Hey...this is Abby. After years of being asked about the best spots in Des Moines, Jenny asked me to make a guide that we could share with all. So buckle up and get ready to send this article directly to your s/o —date nights are about to be fun again!
Do you feel like every time you google “places to eat in Des Moines” you get the same five restaurants that you have been to a million times?
Welcome to the restaurant guide you’ve been looking for.
LET'S EAT, DES MOINES!
Bike Accessible
1908 Draught House (WDM)
West Des Moines
TYPE OF FOOD
High-level bar food
ATMOSPHERE
Casual
SERVICE
4.8/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
An old Kum and Go turned into a local favorite, this place has a fun atmosphere and an incredibly friendly staff. Food and service are always great, and they really get to know you as a customer. (Pro tip: it’s pronounced “DRAFT House.” I know it’s weird, but it’s true.)
MY FAVORITE DISH
Chicken strips with a side of siracha honey and sweet potato fries
WHEN TO GO
Happy hour, casual date night, lunch...really anytime!
Bike Accessible
Angry Goldfish
South Side
TYPE OF FOOD
Bar food
ATMOSPHERE
Casual
SERVICE
4.6/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Hands down, this is the best spot on the southside. Daily specials are killer, and they NEVER miss. If you are looking for a good Sunday Funday spot, the sangria is half-price all day on Sundays, and it’s phenomenal.
MY FAVORITE DISH
The $1 Angry Goldfish to start and the goldfish tenderloin with tots OR if you are feeling *extra* upgrade to a small poutine.
WHEN TO GO
Any day that ends in Y
Aposto
Sherman Hill
TYPE OF FOOD
Italian
ATMOSPHERE
Fine dining
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
I’m here a lot; this is my favorite restaurant in Des Moines. My husband and I have become close with the manager and the servers. It feels so nice when you walk in and they don’t miss a beat to ask how you’ve been. The service is always 10/10, and the food is 11/10. Don’t walk—run to Aposto.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Currently the Snow Crab Gnocchi—they change their menu seasonally. No matter the season, their gnocchi is the best dish. (The manager named her cat Gnocchi after the dish because it is THAT good.)
WHEN TO GO
Date night, celebration
Bike Accessible
Barntown Brewing
West Des Moines (Edge of Waukee)
TYPE OF FOOD
Elevated bar food
ATMOSPHERE
Casual
SERVICE
4.6/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Good beer and good food—what more can a girl ask for? Barntown has curated such a fun menu with so many great, unique beers. Everything on the menu is delicious. We love to go here for Sunday night dinner on our bikes.
MY FAVORITE DISH
French onion melt (with a neon hazy IPA).
WHEN TO GO
Today
TYPE OF FOOD
American
ATMOSPHERE
Fun and casual brewery environment
SERVICE
3.5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
In my opinion, the best patio in Des Moines! Big Grove is SO much fun and such a great place to drink some good beer with some good friends—and the food slaps. See you there!
MY FAVORITE DISH
The cauliflower wings are FIRE. Get those to start, and the tuna poke bowl for an entree.
WHEN TO GO
Perfect spot to go with a large group, or when you just want some good beer paired with some good food.
Bike Accessible
Bix & Co.
Valley Junction
TYPE OF FOOD
American-ish
ATMOSPHERE
Total sports bar
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Our go-to local sports bar. Do not go here if you do not want to watch sports. Pizza is great and service is awesome.
MY FAVORITE DISH
The Luau Pizza—because pineapple does IN FACT belong on pizza.
WHEN TO GO
When “the game” is on
Centro
Close to Sculpture Park
TYPE OF FOOD
Italian
ATMOSPHERE
Sit-down with authentic Italian energy
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
A Des Moines classic. Amazing Italian brunch, lunch, and dinner.
MY FAVORITE DISH
The fried portobello mushroom appetizer and the margherita pizza. Don’t forget the ranch—Centro’s ranch game is top notch.
WHEN TO GO
Family dinner, date night, brunch, or half-price pizza Mondays.
Bike Accessible
The Chicken Coop
West Des Moines
TYPE OF FOOD
Wings / Bar food
ATMOSPHERE
Dark bar—but there is a patio!
SERVICE
4.3/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Hands down, best wings in town. You’ll have to see for yourself to find out.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Pepper Teriyaki wings
WHEN TO GO
Any time sports are being played.
Christopher's
Beaverdale
TYPE OF FOOD
Italian-American
ATMOSPHERE
Cozy Casual
SERVICE
4.6/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Christopher’s has been serving the Des Moines area for over 50 years. It is a classic Italian-American cuisine right in the heart of Beaverdale, and it’s the perfect place for a special evening out with your loved ones.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Chicken Parmigiana with half red sauce and half white sauce. CHEF’S KISS.
WHEN TO GO
Special occasions, date night, or when you just want some good home-cooked Italian.
Clyde's
East Village
TYPE OF FOOD
Elevated diner classics
ATMOSPHERE
Fancy diner
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Don’t walk, RUN to Clyde’s. The chef, Chris Hoffmann, is absolutely incredible. He serves up unique dishes that will keep you coming back to try more.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Grain bowl for lunch, CFD Burger for dinner.
WHEN TO GO
Wednesdays—oysters & half-priced bottles of wine!
Bike Accessible
Cooper's on 5th
Valley Junction
TYPE OF FOOD
American
ATMOSPHERE
Fine dining
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Hidden in the heart of Valley Junction, Cooper's is such a fun little dive that’s been around since 2011. The restaurant only seats around 35 people, so I would recommend calling ahead of time to make a reservation.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Meatloaf Meltdown (Cooper’s way).
WHEN TO GO
PERFECT date night—note they are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Cosi Cucina
Clive
TYPE OF FOOD
Italian
ATMOSPHERE
Cozy
SERVICE
4.7/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
An Italian scratch kitchen location in the heart of Des Moines off of 22nd. Cosi Cucina has such amazing food. You really cannot go wrong with any dish!
MY FAVORITE DISH
Ziti Cucina
WHEN TO GO
Special occasions, date night
Django
Downtown near Sculpture Park
TYPE OF FOOD
French
ATMOSPHERE
Upscale
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Dinner at Django? Oui oui! Django is such a funny spot in the heart of the sculpture park downtown. This is my favorite place to go for happy hour downtown.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Start with fresh oysters and duck frites. Then come back and order everything else on the menu.
WHEN TO GO
Special occasions, Tuesdays (all-night happy hour).
Eatery A
Ingersoll
TYPE OF FOOD
Mediterranean/Italian Fusion
ATMOSPHERE
Trendy
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
$$$ (Happy Hour)
ABOUT
Whether you’re at a table in one of their various rooms, at the bar with a front seat view of the wood-fired pizza oven, or on the patio enjoying the nice day—there is no bad seat at Eatery A. Trendy vibes, great food.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Papas bravas and #14 pizza.
WHEN TO GO
Happy hour from 2-6pm EVERY DAY for half-priced pizza and wine.
Bike Accessible
Either/Or
Valley Junction
TYPE OF FOOD
American
ATMOSPHERE
Trendy
SERVICE
4.3/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
What can I say, Either/Or is the place to be. Whether you are on bikes grabbing a beer or with your family looking for a bite to eat, this spot offers a great selection of burgers/beers/fries AND plenty of vegetarian options! Super kid-friendly.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Don’t sleep on the fried bologna—it is SO GOOD.
WHEN TO GO
Night out with friends, date night, playdate with your kids and friends.
Bike Accessible
Fiesta
West Des Moines (+ Other Locations)
TYPE OF FOOD
Mexican
ATMOSPHERE
Fun and casual
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Best Mexican in DSM. Best service and staff BY FAR. Everyone is so outgoing and fun. They make you feel like family. My husband and I bring all of our out-of-town friends to Fiesta. The chorizo queso is...a must-have. Tell Vicente that Abby sent you.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Choripollo or enchiladas mexicanas. The birria ramen is also slammin’.
WHEN TO GO
When you need a little fiesta in your life.
Fresko
Downtown
TYPE OF FOOD
Fresh food made from locally sourced ingredients
ATMOSPHERE
Upscale trendy
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Fresko means fresh - and they ain’t lyin’! Their food is always fresh and tasty. This has been a staple restaurant in my date night line-up for years.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Beet and goat cheese salad and the short rib tacos.
WHEN TO GO
Taco Tuesday—such a good deal on tacos and margs.
Gateway Market
Sherman Hill
TYPE OF FOOD
Made-to-order quick lunch/dinner options
ATMOSPHERE
Casual
SERVICE
3.7/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Hot food at the best local supermarket. The food at Gateway is SO good. All of their salads are delicious, sandwiches are tasty...everything is good. And do NOT sleep on the pad thai. Sandwiches, salads, and pad thai? Sounds weird, but it works.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Chicken tortilla soup
WHEN TO GO
Weekday lunch
Bike Accessible
G Migs
Valley Junction
TYPE OF FOOD
Wraps (and just dang good food)
ATMOSPHERE
Iowa nice
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Where do I start...G Migs is our go-to spot. We stop here every Tuesday in the summer on our way to play sand volleyball. The entire staff has fully embraced our presence and treats us like family. George (the owner and previous chef at Wakonda club) is always behind the grill making sure all of his customers have culinary perfection. Cannot recommend this place enough.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Walking taco wrap with pasta salad
WHEN TO GO
Brunch on the weekends, lunch any day, Wednesday nights (pasta night!), happy hour, DINNER!
Bike Accessible
Guesthouse
Right on the edge of Waukee and WDM
TYPE OF FOOD
American and seafood
ATMOSPHERE
Northern Minnesota vibes
SERVICE
4.5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
A new excellent spot in Waukee. The atmosphere reminds me of up north Minnesota with an Iowa farm accent. Go for the fish or oysters, they are so fresh.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Crab stuffed shrimp with a Guesthopper for dessert.
WHEN TO GO
When you are craving oysters or being at the lake.
Harbinger
Ingersoll
TYPE OF FOOD
Curated menu with locally sourced ingredients
ATMOSPHERE
Trendy fancy
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Phenomenal service. Food is incredible. A true flavor blast in every bite. You can taste the freshness of all the vegetables and the unique flavors throughout each dish. We tried around 7 different dishes and each one was so different and SO GOOD. Highly recommend dining here!
MY FAVORITE DISH
This is SO HARD because everything is delicious and the menu is always changing, so I will just say this—you cannot go wrong with the steamed buns!
WHEN TO GO
Date night, or when you are looking for some really good food.
Hessen Haus
Downtown
TYPE OF FOOD
Classic German fare with some American Midwest favorites
ATMOSPHERE
German beer hall vibes—you’ll feel like you’re in Munich
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Feels like you just walked into a bar in Germany.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Start with a GIANT pretzel to share, then order the Black Forest schnitzel—not to share. Order a boot of authentic German beer, but make sure you follow the rules!
WHEN TO GO
When the train goes by
Bike Accessible
Lachele's
Ingersoll
TYPE OF FOOD
Burgers and stuff
ATMOSPHERE
Fun diner vibe
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Lachele’s is known for the best burger in Des Moines, and I would have to agree! The patties are smashed to perfection with such unique combinations of flavor.
MY FAVORITE DISH
The Yoshi. Texas toast—need I say more?
WHEN TO GO
When you NEED a good burger.
Bike Accessible
Dog Friendly
Lua
Sherman Hill
TYPE OF FOOD
Cannot describe a specific cuisine...just so good
ATMOSPHERE
Casual, funky, fun
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Went for the beer and stayed for the food. And the beer. Best beer in Des Moines. Every single dish is so unique and perfectly curated to spark all of your taste buds.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Lua smush burger
WHEN TO GO
Any day, any time
Lucca
East Village
TYPE OF FOOD
Traditional Italian with North African influence
ATMOSPHERE
Fancy
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
This was on my list of places to go in DSM forever, and I am so glad we finally made it because IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! 3 courses are served with a multitude of options to pick from, including some excellent pasta, scallops, and steak.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Cracked pepper pasta
WHEN TO GO
Date night
Bike Accessible
Lucky Lotus
Ingersoll
TYPE OF FOOD
Southeast Asian
ATMOSPHERE
Super cute and trendy
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
This food is FIRE. Lucky Lotus never misses. Not only is it phenomenal food, but the atmosphere and staff are also excellent.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Soy sauce street noodles
WHEN TO GO
Any day except SUNDAY cause they are closed
Mulberry Street Tavern
Downtown in Surety Hotel
TYPE OF FOOD
American-esque
ATMOSPHERE
Fancy fun vibes
SERVICE
4.2/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
It’s the bedazzled raccoon behind the host stand that keeps me coming back. But seriously, the food here is so good. This is the perfect date night spot before a show downtown. The atmosphere is so fun, and they have a large variety of unique dishes!
MY FAVORITE DISH
Bacon-wrapped dates
WHEN TO GO
Super fun brunch stop, and the perfect place for date night!
Olympic Flame
East Village
TYPE OF FOOD
Greek
ATMOSPHERE
Casual
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
OPA! This Greek restaurant in the East Village has the nicest staff and phenomenal food. They serve up all of the classic Greek favorites. If you are looking for good authentic Greek food—this is the place.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Saganaki to start with a cup of lemon rice soup and a lamb gyro. MY MOUTH IS WATERING.
WHEN TO GO
Perfect for a date night or a great lunch.
Bike Accessible
Dog Friendly
The Pelican Post
West Des Moines
TYPE OF FOOD
American
ATMOSPHERE
Fun patio vibes
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Right on the bike trail, The Pelican opened its doors a little over a year ago. This is our go-to spot on the bike trail. They have a wide variety of beer and co*cktails and extremely good food. I am so happy we finally got a restaurant in this spot that is making it!
MY FAVORITE DISH
The gallon of nachos—it is SO FUN. They bring them out and plop them on the tray in front of you.
WHEN TO GO
When you are biking or going to happy hour.
Pho 888
Downtown
TYPE OF FOOD
Vietnamese
ATMOSPHERE
Authentic Asian restaurant
SERVICE
3/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Best and most authentic pho in DSM. Always busy and always amazing.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Pho Tai and tofu spring rolls
WHEN TO GO
When you want the best pho in Des Moines.
RoCA
Downtown
TYPE OF FOOD
American
ATMOSPHERE
Fun and trendy
SERVICE
4.5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Did you know RoCA stands for Restaurant on Court Ave? Well, it is THEEE restaurant on Court Ave! RoCA dishes up phenomenal shared plates and unique craft co*cktails. They smoke their old-fashioned right in front of you at the table. It’s just all around fun!
MY FAVORITE DISH
Deconstructed nachos
WHEN TO GO
Perfect happy hour spot and our favorite go-to before a show at the Civic Center.
Sakura
Grand and Railroad
TYPE OF FOOD
Sushi
ATMOSPHERE
Cozy dive
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
The best sushi spot in Des Moines. The Sakura staff treats us like family. And it just makes it even better that the sushi is SO GOOD. You can tell it is made fresh to order. Never misses.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Go to Sakura and order these three rolls: Sakura, Oishi, and Spicy Girl.
WHEN TO GO
Tuesdays —all you can eat, Wednesdays—half-priced specialty rolls
Simon's
Urbandale
TYPE OF FOOD
Italian & steaks
ATMOSPHERE
Cozy
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
A true neighborhood gem. Simon (the owner) is the BEST. He takes such good care of his customers and whips up some of the best Italian in Des Moines. They serve complimentary homemade red velvet cake with EVERY MEAL. SO. GOOD.
MY FAVORITE DISH
The steak DeBurgo is always a great choice. Order the lamb chops if you want the best in the city!
WHEN TO GO
Early! They don’t take reservations for parties under 6 people.
Bike Accessible
Dog Friendly
Sully's
Grand/Valley Junction
TYPE OF FOOD
Pub-fare
ATMOSPHERE
Fun and approachable
SERVICE
4/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Our favorite Irish pub! We love to go here on our bikes and get some good wings on the patio with a side of cheese curds.
MY FAVORITE DISH
CHEESE CURDS. Best in the metro. Order with a pint of Guinness.
WHEN TO GO
Year-round. Dine in the cozy bar or get a spot on the patio.
Thai Flavors
Ingersoll
TYPE OF FOOD
Authentic Thai and Asian cuisine
ATMOSPHERE
Nice sit-down or carry out
SERVICE
4.6/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Two Words. Pad Thai.
MY FAVORITE DISH
Pad Thai with a side of Tom Yum Soup
WHEN TO GO
After a night out with friends when you really want something delicious.
Tumea and Sons
South Side
TYPE OF FOOD
Italian
ATMOSPHERE
Cozy casual
SERVICE
5/5
PRICE
$$$
ABOUT
Here is what I have to say about Tumea and Sons...my dad’s best friend grew up in Des Moines on the East side. He is Italian. This is his favorite Italian restaurant in Des Moines. Need I say more?
MY FAVORITE DISH
Pasta diablo
WHEN TO GO
When you’re craving Italian food.
Well, that’s a wrap, folks! I hope you enjoy your time eating at my favorite spots.
