50 Best Vegan Restaurants near Grimes

“We went to rolling wok in Grimes for lunch today and left with leftovers for dinner to!!! The food was so delicious, he had pad Thai (top) and I had Pad See Ew. We both got medium spice level, and it was just the perfect level for me bc I'm a wimp when it comes to spicy. The atmosphere is so warm and inviting, the staff was amazing, friendly and informative. She kept our glasses full and checked on us. We will definitely go back; it's our new favorite Chinese restaurant ❣️❣️❣️❣️“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“The staff is super friendly food is so good!!!“

“Cosi Cucina is an absolute family favorite. We enjoy the attention to detail that goes along with our dining experience. We love the atmosphere, delicious food, amazing drinks, very attentive wait staff and we always feel like family. Peter and his staff go above and beyond to make sure everyone’s experience is top notch. The menu has everything from appetizers, salads, pastas dishes, protein packed entrees, pizzas, calzones and a fantastic dessert menu! Thank you Cosi for allowing us to make the very best memories with our family and friends❤️“

“We became super fan of this restaurant since the first visit ❣️ Our babies are now eating here and love it. Good place for Family and friends. Incredible atmosphere ❤️“

“My family and I recently stopped at Smash Park in Des Moines on a whim for some family fun and food. The atmosphere was laid back and our kids thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor pickle ball courts and the arcade. Food, dessert and drinks were all crowd pleasers! And to go completely over the top, we left our blanket outside and Jerry answered my phone call, went outside to retrieve it from the bench where I left it, and mailed it back to me free of charge. In a world where kindness and customer support are harder and harder to come by, Jerry and Smash Park get a 10/10 from this family!!!“

“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.“

“I love this place so much!! The ice cream is always fresh and delicious. I know the owners because I use to have their kids in daycare and they are such a sweet family. Definitely my favorite ice cream shop in the area!“

“This is our first time here and it was amazing! The atmosphere is straight out of the 80s/90s and being a GenX it was awesome! Even the menu was a flash back to the past. The food was phenomenal! Their breakfast potatoes were to die for and I don’t do hash browns usually. Chelsey S was a top of the line server. The only minor complaint was the hostess didn’t know if they served Pepsi or Coke products. Just seemed odd her not knowing. I would hands down recommend this for a breakfast place.“

“Ordering your paleta at Monarca is an adventure. The options are endless and you can’t go wrong with any choice. I’m officially addicted to their strawberry cheesecake dipped in white chocolate and rolled in graham crackers. Yum!“

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

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

“Its refreshing to find places that have alternative options when it comes to the ingredients in a treat. We stumbled upon this spot by accident but im so glad we did! We are absolutly making this our spot as i frequent Iowa every year. Sending love from Texas!!!“

“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.“

“A go-to cozy neighborhood staple that never disappoints. Amazing specialty cocktails, great juicy burgers and best salmon in town.“

“This was a huge life saver coming into the HS state wrestling tournament. Great meals, great prices and top notch service to keep our wrestlers fueled and fed. Thank you Aaron!!“

“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. 😋“

“The star of the show here is Kelli. While the atmosphere is honestly great. It was extremely clean and exactly what you think of when you think of a brunch place. The food was so so. Some dishes like the smores pancakes are to die for while the hashbrowns really lacked flavor and were bland. The reason I still give 5 stars is because of Kelli! I was there with a small group for work and we are honestly a very rowdy bunch. Not only did she play along with our craziness she poked back and made it such a fun experience. She was friendly, outgoing, positive, upbeat, and was still incredibly attentive even with all of our shenanigans. The reason I would go back is specifically to sit at her table. Without her I am not sure if I would have come back but I honestly would recommend going and ask to sit at her section. Thank you Kelli for a great experience!“

“I got the pub steak sandwich! And omg I wanted to float away! So good! Can’t even start! Everything! Ranch and salad!!!🥗 my goodness gracious! So good! 😊“

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

“I want to give a shout out to Early Birds restaurant in West Des Moines. Kevin was a fantastic bartender. First time I have been here. The food was amazing. I love the atmosphere. The whole concept is great. The menu… too many things to choose from. I got the Cinnamon roll French toast. Delicious. And the Hashbrown holes delicious. It was great to get an appetizer before my French toast. I have to give a shout out to Kevin as he knows everything on the menu plus he has great suggestions for drinks from the bar! Will deffinately be going back again.“

“We had a gift card to have delivery - picked chicken tikka masala, chicken korma, rice, naan, samosas. All was delicious, warm, and nourishing. All ages loved it. Enough for leftovers, too!!“

“This is my most favorite place in Iowa!! I even celebrated my graduation here and since moving to LA whenever I come back home to visit…you know I’m coming here🤗🤗amazing service, AMAZINGG curated food, absolutely gorgeous atmosphere/interior aesthetic. Could not recommend this place more! I already want to go back😊“

“#AmazingCoffee #ZanzibarsCoffeeAdventure 🥰☕“

“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“

“Amazing shaker margaritas, great authentic Mexican food and family-owned service that goes above and beyond“

“I’m gluten and dairy sensitive. Staff and the chef have always been so understanding and accommodating! The food is outstanding and so are the staff!!“

“Great food and drinks! Service was fantastic, thank you to Cory and Zoey!! The kitchen team was hard working!!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.“

“If you're craving chips and queso this is the place to go. If it was socially acceptable to order the queso and drink it through a straw I would, it's seriously that good. Food is always a hit and the staff is always friendly but the queso is the real reason I come.“

“I went there and got some chicken, and peanut sauce. That peanut sauce is probably one of the best things I’ve tasted, it is so good. Had a girl name Leah help me today. She was super helpful, kind, and had a great positive attitude, definitely one of the best workers we have been helped by there.“

“We are fully staff. Stop by for a fast and friendly service. See you soon. Thank you Rios General Manager“

“The steak burrito and chicken burrito are excellent! The portion size was very filling at a great price!“

“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 ☺️“

“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!“

“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)“

“Huge shout out to Wasabi Johnston! My daughter wanted to go there for sushi for her bday dinner last night. I called ahead and asked if we could bring in a cake, etc... they were MORE than accommodating. They said whatever we needed! They kept it a secret until we finished our dinner. Brought out the cake, lit the candles, provided extra plates, a knife to cut it and were SO kind. Thank you guys all SO much! My daughter was thrilled (and embarrassed). Excellent dinner too!“

“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!!“

“We love this restaurant! We live closer to the Clive location so we order from there all of the time, both dine in and take out. I recently also had them cater a Saturday lunch at work for us and they knocked it out of the park! Eddie is a phenomenal asset to this restaurant. Always friendly and helpful. Great rewards program as well. Highly recommended!“

“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!“

“I came to Hearth of Salt, but doors shared entry point so ended up at BeerStyles. Server was attentive, friendly, and responsive. I ordered the Marto Sherbert Groover (sour) that was very good! I tried the Japchae Noodle bowl with grilled chicken added. I’ve had similar clear sweet potato noodle dishes in the past, but these were a bit dense compared and slightly chewy. There was little sauce and veggies, plus it was hard to stab or spoon from the small bowl served in. Presentation could be improved and a bit more added flavor. All in all a good experience with solid service and atmosphere fit for conversation among guests.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Big Açaí is hands down one of my favorite spots! The bowls are always fresh, beautifully made, and packed with flavor. I love that they offer so many customizable options so you can build exactly what you’re craving — whether you’re going for something fruity and light or rich and satisfying. The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and everything tastes amazing every time. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something delicious and nutritious!“

“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.“

“Nice place, clean, friendly staff. I couldn't eat food from Buffet so can't rate food. Waiter said it wasn't spicy. Sorry but 2 of us couldn't eat anything from Buffet, but they still charged us 13.99 a plate. I did have a piece of bread. Came home and made a cho milkshake. I better stick to food I know.“

“I went through the drive in and was greeted by a friendly young girl who took my order. She came back with my order within a few minutes. The order was correct and I was on my way. I had the Chicago dog w/no tomatoes. The food was wonderful, and I considered it to be a real bargain. Oh yeah, I'm coming back.“

“Nice people great pizza very clean“

“Great addition to Jordan Creek area. I think it will be my lunch go-to from now on. I had the squash salad with kale. Excellent!“