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  5. Downtown Des Moines

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4.6
4.6
1782 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Steak

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (515) 244-5686

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Dominic Iannarelli

  • Private party contact

    Mike Holms: (515) 244-5686

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Des Moines

  • Cross street

    3rd & Locust

  • Parking details

    Free street parking after 9pm or park in the public ramp adjacent to the building which is accessible from 4th Street.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,782 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Iowa

    Best Service

  • Iowa

    Great for fine wines

  • Iowa

    Romantic

  • Iowa

    Good for special occasions

  • Des Moines

    Best Overall

  • Des Moines

    Best Service

  • Des Moines

    Best Ambiance

  • Des Moines

    Great for fine wines

  • Des Moines

    Romantic

  • Des Moines

    Good for special occasions

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Filters

  1. Dan505

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food, atmosphere, and service. Will eat there again.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It had been a long time since we had gone to Splash. Our dinner was exceptional and made us re-appreciate how special of a seafood restaurant we have downtown. Will be back soon. The Sea Bass, Scallops, and Oysters Rockefeller were all exceptional. Even the vegetables of Brussels sprouts and Green Beans knock us out. Great job! You made what was going to be an average evening something to remember.
  3. RamonN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Splash Seafood is a unique dining experience with Fresh Seafood, great service, and awesome atmosphere!!
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Splash crew made the night very special for my mom on her Bday!! The food was exceptional as was the service. We had a great night. Always fabulous at Splash💗
  5. DonaldC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The section that we sat in was a little crowded and you could hear couples at the surrounding tables conversations. The food and service were excellent with our waitress being very knowledgeable and professional.
  6. Buffalo

    Indiana

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Visited after the first round games at Wells Fargo. Seated at a small table in the bar area so noise was moderate. Took a little while for a waiter to show up, who I realized later was the bartender, so I thought my service was going to be lacking. But he handled things well and another waitress took over after my food arrived. Excellent food, maybe a little overpriced, but I was full when I left. I would visit again if I am in the area.
  7. Reese

    Des Moines

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    As always a quality dinner in a nice atmosphere! Good entree, excellent starters, and a fine bottle of wine! The makings of a perfect evening
  8. RonM

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome place to enjoy a great dinner... The second is exceptional, the service is good... This not somewhere you would done if you're in hurry so it was very relaxed. Best seafood in Iowa but everyone probably already knows that!
  9. SB2017

    Minneapolis

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Delicious scallops and fabulous lobster wontons! Great seafood place in Iowa!
  10. StephenS

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Service was great. Most of the dinner was great but the cioppino was just okay. I guess I am used to the cioppino from Scoma's in San Francisco that is more like a fish stew. Loved the tuna wonton tacos. Will definitely come back again, just ordering a different entree.
  11. StuB

    Des Moines

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress, Amber, anticipated and provided for our every need The shrimp cocktail was the BEST I’ve ever had. A definite “BE BACK” restaurant!!!
  12. DaveS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Waiter was excellent! Food was okay, have had a lot better seafood elsewhere (not Des Moines). Steak was good! Requested medium rare, it was definitely medium, medium well. A little pricey for drinks.
  13. TonyH

    Omaha

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anniversary dinner. Our favorite restaurant; worth a 2 hour drive from Council Bluffs. Server was perfect. Friendly, helpful and timed everything to perfection. And monk fish! My favorite!
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice nite at Splash with friends for Valentines Day!
  15. JackiC

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the Chilean Sea Bass and it was amazing. We shared the Key lime cheesecake for dessert. Portions were perfect and our bar drinks were yummy too. Our server's name was Jo. She was incredibly professional and made great recommendations when we asked. She made our dining experience perfect. 10 out of 10.
  16. MeganH

    Phoenix

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent, service was wonderful!
  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    My husband has been to Splash a few times and always raves about it. Valentines Day is our holiday, and always celebrate it in fashion. My husband wanted to take me to Splash since I had never been there. Our waiter rushed us at our table, it was quite noisy. Our food came and my was great, but my husband had rubbery shrimp and a tough crab leg. We spend over $300 and received Red Lobster quality food and service. We had to save money for a long time I order to dine at Splash, and we didn’t mind since we knew it would be and experience. We’ve been treated better at our local greasy spoon. I’m not sure we will return.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    It was overpriced and not worth it. My *rare $41 tuna came out over cooked and it was dry :( they took it back thankfully and sent something else out, but the prices on the menu were not worth the food or the service. Also - heads up if lighting triggers headaches for you! The room we sat in had neon blue lights that made it hard to see during the dining experience. It’s definitely a cool idea because it feels like you’re in a fish tank, but it’s mega disorienting and my head was throbbing when we left.
  19. KaitlinS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My boyfriend and I went to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. I made a reservation on the website and selected anniversary for the occasion. We were seated as soon as we got there, and our waitress told us happy anniversary. The food was amazing, served in a timely manner, plated beautifully. The drinks were very good as well and perfectly mixed. Happy anniversary was written on both of our entree plates. Dessert was delicious as well. Great atmosphere, not super loud, and decor was different than any other place I’ve been to. Very romantic, would definitely go back again!
  20. Erika

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience4
    The worst overpriced food! My husband and I ordered the Royal Surf and Turf and a Filet. I realize it's a seafood place, but I'm not a fan of seafood and it was his birthday so we decided to try Splash and I ordered the 12oz Filet. His Royal Surf and Turf was lobster, king crab and a filet. The lobster was tough and stringy, not good at all. He also didn't like the king crab, it seemed off, tasted unusual. Both filets were below average. I can get a better steak at a dive bar. There was no flavor or seasoning and it again tasted strange like everything else. We spent $260 for awful food. We took the filets home to feed to our dogs. At least they enjoyed it. 801 and Flemings have great lobster and they are steakhouses. Ww were very disappointed and will never return.
  21. Boogielucy

    Des Moines

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my birthday and my family and I wanted to make it a special evening and Splash didn’t disappoint. The Old Fashion I ordered was perfect and the scallops were cooked to perfection. Our server was very helpful and he was a pro. For special occasions, Splash is my go to restaurant and has been for years. Well Done!
  22. ChrisS

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience1
    Overall everything was ok, this restaurant is trapped in a time warp. I’m sure the decor and food would have looked great in 1988 but it’s 2023 and it needs help.
  23. AngelaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was spot on friendly and very helpful. We had a great dining experience!
  24. AnnF

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always perfect! A favorite restaurant for every occasion
  25. SteveB

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Food variety and experience was excellent. I wanted to reserve the 5-Star for our server. She was exceptional.
  26. JamesB

    San Diego

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding service and food. The only disappointing thing was that our favorite dessert had been removed from the menu. Please bring back the chocolate mousse!
  27. MattC

    Des Moines

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner! Highly recommend!
  28. LarryS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We tried the Splash Seafood Bar & Grill in Des Moines last night. The service was extraordinary, the food was delicious, and the portions were plentiful! Our server Danielle (Dani) was friendly, informative, knowledgeable, and very helpful in describing the dishes. We began with a drink from the bar, "The Pain Killer #2" The number indicates the strength of the alcohol, which could go to #4. They were rum and coconut flavored island type drinks and were delicious!! We started out with a crab cake appetizer. It was meaty and pan fried and crispy, but we could have done without the coleslaw on top. Then we tried both the clam chowder and the lobster bisque. Both were a little spicier than we expected, but were excellent. The lobster bisque had huge pieces of lobster in it and I think had pieces of leeks in it, which drew attention away from the lobster meat. Cindy had the Norwegian Salmon which was moist and flaky and had several choices for preparation and sauces, with mashed sweet potatoes and roasted Cauliflower. I had the Colossal Shrimp which were indeed colossal, with a great lemon, wine, and garlic sauce and Garlic Mashed Potatoes (no veggies for me!) They of course, served a delicious small loaf of bread that we couldn't identify as Italian, French, or sourdough. I'm leaning towards sourdough. The décor was excellent and the seats were very soft and inviting. We were seated right next to a HUGE saltwater aquarium so the fish got to see us eating their friends. A little unnerving for the fish, but fun for us! We were so filled up, that we took our desserts to go. Cindy Loved the Double Chocolate Cake with Hazelnut frosting, and I was a little disappointed with the Pineapple Upside Down cake. It was a little dry. They had a caramel sauce, but I'm not a huge caramel fan, so I used some Cool Whip we had in the refrigerator, which helped! The meal was not inexpensive, but we had a gift certificate which helped! Most importantly, it was an adventure!
  29. ShelFlock

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fabulous! Service was spectacular. Everything about our experience made us feel special. We will be back!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience5
    Lobster was raw. Service was not special. We were there for birthdays no ice cream etc. not worth it
  31. TeresaN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was Outstanding! Made for a very enjoyable NYE!
  32. SonyaC

    Des Moines

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always! We love Splash!
  33. wdmkl

    Baltimore

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Splash never disappoints --- what else can I or need to say?
  34. JamesM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Very disappointed in the red snapper selection that night. It did not say it would be deep fried. The lobster bisque was reheated and cool. Very pricy for what was obtained. My companion did lover her risotto.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience2
    Service, ambiance, and drinks are wonderful. Tuna steak was thin and just ok. Seabass ciopinni was delicious, prawns were tough. Overall a good meal, nothing spectacular.
  36. JohnR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 16, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    An amazing experience. Took my son for his 18th birthday. They customized the menu just for him. Emily, our server, was superb. Food was delicious. A night to remember
  37. cindit

    Omaha

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    you enter, the ambience is beautiful. Service is spectacular the food is divine presentation and taste.
  38. PamK

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waitress was engaging and efficient and gave great information and suggestions on our menu questions. Bartender made a great martini and was very engaging as well. We were enjoying ourselves so much we decided to enjoy the experience and wonderful food and actually skipped the event that we came downtown for - and didn’t regret it.
  39. Fred

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The hostess did not greet us - or acknowledge us. Heather was our waitress- - she was very good- many good recommendations.
  40. EricaM

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great date night spot! Decorated festive for Christmas too!

FAQs

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (515) 244-5686.

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill is rated 4.6 stars by 1782 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today
Google Map for Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

303 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309

Additional information

  • Cross street

    3rd & Locust

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown Des Moines

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Steak

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Free street parking after 9pm or park in the public ramp adjacent to the building which is accessible from 4th Street.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Dominic Iannarelli

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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