi… and wow. That was seriously one of the most delicious things I’ve eaten in a very long time. We were talking about it the rest of the night and still are. If you’re looking for a place that delivers both quality and a unique dining experience, Masao is it. We already can’t wait to go back.”
American • $$
“Everything was phenomenal from beginning to end! The waitstaff was attentive but not overbearing, and our waiter in particular was so friendly and recommended the crab stuffed walleye, which was to die for! The environment was classy and intimate, yet casual enough that it felt comfortable and warm. The best part of the meal was the appetizer- the seared ahi tuna is too good for words, just trust me on this and order it! This was a great place to visit for my birthday dinner, and we definitely plan on being back.”
Sports Bar • $$
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
American • $$$$
“We had Sam and Billy for our servers at the bar, they were extremely friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Our drinks stayed full with plenty of conversation. This is the reason we continue to come back to this hotel.”
Cajun/Creole • $$
“Amazing food and at a reasonable price and not a bad wait time.”
24 Hour Restaurants
American • $
“I bring my mother to this Perkins each week. We both feel the food is excellent. I would also like to say any server we have is good, but I would like to give special recognition to your server Tracy (#131). She always makes usa feel at home, besides giving excellent service. Way to go Tracy ! Kevin Downs”
Pizza • $
“Hunt Brothers Pizza is a great pizza for anybody searching for really good tasting food the employees are always very respectful their Pizza is also never undercooked or overcooked it is always just right with a perfect amount of toppings”
Mexican • $
“Self serve homemade sauces, open 24/7 authentic Mexican food , affordable prices, and very very delicious. Once I found out about this place I can't stop coming back for more!”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Stopped by this Subway and had a really good experience. Aravind helped make my sandwich and was super friendly and easy to talk to. He got everything just how I wanted it, and the service was quick. The place was clean and the food was fresh. Definitely one of the better Subway visits I've had. Thanks, Aravind! Will definitely become a repeat customer!”
Sandwich Shop • $
“The Subway is open 24 hours and that's amazing to me as there are very few places open all night anymore. The restaurant is always spotless and their vegetables and meats and cheeses look very fresh all the time. Folks working in there are always very friendly, thanks to everyone working there!!!!! You always make my sandwiches amazing!!!!”
Burgers • $
“Got charged full price after ordering 2 whoppers on whopper Wednesday and asked why the bill was so much and was told we have to ask for the whopper deal which is exactly what I was doing when I asked why we were charged 6.50 instead of 3.99. usually eat here very regularly but I will not be eating here again. *Update after posting this employee came and refunded one of the whoppers.”
Sushi • $$$
“Masao is hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Iowa. The sushi is on another level, easily the freshest ingredients you’ll find anywhere around here. You can truly taste the quality in every bite. I ordered the J-Pablo roll, and my wife had the Volcano roll , both were absolutely phenomenal. The flavors were perfectly balanced, fresh, and packed with creativity. You can tell there’s real skill and care behind every dish that comes out of the kitchen. We also decided to try something from the French side of the menu and shared the mushroom gnudi… and wow. That was seriously one of the most delicious things I’ve eaten in a very long time. We were talking about it the rest of the night and still are. If you’re looking for a place that delivers both quality and a unique dining experience, Masao is it. We already can’t wait to go back.”
Takeout Restaurants
American • $
“We were in Des Moines for a soccer tournament and ran across you guys. I was diagnosed with celiac 3 years ago and you guys made hands down the best GF burger and tots I have had in 3 years. That includes better than in n out burger since you guys actually have a bun and they don’t. It’s also the best gf bread I have found in 3 years. I hope to someday make it back again!”
Vegetarian • $
“We had a wonderful time with our server Jorge. We were celebrating my mother being cancer free today and he helped make it such a special occasion! We tried the mimosa flight (twice) and the chai latte martini. I had a gluten free waffle, which was a little chewy but good and we split a the Farm Boy hash and subbed for extra cheese instead of gravy and it was amazing.
We had so much fun and can't wait to come back!”
American • $$
“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.”
Mediterranean • $
“Ordered a small dolma side and the falafel plate with tabbouleh. Everything was excellent. So excellent, that I ordered the exact same thing to take back to the hotel for later. Later lasted about 20 minutes. If I'm ever back in the area I'll be stopping by again.”
Bubble Tea • $
“I'm extremely picky about boba so it can be hard to find boba places that I like, and I thought I had found my favorite boba place... and then I tried Zenko and now other boba will never beat it lol. I'm a very routine-order person so I've only ever tried the black sugar milk tea with boba here, but I lowkey just never bothered trying any of their other drinks simply because this one is so good. Most of my friends who do like several of their drinks also tend to gravitate towards the black sugar milk tea as well, though, so I feel validated in always ordering the same drink over and over :) It's also so cozy and fun inside all the shops--I've been to three of the locations and they all have the same relaxing vibe, lots of plants and soft music.”
Vietnamese • $
“Wonderful delivery- they send you all the parts and you put it together to avoid over cooking the noodles or meat! HUGE thing of sides for the pho, too! Absolutely loved their *four inch long* spring rolls, as well. A large pho fed myself, my child, and still had leftovers (rare thing for my family)!”
Bar & Grill • $
“Great food and beer, and very friendly staff. We come here every time we visit Des Moines!!”
Bar • $
“We had lunch here yesterday, absolutely delicious burgers. Ate every bite, nice atmosphere. Yummy ice cream sundae to finish off. 10/10”
Pizza • $
“The service was amazing. The place was clean and decorated so cool. Options to buy by the slice or order off the menu. Outside and inside seating. We had the Chinese moz sticks and the loaded potato pizza and both were SO fire! If we ever come back to town we will definitely be back!”
Coffee Shops • $
“It’s been awhile since I’ve stopped in, but each time I did, the baked goods were heavenly. The shop is cute as well, feels very spacey, but homey too.”
Bar • $$
“What a fun New Year’s party! Thanks for hosting a great event. We all look forward to coming back. Great drinks, fun decor, and super friendly staff. Thank you!”
American • $$
“Everything was phenomenal from beginning to end! The waitstaff was attentive but not overbearing, and our waiter in particular was so friendly and recommended the crab stuffed walleye, which was to die for! The environment was classy and intimate, yet casual enough that it felt comfortable and warm. The best part of the meal was the appetizer- the seared ahi tuna is too good for words, just trust me on this and order it! This was a great place to visit for my birthday dinner, and we definitely plan on being back.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Coffee Shops • $
“Was looking for a better coffee place to support -rather than a corporation that funds unethically internationally, or a local place that treats their employees horribly. I love that Mayalu is local, delicious, and invested in the community. Feels good to spend my treat money here ☕️ 🥮.”
Coffee Shops • $
“This coffee shop has it all! 1. The best coffee, specifically the cold brew latte is AMAZING! Second is Spanish Latte when I need something hot. 2. The best hospitality team! I can't say enough great things about Jack and Macie and the rest of the baristas! 3. The owner has created an atmosphere that you can't find at other coffee shops. This place is truly one of a kind!”
Bar • $
“This might be the greatest place I’ve ever been. I’m not kidding….”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“The ice cream here is absolutely delicious! I was also honored to meet the owner and some of the staff while I was working at a local haunted house and they were so much fun to be around! I will always love this place!”
Chinese • $
“I just got the chicken low mein, hot and sour soup, and egg rolls. All so good! The noodles on the low mein and the chicken have the best FLAVOR!! The guy in there is also a very nice person!”
Mexican • $
“Vegan menu! Tortas were soft and delicious and the nachos were the best I ever had!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“If anyone is looking for a bar in downtown Des Moines I always recommend this place. We have been here several times and I enjoy it every single time. I feel like I could walk around and look at the decorations and still not see everything. The owner has and opened several bars and restaurants in downtown Des Moines and every single one I've walked into I absolutely love. They all have their own theme/ vibe. He is so incredibly talented and creative. They have a great cocktail menu and we've even had dessert here. I'm a bit older so it's a little dark so I had to use my phone to look at the menu. There are a lot of different seating arrangements so it can accommodate different size parties. You could sit at the bar, tables, booths, etc. I believe they take reservations and if you plan on going I recommend you get one. It always seems very busy. Also, they used to have a speakeasy in this bar but now they are opening a larger space across the street. Which makes me a little bit sad because it was so special! It was so unique and I understand it was very small and they want to have a larger space. But that's actually why it made it really cool! I do wish them the best though! And we will have to try it out when it opens.”
Sports Bar • $$
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
Caribbean • $$
“The smashburger sliders were amazing and so was the painkiller drink! Also loved the candied yams and fried plaintans!”
Steak House • $$
“Great menu options and our waiter Jim was one of nicest and attentive people. I will certainly be back.”
Steak House • $$
“We went here probably 4 weeks ago and I have made this my baseline of what is good in Des Moines. For the quality and food, this restaurant has remained the top value and experience we have had in Des Moines recently.
Would Reccomend to a friend (and have)!”
Cheap Eats
Mexican • $
“Fantastic food every time I've been there. They keep adding new things to try. Also great people.”
Tiki Bar • $
“I took these pictures 2 years ago and just found them on my camera, but we also went there a few weeks ago as well. If I had only gone a few weeks ago, I probably would have given this a four-star review. Our server was not friendly at all. I don't think she was necessarily mean, I think that's just her personality. But the first time we went the server was absolutely amazing! He was very friendly and accommodating. I feel like this place should be busier than it is. Both times we went there it was not packed but I don't know how it isn't. Maybe it's because it's off a side street and not on the main drag. But I absolutely love it! The theme is amazing and they've done such a great job with the design and decor. So many places you can take pictures. So many different seating arrangements to accommodate any size party. There's bar seating, tables, benches, couches, etc. Ironically both times we went to this place. We were celebrating my daughter's birthday and we were bar hopping in downtown Des Moines. I absolutely loved the vibe and I recommend it to anyone who is in the area!”
Salvadoran • $
“Made from scratch, not fast food. It is all good, but the Papusas are incredible. If I had to choose one food to be the only thing I ate for the rest of my life it would be the cheese Papusa. Papusas are 3-4$ and meals are around 15$.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Absolutely amazing experience! Owner is amazing and really knows his Pokémon cards and his coffee! Has an excellent selection of cards, old and new, and has great prices! Coffee was excellent and cards were even better!”
Coffee Shops • $
“New paved parking lot directly across 28th street as of summer 2025. C&S will validate parking when changes to paid lot in future, so don’t let lack of parking deter you anymore. Lattes are on par with the best coffee shops in town. Mechanics and shop owner are top notch. I was a Rassy’s refugee and found my new home here.”
Food Trucks • $
“this place is amazing. i live 25 minutes away from this taco truck but i always make the drive when i have no food at home and craving something good. i love it here and the customer service is very good as well!”
Coffee & Tea • $
“This place has been open nearly my whole life for so many reasons, I just wanted to leave this review about the gentleman working with the long hair and glasses! He was very helpful and friendly and made my experience very positive.”
Food Stands • $
“Hands down this has been my favorite Taco truck in Desmoines for years! The torta Hawaiiana is my favorite 🤩 it’s literally huge lol ate half saved the rest for today 😎 great service !!”
Mexican • $
“I was so surprised when I went there and that they actually had hot sauce that was spicy. It’s so hard to find a place that has really spicy salsa ☺️”
Mediterranean • $$
“My wife and I dined at Hugo's last night on the patio. The service was excellent, the food was great. This was our first time, loved the vibe of the place. The service and food made it even better! What a welcome addition to this neighborhood! Well done Hugo's.”
Sushi • $$
“Our new favorite sushi place. So fresh tasting and our three rolls all had very distinct flavors. Try the Avenger roll. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu.”
Dinner Theater • $$$$
“Really good food, beautiful theater, and some seriously talented musicians!! Do not miss out!”
Italian • $$$
“Aedes albopictus present in outdoor seating. Albopictus is responsible for local transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. Please invest in bug traps or join Polk county’s mosquito abatement program and they can set up a trap. Service and food were great, but 30+ bites are not fun. Absolutely worth it if you sit indoors.”
Mediterranean • $$
“this is a fantastic place!!! food is incredible, atmosphere is awsome, and the owner is top notch. if it is a large group of a date this is the place to go”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“It’s a beautiful lounge where I am free to be my most authentic self, free of judgement! Every time I come in, I am treated with so much respect. Big shout out to the bartender Devon, she is amazing 💗”
Salad • $$
“Absolutely incredible experience! We walked in with our own champagne, and the bartenders were amazing and super welcoming. They opened it for us and put it on ice without hesitation. We did the Omakase sushi dinner, and every single bite was amazing. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was top-notch from start to finish. Can’t recommend enough—10/10! 🍣🍷✨”
Lounges • $$
“first time there. I spent New Year’s eve night there. Fantastic food great drinks great service great people. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I think jay is his name. Great bartender. All I know is if you haven’t gone…you’re missing out!”
Brewpubs • $$
“We just stayed for one beer but this place has a great vibe, great beer and friendly staff. Looking forward to coming back.”
Korean • $$
“When the food is this good, the celebration gets even better 😋🔥 Celebrating my son & my new daughter-in-law’s birthdays at DZO Korean Restaurant — highly recommend! 💕🎂Seriously you can’t go wrong to coming here!”
Bar • $$
“We have been to visit The Republic several times and have had a phenomenal time each visit! The staff are second to none! Ask for Nicole Ripperger for great service!”
Steak House • $$
“Spectacular service, ambiance & absolutely amazing food. We had the chicken fettuccini the burger & Ember’ ribs. Not only excellent taste but enough for another meal! Well worth our trip! Try it🤗”
Sushi • $$
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sakari Sushi is hands down my favorite place for sushi in Des Moines! The food is always incredibly fresh, and the sushi is the best in town, no question. What really sets this place apart is the staff. They’re phenomenal, friendly, attentive, and always moving with purpose. You’ll never catch anyone just standing around; they’re constantly making sure everything runs smoothly and guests are taken care of. Special shoutout to our bartender Jake for mixing up the best drinks. His Painkiller cocktail is an absolute must-try! Whether you're a sushi lover or just looking for a great night out, Sakari never disappoints.”
Brewery • $$
“Great place for a drink and a bite to eat. They sell their own beer on tap, which is great, as well as a small selection from other local breweries. Victory Dance IPA was especially delicious.”
Italian • $$
“Staff was great in helping the family celebrate my moms 50th! I have never had a poor experience in the times I have been there.”
Bar • $$
“GoodSons on Beaver Ave is the quintessential neighborhood bar. Have a seat, and you're surrounded by friends. Nice rotation on the taps, including many local brews, and a plentiful selection of cocktail options. The food is a delectable selection of paninis and bar favorites. Come in, have a seat, you are welcome!!”
American • $$$
“The gnocchi is a very memorable dish. Soft, fluffy pillows of heaven. I don’t regret eating the entire dish AND ordering the lava cake. Easily ranks in my top 5 favorite DSM dishes.”
Bar • $$
“Vibes = excellence x 1000. Came in early on a Saturday evening…Hubs & I love a good vodka and/or gin martini, while friends tried more of the menu — check out this beaut!
Loved it. We. Will. Be. Back.”
Lebanese • $$
“Ordered the falafel plate (without feta) and an extra pita (because I like carbs) via Uber Eats to my hotel room. The grilled pita was soft, warm, and delicious. The falafel was decent, not the best I've ever had. I wish it had a little more hummus on it. The salad it came with was tasty; I liked the dressing. Overall, it hit the spot and I wanted another one as soon as I was done. Updated from previous review on 2024-10-31”
Sushi • $$
“I love sushi and I had been on many sushi places From San Francisco Ca, Guadalajara Jal and this one Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Des Moines IA and this one was special different and I loved it; Not only the food, the service was exceptional, the lady that helped me was amazing cause when she learned was my first time there she gave me edamame and the way the do it was a little different, I loved it; all the rolls were amazing but the one that I loved the most was the one with cucumber that I forgot the name, but was not all; honestly I could not finished all and she told me let me put this for you to go, OMG this beautiful lady packed my stuff really well even I got this lil plate for the soy sauce, so I really recommend this place to eat there or even to go, cause their service and the food is exceptional, and definitely if I am close I going to come again, thanks !!!!”
Bar • $$
“Ken’s is a very nice speakeasy and it’s no secret. Food was good and drinks were also really good. Being from Texas it was nice to taste some of the local beer. Sorry no pics I can’t believe it myself. Well I guess your gonna have to come see for yourself. Thank you to all the staff. We were on a company sponsored event and Ken’s knocked it out of the park. Overall a great experience.”
Seafood • $$$$
“All four of us very much enjoyed our meal at Splash prior to going to the Wicked show. Splash was serving a special Wicked-theme menu which we all enjoyed. Excellent food. Excellent service.”
Italian • $$
“Calzones are the best! Super friendly staff, I love their Pizzas too.”
New American • $$
“I wish I would have taken more photos but the food was so good our family couldn’t think to take photos. My mom wanted to eat at HoQ Resturant for her 40th wedding anniversary and wanted the whole family with them to celebrate. Little back story my mom sells vegetables to the owner that he uses in his dishes. 90% or more of the ingredients are locally sourced in Iowa. Farm to table concept. We started withh naan bread the brought out and a little bit of I think pasta with beets. What ever it was it was goos. Then we ordered several different appetizers. Burnt carrots, Hummus and some kind of bread, chicken skewers, and pierogies. For meal we got different things. Several had the bison burger and fries, 2 had the 5 oz steak with risotto. Mom and I had the Mediterranean bowl with falafel add tandoori chicken. That is the only thing I got a photo of of course after I started to eat. The accommodated our little girls with grilled cheese and fries and a side of chicken. Finished off our meal with. Cake my sister made ( our grandma’s recipe) Minnesota chocolate cake with fudge icing. And the restaurant brought out several scoops of vanilla ice cream with shortbread cookies. All the food was so good everyone at the table was quiet including my dad. If you know my dad you know that is not a common thing for him not to be taking and eating. I have posted a photo of my food and a photo of my parents with their cake. And yes my mom is wearing her original wedding dress she wore 40 years ago when she married my dad. Thank you again HoQ for the amazing dining experience and for letting us have a private room to celebrate our parents!”
Italian • $$
“My husband and I are from out of town and went to Christopher’s tonight for dinner. What a pleasant surprise! Our food was amazing and the service was great! We will definitely be back when we visit DesMoines again.”
Sports Bar • $$
“Friendly neighborhood bar. We are from out of town and there aren't any bars near the airport. Even though we weren't regular locals we were welcomed and had a good time with everyone there.”
Bar • $$
“Rudy is the GOAT!!! He was super friendly and he loved him!
We came from out of town and he was super accommodating and gave us suggestions on where to go. Ultimately, we ended up back at his bar. He is the best.”
Bar • $$
“Carl’s Place is one of the best true dive bars in Des Moines—no frills, just a solid spot where locals hang out. Cold drinks, classic vibe, and exactly what you want when you’re not looking for anything fancy.”
Bar • $$
“it's a great neighborhood bar. Bingo on Wednesday nights is awesome. i have came several times.”
Bar • $$
“Great place for karaoke on tue and thurs best sound in town”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“We just celebrated our marriage there with drinks and tacos! They had a killer beer and taco deal going on. We thought the drinks were delicious, the ambiance was perfect, and the staff and service were top-notch!! I would highly recommend, and can’t wait to head back!”
Italian • $$
“It had been quite awhile. Latin King DSM. So happy to say everything was excellent. Our server Jennifer was attentive & knowledgeable, a complete delight. We got there on a Wednesday at 11 am and it was quickly filling up. The food was divine. Side salads, Calamari, Chicken Spiedini, Veggie Platter & Penne Regine. There were 3 of us and we could not finish the amazing Strawberry Shortcake which was a special dessert.”
Mexican • $$
“Thank you for being in business! Loved the food!!! The price was right for what you get and plus it was delicious! Right next to the gas station was a perfect pitstop for anyone filling up and hungry so fill up your bellies at Taqueria Antojitos”
Sports Bar • $$
“What a fun place! Next time we will try a escape room. Need more bathrooms. Had a great time!”
Latin American • $$
“The food was amazing!!! Great price and even better service! I will definitely be going back!”
Brewery • $$
“My family and I love the brunch they offer on the weekends! So delicious, wide variety of food and drinks, and very reasonably priced! We go with our 3 young kids usually when we take a trip to Des Moines, so very kid friendly! Amazing seating as well, just love the overall vibe! Highly recommend!”
Bar & Grill • $$
“We had pizza and chinese food, everything was fresh and the pizza toppings were cut right in front of us. The only disappointment is market grille has been replaced by wahlburgers, which was pricey for us at the time b(and I really wanted a burger initially).”
Bar • $$
“I have always loved this place. The people who work here are great and the people who drink here are also. This place has the lowest drink prices I've seen anywhere. It is small. It is cash only. But these things don't bother me because this place is a good place for anyone, no matter your style, personality, or preferences.”
Chinese • $$
“I was there with my young child today and had an amazing experience with one of the cashiers. Her name is Rebekah. She was an absolute pleasure to chat with while she checked us out. She was kind, warm and radiated kindness. She didn't know, this but I have been going through some very difficult things lately and interacting with her helped me feel hopeful again. She deserves all the good things (and a raise!) Thank you so much, Rebekah... I will carry your kindness in my heart forever”
Mexican • $$
“best tacos are fire 🔥🔥🔥 good location if your in the area go check this truck out”
Lounges • $$
“The speakeasy-style entrance sets the mood from the start, and the intimate, dimly lit atmosphere pairs perfectly with the live music. The cocktails are creative and well-crafted, and the jazz adds just the right energy without overpowering conversation. Carlos the server was very polite and even though it got busy at some point he executed with great service.”
Mexican • $$
“Went with my family and really enjoyed the experience, Everything food wise was very flavorful and filling, Staff was very polite and courteous next time. I'm in Des moines, I will be coming here again. Overall, I'd recommend giving this place a try If you have not already”
Chinese • $$
“A very nice and clean place to go grocery shopping and if you need help all you have to do is turn around and there's somebody there working that would be more than glad to help you”
American • $$
“Located inside the Embassy Suites Hotel. Friendly service. The Mac n Cheese with Grilled Chicken and Bacon is Delicious! (sorry no pic dug in to eat too soon.lol)”
Cafe • $$
“When I told your employee, Tim, that the product I had been looking for had been out of stock for a week, he went and got a forklift and pulled the pallet down and got me what I needed right then! I am so impressed. Excellent customer service!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“The food was OUTSTANDING. Some of the best flavor profiles I have ever had on these dishes, and I am an avid restaurant goer. Definitely worth the price, we will be back!”
Sports Bar • $$
“Very amazing family night tonight! We had a family of 9 and they got us in to eat right away, great food, great prices, fun for all! Bowling prices were also very reasonable! Will be back soon! Thank you to the amazing team!”
Lounges • $$
“We were in town for swimming at the YMCA it was a great place for the adults to hangout after a day at the pool.
Emily, Rebecca and all the staff were great! I was extremely happy that they had blue cheese stuffed olives.
My drinks of choice were Filthy Martini's with Tito's, Monk's Old Fashioned and the Smoked Marrow Manhattan. I also had a local beer.”
Cafe • $$
“Hobnob is located within Hotel Fort Des Moines. I stayed there last month and loved the convenient access to the shop! Coffee was amazing and service was incredible.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Jazz is by far the best bartender in all of DesMoines. The best drinks. The best pour in town. You need to come see her, she will make you smile! Don’t forget to say hi to her unc! He will take a Bud Heavy!”
American • $$
“VERY nice place. Menu is interesting and preparation is PERFECT. Best pizza west of the Mississippi”
African • $$
“Eating cassava like a bag of hot Cheetos 😋🥰 whew 🔥🔥yummy”
Bar • $$
“Fun sports bar environment with good food and great service. It's open and spacious with plenty of room for larger parties. Our server was friendly amd helpful amd took great care of us. Beer was cold!”
Seafood • $$
“The seafood spread was absolutely worth it and made for a satisfying meal. The crab was fresh and flavorful, the calamari was perfectly crispy, and the fries and fried chicken were cooked just right. Everything was served hot and delicious, and I can't wait to come back again.”
Pizza • $$
“We accidentally ordered our pizza at a different location. Finn was at the counter and helped us out. We replaced our order with him and he said he could have it out in 12 min. Sure enough 12 min later I had 3 pizzas in my hand. We usually have a good experience when we order from here but today Finn went above and beyond. Thank you!”
Pizza • $$
“I ordered my pizza through Instacart, and the experience was seamless with regular updates on my order’s progress. The pizza was ready on time, freshly prepared, well-packed, and handed over with a friendly greeting. Excellent service from Pizza Hut!
Vegetarian options: As a vegetarian and Halal eater, I loved the “Create Your Own Pizza” option at Pizza Hut. It allowed me to customize the ingredients to fit my dietary preferences perfectly. Choosing what to include and exclude made it a great experience, and the result was delicious and satisfying! Highly recommend this option for anyone with specific dietary needs.”
Bar • $$
“Fun place to stop at after shopping at the Farmers market. Make yourself a bloody mary at their self serve bloody bar.
Kid-friendliness: It's a bar. No kids.”
Chicken Wings • $$
“Come on Monday evenings…we sat at the Bar…not crazy in here…The bar tender was Awesome…Pretzel Bites & Street Tacos are Amazing…got our order within 10 minutes…the General Manager was very nice!!! Recommend trying them!!!”
Latest Reviews
Steak House • $$
“Spectacular service, ambiance & absolutely amazing food. We had the chicken fettuccini the burger & Ember’ ribs. Not only excellent taste but enough for another meal! Well worth our trip! Try it🤗”
Chinese • $
“If I could give dragon house east more than 5 stars I would gladly do it. Their food is great, the delivery man is polite, the lady on the phone is great to talk to, and the food arrives warm. Compliments to the chef and everyone that works there. Thanks so much.”
Mexican • $
“Your food is the Best in Des Moines!🫶🏼 When do you close for the winter?”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Those arctic swirls are the best. My favorite is da cookie dough.”
Italian • $
“WE WILL BE HAVING ALL OF OUR HOLIDAY DINNERS AT CHUCK'S. WE USUALLY GO TO JOHNNY'S STEAKHOUSE. NOT ANYMORE AFTER THE GREAT SERVICE $ FOOD WE HAD ON VALENTINES DAY, YESTERDAY !!!”
Health Food • $
“Delicioso buen servicio buen ambiente y sobretodo buen precio vale la pena recomendado 100% 😋”
Tacos • $
“amazing food and amazing service. The best worker was Gabby. She was so nice to me. She was the one to recommend the food truck to me. Definitely have to try the food here again!”
Restaurant • $$
“My wife and I dined at Hugo's last night on the patio. The service was excellent, the food was great. This was our first time, loved the vibe of the place. The service and food made it even better! What a welcome addition to this neighborhood! Well done Hugo's.”
Diner • $
“Highly recommend! Amazing huge fluffy pancakes and perfect crisp hash browns. My Denver omelet was fully loaded and fluffy. Can't wait to come back and try the other menu items!”
Most Popular Restaurants
Southern • $
“Great food, good service- night me and my friend was there was busy but we were seated promptly, waitress helpful and friend friendly and food came our timely. I had fried okra and shrimp and grits when there and was excellent.”
Vegetarian • $
“We had a wonderful time with our server Jorge. We were celebrating my mother being cancer free today and he helped make it such a special occasion! We tried the mimosa flight (twice) and the chai latte martini. I had a gluten free waffle, which was a little chewy but good and we split a the Farm Boy hash and subbed for extra cheese instead of gravy and it was amazing.
We had so much fun and can't wait to come back!”
Pizza • $
“The service was amazing. The place was clean and decorated so cool. Options to buy by the slice or order off the menu. Outside and inside seating. We had the Chinese moz sticks and the loaded potato pizza and both were SO fire! If we ever come back to town we will definitely be back!”
American • $
“We were in Des Moines for a soccer tournament and ran across you guys. I was diagnosed with celiac 3 years ago and you guys made hands down the best GF burger and tots I have had in 3 years. That includes better than in n out burger since you guys actually have a bun and they don’t. It’s also the best gf bread I have found in 3 years. I hope to someday make it back again!”
Tex-Mex • $
“Fuzzy's crew totally nailed it! Mad props! Their menu's kinda wild, right? Like, tons of choices and I got this food allergy thing, BUT... The cashier was super cool, helped me find something safe to grub on. And the food? Seriously mind-blowing! Fuzzy's DSM? Man, they didn't disappoint! I'm definitely heading back for more!”
Brewery • $
“Great tavern with lots of options. Patio was closed so was confused if they were open but sure enough try the main door and we were in. Great staff. Burgers were delicious.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Had a great meal today at the AG. I had a pineapple burger and it was excellent. The group of 7 I was with had chicken, burgers and a club along with buffalo chicken dip and spinach dip all was very good and service was outstanding. We will be back”
Mediterranean • $
“Ordered a small dolma side and the falafel plate with tabbouleh. Everything was excellent. So excellent, that I ordered the exact same thing to take back to the hotel for later. Later lasted about 20 minutes. If I'm ever back in the area I'll be stopping by again.”
American • $
“This restaurant notified us, after we ordered online for delivery, that they believed our driver took our order. They called to tell us that before we even had a chance to believe there was a problem, and fully communicated what the issue was. They remade our order and it was delivered less than a half hour after they discovered the issue. Superior customer service. Highly recommend.”
Bakery • $
“Quick service, lots of options, and they taste homemade!
Way better than any chain. This would be my got to spot to get donuts for a group if I was around here.”
Ethiopian • $
“The food is amazing! We live in Ames, but come to Des Moines specifically to eat here. Definitely get extra Injera and embrace the experience of eating with your hands!”
New Restaurants
Mexican • $
“Best Mexican restaurant hands down. I had steak fajitas and my wife had Carnitas. Perfect blend of tender steak, pepper onions and tomatoes. All perfectly grilled. My wife's carnival wire crispy on the outside and juicy inside.. The service was over the top. Definitely give this place a try. I will update further after I tried more of the menu. Can't wait.”
American • $
“We were in Des Moines for a soccer tournament and ran across you guys. I was diagnosed with celiac 3 years ago and you guys made hands down the best GF burger and tots I have had in 3 years. That includes better than in n out burger since you guys actually have a bun and they don’t. It’s also the best gf bread I have found in 3 years. I hope to someday make it back again!”
Eritrean • $
“True Authentic Ethiopian food. The owner, Bashatu, is so sweet and friendly, and utterly wonderful to talk with. We had never been there before and was just in town visiting, so we stopped and couldn't have been happier about it. She welcomed us in from the start. Probably one of the best restaurant experiences for me. The food was absolutely wonderful. My husband and I both just got beef and goat tibs, and they are done so well. Chef kiss, Muah! I fully intend on coming back next time I visit! The Injera is awesome! I can't wait to visit again. 😋”
Cafe • $
“We had a fantastic experience! It was easy to choose a game and order our food and drinks. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We can’t wait to go back!!”
Bar • $$
“What a fun New Year’s party! Thanks for hosting a great event. We all look forward to coming back. Great drinks, fun decor, and super friendly staff. Thank you!”
Dinner Theater • $$$$
“Really good food, beautiful theater, and some seriously talented musicians!! Do not miss out!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“It’s a beautiful lounge where I am free to be my most authentic self, free of judgement! Every time I come in, I am treated with so much respect. Big shout out to the bartender Devon, she is amazing 💗”
Southern • $
“The food is amazing. The most real home cooking that you will find in Des Moines.. hands down. Prices are fair and portions are huge. If you go away hungry that's your fault.”
Ice Cream Shop
“Had an awesome first visit!! I had the Dole Whip & my son had a Pina Colada shake. Both were delicious!!! 🍍 What a great spot!!”
“Our friends introduced us to this hidden gem! The service is exceptional and the food is fantastic. Highly recommend the beef stroganoff! Arrive early and have drinks in the eclectic and comfy lounge.”