Where to Eat: The Best Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa

Pueblo Viejo

Mexican restaurant

3841 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50313

Delight in authentic Mexican flavors with speedy service, featuring crispy chalupas and delectable Spanish rice!

SingleSpeed Brewing Co - DSM TapRoom

Restaurant

303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

A bustling brewpub with an array of locally brewed beers, offering delicious bites like brisket mac & cheese!

Home Touch Kitchen LLC

African restaurant

suite D, 1552 E Grand Ave Suite D, Des Moines, IA 50316

Experience the warmth of African home cooking with flavorful Okra soup and fufu in a cozy atmosphere.

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Blaze Pizza

Pizza restaurant

300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309

This lively pizzeria serves up personalized, crispy thin-crust pizzas with fresh toppings, perfect for any craving!

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La Peña Mexican Restaurant

Mexican restaurant

2010 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315

This hidden gem specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine, featuring tender tacos, juicy steak, and incredible homemade tortillas.

Johnny's Italian Steakhouse

Steak house

6800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321

Savor exquisite steaks and Italian specialties in an elegant setting, highlighted by the luxurious Channel No. 5 Pasta.

La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill

Mexican restaurant

1435 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315

Lively and budget-friendly, this Mexican eatery delights with savory Chili Verde and flavorful tacos, alongside attentive service!

Iowa Beef Steak House

Steak house

1201 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316

Step into a nostalgic escape featuring generously-sized steaks, a bountiful salad bar, and friendly service.

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

Restaurant

555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

This spacious brewpub features a fantastic selection of craft beers alongside locally sourced dishes, inviting patio seating, and fire pits.

Chavelo’s Tacos

Taco restaurant

3725 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317

Savor authentic Mexican flavors at this budget-friendly taco haven, renowned for its fiery hot sauce!

El Salvador Del Mundo

Salvadoran restaurant

2901 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

Experience the essence of El Salvador with authentic pupusas, tamales, and fresh tortillas served in a cozy setting.

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Blu Thai Food and Sushi

Thai restaurant

309 13th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

This trendy downtown gem delights with traditional Thai favorites and innovative sushi rolls, offering impeccable service and stunning presentations.

Mulberry Street Tavern

Restaurant

206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Experience culinary delight in a historic building, featuring standout dishes like the mouthwatering burger and seasonal pot pie.

Spices of Nepal

Nepalese restaurant

4804 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

Discover a serene haven featuring authentic Nepalese and Bangladeshi cuisine, where chicken momos and garlic naan shine. Enjoy amazing flavors!

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Table 128

Restaurant

220 SW 9th St #120, Des Moines, IA 50309

This serene dining spot presents an exceptional menu featuring swordfish, seafood platters, and delectable desserts, alongside impeccable service.

Jethro's BBQ Southside

Barbecue restaurant

4337 Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321

This lively sports bar offers generous family platters and the famous Jethro sandwich, perfect for any occasion!

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La Baja Mexican Cuisine

Mexican restaurant

1938 SE 6th St suit 101, Des Moines, IA 50315

Discover vibrant flavors at this cozy gem, featuring outstanding enchiladas rojas and mouthwatering gorditas for everyone!

Pho Real Kitchen and Bar

Pho restaurant

200 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

This cozy spot specializes in vibrant pho, crispy crab rangoons, and refreshing boba tea, perfect for a quick bite.

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Hy-Vee Market Grille

Bar & grill

420 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

A delightful bar & grill nestled in a grocery store, serving hearty burgers, all-you-can-eat crab legs, and bottomless mimosas!

Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

Chinese restaurant

2231 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317

This cherished local gem offers piping hot classic Chinese fast food, including beloved dumplings and massive hot and sour soup!

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QDOBA Mexican Eats

Mexican restaurant

2105 Ingersoll Ave Suite 104, Des Moines, IA 50312

This fast-casual gem offers customizable burritos and bowls with generous portions, complemented by friendly service and outdoor seating.

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Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company

Brewery

309 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

This polished brewpub impresses with exceptional beers, delectable steak salads, burgers, and crowd-favorite wings! Enjoy a lively atmosphere.

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F&O's / Felix and Oscars

Pizza restaurant

4050 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310

This laid-back sports bar delights with Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas, plus creamy parmesan and savory onion rings.

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Fernando’s Mexican Grill

Mexican restaurant

700 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Discover a lively spot where speedy service meets flavorful Mexican classics, like hearty burritos, in a casual setting.

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Maria's Mexican Food

Mexican restaurant

5405 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

Vibrant drive-thru eatery serving hot, fresh Mexican classics like steak burritos, taquitos, and chicken enchiladas. Enjoy exceptional value!

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El Rincón Catracho 2

Honduran restaurant

910 Hull Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316

Tucked away gem offering delectable Honduran dishes like Pollo Frito and flavorful tacos, paired with friendly service.

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La Cuscatleca East

Salvadoran restaurant

1240 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50316

A hidden gem serving authentic Salvadoran pupusas and hearty entrees, all in a homely atmosphere!

Malo

Latin American restaurant

900 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Nestled in a renovated Art Deco firehouse, this vibrant eatery offers generous Pan-Latin dishes and fun cocktails! Don't miss the blackened chicken Cobb salad or the delightful churro sundae.

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Chuck's Restaurant

Italian restaurant

3610 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

This inviting Italian gem features delectable pizza, renowned mozzarella sticks, and satisfying chicken Parmesan, perfect for family celebrations!

Nut Pob Restaurant

Southeast Asian restaurant

3322 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315

Discover a hidden gem featuring delightful Thai and Laotian dishes, renowned for papaya salad, Angry Catfish, and fresh seafood!

Scornovacca's Ristorante

Italian restaurant

1930 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320

A beloved Italian gem featuring a vast pasta and pizza selection, along with a delightful outdoor bocce patio.

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TNT Vietnamese Restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant

3452 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50310

This affordable Vietnamese eatery delights with generous portions of pho, crispy chicken wings, and refreshing papaya salad.

Paul Revere's Pizza

Pizza restaurant

3201 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315

Experience a slice of nostalgia at this beloved pizzeria, offering fresh pies and irresistible garlic breadsticks!

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Italian restaurant

6157 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320

This cozy Italian eatery offers customizable pasta dishes, delightful salads, and scrumptious chocolate lasagna, fostering memorable family experiences.

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LJ's Burgers & Ice Cream

Diner

3702 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

This beloved local diner serves mouthwatering cheeseburgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and delectable cheese curds alongside nostalgic malts and ice cream delights.

Pho 888

Vietnamese restaurant

1521 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314

Authentic Vietnamese eatery serving generous bowls of flavorful pho and homemade sauces, with a straightforward atmosphere. Enjoy the culinary journey!