Restaurants in West Des Moines
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Best Restaurants
“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!!!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“A go-to cozy neighborhood staple that never disappoints. Amazing specialty cocktails, great juicy burgers and best salmon in town.”
“It was our first time here. We ordered the pork egg roles, very good. And the Mongolian Beef and honey chicken. They were very delicious. The waiter was friendly and stayed on top of things.”
“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😊”
Restaurants with Delivery
“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!!!”
“Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery serves delicious Indian food with rich flavors and great portions. The ambiance is cozy, and the service is friendly, making it a great spot for a satisfying meal!”
“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.”
“Delicious! Sushi and sashimi we have had has always been fresh! No kids menu but they had helpful suggestions! My kids eat sushi and sashimi so I didn’t have any problems! Sesame chicken is also delicious! Pad Thai is good! I love the Korean fried chicken “starter”… so good and the sauce is on point!!! 🤙🏽”
Online Reservation Available
“My 9 year old son and I visited the week after Christmas. We are from out of town and looking for unique experiences in Des Moines and this fit the bill. The baristas were so friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was cozy. The cats were obviously the highlight for us. We enjoyed our hour watching them play, skitter around and interact with eachother. Core memories made for sure.”
“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😊”
“Delicious! Sushi and sashimi we have had has always been fresh! No kids menu but they had helpful suggestions! My kids eat sushi and sashimi so I didn’t have any problems! Sesame chicken is also delicious! Pad Thai is good! I love the Korean fried chicken “starter”… so good and the sauce is on point!!! 🤙🏽”
“you’re looking for a refined Indian dining experience with an upscale atmosphere, Bawarchi stands out for more than just presentation. The menu thoughtfully blends North and South Indian cuisine, with a strong focus on its tandoor selection. From classic favorites to their “heat stroke” tandoor options for those who enjoy bold flavors, everything is well-balanced and layered rather than overly spicy. There’s also impressive inclusivity on the menu — plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. Each dish is crafted with intention, making it easy to host diverse groups for corporate dinners, celebrations, or date nights. During the summer, live dosa and chaat stations add an interactive touch, bringing authentic Delhi-style street flavors into a polished, elegant setting. The beverage program complements the experience beautifully, featuring a strong collection of high-end scotch and a curated wine list that pairs seamlessly with the cuisine. Overall, it’s a sophisticated dining destination that combines authenticity, variety, and a premium atmosphere — ideal for those who appreciate quality across the board.”
“We have dined here so many times, I've lost count. Our favorites are the Chipotle fettuccine pasta, guacamole, salsa, flautas, the Las Alegres special, quesadillas, and of course, the margaritas 🍹. Small group or large, they can take care of your table without missing a beat. We will be back again and again!”
“Had a small group (9pp) attending an informal Porsche car club pre-drive planning meeting at Biaggi's last night. I had made minor arrangements with Jeff Duncan (Managing Partner) and Whitney Webber (Event Planner) and they were most professional and accommodating to my requests. Pleasure to work with! The food and drinks were very good and and our server Tiffany did a great job being professional, attentive, and personable. The pricing of the menu items is surprisingly low to me providing an exceptional value as well. Highly recommended!!!”
“Lovely restaurant for a special occasion. We celebrated our 40th anniversary. Wait staff was superb. Attentive, but not overbearing. The food was delicious. Melt in your mouth steak. Special chocolate dessert on the house for our celebration. Plan on going again.”
“We always have a great time at Gilroy’s, but tonight went above and beyond! When our server found out we were celebrating my birthday, not only did she bring me a dessert on the house, but she also brought me a birthday card signed by the staff and a coupon for my next visit. She even caught that I’d ordered a vegetarian meal and a mocktail and tailored the coupon accordingly. It was so thoughtful and I wish I would have caught her name because she was truly incredible and deserves a shout out!”
“We stopped in for a much needed family dinner with it 6 &4 year old and 6 week old and were nervous about making it through the meal with good behavior. Everyone from the servers, bartenders, and even guests showed us the greatest kindness and most understanding and the food (specifically the prime rib) was a complete 10/10. We might be back every Friday”
“Still one of my favorite places to eat in central Iowa. Great service, even when it's busy. I higjly recommend using the app to get on the wait list regardless of your partysize. I've dined at this location for over 20 years and watched staff turnover, remodeling, upgrades and menu changes but yet there is always something delicious to enjoy!”
Takeout Restaurants
“We had dinner there tonight and I also had one of the Iowa mules. I don’t think I can recommend this place enough! Most places either make the drinks too strong but they taste gross or not strong enough and you don’t get your moneys worth, but this was probably the best mule I’ve ever had. Also the food was delicious and on a Saturday night we had no wait!”
“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.”
“I went to Super Quick Liquor Store the other day from a friend’s recommendation of the Krispy Krunchy Chicken and it did not disappoint!!! The fried chicken was some of the best that I’ve had in the DSM area! I got a biscuit and jambalaya and they were so delicious! 10/10 will be back”
“Every other Pancheros is trash, and then this one has the best burrito in Des Moines, and sadly yes… I’ve eaten at the food trucks, some good sit downs, but this tortilla is unbearable and the staff does an incredible job of rotating the product and keeping everything hot. It’d be an interesting competition to see a few of the food trucks have this tortilla, but they don’t. Fight me ;)”
“Each visit is more exceptional than the last! Staff are amazing, the atmosphere is great, and our anniversary was well thought out by the club. Thank you!”
“Had a small group (9pp) attending an informal Porsche car club pre-drive planning meeting at Biaggi's last night. I had made minor arrangements with Jeff Duncan (Managing Partner) and Whitney Webber (Event Planner) and they were most professional and accommodating to my requests. Pleasure to work with! The food and drinks were very good and and our server Tiffany did a great job being professional, attentive, and personable. The pricing of the menu items is surprisingly low to me providing an exceptional value as well. Highly recommended!!!”
“Best damn burger ever. And I’ve had PLENTY And this place BY FAR has THE BEST burger and service. Music is a touch too loud but it’s a pub so I get it. Otherwise great! So glad I came and will becoming back. Again GET THE BURGER!! so good!!! I didn’t take a photo in time because I ate it so fast lol. Thanks for a great dinner.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“The atmosphere and drinks are top notch. I can't say the same for service. Apparently it is acceptable to not ask if our group would like anything else AND for the tab to be tossed on our table while walking by? Yes, I am still that person that tips at least 20% because I understand we all have "off" days but that is no excuse. It would have been 100% if the service was there.”
“We have gone to McAllister‘s deli many times over the years and over the past few years, the portion sizes had been decreasing. This last time, they were greatly improved, much to my approval! Throughout our visits, the food has been high-quality and hopefully things are back to moving in the right direction.”
“An unexpectedly large number of my family & friends descended on this fine establishment after a Celebration of Life and everyone was taken care of in a very timely & professional manner! Everyone loved their food, beverages, & the service! THANK YOU for shining a light on what was a difficult day! 🙏”
“Had a pickup order, had the Nashville hot chicken sandwich, food was ready very fast and was one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had. One small gripe is I wish it had a little more of the hot oil.”
“Lovely restaurant for a special occasion. We celebrated our 40th anniversary. Wait staff was superb. Attentive, but not overbearing. The food was delicious. Melt in your mouth steak. Special chocolate dessert on the house for our celebration. Plan on going again.”
“We always have a great time at Gilroy’s, but tonight went above and beyond! When our server found out we were celebrating my birthday, not only did she bring me a dessert on the house, but she also brought me a birthday card signed by the staff and a coupon for my next visit. She even caught that I’d ordered a vegetarian meal and a mocktail and tailored the coupon accordingly. It was so thoughtful and I wish I would have caught her name because she was truly incredible and deserves a shout out!”
Cheap Eats
“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.”
“As you walk in you are immediately greeted by a friendly staff with a welcoming attitude which is also uttered as you leave. My wait staffer — Shaquille - was very professional and delivered my appetizer of dumplings along side a bowl of steam rice. As you circle the grill masters there are a variety of fresh options from proteins, veggies, soups, sauces and desserts. The grill masters grill your select dish to perfection as you circle around to grab your pleasant smelling creation. The atmosphere is trendy suitable for all gatherings to socialize with an upbeat crowd where there is suitable parking with a reasonable budget friendly menu for most diets.”
“Went with my niece before an appointment. Showed up a little before 9 and Zuella was the cashier. She was very personable and polite. She had a warm feeling about her. We dined in and my niece and I both got the bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. Both sandwiches were fresh and Zuella came out and checked on us. She was very hospitable. Restaurant was clean. What I did appreciate was there was a table of staff all sitting together eating behind us. Whether it was them on break or about to start/ended shift, it was nice to see they were given that time and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Great experience.”
“The Chayo’s and their quesabirrila tacos are always at the top of my list when I was a delicious and quick meal. I stopped by there tonight and didn’t realize I left my wallet until they were so generous enough to come drop it off at my house. Great food and people!”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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!”
“We stopped in for a much needed family dinner with it 6 &4 year old and 6 week old and were nervous about making it through the meal with good behavior. Everyone from the servers, bartenders, and even guests showed us the greatest kindness and most understanding and the food (specifically the prime rib) was a complete 10/10. We might be back every Friday”
“Fresh OJ & grapefruit juice for your refreshment needs, with a covered patio or tables out front in the sun. A simple bar, clean and friendly, Charlies is a WDM institution. Bring cash!”
“This is the super fun place and all the bartenders have always been super friendly and very accommodating. Whenever we stay at the Drury we go to The Operating Room. The husband won a new stuffie for the cats 😂”
“Still one of my favorite places to eat in central Iowa. Great service, even when it's busy. I higjly recommend using the app to get on the wait list regardless of your partysize. I've dined at this location for over 20 years and watched staff turnover, remodeling, upgrades and menu changes but yet there is always something delicious to enjoy!”
“We love this place, and the food. We’ve Been here multiple times. But today 7-11-2025, we showed up at 9:10pm and were excused out the door because the front greeter stated to us that they stopped dinning at 9pm. The waitress in-front of him looked like she felt bad and was wanting to sit us down, but the male greeter gave her a grin. The Hours for this place is 11am-10pm. What a way to loose business right at your door! Very disappointed with this !”
“Popped in to see what was offered, amazed at the number of flavors to choose from of both coffee and tea! A great cup of dark sidama and sample of Peru to try later, and I don't think I have had better anywhere else! Initially mild, no acidity, but offering the rich flavor that only true dark roasts can offer when done right. I will be back, and have convinced friends and family in the area to try them out, too.”
“Great service, Abbi was our Bar keep and she was amazing. It's a smaller place but very clean and inviting! Great little place to unwind and enjoy friends or make new friends.”
“Our first time at Texas Roadhouse on Mills Civic Parkway.Our children had recommended it to us.Busy at 2pm Sat afternoon.Small wait.First thing I observed was the atmosphere.Very light-hearted and the employees actually seemed to really enjoy their workplace and the vast amount of patrons coming into eat. We were seated and almost immediately our server Maddi was there for our drink/ appetizer orders. There was some Birthday singing being done for various customer's special days.Food was served as soon as salads were done.Very nice salad almost like a mini main course salad.We had steak and barbecue chicken with steak fries and fresh vegetables.The dinner was excellent everything was fresh That was supposed to be fresh and the steaks were excellent done just right!!Everyone thanked us and wished us a good evening.I would recommend this Texas Roadhouse to anyone wishing to have a very good delicious reasonably priced meal.”
Latest Reviews
“We had a great experience today Paul our server was excellent oh, you did a great job from start to finish really appreciate it is great customer service. My brother was very impressed with the Durango Burger said it was the best burger he is ever had in his life. My cheeseburger with bacon was very good as well took the way I like it. Appreciate the great service and hospitality and food that we enjoy.”
“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 purchased a package deal as a Christmas present for our family. Went Friday night & we all had an absolute time!! Kaylie is who helped us get things set up & was there & made sure we were taken care of! She was awesome!! From age 65 down to age 6 we all loved it! Everyone was so friendly waiting on us & accomodating!! Thanks for a great Christmas get together! Highly recommended!!”
“Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery serves delicious Indian food with rich flavors and great portions. The ambiance is cozy, and the service is friendly, making it a great spot for a satisfying meal!”
Most Popular Restaurants
“We had a great experience today Paul our server was excellent oh, you did a great job from start to finish really appreciate it is great customer service. My brother was very impressed with the Durango Burger said it was the best burger he is ever had in his life. My cheeseburger with bacon was very good as well took the way I like it. Appreciate the great service and hospitality and food that we enjoy.”
“Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery serves delicious Indian food with rich flavors and great portions. The ambiance is cozy, and the service is friendly, making it a great spot for a satisfying meal!”
“We had dinner there tonight and I also had one of the Iowa mules. I don’t think I can recommend this place enough! Most places either make the drinks too strong but they taste gross or not strong enough and you don’t get your moneys worth, but this was probably the best mule I’ve ever had. Also the food was delicious and on a Saturday night we had no wait!”
“you’re looking for a refined Indian dining experience with an upscale atmosphere, Bawarchi stands out for more than just presentation. The menu thoughtfully blends North and South Indian cuisine, with a strong focus on its tandoor selection. From classic favorites to their “heat stroke” tandoor options for those who enjoy bold flavors, everything is well-balanced and layered rather than overly spicy. There’s also impressive inclusivity on the menu — plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. Each dish is crafted with intention, making it easy to host diverse groups for corporate dinners, celebrations, or date nights. During the summer, live dosa and chaat stations add an interactive touch, bringing authentic Delhi-style street flavors into a polished, elegant setting. The beverage program complements the experience beautifully, featuring a strong collection of high-end scotch and a curated wine list that pairs seamlessly with the cuisine. Overall, it’s a sophisticated dining destination that combines authenticity, variety, and a premium atmosphere — ideal for those who appreciate quality across the board.”
“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.”
New Restaurants
“This gem feels like a French bakery one would find at the Dubai Mall or on a main thoroughfare in a West-European city. Pastries and drinks are excellent and fairly priced. Staff are friendly and provide quick service.
Unfortunately, that’s where the comparison ends. Unlike a cafe in Dubai, this place is absolutely trashed. Not a single clean table to be found and the floor is covered with crumbs and paper products. They desperately need to hire someone for full time cleaning.”
“Simple stated, Incredible”