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Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Des Moines

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OpenTable
Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Des Moines? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Fresko restaurant
Fresko
4.8
4.8 (1165)
$30 and under
Farm-to-table
Des Moines
About the restaurant
“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.
Top review
Rainervip
Dined on Oct 1, 2024
Didn't expect such good dinner in Des Moines on a Monday when many places are closed. Good choices, good delivery, good quality, and a wonderful service (Candice).
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A photo of Steak Sandwich of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Sandwich
A photo of AM Tacos of a restaurant
Popular dish
AM Tacos
A photo of Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Salmon
A photo of Aura Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
Aura Restaurant & Lounge
4.8
4.8 (203)
$31 to $50
American
Urbandale
About the restaurant
Lively & flavorful tapas along with vibrant cocktails offer a unique shared experience that challenges the traditional. At Aura, it's good vibes only! Our invigorating environment is the perfect place to gather friends & family.
Top review
Davevip
Dined on Sep 30, 2024
Excellent service and excellent food and presentation! Keep up the great work!
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A photo of October Wine Dinner of a restaurant
Experience
October Wine Dinner
A photo of Happy Hour Everyday! of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour Everyday!
A photo of Proudfoot & Bird restaurant
Proudfoot & Bird
4.8
4.8 (667)
$50 and over
Global, International
Des Moines
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
Dee
Dined 4 days ago
Loved the food, drinks were amazing, the service was exceptional, and the ambience was top notch 👌
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A photo of Crispy Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Frites
A photo of Chicken & Biscuits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken & Biscuits
A photo of Bar Nico restaurant
Bar Nico
4.8
4.8 (72)
$30 and under
Mexican
Des Moines
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
m
Dined on Sep 13, 2024
Excellent gluten free food with vegan options! I had sweet potato tacos and churros with chips as appetizer :) Everything was delicious and service was fantastic.
A photo of Eatery A restaurant
Eatery A
4.7
4.7 (527)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Des Moines
About the restaurant
Eatery A is Des Moines's destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients, we strive to offer our guests exotic flavor profiles that let the ingredients take center stage.
Top review
Steve
Dined 1 day ago
Good food, great value, good service. Will def come back when I return to Des Moines.
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A photo of 9 Pizza of a restaurant
Popular dish
9 Pizza
A photo of 1 Pizza of a restaurant
Popular dish
1 Pizza
A photo of 6 Pizza of a restaurant
Popular dish
6 Pizza
A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant
The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines
4.7
4.7 (758)
$30 and under
American
Des Moines
About the restaurant
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!
Top review
patvvip
Dined 6 days ago
Stuffed Olive was a unique surprise. From the vast martini choices to the tapas appetizers, everything was fantastic. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the vibe. Great place to chill and enjoy the food and friends
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A photo of Caribbean Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Caribbean Salmon
A photo of Cajun Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Cajun Salmon
A photo of Wasabi - Waukee restaurant
Wasabi - Waukee
4.7
4.7 (54)
$30 and under
Sushi
West Des Moines
About the restaurant
Wasabi is located at 9500 University Avenue in West Des Moines. Chefs at Wasabi serve the highest quality New York style sushi, Japanese fusion dishes. Unique custom cocktails and more.
Top review
Joseph
Dined on Aug 16, 2024
Always love going to Wasabi Waukee! Great for date nights, friends, even families. By far My favorite sushi restaurant in the DSM Metro!
A photo of Bravo Italian Kitchen - Jordan Creek restaurant
Bravo Italian Kitchen - Jordan Creek
4.6
4.6 (841)
$30 and under
Italian
West Des Moines
About the restaurant
Bravo Jordan Creek is an upscale-casual Italian restaurant in West Des Moines, perfect for those seeking authentic pasta, wood-fired pizza, and signature entrées. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and wine in our inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by stunning Roman-ruin décor. Planning a holiday party or Thanksgiving celebration? We offer catering services and easy reservations to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Bravo Jordan Creek is the place to eat in West Des Moines, IA for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!
Top review
William
Dined 5 days ago
The food and service was excellent. Their AC was broken so hot inside.
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A photo of Lasagne of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lasagne
A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines restaurant
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines
4.6
4.6 (1811)
$30 and under
American
West Des Moines
About the restaurant
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American Restaurant and Steakhouse serving authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and select wines. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio for drink specials and bar bites. We offer top-notch service and upscale dining at a modest price. Reserve Your Table with us today.
Top review
Gabe
Dined on Oct 2, 2024
Food was great and a good spot for a business lunch meeting.
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A photo of Center Cut Sirloin of a restaurant
Popular dish
Center Cut Sirloin
A photo of Weekend Brunch of a restaurant
Experience
Weekend Brunch
A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant
Mulberry Street Tavern
4.6
4.6 (553)
$31 to $50
American
Des Moines
About the restaurant
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. Enjoy perfect classic cocktails, eclectic award-winning wines, and interesting regional and foreign beers on draught.


Top review
Kendra
Dined on Sep 30, 2024
Incredible as always. Every time we dine at Mulberry Street Tavern, we leave impressed — the food, the drinks, the service. It’s our favorite place in downtown DSM.
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A photo of Skuna Bay Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Skuna Bay Salmon
A photo of Salmon + Lentils of a restaurant
Popular dish
Salmon + Lentils
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