Restaurants near Iowa State Fairgrounds

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

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24 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

1. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.6

Exceptional(841)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 21 times today

The Stuffed Olive is about the entire “Martini & Tapas Experience.” From your favorite classics to new and exciting blends you’ve never seen before, you’re sure to find a cocktail to love on our vast martini menu. Add a warm, comfortable atmosphere, great wines, beers and top-shelf spirits, and The Stuffed Olive will become your favorite place to start, end or spend your entire evening. Our tapas menu offers appetizer-sized portions of globally influenced entrees, for a sampling and sharing dining experience. Pair tasty tapas with your favorite martini for happy hour, dinner or a late-night snack. We welcome you to sit back, relax, enjoy great food, good conversation and your favorite martini. Welcome to the Stuffed Olive!

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

2. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.9

Exceptional(3250)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 27 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, enjoy beautiful views and excellent customer service at 801 Chophouse. We value our guests and want to give you the best dining experience possible. Our restaurant has only prime USDA steaks, paired with innovative side dishes and an award-winning wine selection from around the world to create an upscale dining experience you won't find anywhere else in Iowa. 801 Chophouse is the premier steakhouse in Des Moines and even offers private dining room options. Book a reservation online or via phone today.

3. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1250)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 13 times today

“Fresko” meaning “fresh” inspires our creation of seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Fresko makes natural food from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. The culinary team prepares product from start to finish applying natural time honored techniques with care at every step. This enriches the flavorful and nutritious product we serve and benefits our community. Fresko believes we are what we eat and eating well means living well.Fresko features a splendid assortment of original cocktails with a deep spirits menu and a beer program with sixteen beers on tap in addition to bottles and cans. Fresko's wine menu focuses on quality selections at a great value to our guests.

4. The Latin King

4.6

Exceptional(252)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Des Moines

Booked 7 times today

The Latin King restaurant was founded in 1947 by Rose and Jim Pigneri, who immigrated from Terravecchia, Italy to Des Moines. Rose and Jim wanted to bring authentic Italian fare to Des Moines and began this undertaking in earnest upon selling their home to finance the Latin King restaurant lease, which had previously operated as the Cinderella Sandwich Shop (circa 1930) and the Chanticleer Restaurant (circa 1937). Pigneri named the Latin King after New York City’s Latin Quarter and operated the Latin King for 35 years, notably taking only 10 days of vacation time during his tenure. Pigneri sold the Latin King to his third cousin Bob Tursi in 1983.

5. Proudfoot & Bird

4.9

Exceptional(728)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Des Moines

Booked 7 times today

Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private areas available, seating eight and ten guests respectfully.

A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant

6. Mulberry Street Tavern

4.4

Awesome(611)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Des Moines

Booked 5 times today

THE COURTYARD IS OPEN!! Mulberry Street Tavern brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to Downtown Des Moines. Once a hub for the city transit, it is now adorned with rich woods, leather, and a zinc bar that create a warm and timeless social destination. The open-hearth kitchen produces shareable worldly tavern fare, hearty entrees and, hands down, the best burger in Des Moines. Looking for something..... well, more? How about a 12oz bison ribeye or hand made pappardelle with short rib ragout. Enjoy perfect classic cocktails, eclectic award-winning wines, and interesting regional and foreign beers on draught. As we are a quaint eatery, we do not accept reservations for more than six guests.

7. Bar Nico

4.7

Exceptional(103)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Des Moines

Booked 6 times today

Our restaurant's mantra is "Sin Maiz, No Hay Pais" meaning "without corn there is no country" as such, our tortillas are hand ground in house from heirloom organic Mexican corn varietals - made daily & cooked to order. As a result of our corn obsession, we have no flour in house & are a completely gluten-free kitchen.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant

8. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.1

Excellent(697)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Des Moines

Booked 7 times today

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. We look forward to seeing you soon! We are currently closed on Monday's

9. Alba Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(428)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 11 times today

Alba offers a creative culinary twist on traditional American cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, the finest cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits, vegetables and herbs. Our menu changes often, we invited you to join us to discover a new favorite.

A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines restaurant

10. Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines

4.6

Exceptional(233)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Des Moines

Booked 2 times today

Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Diane
Iowa •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent service and food! I loved the Suracha honey glad on the pork.
More info
Tupelo Honey - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Des Moines
•
4.1
A
Audrey
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Martinis are wonderful and the vibes are immaculate.
More info
The Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines
•
4.6
R
Ronn
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
801 Chophouse was one of our best steak experiences. My Dad and I went together to celebrate Father's Day and my Dad ordered the Prime Rib and had it grilled at the end to seal in the juices and he said it was one of the best prime ribs he has ever had in 82 years.
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.9
K
KelsiVIP
Southwest Florida •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 23, 2025
Amazing restaurant, delicious food, our server Betsy was so delighted and attentive!
More info
FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
•
4.7
C
Clayton
Nebraska •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 20, 2025
A beautiful setting but relaxed atmosphere with great food.
More info
Mulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines
•
4.4

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