There are so many great restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa, to satisfy your cravings!
You might be surprised to learn that Des Moines has a fantastic food scene, with restaurants serving everything from classic American comfort food to delicious dishes from around the world.
Whether you are craving a juicy cheeseburger, authentic Vietnamese food, or something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of amazing places to eat in Des Moines.
There are also so many fun things to do in Des Moines! After exploring the city, it’s great to know that a delicious meal is never far away.
We hope you have an appetite because these Des Moines restaurants are sure to make your mouth water!
If you are exploring more of the State, check out these amazing things to do in Iowa to help plan your trip.
Quick Guide to the Best Restaurants in Des Moines
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Harbinger | Creative dining | Asian-inspired |
| Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen | Wood-fired pizza | Mediterranean |
| Eatery A | Casual dining | Mediterranean |
| Veggie Thumper | Plant-based food | Vegan |
| The Empire | Comfort food | American |
| The Breakfast Club | Breakfast and brunch | American |
| Mi Patria | Authentic Ecuadorian dishes | Ecuadorian |
| Alba | Date night | Modern American |
| Aposto | Special occasions | Italian |
| 801 Chophouse | Fine dining | Steakhouse |
| Bubba | Southern comfort food | Southern American |
| Flying Mango | BBQ and bold flavors | Caribbean and Southern |
| Open Sesame | Middle Eastern dishes | Lebanese |
| Cheese Bar | Cheese lovers | American |
| A Dong | Vietnamese favorites | Vietnamese |
15 Best Restaurants in Des Moines, IA You Must Try
Harbinger
Come to Harbinger for a meal prepared by award-winning chef Joe Tripp. The dishes here are vegetable-focused and inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine.
The menu changes regularly depending on the season and what is available from local farmers. Expect creative small plates featuring fresh vegetables, Asian spices, and unusual combinations of flavors.
If you want something more substantial, there are also meat and seafood dishes to choose from. You can order a selection of small plates or enjoy the five-course chef’s tasting menu.
No matter what you order, you will be treated to something a little different from your usual restaurant experience.
Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen
Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen is a great choice if you love Mediterranean-inspired food and delicious wood-fired pizza.
Opened in 2024 by chef Lynn Pritchard, this Des Moines restaurant is located in the Drake neighborhood and focuses on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
The wood-fired oven is the heart of the kitchen, producing pizzas with crispy crusts and perfectly cooked toppings.
If you are not in the mood for pizza, there are also fresh salads, shareable plates, and meat and seafood dishes to choose from.
With its welcoming atmosphere and spacious patio, Hugo’s is a fantastic place to enjoy lunch or dinner with friends.
Eatery A
Eatery A is one of the best restaurants in Des Moines if you are looking for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Iowa is certainly far from the coast, especially the Mediterranean Sea, but you will feel as if you are sitting seaside in Sicily when you take a bite of pizza straight from a wood-burning oven.
There are a ton of delicious pizzas to pick from, or you can take a look at the rest of their menu. There are fresh salads, tasty pasta dishes, Mediterranean-inspired small plates, and plenty of other delicacies.
Eatery A is a beautiful Des Moines Iowa restaurant with accents made from reclaimed Iowa wood. Take a seat at the bar for a drink, settle into the dining room, or enjoy the spacious patio.
Veggie Thumper
If you are searching for the best vegan food in Des Moines, you need to check out Veggie Thumper.
This unique vegan food truck serves delicious plant-based comfort food made with locally sourced, organic ingredients.
Veggie Thumper is all about creating flavorful vegan dishes that everyone can enjoy, whether you follow a plant-based diet or simply want to try something different.
The colorful food bus travels around Des Moines, serving food at local events and pop-up locations.
Make sure to check their schedule before visiting so you know where to find them!
The Empire
The Empire is one of the best restaurants in downtown Des Moines if you are looking for delicious comfort food and a great cup of coffee.
This cozy cafe is a fantastic place to pick up a coffee and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The menu includes classic American favorites such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and hearty hot beef served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Coffee lovers will be pleased to know that Denise Diaz, the former owner of Ritual Cafe, runs the coffee program here. You can even enjoy some of the popular coffee drinks previously served at Ritual.
Located on Fourth Street in downtown Des Moines, The Empire combines a welcoming atmosphere with affordable food and plenty of historic charm.
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is one of the best restaurants in Des Moines if you love a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Located in the East Village, this fun restaurant serves all your favorite breakfast dishes with a few creative twists.
The menu includes pancake tacos, breakfast burritos, chicken and waffles, loaded hash browns, and plenty of tempting French toast options.
There are also classic omelets and other breakfast favorites if you prefer something simple.
With its colorful atmosphere and brunch cocktails, The Breakfast Club is a fantastic place to start your day in Des Moines.
Mi Patria
Come to Mi Patria if you are craving the spice of South American food. This Ecuadorian restaurant in West Des Moines opened in 2011 when head chef Cesar Miranda had a vision of creating a restaurant dedicated to the food of his home country.
Enjoy the flavors of Ecuador in this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Start your meal with an appetizer such as empanadas or llapingachos.
For the main course, there are so many great, authentic choices. With a seafood specialty, your mouth will be watering over tilapia, ceviche, and dishes with shrimp, octopus, crab, and more.
If you don’t like seafood, don’t worry! There are also steak, pork, and chicken options. Vegetarians will want the Bandeja Vegetariana.
Alba
This next place to eat in Des Moines is an upscale American restaurant and bar named Alba. Found in downtown Des Moines in the East Village district, this beautiful and award-winning eatery is an amazing place to grab a meal.
With fresh, seasonal ingredients, these dishes will cure any stomach rumble. The menu changes regularly, with creative dishes featuring quality meats, fresh vegetables, and interesting flavor combinations.
You can also enjoy a delicious cheeseburger, beautifully prepared seafood, or one of the restaurant’s tempting desserts.
You can see why this is one of the best downtown Des Moines Iowa restaurants!
Aposto
Aposto is an Italian restaurant housed in an 1880 Victorian mansion in the Sherman Hill neighborhood. You can’t really wish for a more picturesque restaurant than that.
The meals are pretty as a picture, too, with the bright colors of fresh veggies and the intricate texture of the pasta and sauces. No matter what you order, you will want to document it on Instagram.
Indulge in classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, including homemade pasta, risotto, and seasonal specialties. The menu changes regularly, so there is always something new to try.
Make sure you make a reservation so you get a table.
801 Chophouse
If you are looking for an upscale restaurant in Des Moines, head to 801 Chophouse for a fantastic steakhouse experience.
Located in downtown Des Moines, this elegant restaurant has been serving delicious food since 1993.
Steak lovers will be spoiled for choice with premium cuts of USDA Prime beef, including filet mignon and ribeye, cooked to perfection.
If you prefer seafood, there are also delicious options such as lobster, scallops, and fresh fish. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their award-winning wine list.
For a special occasion or romantic dinner, 801 Chophouse is easily one of the best restaurants in Des Moines!
Planning a romantic escape? There are plenty of amazing Midwest weekend getaways to choose from!
Bubba
Iowa might be relatively north in the U.S., but there is plenty of Southern comfort food at Bubba. If you love restaurants that feel like home and are full of hospitality, this one is for you.
Start with some fried green tomatoes or crab cakes before moving onto the main course. Enjoy Southern staples such as chicken fried steak, mac and cheese, buttermilk fried chicken, or shrimp and grits.
If you manage to save room, a delicious Southern-style dessert might be calling your name. This restaurant also serves cocktails and craft beers.
And is easily one of the most popular restaurants in Des Moines!
Flying Mango
This establishment might have the most unique name of all the restaurants in Des Moines. This fun restaurant has food inspired by the Caribbean, Creole, Cajun, and Southern flavors.
Flying Mango has even been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” on the Food Network! You will definitely want to find time to eat out here during your Des Moines vacation.
The menu includes BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, seared tuna salad, Cajun catfish, and so many more spicy and tasty choices.
Flying Mango also serves lunch, with delicious options including smoked brisket sandwiches, Cajun chicken rice bowls, and other Southern-inspired dishes.
Open Sesame Is One Of The Best Restaurants In Des Moines Serving Middle Eastern Food
Open Sesame is all about authentic Lebanese food. You might be surprised to find this type of cuisine in the middle of Iowa, but luckily for you, it is here to diversify your palate.
This downtown Des Moines restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and Instagram-worthy. Inside, you will find brightly colored lanterns and cool decor.
The food is great too. Baba ghannouj, chicken shawarma, and falafel fill the room with an amazing aroma. Baklava will satisfy your sweet tooth.
One Of The Super Cool Des Moines IA Restaurants Is Cheese Bar
If you are a cheese lover, this next Des Moines restaurant will quickly become a favorite. The Cheese Bar is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a yummy meal.
This restaurant in Des Moines is unsurprisingly dedicated to a certain dairy staple. Dive into a pot of fondue, melted raclette, or a charcuterie board. Kids will love the grilled cheese sandwiches or the mac and cheese.
Come on a Bubbles & Bites afternoon to enjoy $6 glasses of sparkling wine with tasty bites. If you want to host your own cheese party, pick up some goodies at the sister store, The Cheese Shop of Des Moines.
A Dong Is One Of The Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Des Moines Iowa
A Dong is a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant in Des Moines that opened in 1989. Eating here will support a local, small business and leave you happy.
The name means “East Asian” in Vietnamese and that is exactly the type of food you will get here. The menu is extensive, so you can try something new every time you come.
Order some pho, spring rolls, bún, bubble tea, and so much more. There is also a full vegetarian menu. You really can’t go wrong ordering a meal here.
There is such a variety of restaurants in Des Moines. Whether you are craving a classic cheeseburger or want a taste of the Middle East or South America, there is something for you.
The restaurants here are just as unique as the city they are found in. Your Des Moines vacation will be even better with all this delicious food.
If you will be spending some time in Iowa, there are lots of cabins in the Midwest to choose from.
And Iowa is really a very festive place to celebrate Christmas! Also If you have time to explore beyond Des Moines, there are also some beautiful small towns in Iowa worth visiting.
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