Des MoinesRestaurant Guide
Discover 200+ restaurants across Des Moines. Search by cuisine, price, neighborhood, or find what's open right now.
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Le's Chinese Bar-B-Que
Longtime Des Moines institution known for authentic Cantonese-style barbecue, flavorful roast duck, roast pork by the pound, fried rice, lo mein and comforting noodle soups. Signature rotisserie-style duck available whole or half. Original location at 1600 Second Ave.
Marv's Mainstreet Dive
Casual, community-minded restaurant in Norwalk Central district built to serve game-day crowds, travelers and Norwalk residents. Located near SportsPlex and Fieldhouse.
Bonchon
Bonchon means "my hometown" in Korean. True to its original roots, Bonchon is a family-friendly establishment, offering an affordable casual dining experience along with a lively atmosphere. Bonchon's unique Signature Korean Fried Chicken and Asian Fusion dishes keeps Bonchon lovers craving for more. Join us! We are known for our crunchy double-fried chicken, signature sauces, and Korean comfort food.
Jungle Tea
Woman-owned café specializing in tea, dessert drinks and grab-and-go treats. Offers tropical-inspired boba tea, milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, fresh sugar cane drinks, shaved ice cream and croffles (croissant-waffle hybrid) topped with fresh fruit.
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Des Moines Restaurant Guide: Your Complete Local Dining Directory
Des Moines Dining at a Glance
Des Moines, Iowa offers over 200 diverse restaurants spanning 30+ cuisines across downtown, East Village, West Des Moines, and Ankeny. From James Beard-nominated fine dining establishments to beloved neighborhood diners, the capital city's food scene rivals cities twice its size. New restaurant openings happen monthly, making Des Moines one of the Midwest's most exciting dining destinations.
Best Neighborhoods for Dining in Des Moines
East Village & Downtown
The epicenter of Des Moines dining. Farm-to-table restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and critically acclaimed fine dining. Home to Harbinger, Alba, and other nationally recognized establishments. Best area for date nights and special occasions.
Best for: Fine dining, date nights, craft cocktails, farm-to-table
West Des Moines & Jordan Creek
The fastest-growing dining corridor in the metro. Family-friendly restaurants near Jordan Creek Town Center plus diverse ethnic eateries along University Avenue. Particularly strong in Asian and Latin American cuisines.
Best for: Family dining, international cuisine, suburban convenience
Ingersoll & Grand Avenue
Classic Des Moines neighborhood dining. Locally-owned institutions serving the community for decades alongside trendy newcomers. Known for brunch spots, neighborhood bars, and casual American dining.
Best for: Brunch, neighborhood favorites, casual dining
Ankeny & Altoona
Rapidly expanding suburban dining with new openings monthly. Excellent value, family-friendly atmospheres, and convenient access. Growing selection of independent restaurants alongside popular chains.
Best for: Value dining, families, new restaurant openings
Dining Tips for Des Moines
Peak Hours & Reservations
Friday and Saturday evenings (6-8 PM) are busiest. Make reservations for fine dining and popular spots. Most casual restaurants accommodate walk-ins even during peak hours. Sunday brunch is popular from 9-11 AM at East Village and Ingersoll restaurants.
Best Value Dining
Des Moines offers exceptional dining value compared to larger metros. Many top-rated restaurants fall in the $15-30 per person range. Happy hour deals (typically 3-6 PM) at downtown establishments offer half-price appetizers and drink specials.
Dietary Accommodations
The Des Moines dining scene increasingly caters to dietary needs. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most restaurants. Gluten-free menus are common at upscale establishments. Asian and Mediterranean restaurants naturally offer many plant-based options.
Des Moines Food Scene by the Numbers
- 200+ restaurants in the greater Des Moines metro area
- 30+ cuisine types from farm-to-table to authentic international
- Weekly new openings tracked and verified by local experts
- Real-time status showing which restaurants are open right now
- Free, unbiased reviews from the Des Moines community
Des Moines Restaurants - Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dining, restaurants, and the food scene in Des Moines, Iowa.