Des Moines Restaurants
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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Des Moines
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Proudfoot & Bird
Price: Expensive•Global, International•4.9(718)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.Eatery A
Price: Moderate•Mediterranean•4.8(558)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.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines
Price: Moderate•Sushi•4.5(229)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!Mulberry Street Tavern
Price: Expensive•American•4.7(592)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.
AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino
Price: Expensive•Steakhouse•4.4(1,142)AJ’s Steakhouse proudly serves renowned Iowa steaks and chops, seafood and poultry in a classy, yet comfortably casual, atmosphere. Located inside Iowa's premier gaming and entertainment venue, AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows invites you to enjoy some of the best American cuisine you'll find anywhere in central Iowa. We promise that our outstanding menu and attentive service will leave you truly satisfied.
Join us soon for an unforgettable dining experience you won’t find anywhere else. Check out our full menu online. Then stop in and indulge yourself with all that our award-winning chefs can prepare for you.
Book your next big event at the AJ’s Steakhouse Party Room. A comfortable room, elegant table setting, customized menu with world-class wines, and dedicated staff providing gracious service.Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines
Price: Moderate•Contemporary American•4.6(860)Louie’s Wine Dive serves lunch, happy hour and dinner daily and brunch on weekends. Award-winning food is created from local ingredients under the eye of formally trained chefs. Louie’s wine list and featured wineboard offer hard to find, quality focused selections. Louie’s offers a craft cocktail and local beer menu. Louie’s Wine Dive features a warm, casually elegant atmosphere. It's the place for food and wine lovers to be social!
Fresko
Price: Moderate•Farm-to-table•4.7(1,230)“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.In Confidence Speakeasy
Price: Moderate•Speakeasy•4.2(35)For Large reservations or other inquiries please call 515-528-7733 x 4627 f=
SPEAKEASY BAR IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DES MOINES
Hotel Fort Des Moines brings the Prohibition-era feel to downtown Des Moines - In Confidence. Enjoy our hidden secret with a curated wine collection and crafted cocktails.
Enjoy your downtime in a unique casual setting deserving of the Great Gatsby himself!
See what locals rave about in Des Moines
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- MMicheleNebraska •1 review5.0Dined 2 days agoThis is arguably the best restaurant in Des Moines!! The food was exceptional. We were in awe of every dish, they take all your favorites to a new level with design and flavor creativity. Our server Alysa was exceptional and timed every course perfectly. I will pass the word every chance I get that this is a destination not to be missed.More infoProudfoot & BirdPrice: Expensive• Global, International• Des Moines•4.9
- KKristinIowa •2 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoA+++ Always delicious with by far the best steaks & food in Des Moines Always fun with the best people who make it a very enjoyable experience Always the perfect choice for any and all occasionsMore info801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines•4.9
- GGregVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews4.0Dined on Apr 26, 2025Food was very good. Had Bison Rib Eye and wife had the Salmon. Cocktails were so-so. Martini's were small and overpriced. Ambiance was nice. Prices were a little over the top for what you get. Still haven't found a better upscale dining experience in Des Moines than Cooper's Hawk in Clive. Overall Mulberry was good experienceMore infoMulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines•4.7
- DDebbieIowa •17 reviews5.0Dined on Apr 21, 2025Ordered the squash salad with grilled chicken. Very fresh lettuce. Excellent flavor and service was fast. Definitely will go back to try several other items on the menu.More infoFreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines•4.7
- BBarbCaribbean •1 review5.0Dined on Apr 17, 2025Great food😃 good service. Food came quickly Chicken poblano soup is amazing!More infoTupelo Honey - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Des Moines•4.3
Discover Des Moines
When you think of the top cities that offer the best in fine dining, Des Moines may not come to mind. However, food lovers shouldn't sell this city short. Many restaurants in Des Moines can hold their own against the big-city competition. Iowa is covered with farmers and ranchers, and this gives Des Moines an edge in farm-fresh produce. Don't be surprised to find a thriving steakhouse and tapas culture as well. In addition, Des Moines offers French, Italian, Mexican, and fresh seafood cuisine. If you are craving comfort food, Des Moines won't disappoint. Head to Des Moines with an open mind and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Des Moines is Wasabi - Johnston
The best vegan restaurants in Des Moines are Proudfoot & Bird, Fresko and Bar Nico
The best vegetarian restaurants in Des Moines are Fresko, Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines and Eatery A
The restaurants with the best service in Des Moines are Baratta's, Hometown Heroes and Bubba
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Des Moines are Parlor, Hometown Heroes and Bubba
Explore OpenTable
- Trinity United Methodist Church
- DSM Airport
- Drake Park
- Good Park
- D.S. Chamberlain Building
- Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Des Moines Marriott Downtown
- Waveland Golf Course
- Nash Park
- Des Moines International Airport
- Gray's Lake Park
- Buel Field
- Riverview Park
- Des Moines Community Playhouse
- Mcdonald Woods Park
- Ashworth Park
- Drake Stadium
- Holiday Inn Express Des Moines-At Drake University
- Witmer Park
- Doubletree Des Moines Airport