Restaurants in Des Moines
Best Restaurants
Peruvian • $$
“Samy the delivery driver was very pleasant when asking for my signature to confirm my order.
My food was delivered on time and still hot!!
This my 2nd time eating fromTullpa Restaurant!!! Love it!!! Will definitely pass the word around town again!!
Peace and Blessings!!”
New American • $$$$
“I can honestly say I did not expect a restaurant of this caliber in Des Moines but it was AMAZING!!!!
I’m mad at myself that I forgot my servers name, but he was amazing!! Every single dish was incredible, the wine selections were perfect, and I couldn’t pass on the banana split!
Money was spent, but it was worth every dime!”
New American • $$$
“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 • $$
“First I feel like I have to say there is no where to park and the wait is long even on a Wednesday night. Inside is dark and loud and cramped. My ham and bean soup was very good! Stuffed mushroom appetizer was ok but not worth the $10.50 price. My steak was ok-I’ve had way better. Waitress said I should ask for it well done since the cook usually undercooked the steak and it turned out more done than I would have liked it but the waitress never came over to ask… The asparagus had that woody flavor. Potatoes were good. My bf let me try his onion rings and meatball sandwich and both were very good! Cake tasted old… the staff is very nice but looked a little overwhelmed.”
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
American • $$$
“We had Sam and Billy for our servers at the bar, they were extremely friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Our drinks stayed full with plenty of conversation. This is the reason we continue to come back to this hotel.”
Recommended Restaurants
Recommended
“We love Maccabees Kosher Deli for all of our biblical holiday needs. Everyone is kind and welcoming to everyone who enters.”
“Absolutely love this place! It’s a wonderful atmosphere! I would like to point out the salsa bar! It’s amazing! Like 10 different salsa to try! The staff is absolutely wonderful! The cooks are super nice too! Always running great specials! My personal favorite is taco Tuesday. I get the shrimp tacos. SUPER GOOD! 10/10 in my book.”
Southern • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Tapas Bar • $$
“A party of five of us visited on 1/8/25. We asked for a table in back as there was live music by the bar and we wanted to be able to talk together Our server was excellent - wish I had gotten her name Food was amazing - we got brussel sprouts, sliders, French fries w Parmesan, stuffed mushrooms, and spinach artichoke dip All came out timely and very good! We had martinis and all were very delicious and also came out quick I’ve been here about six times before and it’s always great Good patio area too Definitely a great place!”
American • $$
“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.”
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”
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!”
Bakery • $
“Loved thus place. Hard to choose. There are so many things. I got salmon, wild rice and sweet potato. Lovely. My husband got ham and brie on baguette. All good. I'll be back.”
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 • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
Coffee Shops • $
“It's a super cute coffee shop, tucked in the middle of the block. The vibe inside was light, airy, and welcoming. I love that they are all about being eco friendly! Instead of paper cups, you get your coffee in cute glass jars. The staff were very friendly and helpful. And the best part was the amazing coffee and pastries. My breakfast latte was delicious. The cinnamon crown had bits of apple pieces and was so gooey and delicious. This is a great place to stop.”
American • $
“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Betsy is always the best barista and very friendly with me and my dog Tela and I always love talking with her and she makes the best mocha ever!”
Bubble Tea • $
“Visited for the first time and absolutely will be back! Drink was so tasty. My daughter got a macaron and she loved it & the man working also gave her a pin! Not sure if that is the norm but she was so happy and is now proudly wearing it on her backpack. 10/10 for the drink and customer service!”
Mediterranean • $
“Casual dining. Big portions. Fair prices. Fast and good service. I wasn’t too optimistic at first but absolutely loved the food. Sorry, forgot to take pictures of my plate because I was eating too fast.”
Peruvian • $$
“Samy the delivery driver was very pleasant when asking for my signature to confirm my order.
My food was delivered on time and still hot!!
This my 2nd time eating fromTullpa Restaurant!!! Love it!!! Will definitely pass the word around town again!!
Peace and Blessings!!”
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”
American • $$
“Such a cool vibe! Amazing food and service— will definitely go back again! 😊”
Caribbean • $$
“Absolutely love this place! Last year, I became a fan at the Farmer's Market so I was glad when they opened a brick and mortar so close to me. I'm from Houston and we have a large Caribbean culture so I know good Caribbean food. And Palm's is it here in DSM. Great food and drinks, and exceptional service.”
Online Reservation Available
New American • $$$$
“I can honestly say I did not expect a restaurant of this caliber in Des Moines but it was AMAZING!!!!
I’m mad at myself that I forgot my servers name, but he was amazing!! Every single dish was incredible, the wine selections were perfect, and I couldn’t pass on the banana split!
Money was spent, but it was worth every dime!”
New American • $$$
“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 • $$$
“We had Sam and Billy for our servers at the bar, they were extremely friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Our drinks stayed full with plenty of conversation. This is the reason we continue to come back to this hotel.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Incredible great tasting pies and amazing consistency. The flavors are intense and it's a refreshing change from the current pizza 🍕 industry! Life is way too short for cheap, unloved 🍕 so I definitely recommend Trumans”
Tapas Bar • $$
“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!”
American • $$
“Everything was phenomenal from beginning to end! The waitstaff was attentive but not overbearing, and our waiter in particular was so friendly and recommended the crab stuffed walleye, which was to die for! The environment was classy and intimate, yet casual enough that it felt comfortable and warm. The best part of the meal was the appetizer- the seared ahi tuna is too good for words, just trust me on this and order it! This was a great place to visit for my birthday dinner, and we definitely plan on being back.”
Salad • $
“My favorite breakfast spot in Des Moines, great food and coffee....and the service is always fantastic”
Peruvian • $$
“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 • $$$
“The gnocchi is a very memorable dish. Soft, fluffy pillows of heaven. I don’t regret eating the entire dish AND ordering the lava cake. Easily ranks in my top 5 favorite DSM dishes.”
Sushi • $$
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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 • $$
“Staff was great in helping the family celebrate my moms 50th! I have never had a poor experience in the times I have been there.”
Peruvian • $$
“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 • $$$
“The gnocchi is a very memorable dish. Soft, fluffy pillows of heaven. I don’t regret eating the entire dish AND ordering the lava cake. Easily ranks in my top 5 favorite DSM dishes.”
Sushi • $$
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.”
24 Hour Restaurants
Sandwich Shop • $
“Food was good as one would expect from a Subway. First Subway that i have seen with a drive thru. We had placed an order through an app and pulled into the drive thru lane to do pickup. However, we sat in the drive thru lane at the order area for a minute or two and were not acknowledged, so ended up parking and walking inside to get our sandwhiches. Staff inside acknowledged me right away, and had our meal prepared on time.”
Fast Food • $
“The man and the woman who work the drive through windows at the 6th and University location at 7am are so nice. They are upbeat, quick, and seem genuinely happy to be interacting with people.”
Pizza • $$
“We recently moved to Ankeny & drive by every day. Parking lot is always full, so we finally made it in. Wow! So good! Sat outside and we had chicken deburgo, chicken Romano and a grinder. All amazing and the young man who was our server was spot on!! Will definitely be back!”
Italian • $$
“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.”
Takeout Restaurants
Mexican • $
“Your food is the Best in Des Moines!🫶🏼 When do you close for the winter?”
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!”
American • $$
“First I feel like I have to say there is no where to park and the wait is long even on a Wednesday night. Inside is dark and loud and cramped. My ham and bean soup was very good! Stuffed mushroom appetizer was ok but not worth the $10.50 price. My steak was ok-I’ve had way better. Waitress said I should ask for it well done since the cook usually undercooked the steak and it turned out more done than I would have liked it but the waitress never came over to ask… The asparagus had that woody flavor. Potatoes were good. My bf let me try his onion rings and meatball sandwich and both were very good! Cake tasted old… the staff is very nice but looked a little overwhelmed.”
Vegetarian • $
“grabbed breakfst at the breakfst club in ia n it totally hit the spot. food came out hot fresh n plenty of it. coffee was good too. staff was upbeat n kept things movin even when it got busy. chill vibe all round — def a spot id swing by again for a mornin boost.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Great food and beer, and very friendly staff. We come here every time we visit Des Moines!!”
Chinese • $
“It's always fresh. Everywhere else I could get chinese food from, the vegetables are always a bit wimpy and taste like they've just been steamed. Sam's veggies actually have some char on them!”
Food Trucks • $
“this place is amazing. i live 25 minutes away from this taco truck but i always make the drive when i have no food at home and craving something good. i love it here and the customer service is very good as well!”
Steak House • $$
“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🤗”
Bar • $$
“We stopped there after my birthday dinner for a drink and to see what this was like. I grew up in Highland Park. My mother managed the Park Fair Record Shop for about 17 years. I worked there, too. It was like a home away from home. Chuck's Pizza was a favorite! My wedding cake came from the Highland Park Bakery. I remember Klein's Department Store, too. I bought my husband a powder blue leisure suit there and blue suede shoes back in the 70's! Memories...lol!
I was so surprised to find out the Highland Underground was once Klein's! We were there on a week night and they weren't busy, but the drinks were good, friendly waitress, and the 70's decor was fun! We got a kick out of the phone on the wall at our table and the prank that followed when the waitress told me to answer it. I'd like to go back and try their fondue next time!”
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 ☕️ 🥮.”
Cocktail Bar • $
“After a long day of exploring the city, this was a perfect place to relax. The music, atmosphere, staff, and drinks were perfect. Oh, and the Happy Hour prices are a steal!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Stopped by at the DSM Farmer’s Market - tons of coffee competition but Northern Vessels iced oat milk latte did not disappoint! I normally drink my coffee over the period of 3+ hours but I had this bad boy finished in 30 minutes! It was smooth, creamy and wonderful! Will definitely be visiting again!”
Bakery • $
“Placed a very big last minute order and the workers were fantastic. So accommodating, so kind, and they were all so smiley so early in the morning! 10/10 recommend”
Sports Bar • $
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
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!!”
Hamburger • $
“love the experience! great burgers and shakes, plus the staff went above and beyond by finding my daughter's shirt that we left behind and mailed it back to us! this staff is TOP NOTCH!”
Southern • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Barbecue • $
“Have been going to Smokey D’s for about 10 years now, and the food is always delicious. I went today and was shocked at the improvement in customer service. My husband and I always joke that we go for the food so we ignore the customer service, but today was extremely different. Huge shoutout to Mr. Juan who checked on my table multiple times and sincerely talked to us. This is the first time I didn’t have to ask someone for a to go box. Keep up the great food and reward the new and improved staff!”
Bar • $
“I have walked by this place a hundred times.....finally stopped in tonight. The food was awesome and very reasonably priced. Very nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. A nice surprise....will definitely be back!”
Salad • $$
“Absolutely incredible experience! We walked in with our own champagne, and the bartenders were amazing and super welcoming. They opened it for us and put it on ice without hesitation. We did the Omakase sushi dinner, and every single bite was amazing. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was top-notch from start to finish. Can’t recommend enough—10/10! 🍣🍷✨”
Southern • $$
“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.”
Cheap Eats
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!”
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$.”
Diner • $
“love this place! great food, great staff, great service! my coworkers and I go every Monday and Katie has our drinks on the table before we even walk in!”
American • $
“my husband and i eat here every friday, the food is always good, and the prices are reasonable. lehda, charlie and lumi are all awesome and take great care of us when we come here. lehda has most of our order memorized aside from our main entrees that we switch up. 10/10 recommend”
Dive Bar • $
“from cincinnati ohio. work trip here in des moines. was looking for a laid-back place to just chill at and was so impressed with the staff and patrons. thank you for a great chill night out”
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!”
Mexican • $
“All their foods are delicious! ¡Todas sus comidas son deliciosas! ¡Nos sentimos siempre muy bienvenidos! We always feel very welcomed! The people are great: from cooking to serving, they are all bilingual and the food comes out quick and tasty! Thank you! ¡Su gente es genial: desde los cocineros a los meseros; son todos bilingües y la comida sale rapidísimo y gustosa! ¡Muchas gracias! Congratulations and keep this excellent restaurant! ¡Felicitaciones y que continúen este excelente restaurante!”
Steak House • $$
“First timer here, and I will be back. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and mafia vibe, and the food was good. It's a bit pricey, but what isn't anymore”
Bar • $$
“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 • $$
“Just had dinner at Hugo’s. The Arugala salad with pear was delicious. Our pork, apple butter, white sauce pizza was really good too. We had a bottle of Barbazola wine from Mt Edna, thoroughly enjoyed everything! Service was great, nice weather, what more can you ask for???!!”
French • $$$
“Celebrated my birthday with family and friends. Excellent food and service. I loved the low dim lighting and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and specific ingredients. Highly recommend!”
Italian • $$$
“We ate here for our anniversary during restaurant week and it was a great experience. We felt celebrated and appreciated the complimentary wine. The food was phenomenal- especially the arugula was and the pork and polenta. The only downside: the 70 year olds next to us who were very shouty- but perhaps their hearing aids could not accommodate. Will definitely be back!”
Bar • $$
“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...”
Italian • $$
“So we saw that Dave Portnoy had posted a review of CentroDSM. Couldn’t believe we had not tried it yet as we are always looking for good pizza and we only live 5 minutes away. Well we ordered online and it said it would be ready at 8pm tonight. I got there at 8pm. Got home and I could already tell on the car ride home the pizza was cold. Now the flavor was all the way there. But the pizza was cold and chewy. This is disappointing as I’m sure if it was hot it would not be so chewy. They need to give accurate times so the pizza is still hot. I have also messaged them with no response.”
Lebanese • $$
“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”
Japanese • $$
“This is our go to sushi restaurant in the metro! Highly recommend!”
Italian • $$
“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.”
Italian • $$$
“It had been a few years since we’d been to Lucca and I can’t for the life of me understand why. We had an absolutely fantastic experience there last Friday and are already planning our return.
We’d decided to do a fancy night on the town with friends (the kind where you dress up for no good reason) and liked the look of Lucca’s prix fixe menu. We arrived at 8pm sharp but our table wasn’t quite ready so the wonderful hostess got us drinks and made us comfortable in the seats near the door. She checked on us several times and we’d honestly have been fine waiting there all night. But they soon seated us and we had an amazing dinner. Four courses, including dessert, for $57 per person. The NY strip alone might cost that at another restaurant. All dishes were delicious and we were impressed at just how wide the selection was.
Once again, the service took dinner to another level and we loved the ambience. Plus, you step out into the East Village and have a million options for the rest of the night.
Exceptional job, Steve Logsdon and crew; it’s no wonder you’re still making national lists after so many years in business. We will absolutely return soon. Highly recommended.”
Sushi • $$
“My husband and I decided to do an impromptu date night and showed up here. Everyone was exceptional, from our greeting by Elvira, our server Joanie, and we even chatted with the GM Tyler who happened to be in tonight. Joanie let Tyler know it was our first time in and he was kind enough to surprise us with the most flavorful, mouth watering brussel sprouts we have ever had. Everyone was so attentive and the vibe was awesome. I am not a sushi fan, but know my hubbie loves sushi so I wasn't expecting much. The vegan options are great! I had the Eden roll and was so impressed that I can't wait to go back and try more vegan rolls! We had the chocolate egg rolls for dessert and o.m.g. Save room you guys. You won't regret it!! We will totally be back, I have to try more!”
Bar • $$$
“The bison dinner was a work of art! This was my first time having bison and I would definitely come back for the dinner again! And their specialty drinks have great names with amazing flavor…. Staff was phenomenal and I really can’t say enough great things… Definitely a must to eat here!”
Korean • $$
“Had a very disappointing experience at DZO Korean BBQ yesterday. There were 5 of us (3 adults, 2 kids), was charged an 18% gratuity on our bill of over $200+. Upon checking online reviews later, it appears this charge only meant for parties of 6 or more. This policy was never disclose to us by the staff and we weren't even given a copy of the receipt (thank to my daughter for taking a video of me holding the receipt was able to see charges). To make matters worse, my daughter also left an additional tip, unaware of the hidden charge. Their website also fails to mention this 18% gratuity. I feel this lack of transparency regarding the gratuity and incredibly misleading like they are taking advantage of their customers. Diners should be very cautious and double-check for unexpected charges.”
Brewpubs • $$
“We just stayed for one beer but this place has a great vibe, great beer and friendly staff. Looking forward to coming back.”
Soul Food • $$
“This was some of the best food I’ve had in months. The chicken tenders are so moist and flavorful. The batter mixture and the softness of the waffle is as good as it gets. I’ve had the classic chicken and waffles pairing before but never done so well. Arguably the best cornbread I’ve had in my life also. I cannot ~wait~ to come back and to put everyone onto this place.”
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!”
Gay Bar • $$
“Great place to go if you're looking for strong drinks and new friends. The drag shows are incredibly fun and make for a great space to dance and sing with strangers. The drinks definitely require a bit of warming up to and a strong stomach but you definitely get your bang for your buck. Bartenders are super friendly and make drinks insanely fast so don't worry about waiting in line for long. Definitely a must if you're in the area”
Bar • $$
“Great place very good Belgian selection A Must stop if your in Des Moines. 20 beers on tap”
Sports Bar • $$
“What a fun place! Next time we will try a escape room. Need more bathrooms. Had a great time!”
Bar • $$
“Amazing spot to watch sports and enjoy drinks with friends!”
African • $$
“Definitely recommend!!! Called in advance and told them we were coming from out of state and wanted to try and catch them while they were open, and they stayed open till we got there. Service was GREAT, employees was nice & polite, and the food was amazing 🔥”
Bar • $$
“it's a great neighborhood bar. Bingo on Wednesday nights is awesome. i have came several times.”
Bar • $$
“Ken’s is a very nice speakeasy and it’s no secret. Food was good and drinks were also really good. Being from Texas it was nice to taste some of the local beer. Sorry no pics I can’t believe it myself. Well I guess your gonna have to come see for yourself. Thank you to all the staff. We were on a company sponsored event and Ken’s knocked it out of the park. Overall a great experience.”
Bar • $$
“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.”
Lounges • $$
“always lots of fun, sports, good drinks, food, come on in. If you are sensitive to language, off colored jokes, flirtatious., stay away”
Bar • $$
“Love Bomb bar, great atmosphere. Perfect place to hang on any given night. The owner is kind and the employees really help you to feel welcomed.”
Bar • $$
“Events during the week are great! Fun bartenders, local patrons and all around great time!”
Bar • $$
“Great service...thanks, Jae! The Cuban music and decor create a fun atmosphere! Oh... And the food is just like you find in Miami. There are many things on the menu to try...we will be back!”
Bar & Grill • $$$
“This is your standard downtown hotel bar / lounge, However, the service here is polite, fast, and attentive - while the food is honestly amazing. Get the burger and fries, hands down the best burger I've had in years and the fries were even better. I believe they cook the fries in animal fat which adds a crispiness like no other. Decent selection of beers, wines and a full bar with a clean and spacious interior round this place out. In my 20 years of business travel I have never experienced a Hotel Lounge like this”
Chinese • $$
“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”
Seafood • $$$
“We stopped by Splash before a show at the Civic Center this week. I had the crab bisque, swordfish and creme brulee. My wife had the garden salad, swordfish and key lime pie. Everything was very tasty and served piping hot (except for the pie and creme brulee 😁). Service was terrific and the waitress made sure we were done in time to make the curtain. We'll definitely be back.”
Seafood • $$
“The food was delicious, hot in temperature like it should, had a little miscommunication in the beginning with my order but was fixed no harm done. As picky as I am eating in new restaurants I was impressed very much with my meal and appearance of my plate. The ingredients on the side salad looked very fresh not like left over salad ingredients from previous days,as picky of a person that I am my hats off to them. I gave 4 stars cause music was a little loud giving the atmosphere more of a bar and not a restaurant in my opinion nevertheless I will be going back thanks....”
Lounges • $$
“Service and staff were great. The Ceasar salad was a solid 3. (Fully edible but not memorable.) Atmosphere is "hotel lobby" which makes sense since that's essentially where the seating is.”
American • $$
“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)”
Mexican • $$
“?? Saw a mouth-watering FB post about this place and had to give it a try — and it exceeded all expectations! From the seamless ordering process to the scrumptious tacos, everything hit the spot! ? Planning to mix it up next time for a new taste adventure! ??? #FoodieFinds #TacoHeaven #ExploringNewFlavors #”
Latin American • $$
“The food was amazing!!! Great price and even better service! I will definitely be going back!”
Bar & Grill • $$
“The food and service was very good. The person that was assigned to clean the dining area did a wonderful job, everything was perfectly clean. The reason why I didn't give it 5 stars was because the AC didn't seem up to par but it was comfortable enough to have an enjoyable meeting.
Vegetarian options: A very wide selection
Wheelchair accessibility: Plenty of seating”
Chinese • $$
“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”
Southern • $$
“This is one of the best happy hours that I’ve been to - I highly recommend it!”
American • $$
“VERY nice place. Menu is interesting and preparation is PERFECT. Best pizza west of the Mississippi”
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.”
Bar • $$
“Hi always come here when I want to go to a sports bar when I am in town. Especially since it is relatively convenient to where I normally stay at the Holiday Inn. But nothing really special to say about it, except it's got lots of televisions, and it is a regular sports bar with lots of seating, and it gets crowded when there's a game that people in Des Moines are interested in. I just wish that they had PBR on tap, or maybe the High Life”
Chicken Wings • $$
“The food was good ,sauce was kinda vinegary for my taste,but I'll definitely try a different sauce next time. Service was ok.....
Parking: If ya go at peak meal times, parking looks a little hectic, but other than that.......”
Chicken Wings • $$
“Come on Monday evenings…we sat at the Bar…not crazy in here…The bar tender was Awesome…Pretzel Bites & Street Tacos are Amazing…got our order within 10 minutes…the General Manager was very nice!!! Recommend trying them!!!”
Latest Reviews
Cafe • $
“Both the ladies in the Chrome Cafe was very professional, courteous, friendly, & with great attitude. And my order was done in a fast & timely manner that I didn't even get comfortable in my seat to wait for the order to be done. Will definitely come back to see them two again. And yes the veggie burger & fries was cooked to perfection. Well done all around ladies. See you when I'm back in town again. Layta PS... I eat majority of the food as I was typing this lol.”
Steak House • $$
“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.”
Restaurant • $
“Amazing food and at a reasonable price and not a bad wait time.”
Mexican • $
“Your food is the Best in Des Moines!🫶🏼 When do you close for the winter?”
Bakery • $$
“Best Tortas and tacos in town! I had the Cubana and chicken and steak tacos. Yum! The tres leches cake looks so beautiful. Can’t wait to try it!”
Sports Bar • $
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
African • $
“Great Food Great Place, They are remodeling, I can't wait to see the outcome 👍🏾”
Health Food • $
“Delicioso buen servicio buen ambiente y sobretodo buen precio vale la pena recomendado 100% 😋”
Tacos
“amazing food and amazing service. The best worker was Gabby. She was so nice to me. She was the one to recommend the food truck to me. Definitely have to try the food here again!”
Restaurant • $$
“Just had dinner at Hugo’s. The Arugala salad with pear was delicious. Our pork, apple butter, white sauce pizza was really good too. We had a bottle of Barbazola wine from Mt Edna, thoroughly enjoyed everything! Service was great, nice weather, what more can you ask for???!!”
Most Popular Restaurants
Hamburger • $
“love the experience! great burgers and shakes, plus the staff went above and beyond by finding my daughter's shirt that we left behind and mailed it back to us! this staff is TOP NOTCH!”
Barbecue • $
“Have been going to Smokey D’s for about 10 years now, and the food is always delicious. I went today and was shocked at the improvement in customer service. My husband and I always joke that we go for the food so we ignore the customer service, but today was extremely different. Huge shoutout to Mr. Juan who checked on my table multiple times and sincerely talked to us. This is the first time I didn’t have to ask someone for a to go box. Keep up the great food and reward the new and improved staff!”
Vegetarian • $
“grabbed breakfst at the breakfst club in ia n it totally hit the spot. food came out hot fresh n plenty of it. coffee was good too. staff was upbeat n kept things movin even when it got busy. chill vibe all round — def a spot id swing by again for a mornin boost.”
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.”
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.”
American • $
“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.”
Mediterranean • $
“Casual dining. Big portions. Fair prices. Fast and good service. I wasn’t too optimistic at first but absolutely loved the food. Sorry, forgot to take pictures of my plate because I was eating too fast.”
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!”
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”
New Restaurants
Caribbean • $$
“Absolutely love this place! Last year, I became a fan at the Farmer's Market so I was glad when they opened a brick and mortar so close to me. I'm from Houston and we have a large Caribbean culture so I know good Caribbean food. And Palm's is it here in DSM. Great food and drinks, and exceptional service.”
Southern • $
“I absolutely love this restaurant the food is amazing everything is always hot and fresh and soooo good. The catfish is crispy and crunchy 🤤from the Mac and cheese to the collard greens to sweet potatoes everything is superb and delicious and so delightful. You will not be disappointed the owner is so nice and the atmosphere the restaurant is a whole vibe 🫶🏾”
Cocktail Bar • $
“Alot of attention to detail. From the cocktail menu description to the preparation of the food. The exposed brick to the attention to lighting.
Definitely worth checking out.”
Bar • $$
“We stopped there after my birthday dinner for a drink and to see what this was like. I grew up in Highland Park. My mother managed the Park Fair Record Shop for about 17 years. I worked there, too. It was like a home away from home. Chuck's Pizza was a favorite! My wedding cake came from the Highland Park Bakery. I remember Klein's Department Store, too. I bought my husband a powder blue leisure suit there and blue suede shoes back in the 70's! Memories...lol!
I was so surprised to find out the Highland Underground was once Klein's! We were there on a week night and they weren't busy, but the drinks were good, friendly waitress, and the 70's decor was fun! We got a kick out of the phone on the wall at our table and the prank that followed when the waitress told me to answer it. I'd like to go back and try their fondue next time!”
Cafe • $
“This place has more games than I knew existed! Great spot for all ages. The ham & cheese panini, pretzel bites and pizza sando are all yummy. The staff is so friendly - it’s like being welcomed to their home. Can’t wait to return and play more!”
Diner • $
“We just ate a late lunch and it was amazing, We will be back.Food and wait staff was wonderful!”
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!!”
Coffee Shops • $
“I love the owners and the wonderful coffee they bring to the area! Highly recommend🙌”
Bar • $
“Not complaining about price. My only gripe is I would have paid more for a larger portion, and could hardly taste any potato.. I did find some. Hot roast beef sandwich over mashed potatoes it could have been a little warmer.
It was delicious I went with a friend. Cheese curds were ok.”
Bar • $
“They name the wrong place The Vibe because the place really is! Love they brought Party Party out for some dope karaoke. The bartenders are super friendly and great at pouring beer! Although I do have beef with the name. How ya gonna call yourself The Local when you're not even a year old? Could have had a lot of fun by starting with the place being called New Guy In Town, then after a couple years change it to The Regular, and then after a couple more call it The Local. Who doesn't love a dive bar that evolves like a pokemon?”
“The Revelry Room Bar, located in the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel is a gem! A distinctive atmosphere with comfy seating options and on point cocktails!
I had the pleasure of speaking with Matthew, the GM of Restaurants, who is a wealth of Savery Hotel history and local Des Moines knowledge as well as a master of bespoke customer care! The evening's bartender and server were outstanding! We had an amazing experience and look forward to returning soon! Thank you Revelry Room Staff!”
“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.”