Restaurants in Des Moines
Best Restaurants
Brewpubs • $$
Peruvian • $$
“My first time here and it was an amazing experience. The food is great. It's a very home atmosphere. I feel so relaxed. The pricing is great. I am happy I found this place.”
Mexican • $$
“My absolutely favorite place in DSM. Food and drinks are incredible. Exceptional service. Awesome people and vibe. 10/10/10 recommend. Go try it you will not be disappointed.”
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
American • $$
“Simon’s in Des Moines is absolutely incredible. The food was beyond amazing — every bite was flavorful and perfectly prepared. The service was outstanding, even though they were busy. What really stood out was the personal greeting from Simon himself. That level of care says so much about how much he values his guests. The atmosphere was welcoming and energetic, and I truly felt appreciated the entire time. Highly recommend!”
New American • $$$$
“Four of us dined tonight at Oak Park on Ingersoll. We were welcomed at the door and thanked for coming out on a snowy evening. After being seated we were presented with menus from our server (who did a great job throughout the entire night). The menu was explained well to us and we made some choices that everyone loved from starters and through the entrees.
Some of the best starters were: the Brioche bread and the potato gnocchi. The gnocchi was truly the hit of the evening with everyone. My Filet Mignon was wonderful (and I am picky about steak having grown up on an Iowa farm where Dad raised Black Angus). My wife and SIL both had the Chilean Sea Bass which was also wonderful. I tasted some of it and it was better than any other I have had at high end restaurants anywhere.
We brought our own Magnum sized bottle of wine to share for which we paid one corkage fee. The desserts we ordered included Crème Brûlée and scoop of sherbet and some fresh-brewed French Press coffee. Overall we all agreed that dining at Oak Park tonight was a better experience than any other fine restaurant in the Des Moines area.
The service from everyone was truly fantastic.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
New American • $$$
“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.”
Southern • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Recommended Restaurants
Recommended
“We love Maccabees Kosher Deli for all of our biblical holiday needs. Everyone is kind and welcoming to everyone who enters.”
Peruvian • $$
“We had an amazing evening at Panka Peruvian restaurant this week with a BIG surprise at the end. We are having our first son! We carefully chose this place to celebrate our anniversary the last few years and our intimate gender reveal, because of the extraordinary experience they give us each time. It's really not just the food that they give us. They always give us a time we will never forget.”
Greek • $$
“Went for the first time last night and was blown away by the flavor they pack into their food! Great quality for the price and they give you so many different foods with your meal. I got the pastitsio and it came with soup, salad, Greek fries, orzo, a little spinach feta pastry. 10/10”
Restaurants with Delivery
Bar • $
“very cool vibe and great mix of smooth music. gives a big city vibe of a funky cool space that you want to share with friends”
Bakery • $$
“This is a must! Fresh pastries on one side and savory on the other! Plenty of pick up and go options as well! Staff is friendly and efficient- food was out right after we sat down. Definitely will return.”
American • $
“Best wings in DSM! The honey garlic is a must try. Always fast and fresh.”
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?”
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!”
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Best coffee shop in Des Moines!! ☕️ Amazing local honey tooo 🍯”
Peruvian • $$
“My first time here and it was an amazing experience. The food is great. It's a very home atmosphere. I feel so relaxed. The pricing is great. I am happy I found this place.”
American • $
“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.”
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 • $
“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.”
Mediterranean • $
“A local hole in the wall. The atmosphere is a little rough, the ceiling has a number of stained tiles, clearly some leaks, maintenance issues. If you need to pot a plant, there is a sack of open potting soil ready to use. No plants in sight that I noticed.
The female employee was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Hubby had the gyro plate. Gyro meat was delicious. Hummus was good. Rice a little gummy. Green salad was good. I had the vegetarian plate. Hummus good, Boba ganush wasn’t to my liking it was lacking flavor and was runny. My green salad was too vinegary to enjoy. The dolmas were better than average. The falafel was pretty good.
The tzatziki sauce in the tiny plastic container is good. The tahini sauce tasteless. The jalapeño sauce was the star, the gyro meat pairs well with that little plastic container of sauce. Around $16 per place. $2.99 split charge
I wish sit down restaurants would just serve sauces in a dish. The food was served on real plates with real silverware. Stop with plastic cups with little lids.
The naan bread is dry and not warm. We are used to a warm chewy texture.
But! The baklava was a very nice sized portion and absolutely delicious. They obtain from a local bakery.
The bathroom needs a deep cleaning, walls repaired and paint.
The kitchen seemed clean, food came out quickly.
Some deep cleaning and paint with replacing the ruined fire tiles would be a big improvement.
4 stars is the best I could rate.”
American • $$$
“We had Sam and Billy for our servers at the bar, they were extremely friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Our drinks stayed full with plenty of conversation. This is the reason we continue to come back to this hotel.”
Bar • $$
“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!”
Online Reservation Available
New American • $$$$
“Four of us dined tonight at Oak Park on Ingersoll. We were welcomed at the door and thanked for coming out on a snowy evening. After being seated we were presented with menus from our server (who did a great job throughout the entire night). The menu was explained well to us and we made some choices that everyone loved from starters and through the entrees.
Some of the best starters were: the Brioche bread and the potato gnocchi. The gnocchi was truly the hit of the evening with everyone. My Filet Mignon was wonderful (and I am picky about steak having grown up on an Iowa farm where Dad raised Black Angus). My wife and SIL both had the Chilean Sea Bass which was also wonderful. I tasted some of it and it was better than any other I have had at high end restaurants anywhere.
We brought our own Magnum sized bottle of wine to share for which we paid one corkage fee. The desserts we ordered included Crème Brûlée and scoop of sherbet and some fresh-brewed French Press coffee. Overall we all agreed that dining at Oak Park tonight was a better experience than any other fine restaurant in the Des Moines area.
The service from everyone was truly fantastic.”
New American • $$$
“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 • $$
“We had an amazing evening at Panka Peruvian restaurant this week with a BIG surprise at the end. We are having our first son! We carefully chose this place to celebrate our anniversary the last few years and our intimate gender reveal, because of the extraordinary experience they give us each time. It's really not just the food that they give us. They always give us a time we will never forget.”
American • $$$
“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.”
Italian • $$$
“I never have been inside the building but I would have to say that this is a beautiful place to pass by and every time I walk by or stop to look at its beautiful structure I've only been met with smiles and great conversations with great people!!! Thank you for your contribution to the community!!”
Tapas Bar • $$
“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!”
Salad • $
“My favorite breakfast spot in Des Moines, great food and coffee....and the service is always fantastic”
American • $$
“Everything was phenomenal from beginning to end! The waitstaff was attentive but not overbearing, and our waiter in particular was so friendly and recommended the crab stuffed walleye, which was to die for! The environment was classy and intimate, yet casual enough that it felt comfortable and warm. The best part of the meal was the appetizer- the seared ahi tuna is too good for words, just trust me on this and order it! This was a great place to visit for my birthday dinner, and we definitely plan on being back.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Incredible great tasting pies and amazing consistency. The flavors are intense and it's a refreshing change from the current pizza 🍕 industry! Life is way too short for cheap, unloved 🍕 so I definitely recommend Trumans”
Coffee Shops • $
“The coffee was great, but the food was amazing! They have different types of savory pies. I couldn't decide which one I wanted to try, so I just ordered the one at the top of the list. It was So delicious! I'm excited to try each one. Highly recommend. They have a drive through too!”
Eritrean • $$
“Food is so good you will think about it constantly. Best Shiro Wot in the US. My favorites also include Beef Alicia and the Kuanta Firfir. On weekends you can find an authentic coffee service 😍 To top it all off the owners make you feel like family.”
Italian • $$$
“I never have been inside the building but I would have to say that this is a beautiful place to pass by and every time I walk by or stop to look at its beautiful structure I've only been met with smiles and great conversations with great people!!! Thank you for your contribution to the community!!”
Tapas Bar • $$
“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!”
24 Hour Restaurants
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”
Sandwich Shop • $
“We come to this Subway often because they actually know how to make a veggie sandwich. At a lot of other locations, if you don't get meat, they barely put any toppings on it and you end up with a flat sandwich. This location is different—they actually make a filling veggie sub, which is hard to find!
It’s great to find a spot that doesn't skimp on the ingredients. Also, this is one of the only Subways around that consistently accepts the good coupons, so the value is excellent. If you want a sandwich that’s actually worth the price, this is the best location to hit.”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Everything was clean and the food was pretty good but the 2 guys at the counter were rushing me to get my
Orders done I have 6 sandwiches and one of the sandwiches didn't get my green peppers toasted with the bun liken asked for but had the guy not trying to rush me through so badly he would have gotten it correct im sure. But this store is 24 hrs kinda rare for any store to b open 24 hr since covid so thats another plus as well”
Burgers • $
“Shake machine never works, read my order back wrong, and started to give me the order for the car behind me.
Update: Tried again. Had to drive around to the front of the restaurant to wait for 2 rodeo cheese burgers and 2 orders of jalapeño cheddar bites. Got home and only had 1 sandwich. HOWEVER: I drove back and asked for the missing sandwich PLUS another warm sandwich. The manager said they would give us 2 sandwiches. They made it right, so I probably won't wait so long to go back. You can always ask them to make it right.”
American • $$
“Such a cool vibe! Amazing food and service— will definitely go back again! 😊”
Takeout Restaurants
American • $
“First time visiting - we can’t wait to come back. Loved the food and the vibe.”
American • $$
“Simon’s in Des Moines is absolutely incredible. The food was beyond amazing — every bite was flavorful and perfectly prepared. The service was outstanding, even though they were busy. What really stood out was the personal greeting from Simon himself. That level of care says so much about how much he values his guests. The atmosphere was welcoming and energetic, and I truly felt appreciated the entire time. Highly recommend!”
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)!”
Hamburger • $
“10/10 no notes. Been going for years, never gets old.”
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.”
Vegetarian • $
“Breakfast and the 80s, who could ask for more? We had our bridal party pre-wedding dress shopping meal here and were not disappointed. We had delicious breakfast, excellent service, and fun cocktails.”
Southern • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Bar • $
“This might be the greatest place I’ve ever been. I’m not kidding….”
Salvadoran • $
“Made from scratch, not fast food. It is all good, but the Papusas are incredible. If I had to choose one food to be the only thing I ate for the rest of my life it would be the cheese Papusa. Papusas are 3-4$ and meals are around 15$.”
Sports Bar • $
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
Greek • $$
“Went for the first time last night and was blown away by the flavor they pack into their food! Great quality for the price and they give you so many different foods with your meal. I got the pastitsio and it came with soup, salad, Greek fries, orzo, a little spinach feta pastry. 10/10”
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 • $
“The coffee is incredible, but it pales in comparison to the joy and kindness of the employees. Both make it worth the visit.”
Bakery • $
“Awesome Donut Shop! Very fresh and yummy donuts. Very nice staff as well. We were all glad to discover this great little shop!
Great prices as well.
Thank you!”
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”
Cocktail Bar • $
“Exceptional decor! I don’t know if they do this for all holidays/seasons, but I felt like I was at a cocktail bar in the North Pole when I stepped foot in here. Really cool spot! My wife’s drink was extremely well done. Very fancy in appearance and delicious. Awesome place to impress a date, catch up with pals, or even schmooze your boss.
In conclusion, loved it!”
Bakery • $
“I can’t say enough good things about Creme. The beverages are genuinely great, but what really sets this place apart is the atmosphere. It’s artistic, creative, and thoughtfully curated in a way that makes you want to stay awhile.
They host quarterly events, and I’ve attended a few — every single one has felt welcoming, inclusive, and full of good energy. You can tell there’s real intention behind everything they do.
In my over 20 years of being in Des Moines, I truly believe this has been one of the best additions to the Des Moines dining community. On top of that, the owner is genuinely one of the best people you could choose to support.
If you’re looking to support a local, woman-owned small business that pours heart into its space and community, I highly recommend giving Creme a try. This is a Des Moines must-have.”
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!”
Bar • $
“We had lunch here yesterday, absolutely delicious burgers. Ate every bite, nice atmosphere. Yummy ice cream sundae to finish off. 10/10”
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!!”
Italian • $$$
“What a great atmosphere and the food was amazing. Will be back many more times.”
Bar • $$
“This is one of the best down home places I have found in Des Moines where the bartenders actually remember your name and what you drink. Not bad for a big city...”
Cheap Eats
Bar & Grill • $
“Great food and beer, and very friendly staff. We come here every time we visit Des Moines!!”
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.”
Bar & Grill • $
“There is nothing better than The Library! They have a great selection of drinks and beers, incredibly fresh and tasty food, and amazing service! The small, cozy atmosphere just makes me happy!”
Coffee & Tea • $
“Very helpful choosing teas, advised as to what are lower caffeine choices & common flavors, good options for tea making supplies, very knowledgeable staff - even over the phone questions are answered quickly & confidently! Unfortunately, I don't go to The East Village very often, so find the actual store location rather inconvenient. But now you can order the teas online for shipping! Great idea whoever came up with that - probably due to the pandemic.”
“the foods always great and very tasty..... old school iowa here and damb good”
Brewery • $
“We recognize Chris for going above and beyond at Wasabi Waukee on September 23, 2025.
We were facing an urgent issue with our keg cooler that was impacting draft service. Chris not only helped diagnose and repair the cooler on the spot, he also assisted with swapping in new kegs, confirming lines, pressures, and temperatures, and ensuring every tap was pouring correctly before he left. His professionalism, technical know-how, and willingness to stay until the job was truly complete prevented service interruptions during a busy period and saved us product waste.
Please pass along my thanks—this is exactly the kind of partnership we value. Chris represented Confluence exceptionally well.
Thank you,
Rhiannon King
General Manager, Wasabi Waukee”
Mexican • $
“Vegan menu! Tortas were soft and delicious and the nachos were the best I ever had!”
Breakfast • $
“Loved the friendly service and the food was great...we will be back!!”
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!”
Pizza • $
“Great experience! Got hungry, apped an order, drove over, picked it up, joked with the fun team, drove home, popped in the pie, settled in and bam, buzzer rang and A GREAT MEAL WAS ENJOYED!”
Mexican • $
“Their pizzadilla is amazing!! Only place that I have found this and it’s wonderful”
Mediterranean • $$
“Came on Wednesday so it was not too busy (about half full). Great service (prompt, polite, knowledgeable). We shared the large beet salad and Hugo's pizza. All was fresh and excellent. Bonus was 1/2 price wine so we had to get a bottle. We will be back to try another pizza or entree and enjoy this neighborhood gem!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Incredible cocktails, great music and the best vibes with a few fantastic plates on the menu.
This spot is run by some of the coolest and most creative people in the city. James Beard semifinalists. Don’t sleep on it.
The only downside is that it can get a little busy, but it’s always feel good. If it’s chill, ask one of the bartenders to make you something custom. They know what they’re doing.”
Southern • $$
“Wonderful food, drinks, and atmosphere. 2 of the 3 ladies I brought to dinner are southern belles, and they were reminded of home by the food. Great first experience. We will definitely be back again. A+ in my book.”
Salad • $$
“Absolutely incredible experience! We walked in with our own champagne, and the bartenders were amazing and super welcoming. They opened it for us and put it on ice without hesitation. We did the Omakase sushi dinner, and every single bite was amazing. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was top-notch from start to finish. Can’t recommend enough—10/10! 🍣🍷✨”
Steak House • $$
“First time eating here and it was amazing. I didn't have to wait long to be seated, I did make reservations because I had a party of 10. Food was fantastic! Waiter was great!”
Bar • $$
“We have been to visit The Republic several times and have had a phenomenal time each visit! The staff are second to none! Ask for Nicole Ripperger for great service!”
Mediterranean • $$
“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”
Steak House • $$
“Spectacular service, ambiance & absolutely amazing food. We had the chicken fettuccini the burger & Ember’ ribs. Not only excellent taste but enough for another meal! Well worth our trip! Try it🤗”
Japanese • $$
“This is our go to sushi restaurant in the metro! Highly recommend!”
Pizza • $$
“We recently moved to Ankeny & drive by every day. Parking lot is always full, so we finally made it in. Wow! So good! Sat outside and we had chicken deburgo, chicken Romano and a grinder. All amazing and the young man who was our server was spot on!! Will definitely be back!”
American • $$$
“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.”
Sushi • $$
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sakari Sushi is hands down my favorite place for sushi in Des Moines! The food is always incredibly fresh, and the sushi is the best in town, no question. What really sets this place apart is the staff. They’re phenomenal, friendly, attentive, and always moving with purpose. You’ll never catch anyone just standing around; they’re constantly making sure everything runs smoothly and guests are taken care of. Special shoutout to our bartender Jake for mixing up the best drinks. His Painkiller cocktail is an absolute must-try! Whether you're a sushi lover or just looking for a great night out, Sakari never disappoints.”
Italian • $$
“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.”
Brewery • $$
“Cool place, some great brews, and our beertender Walker was friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable of the brewery and the brews as well as recommendations for other places to go around town.
Tip the Cow Mint was yummy!”
French • $$$
“Absolutely phenomenal! Everything we had, from the baked oysters to the pot de creme, was incredibly delicious. I appreciated we didn't feel rushed in our dining experience. A wonderful night out.”
French • $$$$
“Great dining experience! Each of the 8 courses were delicious and the presentation was beautiful. Most courses were served & described by the chef himself so you could inquire as desired.”
Bar • $$$
“The bison dinner was a work of art! This was my first time having bison and I would definitely come back for the dinner again! And their specialty drinks have great names with amazing flavor…. Staff was phenomenal and I really can’t say enough great things… Definitely a must to eat here!”
Steak House • $$
“Great menu options and our waiter Jim was one of nicest and attentive people. I will certainly be back.”
Korean • $$
“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!”
Brewpubs • $$
“We just stayed for one beer but this place has a great vibe, great beer and friendly staff. Looking forward to coming back.”
Thai • $$
“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.”
Lounges • $$
“always lots of fun, sports, good drinks, food, come on in. If you are sensitive to language, off colored jokes, flirtatious., stay away”
Lebanese • $$
“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”
Bar • $$
“Great place very good Belgian selection A Must stop if your in Des Moines. 20 beers on tap”
Sushi • $$
“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 !!!!”
Seafood • $$$
“We had two birthday celebrations for our large party and every person at that table was made to feel special—from Happy Birthday messages on the plates, hand-made strawberry lemonade for my nephew, etc. We had an amazing time!”
African • $$
“I highly recommend this restaurant. The owner is very kind and the food was really good! I recommend getting the red pepper soup or the brown rice platter. Nice sized portions at a good price! I will definitely be back.”
New American • $$
“I wish I would have taken more photos but the food was so good our family couldn’t think to take photos. My mom wanted to eat at HoQ Resturant for her 40th wedding anniversary and wanted the whole family with them to celebrate. Little back story my mom sells vegetables to the owner that he uses in his dishes. 90% or more of the ingredients are locally sourced in Iowa. Farm to table concept. We started withh naan bread the brought out and a little bit of I think pasta with beets. What ever it was it was goos. Then we ordered several different appetizers. Burnt carrots, Hummus and some kind of bread, chicken skewers, and pierogies. For meal we got different things. Several had the bison burger and fries, 2 had the 5 oz steak with risotto. Mom and I had the Mediterranean bowl with falafel add tandoori chicken. That is the only thing I got a photo of of course after I started to eat. The accommodated our little girls with grilled cheese and fries and a side of chicken. Finished off our meal with. Cake my sister made ( our grandma’s recipe) Minnesota chocolate cake with fudge icing. And the restaurant brought out several scoops of vanilla ice cream with shortbread cookies. All the food was so good everyone at the table was quiet including my dad. If you know my dad you know that is not a common thing for him not to be taking and eating. I have posted a photo of my food and a photo of my parents with their cake. And yes my mom is wearing her original wedding dress she wore 40 years ago when she married my dad. Thank you again HoQ for the amazing dining experience and for letting us have a private room to celebrate our parents!”
Latin American • $$
“The food was amazing!!! Great price and even better service! I will definitely be going back!”
Pizza • $$
“We wish you a merry Christmas miss you we enjoy being with are children in Arizona but miss all you and your kindness want to say merry Christmas blessings to you and your family”
Italian • $$
“Calzones are the best! Super friendly staff, I love their Pizzas too.”
Italian • $$
“My husband and I are from out of town and went to Christopher’s tonight for dinner. What a pleasant surprise! Our food was amazing and the service was great! We will definitely be back when we visit DesMoines again.”
Bar • $$
“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.”
Sports Bar • $$
“What a fun place! Next time we will try a escape room. Need more bathrooms. Had a great time!”
Bar • $$
“There are few places on Earth where a dive bar and fine dining coexist. Shorty’s is one of those places. It’s kinda like quilt made of denim and white tablecloth. You’ll understand when you go, as you should, and see the highly rated restaurant that sits atop Shorty’s, allowing the shared menu. Like a delicious hat on a drunk man’s head. The 3 times I was there the only thing that outshone the food and drink was the bartender. What a gem.”
Japanese • $$
“Kitchen Spaces provides an amazing service to new Food Entereprenuer's to kick off! Their is a rotating offerings from many beloved small businesses, always something for everyone throughout the week!”
Bar • $$
“Food was good and moderately priced. Plenty of options for price and selection. Our server was pleasant and attentive. We had a reservation, but ended up seating ourselves at bar staff's suggestion. Not a lot of tables, but could enjoy drinks in comfortable chair and sofa seating as well. Was moderately busy but not crowded on a Tuesday evening.”
Italian • $$
“Food was good and is what to be expected from Olive Garden. Service in the bar booths was great and Rory did a great job taking care of me and serving my dinner. I will visit on future trips to DSM”
Bar • $$
“best place at the fairto watch drunk idiots make fools of themselves, if you're lucky you'll get a glimpse of some of our glorious leaders and their wives in all their glory, have your cameras ready!”
Brewery • $$
“My family and I love the brunch they offer on the weekends! So delicious, wide variety of food and drinks, and very reasonably priced! We go with our 3 young kids usually when we take a trip to Des Moines, so very kid friendly! Amazing seating as well, just love the overall vibe! Highly recommend!”
Bar • $$
“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 • $$
“This is why we love Hy-Vee on Fleur. Even the dog gets excited when he sees the Hy-Vee vehicle delivering meds and such. He loves John (Crystal, too) and they love him back!”
Chinese • $$
“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”
Mexican • $$
“I've never been to a Mexican BUFFET so I was a little skeptical. What a wonderful surprise! Everything I selected was delicious, including the lil desserts. New favorite!”
Bar • $$
“Friday was my first time to Ceviche! I loved it! I met some brand new friends for the first time. I just had a side salad and it was great. Absolutely loved the ambiance. I will definitely be returning!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“The food was OUTSTANDING. Some of the best flavor profiles I have ever had on these dishes, and I am an avid restaurant goer. Definitely worth the price, we will be back!”
Chinese • $$
“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”
Italian • $$
“Latin King is back to Excellance. Dinner tonite was wonderful! Great food and service. our waiter was perfect and personality +. so happy we went-- and we will be back!!”
Lounges • $$
“We set by the bar table, would suggest a reservation for the regular tables. Cocktails price from $18, relaxing atmosphere w not too loud music. The entrance is the restaurant and just notify the staff “ heading to the bar””
American • $$
“Located inside the Embassy Suites Hotel. Friendly service. The Mac n Cheese with Grilled Chicken and Bacon is Delicious! (sorry no pic dug in to eat too soon.lol)”
Sports Bar • $$
“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!”
Mexican • $$
“best tacos are fire 🔥🔥🔥 good location if your in the area go check this truck out”
Southern • $$
“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.”
Cafe • $$
“Hobnob is located within Hotel Fort Des Moines. I stayed there last month and loved the convenient access to the shop! Coffee was amazing and service was incredible.”
Lounges • $$
“As a Marriott Bonvoy member, I wanted to try Mash & Marrow while we were near the hotel, and it ended up being a great choice for lunch. The service was excellent, our server was attentive, friendly, and quick with drink refills, which always makes a difference. I ordered the Caprese sandwich with chicken, and it was fantastic. Fresh, flavorful, and really well balanced. The sweet potato fries were also delicious, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, exactly how they should be. The other entrées at our table were the Asian salad and the corn chowder, and both were excellent as well. Everything tasted fresh, thoughtful, and well-prepared. Overall, a really good lunch experience and definitely worth stopping by if you’re staying at the Marriott or nearby. Friendly service + great food = an easy recommendation.”
Bar • $$
“Fun sports bar environment with good food and great service. It's open and spacious with plenty of room for larger parties. Our server was friendly amd helpful amd took great care of us. Beer was cold!”
American • $$
“VERY nice place. Menu is interesting and preparation is PERFECT. Best pizza west of the Mississippi”
Seafood • $$
“Returning customer from when they were at the other establishment on 6th. We have always enjoyed the food and they do not skimp on portions. We came for dinner and stayed for the live band. My only complain is the beer was served at room temp. At least that is how mine was served to me. We did ask if we could get a cold/ icy beer which staff tried to accommodate but fell short. I love my beer cold and icy even if there is is a winter storm outside. Other than that, I definitely recommend.”
Mexican • $$
“Omg this is so cool . The bartender Nirvana is so awesome . The food is amazing. The margaritas are the best in town. And happy hour is soooo amazing. We had 6 margaritas and 2 appetizers”
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.”
Latest Reviews
Cafe • $
“Both the ladies in the Chrome Cafe was very professional, courteous, friendly, & with great attitude. And my order was done in a fast & timely manner that I didn't even get comfortable in my seat to wait for the order to be done. Will definitely come back to see them two again. And yes the veggie burger & fries was cooked to perfection. Well done all around ladies. See you when I'm back in town again. Layta PS... I eat majority of the food as I was typing this lol.”
Steak House • $$
“Spectacular service, ambiance & absolutely amazing food. We had the chicken fettuccini the burger & Ember’ ribs. Not only excellent taste but enough for another meal! Well worth our trip! Try it🤗”
Chinese • $
“If I could give dragon house east more than 5 stars I would gladly do it. Their food is great, the delivery man is polite, the lady on the phone is great to talk to, and the food arrives warm. Compliments to the chef and everyone that works there. Thanks so much.”
Mexican • $
“Your food is the Best in Des Moines!🫶🏼 When do you close for the winter?”
Sports Bar • $
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
Italian • $
“WE WILL BE HAVING ALL OF OUR HOLIDAY DINNERS AT CHUCK'S. WE USUALLY GO TO JOHNNY'S STEAKHOUSE. NOT ANYMORE AFTER THE GREAT SERVICE $ FOOD WE HAD ON VALENTINES DAY, YESTERDAY !!!”
Health Food • $
“Delicioso buen servicio buen ambiente y sobretodo buen precio vale la pena recomendado 100% 😋”
Tacos • $
“amazing food and amazing service. The best worker was Gabby. She was so nice to me. She was the one to recommend the food truck to me. Definitely have to try the food here again!”
Restaurant • $$
“Came on Wednesday so it was not too busy (about half full). Great service (prompt, polite, knowledgeable). We shared the large beet salad and Hugo's pizza. All was fresh and excellent. Bonus was 1/2 price wine so we had to get a bottle. We will be back to try another pizza or entree and enjoy this neighborhood gem!”
Most Popular Restaurants
Hamburger • $
“10/10 no notes. Been going for years, never gets old.”
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!”
Cajun/Creole • $
“Amazing food and at a reasonable price and not a bad wait time.”
Vegetarian • $
“Breakfast and the 80s, who could ask for more? We had our bridal party pre-wedding dress shopping meal here and were not disappointed. We had delicious breakfast, excellent service, and fun cocktails.”
American • $
“First time visiting - we can’t wait to come back. Loved the food and the vibe.”
American • $
“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.”
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 • $
“Best wings in DSM! The honey garlic is a must try. Always fast and fresh.”
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 • $
“A local hole in the wall. The atmosphere is a little rough, the ceiling has a number of stained tiles, clearly some leaks, maintenance issues. If you need to pot a plant, there is a sack of open potting soil ready to use. No plants in sight that I noticed.
The female employee was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Hubby had the gyro plate. Gyro meat was delicious. Hummus was good. Rice a little gummy. Green salad was good. I had the vegetarian plate. Hummus good, Boba ganush wasn’t to my liking it was lacking flavor and was runny. My green salad was too vinegary to enjoy. The dolmas were better than average. The falafel was pretty good.
The tzatziki sauce in the tiny plastic container is good. The tahini sauce tasteless. The jalapeño sauce was the star, the gyro meat pairs well with that little plastic container of sauce. Around $16 per place. $2.99 split charge
I wish sit down restaurants would just serve sauces in a dish. The food was served on real plates with real silverware. Stop with plastic cups with little lids.
The naan bread is dry and not warm. We are used to a warm chewy texture.
But! The baklava was a very nice sized portion and absolutely delicious. They obtain from a local bakery.
The bathroom needs a deep cleaning, walls repaired and paint.
The kitchen seemed clean, food came out quickly.
Some deep cleaning and paint with replacing the ruined fire tiles would be a big improvement.
4 stars is the best I could rate.”
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”
Fast Food • $
“Pretty quick service for being drive through only but it was worth the wait for them hush puppies!
Update: always pleased with their food and today was no exception.”
American • $
“Audrey and Lorena are always a pleasure. Misty wasn't there today but she is an absolute JOY! From start to finish and everything in between today's visit was exemplary. Thanks you Perkins on Euclid!!”
New Restaurants
Mexican • $
“The service is quick! Jose our server was so attentive and quick! The environment is family friendly! There was a live band! The food was delicious!!! I highly recommend!”
Southern • $
“Bullseye because this place doesn’t miss! Had a craving for fried chicken and decided to grab some fried fish as well. Not a lot of talking over dinner tonight, just lip-smacking and humming some negro spirituals! There was a little glitch with the phone ordering and had to wait a little longer than expected due to the dinner rush, but hey, it was so worth it in the end. Price was right, portions were sufficient and the food was hot n ready. Wings, fish, greens, mac n cheese, and sweet potatoes!!”
Bar • $$
“What a fun New Year’s party! Thanks for hosting a great event. We all look forward to coming back. Great drinks, fun decor, and super friendly staff. Thank you!”
Eritrean • $$
“Food is so good you will think about it constantly. Best Shiro Wot in the US. My favorites also include Beef Alicia and the Kuanta Firfir. On weekends you can find an authentic coffee service 😍 To top it all off the owners make you feel like family.”
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!!”
Brunch • $
“Great vibe, even better food. We had the bacon fried rice, when pigs fly, and wonderful morning (boxed up what we couldn't finish). This is a must stop in Des Moines.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Incredible cocktails, great music and the best vibes with a few fantastic plates on the menu.
This spot is run by some of the coolest and most creative people in the city. James Beard semifinalists. Don’t sleep on it.
The only downside is that it can get a little busy, but it’s always feel good. If it’s chill, ask one of the bartenders to make you something custom. They know what they’re doing.”
Coffee Shops • $
“We are on a Java Journey wnd today we picked Wake Up Iowa Coffee! Such a nice little place! Highly recommend!”
“Good beer and food, but over priced, especially with added fees.”