50 Best Vegan Restaurants in Des Moines

“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!“

“We’re drooling over this & can’t wait to try more!!“

“I've been going here my whole life as a Des Moines native and Roosevelt alumnus. But only when I went yesterday did I come to appreciate how seriously good La Mie is. The quality of pastries at La Mie certainly rivals and possibly surpasses the quality of pretty much all of the pastries that I had in France and elsewhere in Europe last year. I think most people in Des Moines are not conscious of how good we have it with La Mie being the staple bakery of the city. La Mie pastries could easily be like $10 each if this was NYC, LA, Paris, or Amsterdam. But they are only charging like a few dollars each. The sandwiches are also solid and high-quality, at least one of the sandwiches is served with brie on it which is super nice. I've had some egg dishes a few times and they were never as mind-blowing as the pastries, but this is La Mie Bakery, not La Mie egg house, so I don't really care. I'm confused at the reviews that complain about the pastries... They probably went here late in the day like a dunce. You have to get here early when everything is fresh. Funny to see reviews complaining about the 45-minute max on indoor seating... These people have obviously never worked in the service industry and have never dealt with the frustration of people lolligagging in a busy restaurant while people are waiting to be seated. This place can get crazy busy, so it makes complete sense. This is a bakery, not a cafe, if you want to go somewhere to linger for hours, go to Zanzibar's or Chain & Spoke, that's what I do. Best thing to do is to get your pastries and coffee and go sit outside in the back, enjoy the sun, live a little.“

“We’ve been meaning to go to veggie thumper for quite some time and finally decided to go tonight! We had the samosas, Frisco melt, Philly cheesesteak, nachos and the chocolate cheesecake, we were blown away by each and every dish! Highly highly recommend!“

“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.“

“Everything looks delicious here! I got an Ube crinkle cookie, a slice of one of their specialty cakes, and a matcha latte. I loved it all! I enjoyed looking around at the fun mural and decor while waiting for my latte. Friendly staff helped me make the difficult decisions since everything looked so good.“

“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.“

“We had a wonderful time with our server Jorge. We were celebrating my mother being cancer free today and he helped make it such a special occasion! We tried the mimosa flight (twice) and the chai latte martini. I had a gluten free waffle, which was a little chewy but good and we split a the Farm Boy hash and subbed for extra cheese instead of gravy and it was amazing.

We had so much fun and can't wait to come back!“

“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!!“

“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.“

“BBQ Meatloaf was delicious and the service was good. Very cool decor.“

“Great food and beer, and very friendly staff. We come here every time we visit Des Moines!!“

“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. 😋“

“friendly staff, great menu selections to choose from. superb smoked meats and Cajun inspired dishes. a gem in Des Moines“

“Such a cool vibe! Amazing food and service— will definitely go back again! 😊“

“The waiters are very accommodating. Good food and services.“

“We had our Holiday party there on Saturday January 20th. The food was good, and the staff was excellent.“

“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!“

“Amazing food. Buffet is the best with delicious favorites. Chai tea is also a huge hit for us. They keep you coming back for more. One time you'll be hooked and planning to return.“

“Vegan menu! Tortas were soft and delicious and the nachos were the best I ever had!“

“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)!“

“Nice place. Huge selection of British beers and very good food.“

“Delicious ! Would 10/10 come back again and try all the flavors !“

“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!“

“Great food staff and atmosphere“

“Best smoothie/juice shop in Des Moines!! fresh fruit!“

“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.“

“We love Smokey's the food is exceptional as is everything else.“

“Rayon burger and the fries brussel sprouts were amazing!“

“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.“

“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.“

“best duck n pork in town!“

“Aedes albopictus present in outdoor seating. Albopictus is responsible for local transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. Please invest in bug traps or join Polk county’s mosquito abatement program and they can set up a trap. Service and food were great, but 30+ bites are not fun. Absolutely worth it if you sit indoors.“

“#AmazingCoffee #ZanzibarsCoffeeAdventure 🥰☕“

“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!“

“This is our go to sushi restaurant in the metro! Highly recommend!“

“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“

“I was so surprised when I went there and that they actually had hot sauce that was spicy. It’s so hard to find a place that has really spicy salsa ☺️“

“Awesome service and awesome food 😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋“

“This place is amazing! The food is super delicious no matter what dish you get, and the staff is super friendly!! 🫶🏻💗 I personally recommend the Broccoli Chicken and Pho dishes!!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.“

“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.“

“8 Degrees Cafe & Boba is a trendy and casual bubble tea café that offers a fun, relaxed spot for drinks, light snacks, and social hangouts, especially for students, young adults, and anyone who enjoys boba culture. The café has a modern, laid-back vibe that makes it a comfortable place to sit, chat, or grab a quick drink while spending time in the area.
One of the strongest aspects of 8 Degrees Cafe & Boba is its drink variety. The menu includes a wide selection of bubble tea flavors, fruit teas, milk teas, slushes, and specialty drinks, giving customers plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer classic milk tea with tapioca pearls, fruit-based refreshing drinks, or more creative specialty combinations, there is usually something that fits different taste preferences. The customization options for sweetness levels and ice levels also add flexibility, which is a big plus for boba lovers.
The taste of the drinks is generally enjoyable and refreshing. Many of the milk teas are smooth and flavorful, and the fruit teas have a light, refreshing quality that works well for casual drinking. The boba pearls are typically soft and chewy, providing the right texture that fans of bubble tea expect. While not necessarily the most premium or high-end boba experience available, it delivers a satisfying and consistent quality that works well for everyday visits.
Another positive feature is the atmosphere of the café. The space feels modern, clean, and designed for casual social visits. It is the kind of place where people can sit with friends, study, or relax with a drink without feeling rushed. The environment is generally calm and welcoming, making it appealing for both quick takeout orders and longer stays.
Customer service is usually friendly and approachable. Staff members are generally helpful when explaining menu items or assisting first-time boba customers. Orders are prepared in a reasonable amount of time, and the overall service experience is smooth and efficient during normal hours.
However, there are a few areas where the café could improve. During busy times, wait times can increase, and the service flow may feel slightly slower than expected. Some drinks may also feel inconsistent in flavor strength depending on preparation, which is common in many bubble tea shops but still noticeable here.
Pricing is fair for the type of drinks offered, though some specialty items may feel slightly higher compared to basic options. Overall, the value is reasonable considering the portion sizes and customization options.
Overall, 8 Degrees Cafe & Boba is a solid and enjoyable bubble tea shop that offers a wide drink selection, a relaxed atmosphere, and generally good-quality boba drinks. While there are occasional inconsistencies in speed and flavor balance, it remains a popular and comfortable spot for bubble tea lovers looking for a casual and social café experience.“

“I’m from Los Angeles, California, land of boutique juices. I LOVED this spot. They have convenient lists of every juice/smoothie ingredient, and even some helpful advice about what kinds of smoothies different levels of health enthusiast will appreciate. Cory, the owner, was kind, accommodating, and efficient. The drinks came quick, too - I’m used to Whole Foods wait time. If you’re in Des Moines and you like healthy juice, go out of your way to visit. (The 4-stars for atmosphere was only because there were some boxes kind of piled next to the counter. Definitely not a problem)“

“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“

“Have eaten here many times while visiting family - it is a MUST go-to for us each time we're in town. Every food item is of the highest quality, and I have tried something from every station. I couldn't possibly pick out a favorite... but if you twisted my arm very hard, I would say do NOT pass up the garlic pasta!“

“wonderful restaurant, great food, Angel was our server. prompt and courteous. prices are good“

“Nice people great pizza very clean“

“They have the best coffee and yummy food!!“

“I’ve worked with Evan and his staff the last couple years to get pizza for Centennial boys’ tennis team meals. They have been amazing to work with and very accommodating, even with weather related changes to the scheduled meals. The pizza has been delicious and the boys love it. The 26 inch pizzas are awesome for feeding large groups. I would highly recommend Dough Co in Ankeny!“