Restaurants in Des Moines
Best Restaurants
Peruvian • $$
American • $$
“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.”
American • $$
“Wow. I had heard such amazing things about this place but words just don’t do it justice.
You might think you’re walking into the wrong room.. don’t worry, you’ll soon be greeted by a kind host who will assess your wait and guide you to a place where you can comfortably wait for a table.
Get some excellent drinks and be sure you’re ready to eat. Steak De Burgo, Parmesan Artichoke Dip, Red Velvet Cake?? This is the best damn spot I’ve been to in a minute.”
New American • $$$$
“The Best of Ingersoll. If you consider yourself a foodie and haven’t been here yet - you are missing out! Everything on the menu is a must try. My wife and I love coming here for exceptional food, wine, and atmosphere. The Carrot Wellington and Filet Mignon are the perfect choice paired with an amazing old fashion and Sauvignon Blanc. The bar is a fun place to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Otherwise get yourself a reservation and enjoy a 5 course meal that won’t disappoint!”
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
New American • $$$
“We had our wedding dinner tonight at Harbinger. Low-key, just the two of us. We were treated with such kindness and respect from everyone, including the chef who made concessions to his tasting menu for my wife’s sugar issues. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. We visit Harbinger we are blown away by the quality of our dining experience.”
Tapas Bar • $$
“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!”
Recommended Restaurants
Recommended
Mexican • $$
“My absolutely favorite place in DSM. Food and drinks are incredible. Exceptional service. Awesome people and vibe. 10/10/10 recommend. Go try it you will not be disappointed.”
Southern • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Restaurants with Delivery
Bar • $
“very cool vibe and great mix of smooth music. gives a big city vibe of a funky cool space that you want to share with friends”
Bakery • $
“La Mie Bakery is widely regarded as one of the finest bakeries and cafés in Des Moines, and after experiencing both the quality of the food and the overall atmosphere firsthand, it is easy to understand why it has developed such a loyal following over the years. From the moment you walk through the doors, the bakery creates an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, pastries, coffee, and handcrafted desserts. The combination of warm hospitality, exceptional baking, and attention to detail makes La Mie far more than just a neighborhood bakery — it feels like a true culinary destination.
The first thing that stands out is the extraordinary quality and freshness of the baked goods. Everything at La Mie tastes carefully crafted, using premium ingredients and traditional baking techniques that prioritize flavor, texture, and consistency. The breads are especially impressive, with perfectly crisp crusts, soft interiors, and rich flavors that showcase genuine artisan craftsmanship. Whether you choose a baguette, sourdough loaf, croissant, or specialty pastry, the quality is immediately noticeable and far superior to mass-produced bakery products.
One of the bakery’s greatest strengths is the remarkable variety available on the menu. From buttery croissants and delicate pastries to hearty sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts, every item reflects a high level of care and culinary expertise. The pastries are beautifully presented and balanced in flavor, avoiding the overly sweet taste that many commercial bakeries rely on. Instead, La Mie focuses on refined flavors and authentic baking techniques that create products which feel elegant, fresh, and genuinely satisfying.
The croissants deserve special recognition because they perfectly capture the qualities that define outstanding French-style baking. The layers are flaky, buttery, and light, with a delicate texture that practically melts in your mouth. The fruit pastries and desserts are equally impressive, offering excellent balance between sweetness, richness, and freshness. Every item feels handcrafted with precision and consistency, which speaks highly of the bakery’s commitment to maintaining professional standards.”
American • $
“This restaurant notified us, after we ordered online for delivery, that they believed our driver took our order. They called to tell us that before we even had a chance to believe there was a problem, and fully communicated what the issue was. They remade our order and it was delivered less than a half hour after they discovered the issue. Superior customer service. Highly recommend.”
Tex-Mex • $
“Fuzzy's crew totally nailed it! Mad props! Their menu's kinda wild, right? Like, tons of choices and I got this food allergy thing, BUT... The cashier was super cool, helped me find something safe to grub on. And the food? Seriously mind-blowing! Fuzzy's DSM? Man, they didn't disappoint! I'm definitely heading back for more!”
Mexican • $
“Your food is the Best in Des Moines!🫶🏼 When do you close for the winter?”
Ethiopian • $
“The food is amazing! We live in Ames, but come to Des Moines specifically to eat here. Definitely get extra Injera and embrace the experience of eating with your hands!”
Bakery • $
“ChuChu Donuts is a true gem! They have a blueberry fritter which is quite delicious. Recently, I tried the maple cronut on a whim and found it to be light, layered and wonderful. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. ChuChu Donuts has become a must stop on my travels to Des Moines.”
American • $$
“Thanks Cheese Bar for the great food and accommodating our little one. she loved the kids cheese plate!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Was looking for a better coffee place to support -rather than a corporation that funds unethically internationally, or a local place that treats their employees horribly. I love that Mayalu is local, delicious, and invested in the community. Feels good to spend my treat money here ☕️ 🥮.”
Peruvian • $$
“Tullpa is awesome! The staff is friendly and attentive, and the food is fantastic! My favorite is the milanessa de pollo, and I usually get the patacon gigante con chicharon de puerco as an appetizer. Everything is always very tasty!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Best coffee shop in Des Moines!! ☕️ Amazing local honey tooo 🍯”
Coffee Shops • $
“Beautiful roasts, great pour overs, delicious shots and Gibraltars. Best in the state that I’ve found! Keep it up guys. Omg and the scones…perfect.”
American • $$
“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Had a great meal today at the AG. I had a pineapple burger and it was excellent. The group of 7 I was with had chicken, burgers and a club along with buffalo chicken dip and spinach dip all was very good and service was outstanding. We will be back”
Mediterranean • $
“Dined in onFriday 5/29/26 and I had a wonderful dining experience at this restaurant! The food was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. Everything we ordered was full of flavor, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
What really made our visit special was the exceptional service from Amilia. Loved her beautiful accent and She was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Her positive attitude and professionalism truly stood out and made us feel valued as customers.
I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great food and outstanding customer service. Thank you, Amilia, for making our experience so enjoyable—we will definitely be back!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“The vibe here is great. The fact that this place is a hidden treasure, heavy curtains, mysterious lighting, double entrance. The whole place feels very exclusive”
Sports Bar • $$
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
Greek • $$
“Went for the first time last night and was blown away by the flavor they pack into their food! Great quality for the price and they give you so many different foods with your meal. I got the pastitsio and it came with soup, salad, Greek fries, orzo, a little spinach feta pastry. 10/10”
Online Reservation Available
New American • $$$$
“The Best of Ingersoll. If you consider yourself a foodie and haven’t been here yet - you are missing out! Everything on the menu is a must try. My wife and I love coming here for exceptional food, wine, and atmosphere. The Carrot Wellington and Filet Mignon are the perfect choice paired with an amazing old fashion and Sauvignon Blanc. The bar is a fun place to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Otherwise get yourself a reservation and enjoy a 5 course meal that won’t disappoint!”
New American • $$$
“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.”
Tapas Bar • $$
“A party of five of us visited on 1/8/25. We asked for a table in back as there was live music by the bar and we wanted to be able to talk together Our server was excellent - wish I had gotten her name Food was amazing - we got brussel sprouts, sliders, French fries w Parmesan, stuffed mushrooms, and spinach artichoke dip All came out timely and very good! We had martinis and all were very delicious and also came out quick I’ve been here about six times before and it’s always great Good patio area too Definitely a great place!”
Southern • $$
“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines”
Sushi • $$$
“Masao is hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Iowa. The sushi is on another level, easily the freshest ingredients you’ll find anywhere around here. You can truly taste the quality in every bite. I ordered the J-Pablo roll, and my wife had the Volcano roll , both were absolutely phenomenal. The flavors were perfectly balanced, fresh, and packed with creativity. You can tell there’s real skill and care behind every dish that comes out of the kitchen. We also decided to try something from the French side of the menu and shared the mushroom gnudi… and wow. That was seriously one of the most delicious things I’ve eaten in a very long time. We were talking about it the rest of the night and still are. If you’re looking for a place that delivers both quality and a unique dining experience, Masao is it. We already can’t wait to go back.”
Cajun/Creole • $
“Amazing food and at a reasonable price and not a bad wait time.”
American • $$$$
“We had Sam and Billy for our servers at the bar, they were extremely friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Our drinks stayed full with plenty of conversation. This is the reason we continue to come back to this hotel.”
American • $$
“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.”
Mediterranean • $$
“Came on Wednesday so it was not too busy (about half full). Great service (prompt, polite, knowledgeable). We shared the large beet salad and Hugo's pizza. All was fresh and excellent. Bonus was 1/2 price wine so we had to get a bottle. We will be back to try another pizza or entree and enjoy this neighborhood gem!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“I got a chance to see Napoleon Douglas perform his “For Once In My Life” show here. Breathtakingly good! I hope to catch it every time he does it moving forward.”
Sushi • $$$
“Masao is hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Iowa. The sushi is on another level, easily the freshest ingredients you’ll find anywhere around here. You can truly taste the quality in every bite. I ordered the J-Pablo roll, and my wife had the Volcano roll , both were absolutely phenomenal. The flavors were perfectly balanced, fresh, and packed with creativity. You can tell there’s real skill and care behind every dish that comes out of the kitchen. We also decided to try something from the French side of the menu and shared the mushroom gnudi… and wow. That was seriously one of the most delicious things I’ve eaten in a very long time. We were talking about it the rest of the night and still are. If you’re looking for a place that delivers both quality and a unique dining experience, Masao is it. We already can’t wait to go back.”
24 Hour Restaurants
American • $
“I bring my mother to this Perkins each week. We both feel the food is excellent. I would also like to say any server we have is good, but I would like to give special recognition to your server Tracy (#131). She always makes usa feel at home, besides giving excellent service. Way to go Tracy ! Kevin Downs”
Pizza • $
“Hunt Brothers Pizza is a great pizza for anybody searching for really good tasting food the employees are always very respectful their Pizza is also never undercooked or overcooked it is always just right with a perfect amount of toppings”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Everything was clean and the food was pretty good but the 2 guys at the counter were rushing me to get my
Orders done I have 6 sandwiches and one of the sandwiches didn't get my green peppers toasted with the bun liken asked for but had the guy not trying to rush me through so badly he would have gotten it correct im sure. But this store is 24 hrs kinda rare for any store to b open 24 hr since covid so thats another plus as well”
Burgers • $
“Got charged full price after ordering 2 whoppers on whopper Wednesday and asked why the bill was so much and was told we have to ask for the whopper deal which is exactly what I was doing when I asked why we were charged 6.50 instead of 3.99. usually eat here very regularly but I will not be eating here again. *Update after posting this employee came and refunded one of the whoppers.”
Fast Food • $
“They have the best staff at the window and the kindest employees that I’ve seen for a long time I go through there I think five times this year and every time I find this in somebody different and they’re all amazing that they actually care about their job and they’re friendly”
Thai • $$
“The food here is great and the atmosphere is so fun. Currently, the seasonal menu (winter 2025) has Yo's Wontons which are in an excellent sauce. I also enjoy the bing bing wraps and drunken noodles.”
American • $$
“Such a cool vibe! Amazing food and service— will definitely go back again! 😊”
American • $$$$
“We had Sam and Billy for our servers at the bar, they were extremely friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Our drinks stayed full with plenty of conversation. This is the reason we continue to come back to this hotel.”
Takeout Restaurants
American • $
“We were in Des Moines for a soccer tournament and ran across you guys. I was diagnosed with celiac 3 years ago and you guys made hands down the best GF burger and tots I have had in 3 years. That includes better than in n out burger since you guys actually have a bun and they don’t. It’s also the best gf bread I have found in 3 years. I hope to someday make it back again!”
Vegetarian • $
“Lissa and Chloe were excellent servers at the new Breakfast Club in Waukee, Iowa. Both women were joyful, efficient, and accommodating when needed. The environment is so inviting and as busy as the restaurant was, the wait was less than average. You're going to love your experience, excellent menu, food is delicious and very affordable!”
American • $$
“Wow. I had heard such amazing things about this place but words just don’t do it justice.
You might think you’re walking into the wrong room.. don’t worry, you’ll soon be greeted by a kind host who will assess your wait and guide you to a place where you can comfortably wait for a table.
Get some excellent drinks and be sure you’re ready to eat. Steak De Burgo, Parmesan Artichoke Dip, Red Velvet Cake?? This is the best damn spot I’ve been to in a minute.”
Bubble Tea • $
“I'm extremely picky about boba so it can be hard to find boba places that I like, and I thought I had found my favorite boba place... and then I tried Zenko and now other boba will never beat it lol. I'm a very routine-order person so I've only ever tried the black sugar milk tea with boba here, but I lowkey just never bothered trying any of their other drinks simply because this one is so good. Most of my friends who do like several of their drinks also tend to gravitate towards the black sugar milk tea as well, though, so I feel validated in always ordering the same drink over and over :) It's also so cozy and fun inside all the shops--I've been to three of the locations and they all have the same relaxing vibe, lots of plants and soft music.”
Vietnamese • $
“Wonderful delivery- they send you all the parts and you put it together to avoid over cooking the noodles or meat! HUGE thing of sides for the pho, too! Absolutely loved their *four inch long* spring rolls, as well. A large pho fed myself, my child, and still had leftovers (rare thing for my family)!”
Thai • $$
“The food here is great and the atmosphere is so fun. Currently, the seasonal menu (winter 2025) has Yo's Wontons which are in an excellent sauce. I also enjoy the bing bing wraps and drunken noodles.”
Cupcakes • $
“We chose Molly’s for our wedding cakes and boy did people really chow those down. The cakes for our guests were amazing, but our wedding cake was more than I could have ever imagined. They took my inspiration pictures and executed beyond belief. The cake was incredible to eat and to look at. We were speechless. I would recommend Molly’s for weddings and in general as all their items are so delicious. Thank you so much!!”
Coffee Shops • $
“It’s been awhile since I’ve stopped in, but each time I did, the baked goods were heavenly. The shop is cute as well, feels very spacey, but homey too.”
Bar • $
“This might be the greatest place I’ve ever been. I’m not kidding….”
Bar • $$
“What a fun New Year’s party! Thanks for hosting a great event. We all look forward to coming back. Great drinks, fun decor, and super friendly staff. Thank you!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Coffee Shops • $
“This coffee shop has it all! 1. The best coffee, specifically the cold brew latte is AMAZING! Second is Spanish Latte when I need something hot. 2. The best hospitality team! I can't say enough great things about Jack and Macie and the rest of the baristas! 3. The owner has created an atmosphere that you can't find at other coffee shops. This place is truly one of a kind!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“The vibe here is great. The fact that this place is a hidden treasure, heavy curtains, mysterious lighting, double entrance. The whole place feels very exclusive”
Sports Bar • $$
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
Greek • $$
“Went for the first time last night and was blown away by the flavor they pack into their food! Great quality for the price and they give you so many different foods with your meal. I got the pastitsio and it came with soup, salad, Greek fries, orzo, a little spinach feta pastry. 10/10”
Chinese • $
“I just got the chicken low mein, hot and sour soup, and egg rolls. All so good! The noodles on the low mein and the chicken have the best FLAVOR!! The guy in there is also a very nice person!”
Bar • $
“We had lunch here yesterday, absolutely delicious burgers. Ate every bite, nice atmosphere. Yummy ice cream sundae to finish off. 10/10”
Coffee Shops • $
“Absolutely amazing experience! Owner is amazing and really knows his Pokémon cards and his coffee! Has an excellent selection of cards, old and new, and has great prices! Coffee was excellent and cards were even better!”
Food Trucks • $
“this place is amazing. i live 25 minutes away from this taco truck but i always make the drive when i have no food at home and craving something good. i love it here and the customer service is very good as well!”
American • $$
“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.”
Mediterranean • $$
“Came on Wednesday so it was not too busy (about half full). Great service (prompt, polite, knowledgeable). We shared the large beet salad and Hugo's pizza. All was fresh and excellent. Bonus was 1/2 price wine so we had to get a bottle. We will be back to try another pizza or entree and enjoy this neighborhood gem!”
Cheap Eats
Mexican • $
“Fantastic food every time I've been there. They keep adding new things to try. Also great people.”
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$.”
Bar & Grill • $
“Great food and beer, and very friendly staff. We come here every time we visit Des Moines!!”
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”
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”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Great customer service! Extremely kind people and have a great attitude while taking orders!”
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.”
Coffee & Tea • $
“If you're into loose-leaf tea at all, you have to visit Gong Fu Tea. The wall of tea tins they have behind the counter is insane—they literally have every kind of tea you could possibly think of.
I was a bit overwhelmed by the massive menu, but the staff was super patient and helped me pick out an incredible oolong tea that they brewed perfectly. The vibe inside is incredibly peaceful, minimalist, and relaxing. It's the perfect place in the East Village to get away from the noise, sit down, and just enjoy a really high-quality cup of tea.”
Mexican • $
“Vegan menu! Tortas were soft and delicious and the nachos were the best I ever had!”
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!”
Bar & Grill • $
“Love Truman’s! They hosted us last night for my birthday celebration and they did not disappoint. They never do! The food alone is delicious, their menu has something for everyone, plus some unique pizzas that I have tried to replicate. (Theirs was better 😉) Their service is always great too. Friendly staff, always helpful, and the dude who hosted our party of 26 last night was awesome and made sure we all had a great experience and had what we needed throughout our time there. Thanks for helping make my celebration so special Truman’s! I’ll be back soon!”
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 • $$$
“Incredible atmosphere, delightful food, impeccable staff— honestly, a perfect way to spend an evening— celebrating a milestone or just life in general. Well done, Aposto!”
Italian • $$$
“What a great atmosphere and the food was amazing. Will be back many more times.”
Brewery • $$
“What a gem in downtown Des Moines! SingleSpeed Brewing has an awesome vibe, a friendly team, and one of the best patios in the city. We loved the easy order-at-your-table service, the great food, and the live music while we were there. The downtown skyline views at sunset are hard to beat. Whether you’re stopping by after a bike ride or just looking for a fun place to relax, this spot is definitely worth the visit!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“We love this place! Very contemporary, with creative cocktails and menu items. We love the stuffed dates, and the chef was happy to share the recipe with us. Bartenders are very knowledgeable.”
Southern • $$
“Wonderful food, drinks, and atmosphere. 2 of the 3 ladies I brought to dinner are southern belles, and they were reminded of home by the food. Great first experience. We will definitely be back again. A+ in my book.”
Salad • $$
“Absolutely incredible experience! We walked in with our own champagne, and the bartenders were amazing and super welcoming. They opened it for us and put it on ice without hesitation. We did the Omakase sushi dinner, and every single bite was amazing. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was top-notch from start to finish. Can’t recommend enough—10/10! 🍣🍷✨”
Mediterranean • $$
“this is a fantastic place!!! food is incredible, atmosphere is awsome, and the owner is top notch. if it is a large group of a date this is the place to go”
Steak House • $$
“Been back again and again since 1978.
Best place in town to wine n dine a date.
It survived 2 exwives multiple girlfriends.
It works great if you want to know your future grocery bill, on a first date.”
Steak House • $$
“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🤗”
Korean • $$
“When the food is this good, the celebration gets even better 😋🔥 Celebrating my son & my new daughter-in-law’s birthdays at DZO Korean Restaurant — highly recommend! 💕🎂Seriously you can’t go wrong to coming here!”
Bar • $$
“GoodSons on Beaver Ave is the quintessential neighborhood bar. Have a seat, and you're surrounded by friends. Nice rotation on the taps, including many local brews, and a plentiful selection of cocktail options. The food is a delectable selection of paninis and bar favorites. Come in, have a seat, you are welcome!!”
Sushi • $$
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sakari Sushi is hands down my favorite place for sushi in Des Moines! The food is always incredibly fresh, and the sushi is the best in town, no question. What really sets this place apart is the staff. They’re phenomenal, friendly, attentive, and always moving with purpose. You’ll never catch anyone just standing around; they’re constantly making sure everything runs smoothly and guests are taken care of. Special shoutout to our bartender Jake for mixing up the best drinks. His Painkiller cocktail is an absolute must-try! Whether you're a sushi lover or just looking for a great night out, Sakari never disappoints.”
American • $$$
“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.”
Italian • $$
“Staff was great in helping the family celebrate my moms 50th! I have never had a poor experience in the times I have been there.”
Bar • $$
“We have been to visit The Republic several times and have had a phenomenal time each visit! The staff are second to none! Ask for Nicole Ripperger for great service!”
Steak House • $$
“Great menu options and our waiter Jim was one of nicest and attentive people. I will certainly be back.”
Bar • $$
“New owners came in and dropped a coat of paint on this bar, hired a great manager (shout out Jess!) and made the place feel more inviting. Plus, hard to beat one of the best steak dinner deals in town on Thursdays. Excited to see what they do with a planned expansion to the kitchen. Looking forward to some breakfast.”
Bar • $$$
“The bison dinner was a work of art! This was my first time having bison and I would definitely come back for the dinner again! And their specialty drinks have great names with amazing flavor…. Staff was phenomenal and I really can’t say enough great things… Definitely a must to eat here!”
Brewpubs • $$
“We just stayed for one beer but this place has a great vibe, great beer and friendly staff. Looking forward to coming back.”
Bar • $$
“Vibes = excellence x 1000. Came in early on a Saturday evening…Hubs & I love a good vodka and/or gin martini, while friends tried more of the menu — check out this beaut!
Loved it. We. Will. Be. Back.”
Lebanese • $$
“Ordered the falafel plate (without feta) and an extra pita (because I like carbs) via Uber Eats to my hotel room. The grilled pita was soft, warm, and delicious. The falafel was decent, not the best I've ever had. I wish it had a little more hummus on it. The salad it came with was tasty; I liked the dressing. Overall, it hit the spot and I wanted another one as soon as I was done. Updated from previous review on 2024-10-31”
Sushi • $$
“I love sushi and I had been on many sushi places From San Francisco Ca, Guadalajara Jal and this one Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Des Moines IA and this one was special different and I loved it; Not only the food, the service was exceptional, the lady that helped me was amazing cause when she learned was my first time there she gave me edamame and the way the do it was a little different, I loved it; all the rolls were amazing but the one that I loved the most was the one with cucumber that I forgot the name, but was not all; honestly I could not finished all and she told me let me put this for you to go, OMG this beautiful lady packed my stuff really well even I got this lil plate for the soy sauce, so I really recommend this place to eat there or even to go, cause their service and the food is exceptional, and definitely if I am close I going to come again, thanks !!!!”
Seafood • $$$
“It was wonderful seafood as always and friendly and attentive service. The only concern is that our food (seafood, broccolini, potatoes) was barely warm - like it had been sitting for awhile before it was served. It was still delicious, just would like to have had it served hot.”
Bar • $$
“Carl’s Place is one of the best true dive bars in Des Moines—no frills, just a solid spot where locals hang out. Cold drinks, classic vibe, and exactly what you want when you’re not looking for anything fancy.”
New American • $$
“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 • $$
“Calzones are the best! Super friendly staff, I love their Pizzas too.”
Italian • $$
“My husband and I are from out of town and went to Christopher’s tonight for dinner. What a pleasant surprise! Our food was amazing and the service was great! We will definitely be back when we visit DesMoines again.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“We just celebrated our marriage there with drinks and tacos! They had a killer beer and taco deal going on. We thought the drinks were delicious, the ambiance was perfect, and the staff and service were top-notch!! I would highly recommend, and can’t wait to head back!”
Bar • $$
“it's a great neighborhood bar. Bingo on Wednesday nights is awesome. i have came several times.”
Sports Bar • $$
“Friendly neighborhood bar. We are from out of town and there aren't any bars near the airport. Even though we weren't regular locals we were welcomed and had a good time with everyone there.”
Bar • $$
“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 • $$
“Revelry Room is a lively bar and kitchen known for creative cocktails, shareable plates, and a trendy, upbeat atmosphere. The space is stylish and great for groups or a night out downtown. Service is friendly and the menu has good variety, making it a solid spot for drinks, bites, and social evenings. A reliable spot for nightlife in the city now”
Bar • $$
“Great place for karaoke on tue and thurs best sound in town”
Sports Bar • $$
“What a fun place! Next time we will try a escape room. Need more bathrooms. Had a great time!”
Bar • $$
“best place at the fairto watch drunk idiots make fools of themselves, if you're lucky you'll get a glimpse of some of our glorious leaders and their wives in all their glory, have your cameras ready!”
Italian • $$
“Our waitress was great; cheerful, consistent, but not overbearing. I chose the cheese ravioli with meat sauce and it was delicious. Our salad bowl was full of fresh vegetables and the breadsticks were soft and warm. The Mod stopped by our table to check on everything, that's always a nice touch!”
Latin American • $$
“The food was amazing!!! Great price and even better service! I will definitely be going back!”
Brewery • $$
“My family and I love the brunch they offer on the weekends! So delicious, wide variety of food and drinks, and very reasonably priced! We go with our 3 young kids usually when we take a trip to Des Moines, so very kid friendly! Amazing seating as well, just love the overall vibe! Highly recommend!”
Mexican • $$
“Amazing. Food was amazing and so many options. Not all of them were hot hot they definelty were made less 5han 30 min ago. The waitress was amazing came up checked on us every 15ish minutes or so to make sure everything is okay. They have mexican music to listen to. (But we did go during a wedding not in it but a wedding in a different area) honestly if i could 10/5 but so awesome.”
African • $$
“I highly recommend this restaurant. The owner is very kind and the food was really good! I recommend getting the red pepper soup or the brown rice platter. Nice sized portions at a good price! I will definitely be back.”
Bar • $$
“I have always loved this place. The people who work here are great and the people who drink here are also. This place has the lowest drink prices I've seen anywhere. It is small. It is cash only. But these things don't bother me because this place is a good place for anyone, no matter your style, personality, or preferences.”
Chinese • $$
“This is why we love Hy-Vee on Fleur. Even the dog gets excited when he sees the Hy-Vee vehicle delivering meds and such. He loves John (Crystal, too) and they love him back!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“The food was OUTSTANDING. Some of the best flavor profiles I have ever had on these dishes, and I am an avid restaurant goer. Definitely worth the price, we will be back!”
Chinese • $$
“I was there with my young child today and had an amazing experience with one of the cashiers. Her name is Rebekah. She was an absolute pleasure to chat with while she checked us out. She was kind, warm and radiated kindness. She didn't know, this but I have been going through some very difficult things lately and interacting with her helped me feel hopeful again. She deserves all the good things (and a raise!) Thank you so much, Rebekah... I will carry your kindness in my heart forever”
Chinese • $$
“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”
Italian • $$
“It had been quite awhile. Latin King DSM. So happy to say everything was excellent. Our server Jennifer was attentive & knowledgeable, a complete delight. We got there on a Wednesday at 11 am and it was quickly filling up. The food was divine. Side salads, Calamari, Chicken Spiedini, Veggie Platter & Penne Regine. There were 3 of us and we could not finish the amazing Strawberry Shortcake which was a special dessert.”
Lounges • $$
“Refreshing drinks, amazing vibe, sneaky entrance, great company…all combine to make a memorable experience.
I had the Hemingway in Bloom, and could probably drink that forever and not grow weary of it…others had a black pepper basil martini, smoky B, pretty in pink, and the fort mojito…all were AMAZING.”
American • $$
“Located inside the Embassy Suites Hotel. Friendly service. The Mac n Cheese with Grilled Chicken and Bacon is Delicious! (sorry no pic dug in to eat too soon.lol)”
Sports Bar • $$
“Very amazing family night tonight! We had a family of 9 and they got us in to eat right away, great food, great prices, fun for all! Bowling prices were also very reasonable! Will be back soon! Thank you to the amazing team!”
American • $$
“Great shareables, margaritas, and attentive, engaging staff, with great game day VIBE and screens!”
Mexican • $$
“best tacos are fire 🔥🔥🔥 good location if your in the area go check this truck out”
American • $$
“VERY nice place. Menu is interesting and preparation is PERFECT. Best pizza west of the Mississippi”
Lounges • $$
“As a Marriott Bonvoy member, I wanted to try Mash & Marrow while we were near the hotel, and it ended up being a great choice for lunch. The service was excellent, our server was attentive, friendly, and quick with drink refills, which always makes a difference. I ordered the Caprese sandwich with chicken, and it was fantastic. Fresh, flavorful, and really well balanced. The sweet potato fries were also delicious, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, exactly how they should be. The other entrées at our table were the Asian salad and the corn chowder, and both were excellent as well. Everything tasted fresh, thoughtful, and well-prepared. Overall, a really good lunch experience and definitely worth stopping by if you’re staying at the Marriott or nearby. Friendly service + great food = an easy recommendation.”
Cafe • $$
“Hobnob is located within Hotel Fort Des Moines. I stayed there last month and loved the convenient access to the shop! Coffee was amazing and service was incredible.”
African • $$
“Eating cassava like a bag of hot Cheetos 😋🥰 whew 🔥🔥yummy”
Mexican • $$
“We came here to watch a Colombia World Cup game and Ta’Chido did not disappoint! The atmosphere was great with a lot of Colombian fans packing the house while service was still quick and reliable. The food was perfect for the game, staff was super friendly and the drinks came out quickly as well. The DJ came on for half time and after the game and played exactly to the crowd. Overall, great place to watch a game, hang out and grab food/drinks in Downtown Des Moines”
Bar • $$
“Fun sports bar environment with good food and great service. It's open and spacious with plenty of room for larger parties. Our server was friendly amd helpful amd took great care of us. Beer was cold!”
Pizza • $$
“I ordered my pizza through Instacart, and the experience was seamless with regular updates on my order’s progress. The pizza was ready on time, freshly prepared, well-packed, and handed over with a friendly greeting. Excellent service from Pizza Hut!
Vegetarian options: As a vegetarian and Halal eater, I loved the “Create Your Own Pizza” option at Pizza Hut. It allowed me to customize the ingredients to fit my dietary preferences perfectly. Choosing what to include and exclude made it a great experience, and the result was delicious and satisfying! Highly recommend this option for anyone with specific dietary needs.”
Seafood • $$
“My family and I enjoy coming to the restaurant. We’ve tried their seafood, and also their tacos. Everything has always been flavorful, service has also been great every time. This made me decide to have my birthday celebration here with a few friends. I can say even with a big party our waitress was great, she was very attentive and made sure we all had what we needed. We had a cake and she offered to put it in the fridge and brought it out when we were ready for it. We got plates and silverware for the cake. I would definitely celebrate any occasion here again.”
Bar • $$
“Fun place to stop at after shopping at the Farmers market. Make yourself a bloody mary at their self serve bloody bar.
Kid-friendliness: It's a bar. No kids.”
Latest Reviews
Cafe • $
“Both the ladies in the Chrome Cafe was very professional, courteous, friendly, & with great attitude. And my order was done in a fast & timely manner that I didn't even get comfortable in my seat to wait for the order to be done. Will definitely come back to see them two again. And yes the veggie burger & fries was cooked to perfection. Well done all around ladies. See you when I'm back in town again. Layta PS... I eat majority of the food as I was typing this lol.”
Steak House • $$
“Spectacular service, ambiance & absolutely amazing food. We had the chicken fettuccini the burger & Ember’ ribs. Not only excellent taste but enough for another meal! Well worth our trip! Try it🤗”
Chinese • $
“If I could give dragon house east more than 5 stars I would gladly do it. Their food is great, the delivery man is polite, the lady on the phone is great to talk to, and the food arrives warm. Compliments to the chef and everyone that works there. Thanks so much.”
Mexican • $
“Your food is the Best in Des Moines!🫶🏼 When do you close for the winter?”
Sports Bar • $$
“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.”
Italian • $
“WE WILL BE HAVING ALL OF OUR HOLIDAY DINNERS AT CHUCK'S. WE USUALLY GO TO JOHNNY'S STEAKHOUSE. NOT ANYMORE AFTER THE GREAT SERVICE $ FOOD WE HAD ON VALENTINES DAY, YESTERDAY !!!”
Health Food • $
“Delicioso buen servicio buen ambiente y sobretodo buen precio vale la pena recomendado 100% 😋”
Tacos • $
“amazing food and amazing service. The best worker was Gabby. She was so nice to me. She was the one to recommend the food truck to me. Definitely have to try the food here again!”
Restaurant • $$
“Came on Wednesday so it was not too busy (about half full). Great service (prompt, polite, knowledgeable). We shared the large beet salad and Hugo's pizza. All was fresh and excellent. Bonus was 1/2 price wine so we had to get a bottle. We will be back to try another pizza or entree and enjoy this neighborhood gem!”
Most Popular Restaurants
Southern • $
“Great food, good service- night me and my friend was there was busy but we were seated promptly, waitress helpful and friend friendly and food came our timely. I had fried okra and shrimp and grits when there and was excellent.”
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!”
Vegetarian • $
“Lissa and Chloe were excellent servers at the new Breakfast Club in Waukee, Iowa. Both women were joyful, efficient, and accommodating when needed. The environment is so inviting and as busy as the restaurant was, the wait was less than average. You're going to love your experience, excellent menu, food is delicious and very affordable!”
Cajun/Creole • $
“Amazing food and at a reasonable price and not a bad wait time.”
American • $
“We were in Des Moines for a soccer tournament and ran across you guys. I was diagnosed with celiac 3 years ago and you guys made hands down the best GF burger and tots I have had in 3 years. That includes better than in n out burger since you guys actually have a bun and they don’t. It’s also the best gf bread I have found in 3 years. I hope to someday make it back again!”
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”
American • $
“This restaurant notified us, after we ordered online for delivery, that they believed our driver took our order. They called to tell us that before we even had a chance to believe there was a problem, and fully communicated what the issue was. They remade our order and it was delivered less than a half hour after they discovered the issue. Superior customer service. Highly recommend.”
Mediterranean • $
“Dined in onFriday 5/29/26 and I had a wonderful dining experience at this restaurant! The food was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. Everything we ordered was full of flavor, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
What really made our visit special was the exceptional service from Amilia. Loved her beautiful accent and She was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Her positive attitude and professionalism truly stood out and made us feel valued as customers.
I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great food and outstanding customer service. Thank you, Amilia, for making our experience so enjoyable—we will definitely be back!”
American • $
“First time to a Perkins in thirty years! Strawberry pie is still amazing! I had the club and fries. Everything was cooked perfectly. Our group left satiated and happy.”
New Restaurants
Mexican • $
“Best Mexican restaurant hands down. I had steak fajitas and my wife had Carnitas. Perfect blend of tender steak, pepper onions and tomatoes. All perfectly grilled. My wife's carnival wire crispy on the outside and juicy inside.. The service was over the top. Definitely give this place a try. I will update further after I tried more of the menu. Can't wait.”
American • $
“We were in Des Moines for a soccer tournament and ran across you guys. I was diagnosed with celiac 3 years ago and you guys made hands down the best GF burger and tots I have had in 3 years. That includes better than in n out burger since you guys actually have a bun and they don’t. It’s also the best gf bread I have found in 3 years. I hope to someday make it back again!”
Eritrean • $
“True Authentic Ethiopian food. The owner, Bashatu, is so sweet and friendly, and utterly wonderful to talk with. We had never been there before and was just in town visiting, so we stopped and couldn't have been happier about it. She welcomed us in from the start. Probably one of the best restaurant experiences for me. The food was absolutely wonderful. My husband and I both just got beef and goat tibs, and they are done so well. Chef kiss, Muah! I fully intend on coming back next time I visit! The Injera is awesome! I can't wait to visit again. 😋”
Cafe • $
“We had a fantastic experience! It was easy to choose a game and order our food and drinks. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We can’t wait to go back!!”
Bar • $$
“What a fun New Year’s party! Thanks for hosting a great event. We all look forward to coming back. Great drinks, fun decor, and super friendly staff. Thank you!”
Southern • $
“Bullseye because this place doesn’t miss! Had a craving for fried chicken and decided to grab some fried fish as well. Not a lot of talking over dinner tonight, just lip-smacking and humming some negro spirituals! There was a little glitch with the phone ordering and had to wait a little longer than expected due to the dinner rush, but hey, it was so worth it in the end. Price was right, portions were sufficient and the food was hot n ready. Wings, fish, greens, mac n cheese, and sweet potatoes!!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“We love this place! Very contemporary, with creative cocktails and menu items. We love the stuffed dates, and the chef was happy to share the recipe with us. Bartenders are very knowledgeable.”
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!!”
Mexican • $
“The food here is amazing. I've had tacos in LA, mexico, and miami and this place is easily just as good as those. The burritos are $12 and for the price I expected portions similar to abelardos and they brought out a burrito the size of a newborn baby. They have a bakery with fresh pastries, which were only $1 each. Their horchata is amazing as well. If you want to get some amazing food come here. $50 easily fed a group of three. We got a burrito, 8 tacos, 3 pastries for $50. Great deal.”
“Tullpa is awesome! The staff is friendly and attentive, and the food is fantastic! My favorite is the milanessa de pollo, and I usually get the patacon gigante con chicharon de puerco as an appetizer. Everything is always very tasty!”