Restaurants in Des Moines
Best Restaurants
Peruvian • $$
“Samy the delivery driver was very pleasant when asking for my signature to confirm my order.
My food was delivered on time and still hot!!
This my 2nd time eating fromTullpa Restaurant!!! Love it!!! Will definitely pass the word around town again!!
Peace and Blessings!!”
New American • $$$$
“I can honestly say I did not expect a restaurant of this caliber in Des Moines but it was AMAZING!!!!
I’m mad at myself that I forgot my servers name, but he was amazing!! Every single dish was incredible, the wine selections were perfect, and I couldn’t pass on the banana split!
Money was spent, but it was worth every dime!”
American • $$
“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.”
New American • $$$
“We had our wedding dinner tonight at Harbinger. Low-key, just the two of us. We were treated with such kindness and respect from everyone, including the chef who made concessions to his tasting menu for my wife’s sugar issues. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. We visit Harbinger we are blown away by the quality of our dining experience.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
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.”
American • $$$
“We had Sam and Billy for our servers at the bar, they were extremely friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Our drinks stayed full with plenty of conversation. This is the reason we continue to come back to this hotel.”
Italian • $$$
“Aposto has a lovely atmosphere and some delicious dishes. The polenta cakes were a fan favorite as they were both light and crispy, and the sauce added a wonderful depth of flavor. For entrees, we liked the gnocchi’s lightness as each pesto lemon bite was really nice. However, the way it’s portioned makes the meal seem quite small, and there is very little crab in the dish itself. We ordered the duck special over risotto as well. The confit duck leg was cooked and spiced to perfection, but it’s accompanying risotto lacked a flavor punch.
For dessert, neither of us were wowed. They were decent and flavored as advertised, but they also didn’t quite hit the mark. We did adore our wines (especially the orange wine).”
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 • $
“Macarons were a little dry but were perfectly made and had excellent flavors. The croissants are delicious. Nothing is overly sweet and all very well made. Service was fast and everyone was kind. We will definitely 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!”
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.”
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.”
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
Peruvian • $$
“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!!”
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!”
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”
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 ☕️ 🥮.”
New American • $$$$
“I can honestly say I did not expect a restaurant of this caliber in Des Moines but it was AMAZING!!!!
I’m mad at myself that I forgot my servers name, but he was amazing!! Every single dish was incredible, the wine selections were perfect, and I couldn’t pass on the banana split!
Money was spent, but it was worth every dime!”
Mediterranean • $$
“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”
Peruvian • $$
“We had an amazing evening at Panka Peruvian restaurant this week with a BIG surprise at the end. We are having our first son! We carefully chose this place to celebrate our anniversary the last few years and our intimate gender reveal, because of the extraordinary experience they give us each time. It's really not just the food that they give us. They always give us a time we will never forget.”
American • $$
“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.”
Online Reservation Available
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.”
Italian • $$$
“Aposto has a lovely atmosphere and some delicious dishes. The polenta cakes were a fan favorite as they were both light and crispy, and the sauce added a wonderful depth of flavor. For entrees, we liked the gnocchi’s lightness as each pesto lemon bite was really nice. However, the way it’s portioned makes the meal seem quite small, and there is very little crab in the dish itself. We ordered the duck special over risotto as well. The confit duck leg was cooked and spiced to perfection, but it’s accompanying risotto lacked a flavor punch.
For dessert, neither of us were wowed. They were decent and flavored as advertised, but they also didn’t quite hit the mark. We did adore our wines (especially the orange wine).”
Peruvian • $$
“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.”
Salad • $
“My favorite breakfast spot in Des Moines, great food and coffee....and the service is always fantastic”
American • $$
“Everything was phenomenal from beginning to end! The waitstaff was attentive but not overbearing, and our waiter in particular was so friendly and recommended the crab stuffed walleye, which was to die for! The environment was classy and intimate, yet casual enough that it felt comfortable and warm. The best part of the meal was the appetizer- the seared ahi tuna is too good for words, just trust me on this and order it! This was a great place to visit for my birthday dinner, and we definitely plan on being back.”
Sushi • $$
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.”
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”
Asian • $
“Great food! Huge portions, and very friendly service. Such a great addition to the east village. We got the pho special, the honey spicy wings, Ube cream coffee ?, and tofu spring rolls
Vegetarian options: Tofu spring rolls were great!”
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.”
Steak House • $$
“Spectacular service, ambiance & absolutely amazing food. We had the chicken fettuccini the burger & Ember’ ribs. Not only excellent taste but enough for another meal! Well worth our trip! Try it🤗”
Steak House • $$
“Chicago Speakeasy is a Des Moines mainstay. Noted for their great salad bar and prime rib. I don't eat prime rib so I can't attest to that. The only thing I can say is the last two times I have gone, what i ordered has been disappointing. I think it is hit or miss on some items.”
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.”
American • $$$
“The gnocchi is a very memorable dish. Soft, fluffy pillows of heaven. I don’t regret eating the entire dish AND ordering the lava cake. Easily ranks in my top 5 favorite DSM dishes.”
Caribbean • $$
“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 • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Takeout Restaurants
Mexican • $
“Your food is the Best in Des Moines!🫶🏼 When do you close for the winter?”
American • $$
“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 • $
“We had an amazing time celebrating my daughter's first birthday. Our waitress, Myka made it such a special experience for us. I truly couldn't have asked for a better breakfast to celebrate such a big milestone. The food is delicious and the service was great.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“The ice cream here is absolutely delicious! I was also honored to meet the owner and some of the staff while I was working at a local haunted house and they were so much fun to be around! I will always love this place!”
Chinese • $
“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!”
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!!”
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!”
Southern • $$
“Wonderful food, drinks, and atmosphere. 2 of the 3 ladies I brought to dinner are southern belles, and they were reminded of home by the food. Great first experience. We will definitely be back again. A+ in my book.”
Italian • $$
“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.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
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.”
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!”
Bar & Grill • $
“Great food and beer, and very friendly staff. We come here every time we visit Des Moines!!”
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….”
Bakery • $
“Our wedding cake from Crème was absolutely perfect! Not only was it beautifully made and exactly what we envisioned, but it also tasted incredible. We went with a two-tiered cake, and both flavors were a huge hit—our guests couldn’t stop talking about how good it was!
Sammy at Crème was so easy to work with throughout the entire process. She was helpful, responsive, and really took the time to understand what we wanted. The final result was elegant, delicious, and everything we hoped it would be.
We’re so happy we chose Crème to be part of our day and would highly recommend them to any couple looking for a cake that tastes just as amazing as it looks!”
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”
Tapas Bar • $$
“A party of five of us visited on 1/8/25. We asked for a table in back as there was live music by the bar and we wanted to be able to talk together Our server was excellent - wish I had gotten her name Food was amazing - we got brussel sprouts, sliders, French fries w Parmesan, stuffed mushrooms, and spinach artichoke dip All came out timely and very good! We had martinis and all were very delicious and also came out quick I’ve been here about six times before and it’s always great Good patio area too Definitely a great place!”
Bar • $$
“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!”
Cheap Eats
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!”
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!”
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”
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!”
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$.”
Food Trucks • $
“Probably the BEST Tacos and Burritos Ive has since being in Iowa. Ive driven 20 mins to get here on the southside and would do it again without hesitation. The price is lower than most taco trucks and the food is AMAZING!!”
Greek • $
“THE LADY THE WAITED ON ME WAS REALLY NICE AND THE FOOD WAS VERY GOOD. I WILL BE RETURNING”
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!”
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.”
Mexican • $$
“Delicious authentic Mexican food. You definitely get your money's worth. Along with it tasting bomb af the amount they give you is definitely on the generous side. Love this place. One of my latest favorites.”
Sushi • $$$
“Masao in Des Moines blew me away. Caitlin was such an awesome server—super attentive and friendly—and Nick, the owner, made the night extra special by sneaking me a few extra sushi pieces to try (and wow, they were delicious). The food here isn’t your typical sushi spot at all—it’s next level. The French tapas were spot on, and everything I tried was amazing: the Ayu and Isaki sushi, clams in lemongrass broth, peach soup, and the fruit and goat cheese tart to finish. On top of that, the space is beautiful with a clean, minimalist vibe. Definitely one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. Check them out before the secret’s out and everyone’s fighting for a table!”
Salad • $$
“Absolutely incredible experience! We walked in with our own champagne, and the bartenders were amazing and super welcoming. They opened it for us and put it on ice without hesitation. We did the Omakase sushi dinner, and every single bite was amazing. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was top-notch from start to finish. Can’t recommend enough—10/10! 🍣🍷✨”
Italian • $$$
“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.”
Bar • $$
“This is one of the best down home places I have found in Des Moines where the bartenders actually remember your name and what you drink. Not bad for a big city...”
New American • $$
“I wish I would have taken more photos but the food was so good our family couldn’t think to take photos. My mom wanted to eat at HoQ Resturant for her 40th wedding anniversary and wanted the whole family with them to celebrate. Little back story my mom sells vegetables to the owner that he uses in his dishes. 90% or more of the ingredients are locally sourced in Iowa. Farm to table concept. We started withh naan bread the brought out and a little bit of I think pasta with beets. What ever it was it was goos. Then we ordered several different appetizers. Burnt carrots, Hummus and some kind of bread, chicken skewers, and pierogies. For meal we got different things. Several had the bison burger and fries, 2 had the 5 oz steak with risotto. Mom and I had the Mediterranean bowl with falafel add tandoori chicken. That is the only thing I got a photo of of course after I started to eat. The accommodated our little girls with grilled cheese and fries and a side of chicken. Finished off our meal with. Cake my sister made ( our grandma’s recipe) Minnesota chocolate cake with fudge icing. And the restaurant brought out several scoops of vanilla ice cream with shortbread cookies. All the food was so good everyone at the table was quiet including my dad. If you know my dad you know that is not a common thing for him not to be taking and eating. I have posted a photo of my food and a photo of my parents with their cake. And yes my mom is wearing her original wedding dress she wore 40 years ago when she married my dad. Thank you again HoQ for the amazing dining experience and for letting us have a private room to celebrate our parents!”
Italian • $$
“So we saw that Dave Portnoy had posted a review of CentroDSM. Couldn’t believe we had not tried it yet as we are always looking for good pizza and we only live 5 minutes away. Well we ordered online and it said it would be ready at 8pm tonight. I got there at 8pm. Got home and I could already tell on the car ride home the pizza was cold. Now the flavor was all the way there. But the pizza was cold and chewy. This is disappointing as I’m sure if it was hot it would not be so chewy. They need to give accurate times so the pizza is still hot. I have also messaged them with no response.”
Lebanese • $$
“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 • $$
“This is our go to sushi restaurant in the metro! Highly recommend!”
Sushi • $$
“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!”
Seafood • $$$
“Serves was great. Food and drinks were good but my shrimp was over cooked a little chewy, tough. But overall had a great time with friends. I would eat there again.”
Korean • $$
“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 • $$
“We just stayed for one beer but this place has a great vibe, great beer and friendly staff. Looking forward to coming back.”
Latin American • $$
“The food was amazing!!! Great price and even better service! I will definitely be going back!”
Mediterranean • $$
“Just had dinner at Hugo’s. The Arugala salad with pear was delicious. Our pork, apple butter, white sauce pizza was really good too. We had a bottle of Barbazola wine from Mt Edna, thoroughly enjoyed everything! Service was great, nice weather, what more can you ask for???!!”
Italian • $$
“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.”
Mexican • $$
“Very impressive buffet. Quite a selection and most items are labeled. There were corn and flour tortillas, rices, enchiladas, tamales, flautas, taquitos, chicken, beef, pork, and veggie options as well as a bar full of sauces and toppings for the tortillas Wed and thurs are 2.99 margaritas all day. Resonably priced for lunch and dinner. Kid friendly dessert and and they are cut in small pieces so you can sample a lot but there’s also fresh fruit. Will be back”
Italian • $$
“Calzones are the best! Super friendly staff, I love their Pizzas too.”
Bar • $$
“I was in town visiting some friends when we decided to stop in here. Food was AMAZING, drinks were FANTASTIC although I think a lot of that had to do with our amazing bar tender Adrina. She was super quick with the drinks and made the best expresso martini I've ever had! Thanks Adrina/Civeche ”
Soul Food • $$
“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.”
Gay Bar • $$
“Great place to go if you're looking for strong drinks and new friends. The drag shows are incredibly fun and make for a great space to dance and sing with strangers. The drinks definitely require a bit of warming up to and a strong stomach but you definitely get your bang for your buck. Bartenders are super friendly and make drinks insanely fast so don't worry about waiting in line for long. Definitely a must if you're in the area”
Sports Bar • $$
“What a fun place! Next time we will try a escape room. Need more bathrooms. Had a great time!”
Bar • $$
“Great place very good Belgian selection A Must stop if your in Des Moines. 20 beers on tap”
Bar • $$
“it's a great neighborhood bar. Bingo on Wednesday nights is awesome. i have came several times.”
African • $$
“Definitely recommend!!! Called in advance and told them we were coming from out of state and wanted to try and catch them while they were open, and they stayed open till we got there. Service was GREAT, employees was nice & polite, and the food was amazing 🔥”
Bar • $$
“Amazing spot to watch sports and enjoy drinks with friends!”
Chinese • $$
“I was there with my young child today and had an amazing experience with one of the cashiers. Her name is Rebekah. She was an absolute pleasure to chat with while she checked us out. She was kind, warm and radiated kindness. She didn't know, this but I have been going through some very difficult things lately and interacting with her helped me feel hopeful again. She deserves all the good things (and a raise!) Thank you so much, Rebekah... I will carry your kindness in my heart forever”
Bar • $$
“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.”
American • $$
“We love their brunch. Their staff, especially Carla, are amazing. We took family from out of town on Sunday and they can not wait to return!”
Bar • $$
“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.”
Bar • $$
“The bison dinner was a work of art! This was my first time having bison and I would definitely come back for the dinner again! And their specialty drinks have great names with amazing flavor…. Staff was phenomenal and I really can’t say enough great things… Definitely a must to eat here!”
Bar • $$
“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 & Grill • $$$
“This is your standard downtown hotel bar / lounge, However, the service here is polite, fast, and attentive - while the food is honestly amazing. Get the burger and fries, hands down the best burger I've had in years and the fries were even better. I believe they cook the fries in animal fat which adds a crispiness like no other. Decent selection of beers, wines and a full bar with a clean and spacious interior round this place out. In my 20 years of business travel I have never experienced a Hotel Lounge like this”
Seafood • $$
“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....”
Mexican • $$
“?? Saw a mouth-watering FB post about this place and had to give it a try — and it exceeded all expectations! From the seamless ordering process to the scrumptious tacos, everything hit the spot! ? Planning to mix it up next time for a new taste adventure! ??? #FoodieFinds #TacoHeaven #ExploringNewFlavors #”
American • $$
“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)”
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”
Brewery • $$
“My family and I love the brunch they offer on the weekends! So delicious, wide variety of food and drinks, and very reasonably priced! We go with our 3 young kids usually when we take a trip to Des Moines, so very kid friendly! Amazing seating as well, just love the overall vibe! Highly recommend!”
Southern • $$
“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.”
Barbecue • $$
“The family stopped for lunch because they have jambalaya in the name on some of their locations and my wife is a huge gumbo fan. The food was very good. I like the jalapeno creamed corn. My wife enjoyed the gumbo. The corn muffins were very sweet and we both wished it'd been a corn bread, instead of muffin. The pulled pork was very good but they have Alabama white sauce so of course it's going to be good with that. The staff was nice. There is a tiny free lot behind the building that may fill up quickly, depending on the day's events.”
Bar • $$
“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!”
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 • $
“We had an amazing time celebrating my daughter's first birthday. Our waitress, Myka made it such a special experience for us. I truly couldn't have asked for a better breakfast to celebrate such a big milestone. The food is delicious and the service was great.”
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”
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!”
New Restaurants
Southern • $
“Wow.... soooooo good. First time eating here and will definitely return. I order the 2 meat, 2 sides. Turkey strips, catfish, green beans w/ potatoes, and jalapeño corn. It was all pretty good, but the catfish takes the trophy!!! Jalapeño corn, also amazing!!!!”
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.”
Sushi • $$$
“Masao in Des Moines blew me away. Caitlin was such an awesome server—super attentive and friendly—and Nick, the owner, made the night extra special by sneaking me a few extra sushi pieces to try (and wow, they were delicious). The food here isn’t your typical sushi spot at all—it’s next level. The French tapas were spot on, and everything I tried was amazing: the Ayu and Isaki sushi, clams in lemongrass broth, peach soup, and the fruit and goat cheese tart to finish. On top of that, the space is beautiful with a clean, minimalist vibe. Definitely one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. Check them out before the secret’s out and everyone’s fighting for a table!”
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!”
Food Court
“(Went To Hosted PROM Event) The building was kept clean, The bathrooms were Also clean, Surprisingly they had watering Fountains And I say surprisingly as it's in the State Fair Grounds. All in all a great experience.”
“Delicious in Des Moines! Staying at the Renaissance, made it super easy to pop into the Revelry for dinner. Between the two of us, we ordered the Revelry Burger, Devilish Eggs and the Asian Crunch Salad. All of which came out perfect and tasted delicious. We travel a lot and you got the feeling the food on the plate was constructed with care and intention. The vibe is pretty chill but elevated. Comfy couches (we lounged on a little before dinner and after!) and the bar seemed to be busy with people chatting with the bar tender. Fancy cocktails... but we stayed true to ourselves with the Old Fashioned and it did not disappoint. Recommend for sure.”
Bar
“Was workng in the area and caught their Grand Opening by chance. Had the Chicago Beef and wasn't disappointed at all. Will be my weekly go to from now on.”
“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.”