Downtown Des Moines Restaurants
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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Downtown Des Moines
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Splash Seafood Bar and Grill
Price: Expensive•Seafood•4.7(1,946)DiRoNA award winning Splash Seafood Bar & Grill serves only the freshest seafood flown in daily and expertly prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles. Splash Seafood bar and Grill also serve the Midwest's finest cuts of steaks and chops with the same care as they give the seafood. Be pampered by the highly experienced wait staff in one of Des Moines most unique and elegant dining rooms surrounded by whimsical wall murals as well as 9 large salt water aquariums. Splash Seafood offers an extensive wine list, recognized with an Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, as well as a full bar specializing in tropical drinks. Also enjoy a more laid back atmosphere in the raw bar, Splash Oyster Bar & Seafood Market, just across the hallway from Splash Seafood. Enjoy all the fresh oysters and shellfish that the raw bar has to offer as well as the full menu from Splash Seafood. Also be sure to take advantage of the raw bars Seafood Market to enjoy the freshest seafood at home.HoQ
Price: Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.8(365)Welcome to Hoq Restaurant! Experience delicious, sustainable farm-to-table dining in the historic East Village of Des Moines.
See what locals rave about in Downtown Des Moines
- DDianeIowa •8 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoExcellent service and food! I loved the Suracha honey glad on the pork.More infoTupelo Honey - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Des Moines•4.1
- AAudreyIowa •1 review5.0Dined 4 days agoMartinis are wonderful and the vibes are immaculate.More infoThe Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines•4.6
- RRonnChicago / Illinois •3 reviews5.0Dined 6 days ago801 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 info801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines•4.9
- KKelsiVIPSouthwest Florida •15 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 23, 2025Amazing restaurant, delicious food, our server Betsy was so delighted and attentive!More infoFreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines•4.7
- CClaytonNebraska •1 review5.0Dined on Jun 20, 2025A beautiful setting but relaxed atmosphere with great food.More infoMulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines•4.4
Restaurant experiences trending in Iowa
Discover Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines, nestled deep in the heartland of Iowa, is a surprisingly great place to find new American cuisine. Native-born Iowans and recent immigrants have combined their cultures to create fusion flavors like Polynesian pizza and Asian tacos from the highest quality ingredients. Downtown Des Moines has steakhouses that have high-quality Midwestern beef sitting right next to some of the heartland's best produce. Whether you prefer modern takes on pizza, seafood or pub food, head down East Court Avenue or Locust Street to try some incredible restaurants. Along the river, you can find bars and brewpubs for spending a casual night out.
Explore OpenTable
- Grandview Park
- Downtown Farmers Market
- Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
- Hy Vee Hall
- Site of Des Moines First Public School Historical Marker
- Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
- Sesquicentennial Park
- Hawkeye Transfer Company Warehouse
- Wells Fargo Arena
- Otter Creek County Park
- Early Des Moines River Crossings Historical Marker
- Downey Memorial Park
- Moats Park
- Lucas County Museum
- The Mormon Trail Historical Marker
- Fairmount Park
- Woodland Mounds State Preserve
- Pioneer Park
- Soldiers Field
- North Park