25 Essential Des Moines Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Des Moines.
Sakari Sushi Lounge
Iowa
Sleek, modern eatery with full sushi & liquor bars plus a menu of grilled Japanese fare.
Akebono 515
Iowa
Sleek, contemporary restaurant & bar offering sushi, cooked Japanese dishes & cocktails.
Basil Prosperi
Iowa
Lunchtime destination for Italian pastas, sandwiches & salads in a contemporary cafe setting.
801 Chophouse
Des Moines, Iowa
Prime cuts of beef, seafood & a large wine selection offered in an elegant, clubby setting.
Manhattan Deli
Des Moines, Iowa
Unfussy sandwich shop dispensing deli classics, including homemade soups & desserts.
Cheese Bar
Des Moines, Iowa
An easygoing bar known for mac & cheese, charcuterie & cheese plates, & a full wine & beer menu.
Smokey D's BBQ
Des Moines, Iowa
Casual, family-owned hub serving up BBQ & sandwiches, American comfort food & traditional sides.
The Breakfast Club
Des Moines, Iowa
Brunch establishment with funky decor offering poached eggs, waffles & burgers, plus cocktails.
Iowa Beef Steak House
Des Moines, Iowa
Massive steaks, including a grill-your-own option, plus sides & a salad bar at a rustic throwback.
Baratta's Restaurant and Catering
Des Moines, Iowa
Community staple dishing up Italian standards & American fare in 4 casual dining rooms.
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery
Des Moines, Iowa
Innovative American grub & craft beer in a quirky, modern space with wood boarding & chandeliers.
Oak Park
Des Moines, Iowa
Service options: Dine-in. Highlights: Great cocktails, Great dessert, Great wine list. Popular for: Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Fazoli's
Des Moines, Iowa
Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.
Skip's
Des Moines, Iowa
Veteran restaurant serving American cuisine & pasta dishes in a classy space with a full bar.
Cowboy Mexican Bar & Grill
Des Moines, Iowa
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Drive-through, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
Olympic Flame Restaurant
Des Moines, Iowa
Casual, long-running Greek food standby with weekly live belly dancers & a menu of traditional eats.
Tasty Tacos
Des Moines, Iowa
Local counter-serve chain dishing up homestyle Mexican fare in a low-key setting.
Fong's Pizza
Des Moines, Iowa
Funky mash-up of an old-school Polynesian cocktail lounge & a red-sauce Italian joint.
Rancho Escondido Mexican Grill
Des Moines, Iowa
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Taco Casa
Des Moines, Iowa
Simple counter-serve venue for Mexican standards served with specialty housemade sauces.
Smitty's Tenderloin Shop
Des Moines, Iowa
Humble American throwback with counter stools known for breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches.
Lucca
Des Moines, Iowa
Chic outpost serving modern & traditional Italian dishes, some with North African influence.
Perkins American Food Co.
Des Moines, Iowa
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
The High Life Lounge
Des Moines, Iowa
Offbeat homage to the Midwestern beer halls of the 1960s dishing up old-school comfort food.
Open Sesame
Des Moines, Iowa
Falafel, baba ghanoush & other Lebanese fare served in a petite, casual space with colorful decor.