Skip to main content
    Des Moines Insider
    All restaurants
    Japanese cuisine

    Masao

    4.8Google rating
    Address
    512 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
    Price
    $$ price level on Google
    Menu
    Menu

    More nearby: East Village restaurants and things to do, Restaurants in East Village

    Listing last updated October 11, 2026

    Hours

    We don't have hours for this place yet. Call ahead before you go.

    Tonight nearby

    Events starting later today within 1.5 miles, straight-line distance.

    Everything on today

    Location & Contact

    512 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Des Moines, Iowa

    Get Directions
    Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
    (515) 207-1570

    Restaurant Details

    CuisineJapanese
    Price level
    $$

    on Google

    Google rating4.8 of 5

    Our take

    AI-assisted

    Written May 10, 2026

    Masao | Japanese Restaurant in Des Moines, IA

    Tucked along East Grand Avenue in the heart of Des Moines, Masao is quickly earning its reputation as one of the city's most exciting Japanese dining destinations. Located at 512 E Grand Ave, this intimate restaurant brings an elevated Japanese culinary experience to Des Moines that feels both refined and genuinely welcoming. Whether you're planning a special night out or simply craving expertly crafted Japanese cuisine, Masao delivers the kind of thoughtful, detail-oriented dining that keeps locals coming back.

    Since opening its doors, Masao has built a devoted following among Des Moines food lovers who appreciate authentic Japanese flavors executed with care and creativity. The dinner-focused hours — open evenings from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM — set the tone for an unhurried, immersive dining experience that pairs beautifully with the restaurant's warm, intimate atmosphere. It's the kind of place where every visit feels like a special occasion, whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself to something exceptional.

    Situated in a convenient and accessible part of Des Moines with easy access from downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, Masao is a natural choice for date nights, group dinners, and corporate outings alike. The restaurant also offers gift cards, making it a perfect option for gifting a memorable Des Moines dining experience. Reservations are available and strongly encouraged, reflecting just how in-demand this gem has become in the local restaurant scene.

    For anyone exploring the best Japanese restaurants in Des Moines, Masao stands out as a must-visit — a neighborhood treasure that has already made a lasting mark on Iowa's culinary landscape in just its first year. Call 515-207-1570 or reserve your table online today.

    AI-assisted

    Masao is an American restaurant located at 512 E Grand Ave in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Offering moderately priced American cuisine, Masao serves the Des Moines community with quality dining in the heart of the city's vibrant East Village neighborhood.

    Key facts

    • American cuisine restaurant in downtown Des Moines, Iowa
    • Located at 512 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
    • Moderate price range ($$) suitable for casual and special dining
    • Currently open and serving customers in the East Village district

    Own this business? Claim Masao to keep its details right.

    Sign in to claim

    User Ratings

    No ratings yet

    Be the first to rate!

    Sign in to rate and review this restaurant.

    Sign in to review

    Frequently Asked Questions About Masao

    Answered from the details on this page for Masao in Des Moines, Iowa.

    • What type of food does Masao serve?

      Masao is listed as a Japanese restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa.

    • How much does it cost to eat at Masao?

      Google lists Masao at $$ on its one-to-four-dollar-sign scale.

    • Where is Masao located?

      Masao is at 512 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA. The map on this page shows the spot.

    • What is the phone number for Masao?

      (515) 207-1570.

    • Does Masao have an online menu?

      Yes. The Menu section on this page has the menu we captured from their site, with the date we captured it. Their own menu is at https://drive.google.com/uc?export_download&id=1trXd704w-RUihV9FT-MINRtBAr1J--GP.

    • What is the rating for Masao?

      Google rating 4.8 of 5.

    AI-assisted answers

    AI-assisted
    What type of cuisine does Masao serve?
    Masao serves American cuisine, offering a variety of classic and contemporary American dishes in downtown Des Moines.
    Where is Masao located in Des Moines?
    Masao is located at 512 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, in the heart of downtown Des Moines' East Village neighborhood.
    What is the price range at Masao?
    Masao is moderately priced ($$), making it an affordable option for both casual dining and special occasions in Des Moines.

    Also within 2 miles

    Japanese places first, then the rest, closest first. Straight-line distance.

    All restaurants

    $$

    Japanese

    Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Google

    Modern, clubby restaurant featuring sushi & Japanese tapas, plus fancy mixed drinks.

    316 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    $$Des Moines

    Japanese

    Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Google

    Modern, clubby restaurant featuring sushi & Japanese tapas, plus fancy mixed drinks.

    316 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    $

    Bar & Grill

    Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Google

    Neighborhood watering hole & eatery serving traditional American eats in a low-key setup.

    506 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    $$$Des Moines

    American

    Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google

    Colorful, upscale American restaurant & wine bar with reclaimed doors hanging from the ceiling.

    524 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Where this comes from

    • Rating: Google rating
    • Menu captured October 11, 2026 from their site