Welcome to Des Moines, a city that's rapidly earning its stripes as a true culinary destination! If you're looking for the absolute best restaurants in Des Moines, you've come to the right place. Our vibrant food scene offers an incredible array of flavors, from upscale dining experiences perfect for a special night out to cozy neighborhood gems serving up comfort food that feels like home.
Inspired by the Des Moines Register's comprehensive 2025 guide, which spotlights 31 essential restaurants, we've curated the ultimate resource to help you navigate this delicious landscape. Whether you're a long-time local or a curious visitor, prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates diversity in cuisine, price point, and ambiance across the metro.
Des Moines' Culinary Landscape: A Feast for Every Palate
Des Moines is buzzing with talent, and its restaurant scene reflects a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. You'll find establishments with long-standing reputations alongside exciting newcomers making waves. Take Alba, an upscale American stalwart since 2008, or Oak Park, which swiftly earned a USA TODAY 2025 Restaurant of the Year nod shortly after opening. These culinary beacons, along with spots helmed by James Beard Foundation nominees and semifinalists like Joe Tripp of Harbinger, Jason Simon, Chris Hoffmann of Clyde’s Fine Diner, and Simon Goheen of Simon's, underscore the city's growing prestige.
From the decadence of Prime & Providence with its Kobe beef and coal-fired dishes to the creative, vegetable-forward menu at Harbinger, there's no shortage of truly exceptional dining experiences awaiting discovery. If you're keen to dive deeper into these standout establishments and understand what makes them truly unmissable, you can Uncover top picks and must-tries that define Des Moines' culinary excellence.
A World of Flavors: Explore Diverse Cuisines
One of Des Moines' greatest strengths is its incredible culinary diversity. Craving Italian? Aposto offers a romantic fine-dining experience in an 1880s Victorian mansion, while Centro serves up iconic coal-fired pizzas and handmade pastas. For a taste of classic Italian-American comfort, Simon's has been a beloved institution for over 20 years, famous for its steak DeBurgo and lasagna. You can even grab a Brooklyn-style slice from Taste of New York, bringing a bite of the Big Apple to the Midwest.
Beyond European delights, Des Moines transports your taste buds across the globe. Flavory Bistro brings Mediterranean flavors to Ankeny with vegan and vegetarian options, while Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine offers a vibrant buffet and a la carte menu in the Drake neighborhood. For Southeast Asian street food, Hawker’s Kitchen in Ankeny is a must-visit, and Lucky Lotus offers a delightful blend of Vietnamese, Laotian, and Chinese dishes. And don't forget the rich traditions of Latin America, with Mi Patria Ecuadorian serving up authentic llapingachos and Panka Peruvian delighting with lomo saltado, or Tacos La Familia crafting incredible street tacos and barbacoa. If you're eager to delve into the specific tastes that define Des Moines' international appeal, then it’s time to Explore cuisine-specific dining guides tailored to every palate.
Set the Scene: Restaurants for Every Occasion and Ambiance
Whether you're planning a romantic anniversary dinner, a casual brunch with friends, or a lively night out, Des Moines has the perfect setting. Aposto, with its mansion backdrop and lush gardens, provides an undeniably romantic atmosphere for Italian fine dining. For a unique, whimsical experience, The Stuffed Olive, now in its new "Alice in Wonderland" themed space, pairs its famous martinis with delectable dishes like Cajun salmon.
If a more laid-back vibe is what you're after, Clyde’s Fine Diner offers comfort foods with a midcentury modern aesthetic. The High Life Lounge is your go-to for hearty comfort food and broasted chicken, while its neighbor, El Bait Shop, boasts an astonishing array of beers on tap. Drake Diner remains a venerable spot for all-day breakfast and classic blue-plate specials. To find the ideal backdrop for your next meal, you'll want to Discover Dining Occasions and Ambiance that promise to elevate your experience.
Delicious & Wallet-Friendly: Discover Des Moines' Value Eats
Great food doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag, and Des Moines proves it with numerous spots offering incredible flavor without breaking the bank. For a truly iconic and affordable meal, B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli in "Little Italy" has been famous for its "Killer sandwiches" since the 1980s, alongside their in-house sausages and hickory-smoked bacon.
If you're on the go and seeking a quick, satisfying bite, Railroad Bill’s Dining Car serves up quick breakfast and lunch options, many for less than $10, in a charming railroad-themed setting. Their Burlington Sleeper breakfast is a local legend. Tacos La Familia offers authentic and flavorful street tacos perfect for a casual, budget-friendly meal, while Lachele's Fine Foods has perfected the "smash patty" burger for a delicious, satisfying lunch. These are just a few of the places where you can Discover budget-friendly meals that deliver on taste and value.
Beyond Downtown: Neighborhood Gems Across the Metro
Des Moines' culinary treasures aren't confined to the city center; they're spread throughout its vibrant neighborhoods and surrounding communities like Ankeny and West Des Moines. Each area boasts its own character and local favorites. In the Drake neighborhood, you'll find the venerable Drake Diner and the authentic Indo-Pak flavors of Lzaza Cuisine. Ingersoll Avenue is a hub of activity, home to smash burger experts Lachele’s Fine Foods, the diverse Asian menu of Lucky Lotus, and the Peruvian delights of Panka Peruvian.
Journey to the south side for the quirky charm of Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery or the sports bar atmosphere and excellent burgers at Francie’s Bar & Grill. Ankeny offers up the Mediterranean flair of Flavory Bistro and the exciting street food of Hawker's Kitchen, alongside the chic Japanese offerings at Wasabi Ankeny. West Des Moines hosts several standouts, from the metro's only Ecuadorian restaurant, Mi Patria, to the luxurious Prime & Providence. Our comprehensive Neighborhood Guides & Local Gems will help you pinpoint the perfect dining spot no matter where you are in the Des Moines metro.
Des Moines is truly a city to savor, brimming with passionate chefs and restaurateurs dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences. We encourage you to use this hub as your starting point, then dive into our detailed pillar guides to explore the specific tastes, occasions, and locations that pique your interest. Happy dining!