Des Moines might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of a vibrant culinary scene, but ask any local, and they'll tell you a different story. Beyond the heartland stereotypes, this city is brimming with extraordinary eateries that truly capture the spirit and palate of its residents. Discovering the must try restaurants Des Moines locals love means uncovering hidden gems, celebrating artisanal craft, and indulging in flavors that span the globe, often with a unique Iowa twist.
Locals here appreciate quality, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere, whether it’s a decades-old institution or a groundbreaking new spot. This isn't just about eating; it's about experiencing the city's evolving identity through its food.
At a Glance: Your Guide to Des Moines' Top Eats
- Discover Iconic Staples: Learn which long-standing establishments are part of Des Moines' culinary DNA.
- Explore Global Flavors: Uncover diverse international cuisines, from Ecuadorian to Nepalese, making waves locally.
- Taste Local Innovation: Find out where chefs are pushing boundaries with unique ingredients and modern techniques.
- Indulge in Casual Comfort: Pinpoint the best spots for hearty, no-fuss meals and delightful desserts.
- Plan Your Culinary Journey: Get practical tips on how to best navigate Des Moines' food scene, from reservations to farmers' market finds.
The Des Moines Dining Landscape: More Than Just Steak & Potatoes
Des Moines’ food scene is a testament to its growth and diversity, moving far beyond traditional Midwestern fare. It's a place where local food brands like La Quercia cured meats and Maytag blue cheese aren't just ingredients but culinary stars, shaping menus and inspiring chefs. This rich foundation supports everything from upscale steakhouses to bustling farmers' market stands, creating a vibrant ecosystem that genuinely excites locals. You'll find chefs passionate about showcasing Iowa's agricultural bounty, alongside those bringing authentic international flavors to the heartland.
For those who love to experiment with flavors at home, understanding the local food scene can be a huge inspiration. It’s often where home cooks discover new ingredients or techniques that eventually make their way into their own kitchens. If you're looking for inspiration to elevate your own cooking, whether it's understanding ingredient pairings or just finding new comfort food ideas, you'll find a wealth of insights. For even broader inspiration on crafting delicious meals, check out our guide to Best recipes home cooks love.
Iconic Flavors & Enduring Favorites: Where Tradition Thrives
Certain restaurants have earned their place in the hearts of Des Moines locals not just for their food, but for the memories they create and the traditions they uphold. These are the places where generations have celebrated, shared meals, and returned to time and again.
A Taste of Timeless Italian Excellence
Des Moines boasts an impressive lineup of Italian eateries, ranging from classic red-sauce joints to modern culinary interpretations.
- Simon’s: This neighborhood Italian restaurant, open since 1952, is a local legend. Before its 5 p.m. opening, you’ll often find lines forming, a testament to its loyal following. Locals rave about the cheese-stuffed chicken over spaghetti with Alfredo and marinara, and the complimentary red velvet cake at the end of your meal is a delightful touch that embodies their enduring hospitality.
- Latin King: Founded in 1947, Latin King is famous for Des Moines’ signature dish, Steak de Burgo—a tenderloin steak with a rich garlic and cream sauce. Their chicken spiedini and legendary strawberry shortcake also make it a must-visit for anyone wanting a taste of Des Moines' culinary history.
- Aposto: For a more refined Italian experience, Aposto, set in an elegant 1880s Sherman Hill home, offers handmade cavatelli, crispy polenta cakes, and a delightful walnut-spice cake. It's perfect for a special occasion.
- Centro: Credited for helping revitalize downtown Des Moines when it opened in 2002, Centro, located in the restored Temple for Performing Arts, offers exceptional wood-fired pizzas (half-price on Mondays!), grilled pork chops, and their famed "Kill-Bill Pork Tenderloin" sandwich.
Steakhouses & Elevated Dining
Iowa is cattle country, so it’s no surprise that Des Moines has outstanding steakhouses and upscale American dining experiences.
- 801 Chophouse: A premier Des Moines steakhouse, 801 Chophouse offers classic "Rat Pack vibes," spacious booths, multiple potato options, and an unforgettable crème brûlée. It's the go-to for a luxurious steak dinner.
- Prime & Providence: This modern steakhouse in West Des Moines takes a unique approach, cooking most dishes over a 15-foot wood-fire hearth. Expect exquisite snacks like crab cake and roasted bone marrow with brisket jam, alongside reserve menu items such as A5 Kobe strip loin for a truly decadent experience.
- Alba: Located in the East Village, Alba serves upscale American food with a seasonal, rotating menu. Dishes like NY Strip stroganoff, wild striped bass, and hand-cut steaks showcase their commitment to quality and fresh ingredients.
- Oak Park: Opened in 2023, Oak Park is a modern American restaurant with an on-site culinary garden and an impressive 5,000-bottle wine cellar. With dishes like pan-roasted salmon and a legendary (and pricey!) banana split, it's known for its potential for a Michelin star and a Chef's Table experience.
Global Flavors & Culinary Explorations: A World on Your Plate
Des Moines’ dining scene is surprisingly diverse, offering authentic tastes from around the globe. Locals appreciate the opportunity to travel the world through their palate without leaving the city.
Asian & Southeast Asian Delights
- Kathmandu: For an authentic taste of Nepal, Kathmandu in Windsor Heights is a local favorite. Don’t miss their samosa chaat with onion kulcha or garlic naan, flavorful biryanis, and curries. The spicy chef’s special grill platter, featuring tandoori chicken, shrimp, paneer, and various tikkas, is a must-try.
- Lucky Lotus: This Southeast Asian fast-casual spot is celebrated for its unique dishes, particularly its bing bing wraps (scallion pancake sandwich wraps), sweet potato panang curry, and pad lao noodles. It’s also highly accommodating for vegans and gluten-free diets, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Pho 515: As its name suggests, Pho 515 is the go-to Vietnamese restaurant for comforting, aromatic pho. A perfect choice for a chilly day or a light, flavorful meal.
- Crème: A Pan-Asian inspired bakery, Crème opened in 2022 and quickly became a local sensation. They offer delightful matcha blondies, milk bread cinnamon rolls, and black sesame Oreo cake. Their "Midnight Munchies" with cocktails and customizable Cup Noodles are a unique late-night draw.
Latin American & Mediterranean Gems
- Mi Patria: Tucked away in a West Des Moines strip mall, Mi Patria brings the vibrant flavors of Ecuador to Des Moines. Known for its generous portions, locals flock here for empanadas, llapingachos (cheese-filled potato patties over peanut sauce), carne asada, and succulent slow-roasted pork.
- Bar Nico: An entirely gluten-free modern Mexican restaurant in the East Village, Bar Nico opened in 2022 and quickly gained a following. They prepare fresh tortillas daily from organic Mexican corn, serving up delicious tacos, steelhead trout with mole verde, and refreshing ceviche sangria.
- Malo: Located in a beautifully renovated 1937 Art Deco firehouse, Malo offers diverse Latin cuisine. Their lobster corn queso, pork belly tacos, vegan burritos, and tater tot nachos are crowd favorites.
- Eatery A: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas, hearty chickpea-cauliflower falafel platters, and shakshuka. Their daily happy hour (3-6 p.m.) with half-price pizza, draft beer, and wine makes it a local hotspot.
- Flavory Bistro: Located in Ankeny, a short drive north of downtown, Flavory Bistro is a Mediterranean delight. Locals praise their seafood paella, gyros, and platters brimming with salads, house-made bread, vegetables, falafel, and dips.
- Tarboosh: For a quick, flavorful bite, Tarboosh is a popular farmers' market stand (Saturday downtown, Thursday Valley Junction, spring through fall). Their shawarma, falafel, traditional Turkish coffee, and dark chocolate-dipped baklava are highly sought after.
Modern American & Innovative Concepts: Pushing the Culinary Envelope
Des Moines’ chefs are continuously innovating, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques and global influences. These spots are where you’ll find exciting new dishes and fresh takes on classics.
- Harbinger: This innovative, vegetable-forward restaurant is known for its experimental approach. The staff travel and experiment annually to develop new dishes like Japanese turnips with miso and confit egg yolk, or baby back ribs with cherry gochujang. It’s a true culinary adventure.
- Clyde’s Fine Diner: Combining classic diner aesthetics with local ingredients, Clyde’s offers creative comfort food. Chef Chris Hoffmann was a James Beard semifinalist (2024), recognized for dishes like fried Brussels sprouts with Caesar dressing, a stellar double smash burger, and seared salmon. Don't forget the soft serve for dessert!
- Table 128: Relocated downtown in 2024, Table 128 retains favorites like mini chocolate chip cookies and Pritchard’s signature burger while introducing new items such as chicken arancini with elote salsa and a warm farro salad. Its patio and robust wine list add to its appeal.
- Fresko: With a "mod menu" that highlights locally sourced ingredients, Fresko offers a diverse range from wood-fired octopus and specialty sushi rolls to short rib tacos and Iowa pork chops. It’s a stylish spot for a sophisticated meal.
Casual Comfort & Artisanal Indulgences: Everyday Delights
Sometimes, you just crave a really good sandwich, a perfect slice of pizza, or a scoop of homemade ice cream. Des Moines excels at these everyday indulgences, often with a local twist.
Burgers, BBQ & Classic American Comfort
- Lachele’s Fine Foods: Opened in 2021, Lachele’s quickly became a burger powerhouse. Locals love their crispy double-fried fries, the "Big Balandran" (a creative Philly cheesesteak play), and their consistently delicious daily smash burgers.
- Whatcha Smokin: If you’re willing to drive about 30 minutes from downtown, Whatcha Smokin offers authentic Texas-style barbecue that’s absolutely worth the trip. Their daily smoked meats—brisket, sausage, pulled pork, turkey, and ribs—are legendary, and the Nutter Butter banana pudding is a surprising, sweet finish.
- Bubba: A Southern-inspired restaurant with an upscale atmosphere, Bubba serves up classics like shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, biscuits, and pimento mac and cheese. They also boast one of Iowa’s largest bourbon lists, making it a great spot for a comforting meal and a fine drink.
- The High Life Lounge: Connected to El Bait Shop (known for its vast craft beer selection), The High Life Lounge is the quintessential downtown spot for Iowa bar food. Think bacon-wrapped tots, fried cheese curds, fried pickle spears, and comforting dishes like goulash, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie.
- Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe: While an ice cream shoppe, Goldie's is truly famous for its massive pork tenderloin sandwiches – a quintessential Iowa staple where the meat is pounded thin, larger than the bun, and fried in breadcrumbs.
Pizza Perfection & Handheld Heroes
- Pyra Pizzeria: Located in Norwalk (20 minutes south of downtown), Pyra Pizzeria follows Neapolitan pizza rules (sans certification) using Italian 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Cooked in an 800-degree oven for 90 seconds or less, these wood-fired pizzas are perfection.
- 5 Borough Bagels: Bringing a taste of NYC to Des Moines and Urbandale, 5 Borough Bagels offers authentic bagels, bialys, and creative blended cream cheeses (like Sriracha-bacon). Their sandwiches, named after NYC boroughs (e.g., Bronx sandwich with Sriracha cream cheese), are a local favorite.
- Hansen’s Manhattan Deli: A locally owned deli, Hansen’s is celebrated for its overflowing hoagies and sandwiches, including the unique Blue Bird on blueberry bread. Their warm Italian subs and New York-style stacks are perfect for a satisfying lunch.
- Tacos Degollado: For authentic Mexican street food, Tacos Degollado is a bustling taco truck on University Avenue. They offer tacos by the plate, sheet pan, or even 50-count, with diverse fillings including asada, pastor, pollo, pescado, tripa, lengua, camarones, and birria. Their salsa station is a highlight.
Sweet Treats & Artisanal Bakeries
- La Mie Bakery: A beloved bakery next to The Cheese Shop, La Mie supplies bread to many local bistros and offers delightful dine-in breakfast and lunch. Their French pastries, laminated doughs, tarts, and macarons are exquisite. A downtown Skywalk location provides another convenient spot for a sweet treat.
- Black Cat Ice Cream: With its permanent home in the Drake neighborhood since June 2021 (and a second location coming to Valley Junction), Black Cat Ice Cream crafts unique flavors inspired by local ingredients or Midwestern desserts, such as peanut butter puppy chow or butter-flavored ice cream with fried Twinkies.
- Pie Bird Pies: This charming baking business sells slices, whole pies, galettes, and hand pies at farmers' markets and pop-ups. Keep an eye out for their rotating seasonal offerings – a perfect treat to take home.
Specialty & Niche Eateries: Experiences Beyond the Meal
Some Des Moines establishments offer more than just food; they provide a unique experience, whether it's focusing on local products or a particular dietary preference.
- Cheese Bar: Located on Ingersoll Avenue, the Cheese Bar is a haven for lovers of Iowa cheeses and cured meats. They serve next-level grilled cheeses with spicy roasted tomato bisque, fondue, raclette, and hearty cast-iron skillet mac and cheese. It’s a true celebration of local dairy.
- Wilson’s Orchard & Farm: Opened in April 2024 in Cumming (20 minutes from downtown), this orchard offers fresh fruit picking and seasonal fare at its on-site cider bar and restaurant. Enjoy sweet and hard ciders alongside dishes like ginger-dill meatballs and tasso pork and pickled cherry sourdough pizza. It's a great destination for a family outing.
- Veggie Thumper: For those seeking plant-based options, Veggie Thumper is a roving vegan eatery operating out of a converted school bus. They serve delicious buffalo chick’n nachos and lentil tacos at various locations, including farmers’ markets and pop-ups – follow their social media to find them!
- Lua Brewing: Opened in November 2019, Lua Brewing is a microbrewery that taps new seasonal sours, stouts, ales, and IPAs monthly. In 2023, they launched Iowa’s first cannabis-infused "social drink," a spirit-free sparkling water, offering a unique beverage experience alongside their food.
Strategic Eating: Planning Your Des Moines Food Adventure
With so many incredible options, how do you choose? Here's a practical playbook for experiencing the must try restaurants Des Moines locals love:
- Prioritize by Craving: Do you want a fine dining experience, comfort food, or something unique? Start there.
- Example: If it's a special occasion, consider Prime & Providence or Aposto. For a casual family meal, Pyra Pizzeria or Lachele’s Fine Foods might be perfect.
- Factor in Location: Des Moines and its surrounding suburbs (West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Windsor Heights, Norwalk, Cumming) all offer fantastic options. Decide how far you're willing to travel.
- Case Snippet: Whatcha Smokin' is a drive, but many locals consider it essential BBQ. Mi Patria is in a West Des Moines strip mall, easy to access from that side of town.
- Check Operating Hours & Reservations: Some popular spots like Simon’s have specific opening times and may require an early arrival or reservations. Others, like farmers' market stands, are seasonal or pop-up.
- Tip: For Simon's, arriving 15-30 minutes before 5 p.m. can save you a long wait.
- Embrace the "Local Twist": Look for dishes that incorporate local Iowa ingredients (like La Quercia meats or Maytag blue cheese) or are local legends (Steak de Burgo, pork tenderloin).
- Example: Cheese Bar is a perfect place to experience Iowa cheeses.
- Be Adventurous: Don't shy away from the diverse international options. Des Moines has a robust immigrant community that has enriched its food scene significantly.
- Recommendation: Try llapingachos at Mi Patria or the tandoori platter at Kathmandu for truly authentic experiences.
Quick Answers for the Discerning Diner
What is the signature dish of Des Moines?
The undisputed signature dish is Steak de Burgo, a tenderloin steak prepared with a rich garlic and cream sauce, notably served at Latin King. The Pork Tenderloin Sandwich (especially at Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe) is also a highly beloved, iconic Iowa staple.
Are there good options for specific dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free)?
Absolutely! Des Moines has become very accommodating. Bar Nico is entirely gluten-free, focusing on modern Mexican cuisine. Lucky Lotus offers many vegan and gluten-free Southeast Asian options. Veggie Thumper is a dedicated roving vegan eatery. Many other restaurants are also mindful and can adapt dishes upon request.
What’s the best way to experience Des Moines’ local food scene authentically?
Beyond dining out, visit the Downtown Farmers’ Market (spring through fall) to sample local produce and prepared foods like Tarboosh's shawarma or Pie Bird Pies. Exploring neighborhoods like the East Village or Ingersoll Avenue also provides a genuine feel for local favorites.
Is Des Moines good for fine dining or just casual eats?
Des Moines offers both with excellence. You can find upscale experiences at Prime & Providence, Oak Park, 801 Chophouse, Harbinger, Aposto, or Lucca. Simultaneously, there’s a thriving scene of casual, beloved spots like Lachele’s Fine Foods or 5 Borough Bagels that cater to everyday cravings.
Any unique drink experiences recommended?
Yes! Lua Brewing offers innovative seasonal craft beers and introduced Iowa's first cannabis-infused "social drink." For bourbon enthusiasts, Bubba boasts one of Iowa’s largest bourbon lists. Django allows BYOB (up to two bottles of wine) with no corkage fee, which is a rare treat.
Your Next Bite: A Des Moines Culinary Playbook
Navigating the vibrant landscape of must try restaurants Des Moines locals love is an adventure. Start by picking one category that truly calls to you – whether it’s a classic Italian evening at Simon’s or Latin King, a modern culinary journey at Harbinger or Oak Park, or a casual, flavor-packed meal at Whatcha Smokin’ or Lachele’s. Be open to exploring different neighborhoods and don’t hesitate to ask locals for their current favorites – the food scene here is dynamic and always evolving. Embrace the diversity, savor the unique local ingredients, and you’ll discover why Des Moines has become a true culinary destination.