$
American
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google
Discovered via Google Places API
1520 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
Best Restaurants in Des Moines
Start with the 20 best-rated on Google, or search every listing by cuisine, price or dietary need and see what opened this month.
The 20 best-rated restaurants in Des Moines
How this list is made: Ranked by Google star rating, highest first and ties in alphabetical order, among open restaurants inside the Des Moines metro, counting each Google listing once and leaving out bakeries, coffee shops and dessert shops. The ratings are Google's, copied into our listings. We don't store how many reviews sit behind each one, so a place with a handful of reviews can rank beside one with thousands.
- Birdies Tavern & GrillAmerican · Ankeny · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- El Gran Amigo Mexican FoodMexican · Adel · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- Gabriela's Salsa-PicanteAmerican · Des Moines · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- Judges DSMNew American · Downtown Des Moines · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- Kikka SushiJapanese · West Des Moines · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- Pally's Pub & PizzaBar & Grill · Grimes · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- Saffron Indian CuisineSouth Indian · Johnston · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- Taqueria tacos la palmaMexican · Adel · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- The Club GrilleAmerican · Pleasant Hill · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- Triple B'sAmerican/Bakery/Steakhouse · Johnston · $$ · 5.0 on Google
- Café MadeleineFrench · Downtown Des Moines · $$$ · 4.9 on Google
- Cowboy Mexican Bar & GrillMexican · Des Moines · $ · 4.9 on Google
- Fenders BrewingBar & Grill · Polk City · $$ · 4.9 on Google
- Great White Buffalo Public HouseBar & Grill · Adel · $$ · 4.9 on Google
- Oak ParkModern American · Des Moines · $$$$ · 4.9 on Google
- The Cheese ShopBar & Grill · Des Moines · $$ · 4.9 on Google
- West Hill Brewing CompanyBar & Grill · Indianola · $$ · 4.9 on Google
- Amigos Mexican Grill AnkenyMexican · Ankeny · $ · 4.8 on Google
- Barrio Burrito BarMexican · West Des Moines · $$ · 4.8 on Google
- Cajun BelleAmerican · Johnston · $ · 4.8 on Google
Quick picks
Showing 1-30 of 449 restaurants
All Restaurants
$
Mexican
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google
Counter-serve Mexican joint serving burritos with custom toppings, plus quesadillas & nachos.
5340 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
$$West Des Moines
Bar & Grill
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google
Buzzy brewpub with a farm motif offering artisanal ales & comfort food, plus an outdoor patio & TVs.
9500 University Ave Suite 1110, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
$$Clive
American
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google
12851 University Ave #400, Clive, IA 50325, USA
$$$$Des Moines
American
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
$Urbandale
Mediterranean
Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google
3916 NW Urbandale Dr, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA
$$$Des Moines
Steakhouse
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Google
Steaks, Italian dishes & cocktails served in upscale, supper club-like environs with a sleek bar.
6800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA
Openings watch
Every new and upcoming restaurant- Opening 2027Kura Revolving Sushi BarJapanese (Sushi)
- Opening April 2027Yard HouseBar
- AnnouncedSan Miguel EateryModern Mexican, Des Moines
Ad
$Waukee
Mexican
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Google
9500 SE University Ave Suite 2108, Waukee, IA 50263, USA
$Des Moines
Bar & Grill
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google
Cocktails, craft beer & global plates in a 6th-floor hotel lounge with city views & stylish decor.
401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
$Des Moines
Vietnamese
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google
Vietnamese café with TV screen serving noodle soup, banh mi bread, bubble tea & other Asian dishes.
801 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
$
American
Rated 4.3 out of 5 on Google
1430 Two Rivers Blvd, Le Mars, IA 51031, USA
$Des Moines
Bar & Grill
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google
Festive German beer hall featuring over 175 types of German & Euro brews plus global comfort eats.
101 SW 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
$$West Des Moines
American
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google
9500 University Ave Suite 1118, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
$$West Des Moines
Greek
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google
2800 University Ave Suite 450, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
$$
American (Breakfast/Lunch)
Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google
3901 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
$$Des Moines
Bar & Grill
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google
Innovative American grub & craft beer in a quirky, modern space with wood boarding & chandeliers.
2301 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
$Waukee
Chinese
Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Google
Neighborhood mainstay for typical Chinese meals in an informal strip-mall locale.
160 SE Laurel St, Waukee, IA 50263, USA
$$West Des Moines
Italian
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google
Chain outpost serving a large menu of Italian fare plus specialty cocktails in a laid-back setting.
5990 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
$
American
Rated 3.9 out of 5 on Google
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
5045 Bentley Dr Suite 170, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
$Ankeny
Cafe
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google
American staples from breakfast fare to burgers doled out in old-school digs with a checkered floor.
310 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA
$$Des Moines
Cocktail Bar & Food
Rated 1.0 out of 5 on Google
3610 5th Ave, Des Moines, IA IA 50313, USA
$$Des Moines
Bakery
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google
Established in 1946, this veteran bake shop provides traditional cakes, cookies, donuts & pastries.
3615 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
$$Des Moines
Bakery
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google
Sweets & breads are served along with cafe fare such as sandwiches & soups at this quaint spot.
841 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
$$Des Moines
Bakery
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google
Sweets & breads are served along with cafe fare such as sandwiches & soups at this quaint spot.
841 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
Ad
Des Moines restaurant guide
We list 440+ restaurants across 69 cuisines in the Des Moines metro, from downtown and the East Village to West Des Moines, Ankeny and Altoona. Each listing links to its own page with hours, a menu where we have one, and how to book.
Dining tips
Friday and Saturday between 6 and 8 PM is the busy stretch, so book ahead for the better-known places and for groups of six or more; most casual spots take walk-ins. Sunday brunch fills up from about 9 to 11 AM in the East Village and along Ingersoll. Happy hours are common downtown, but times and offers vary by venue, so check with the restaurant. For vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options, start with the dietary guide and call ahead about shared prep surfaces.
By the numbers
- 440+ restaurants listed in the metro
- 69 cuisines, each with its own filter
- New and announced openings on one dated list
- What's serving right now, by listed hours, on the open-now page
Found 449 restaurants
Des Moines Restaurants - Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dining, restaurants, and the food scene in Des Moines, Iowa.
What are the best restaurants in Des Moines?
We list 440+ restaurants in the metro. The list at the top of this page ranks open restaurants in the metro by their Google star rating, and says how. Well-known names include Harbinger for Asian-inspired small plates, Alba for modern American, Centro for Italian and Bubba for Southern cooking. The East Village and Ingersoll Avenue hold many of the independents. Use the filters on this page to narrow by cuisine, price and rating.
What restaurants are open right now in Des Moines?
Our open-now page checks each restaurant's listed hours against the current time in Des Moines and shows the ones serving now. Hours can change on holidays, so call ahead if you're cutting it close.
What cuisines are available in Des Moines?
69 cuisine types, including American, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, Mediterranean, BBQ and seafood. Each cuisine has a filter on this page.
Where can I find new restaurant openings in Des Moines?
Our new restaurants page lists places that recently opened, places with an announced opening date, and places that have been announced without one, newest first.
What are the best cheap eats in Des Moines?
Filter by '$', the lowest of the four price levels a listing can carry. Listings give a level, not a dollar amount, so check the menu for prices. Taco shops on the east side, food trucks downtown at lunch and weekday lunch specials are good places to start. Many downtown restaurants and bars run happy hours, though times and offers vary by venue, so check with the restaurant directly.
Are there vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Des Moines?
Yes. Many restaurants mark vegetarian and vegan dishes, and Asian, Mediterranean and farm-to-table places tend to have the most plant-based options. Our dietary page lists restaurants that mention vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free options; call ahead to confirm.
What neighborhoods have the best restaurant scenes in Des Moines?
The East Village and downtown have the densest mix of independent restaurants and bars. Ingersoll Avenue is known for brunch and neighborhood favorites, Court Avenue for late nights, and Valley Junction in West Des Moines for smaller independent concepts. The suburbs, Ankeny especially, are where many new openings land.
Do Des Moines restaurants require reservations?
It varies. Fine dining places such as Harbinger and Alba usually want a reservation on weekends. Mid-range restaurants take reservations but often seat walk-ins, and casual spots are first come, first served. Call ahead for groups of six or more. Each restaurant's page lists how to book.