The 33 Must-Try Restaurants in Des Moines

Housed in a repurposed gas station amidst cornfields, this Texas-style barbecue joint is well worth the 30-minute drive from downtown Des Moines. Instead of asking, 'What are they smoking?' you might wonder, 'What aren't they smoking?' Enjoy a feast with a selection of brisket, double-smoked sausage, pulled pork, turkey, baby back ribs, or daily-smoked pork loin. Don't forget to save room for sides like cornbread, campground beans, mac and cheese, pimento cheese pasta salad, and their decadent Nutter Butter banana pudding for dessert.

This bakery and deli draws inspiration from the iconic bagel shops of New York City, where owners Toney and Sarah Chem first met. Their sandwiches pay homage to the city's boroughs and famous landmarks, paired with espresso drinks, teas, and freshly squeezed juices. If a classic fresh-baked lox deluxe bagel isn't your choice, try the Bronx sandwich, a BLT featuring Sriracha cream cheese and banana peppers.

Bring your hunger to this Ecuadorian Mytoury nestled in a West Des Moines strip mall; each dish is a banquet that promises at least one round of leftovers. From empanadas and llapingachos (potato patties stuffed with cheese and drizzled with peanut sauce) to satisfying carne asada and tender slow-roasted pork, this is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly day.

Visit this Nepalese gem in Windsor Heights once, and you’ll quickly get to know the welcoming owner, Thakur Neupane. The samosa chaat pairs perfectly with onion kulcha or garlic naan. If you prefer milder dishes, the biryanis and curries will delight. For those who crave heat, the chef’s special grill platter is a must-try, featuring a sizzling assortment of tandoori chicken, shrimp, paneer, and chicken and lamb tikkas. As soon as the tempting aroma fills the room, expect a flurry of orders for this dish.

St. Kilda Cafe and Bakery, a modern Australian-American Mytoury, sparked a daytime dining revival in downtown’s southern edge back in 2017. In the summer of 2020, a new location opened in Valley Junction, a West Des Moines area previously known for antiquing, now bustling with cocktail bars and cat cafes. St. Kilda Collective complements this vibrant scene with its falafel-topped twist on the original café's signature avocado toast, luxuriously creamy hummus, colorful grain bowls, and dishes like mustard-marinated pork tenderloin glazed with kombucha, paired with sweet potato polenta and chow-chow.

Having undergone several name and ownership changes since its debut in 1952, this charming neighborhood Italian Mytoury has cultivated a remarkably devoted customer base. Lines start forming, particularly on weekends, well before 5 p.m., when owner Simon Goheen opens the doors. Throughout the evening, you can indulge in dishes like cheese-stuffed chicken served atop spaghetti with both alfredo and marinara sauces, but diners eagerly anticipate complimentary slices of red velvet cake delivered to each table — while supplies last.

Kristen Daily and Andrea Piekarczyk first bonded over a curry-spiced pastry atop a butterscotch custard pie that Piekarczyk had brought to their shared workplace. Their connection deepened through baking, communal meals, and ultimately marriage in 2019. After a pandemic furlough, Daily found herself with extra time, prompting the couple to transform their baking passion into a business at select farmers markets and pop-up events. Enthusiastic fans queue up for slices and whole pies, many adorned with intricate pastry designs, along with galettes and hand pies. You can catch them at the Beaverdale Farmers Market every Tuesday during spring and summer, and stay updated on pop-ups by following Pie Bird Pies on Instagram.

Even die-hard meat lovers will find delights at Lyssa Wade’s traveling vegan Mytoury. Outshining typical food trucks, Wade operates from a repurposed school bus, offering dishes like buffalo chick’n nachos and lentil tacos. She travels between farmers markets, hardware store parking lots, and, during winter, commercial kitchen pop-ups to cater to the metro area’s increasing demand for plant-based options. You can track Veggie Thumper via Street Food Finder and Instagram.

Located about 20 minutes south of downtown in the quaint town of Norwalk, this wood-fired pizza joint is definitely worth the drive. Since opening in late 2018, this family-operated restaurant, run by owner Steve Taylor, his wife Deb, and their daughter, has adhered to classic Neapolitan pizza standards, albeit without official certification. Each pizza is crafted from Italian 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, cooking in under 90 seconds in an 800-degree oven. Don’t miss the signature Pyra pizza, featuring garlic white sauce, Romano cheese, prosciutto, artichokes, kalamata olives, mushrooms, and fresh mozzarella. Alternatively, try the Warrior pie, named after the local high school mascot, topped with tomato sauce, Romano, bacon, Graziano Brothers sausage, pepperoni, red onion, mushrooms, black olives, and fresh mozzarella.

Adjacent to the original Cheese Shop, which serves as the retail side of the Cheese Bar, La Mie Bakery supplies freshly baked bread to both establishments and several local Mytouries. Open for breakfast and lunch, this bakery also specializes in French pastries, laminated doughs, glossy fruit-topped tarts, and vibrant French macarons. Additionally, their satellite location, La Mie Elevate, located in the Skywalk downtown, keeps office workers energized with turkey club sandwiches throughout the afternoon.

Around noon each day, the Hansen family’s deli fills up, just like their hoagies. While some sandwich combinations might seem unusual, trust the talented sandwich makers behind the counter. Don't miss the Blue Bird, featuring blueberry bread packed with cream cheese, deli turkey, green pepper, lettuce, Swiss cheese, mustard, coleslaw, and mayo. From warm Italian subs to classic New York-style sandwiches, as well as kid-friendly burgers, this deli remains a beloved local lunch destination.

Owner and bartender Dave Murrin-von Ebers executed an impressive pivot during the pandemic at this trendy snack and cocktail venue. Previously, patrons filled the bar beneath stained glass windows, but Murrin-von Ebers closed the indoor space for staff cocktail creation and transformed the parking lot into an après-ski-style outdoor bar, complete with a fire pit. Enjoy drinks like the Karate Kick, made with carrot juice, vodka, chile liqueur, and ginger syrup. Stick around for the warm hospitality and tasty bites such as a gochujang barbecue jackfruit sandwich or cold noodles topped with mint pesto, chile crisp, and ground mushrooms.

A classic Des Moines steakhouse, Jesse’s Embers offers Iowa’s take on the beloved Wisconsin supper club. Start your meal with a shrimp cocktail or the local favorite—ultra-thin onion rings. The Ember Special features a 12-ounce aged prime sirloin, but you can also indulge in a half-pound sirloin Ember Burger, a French dip sandwich, or tender baby back ribs. The inviting dining room makes newcomers feel as welcome as regulars; you'll quickly feel like part of the family as you enjoy your first martini or ice cream brandy Alexander.

Searching for a restaurant that accommodates a wide range of dietary preferences and allergies can be daunting — until you discover Dinogoy A. This Mediterranean-inspired Mytoury shines at brunch, dinner, and dessert, offering everything from wood-fired pizzas and chickpea-cauliflower falafel platters to shakshuka made with San Marzano tomatoes and served with sumac-spiced flatbread. Enjoy half-price pizza, draft beer, and wine daily from 3 to 6 p.m.

The younger sibling of the Cheese Shop, the Cheese Bar is a must-visit on your journey along Ingersoll Avenue, a premier dining destination. Owner C. J. Bienert and his skilled team highlight the finest Iowa cheeses and cured meats on their impressive boards, complemented by homemade pâtés, jams, and crackers. Don’t miss their gourmet grilled cheeses paired with zesty roasted tomato bisque for lunch. During happy hour, fondue and raclette are the stars of the show. And for dinner, the cast-iron skillet mac and cheese is not to be missed. Complete your meal with a carefully curated selection of New and Old World wines, beers, and cocktails.

This locally sourced, Asian-inspired Mytoury truly lives up to its name, heralding exciting developments in Iowa's culinary scene. Chef-owner Joe Tripp enhances creativity by closing the restaurant for a month each year, allowing staff to travel, study, and innovate. The result is a menu brimming with inventive, vegetable-centric dishes, such as a local duck egg flavored with dried yuzu peel and sancho pepper, served alongside wild chanterelles, melted leeks, and hollandaise. During the pandemic, the team introduced a casual Korean fried chicken concept called Basic Bird, which gained such popularity that they are now seeking a dedicated space to expand.

This fast-casual Southeast Asian restaurant is a paradise for vegans, gluten-free diners, and anyone in search of vibrant herbs and bold sauces. Run by six generations of the Chen family, the restaurant frequently features ingredients from local brands, including noodles from DSM Ramen Club and produce from Grade A Gardens. A beloved menu item is the After School Fried Rice, a whimsical dish with eggs, peas, onions, and carrots stir-fried with your choice of Chinese sausage, shrimp, chicken, tofu, beef, or just veggies.

Expect to find a line outside this burger joint, opened in February 2021 by Cory Wendel and named in honor of his wife. Enjoy crispy double-fried fries paired with a chili dog made from Berkwood Farms' frank. Or get ready for a mess with the smash burger special of the day, such as the recent Pride or Die Melt, which supported a local LGBTQ nonprofit and featured cream cheese, roasted jalapeños, and pepper jelly on Parmesan-crusted sourdough.

Founded by Alex Carter, Black Cat began as a small ice cream stall operating from a walk-up window at a downtown bar and music venue. In June 2021, it settled into a permanent spot in the former Woody’s Smoke Shack in the Drake neighborhood. Many of its homemade flavors draw inspiration from local ingredients and nostalgic Midwestern treats, like peanut butter puppy chow, butter ice cream with bits of fried Twinkies (a favorite during the state fair), and sweet corn ice cream with raspberry swirls.

Spot the white truck with an awning in the Advance Auto Parts lot on University Avenue—this is the ultimate destination for tacos, available by the plate, sheet pan, or even in batches of 50. Choose from fillings like asada, pastor, pollo, pescado, tripa, lengua, camarones, birria, and more, all generously garnished with sliced radishes, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Don’t forget to check out the salsa station, and remember to bring cash!

Reserve a table on the charming wraparound porch or in one of the cozy dining rooms of this 1880s Sherman Hill residence for a romantic Italian evening. Owner Tony Lemmo honors his late mother, Lou Ann, through traditional dishes like handmade cavatelli, house-made salad dressings, crispy polenta cakes, and a walnut-spice cake that’s impossible to share. In the spring and summer, Lou Ann’s vibrant purple petunias bloom in the window boxes encasing this Victorian gem.

Since November 2019, Whitney and Scott Selix have been pioneering a microbrewery that explores innovative food and drink. Lua, named after their Staffordshire bull terrier, features new seasonal sours, stouts, ales, and IPAs released multiple times a month. Chef James Arbaugh, a veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens in Chicago and the Bay Area, collaborates with partners to bring in fresh seafood for dishes like Dungeness crab cakes and fish and chips. You can also find burgers, wings, unique vegetable sides, salads, and caviar on the rotating menu.

With the motto “All French. No attitude. No corkage fee,” Django captures the essence of its downtown bistro vibe next to the sculpture park. A taste of the yolk-rich croque-madame reveals the quality of the offerings, which also include duck frites, beef tenderloin tartare, and house-made tots topped with smoked bottarga. Feel free to bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.

Diego Rodriguez-Negrete spent his first nine years in Mexico, where he ground masa with his grandmother at a local mill before they made homemade tortillas together. After moving to Iowa in 2007 and obtaining DACA status, he began his journey in hospitality by working at Chipotle. Realizing his passion for the industry extended beyond fast-casual dining, he trained under former Proof co-owner and chef Sean Wilson for three years, eventually taking over. Now, he beautifully combines his Mexican heritage with local ingredients and stunning presentations, evident in dishes like wagyu beef served with sour cream potatoes, broccoli, and carrot-top chimichurri.

Imagine savoring shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, biscuits, and pimento mac and cheese in a cozy, intimate setting. At Bubba, managing partner Chris Diebel pays tribute to his Southern heritage while creating a romantic atmosphere under sparkling chandeliers. The restaurant also features one of the largest selections of bourbon in the state. Be sure to finish your meal with the delightful bananas Foster or whiskey pecan pie — or indulge in both!

Chelsea Smith, along with her starter named Gloria, frequently attracts long lines at farmers markets and pop-up events. Operating under the name Chelsa B (a phonetic twist to help people pronounce her name correctly), Smith offers a variety of baked goods including homemade focaccia, sourdough doughnuts, sweet rolls reminiscent of babka, and pan loaves. Collaborating with local farmers, honey makers, and cheesemakers, she crafts unique flavors. A recent favorite: a tomato, basil, and garlic miso sourdough focaccia, made with miso from her partner Young Ferments. Follow her on Instagram to catch her next pop-up.

Envision this midcentury-style bistro as a contemporary take on the classic bed and breakfast. Located on the ground floor of a downtown hotel that opened in November 2020, Mulberry Street Tavern serves brunch, pub snacks, and dinner, offering the ambiance of a restaurant in a bustling metropolis. Upscale comfort food takes center stage, with dishes like the butcher cut for two, a twist on the Iowa staple steak de burgo featuring a generous cut of Iowa-raised beef topped with horseradish cream and de burgo sauce. Pair this with the Smoke + Mirrors cocktail, a tableside-smoked blend of Templeton four-year rye, Angostura bitters, and demerara sugar.

Take a 15-minute drive north of downtown to discover the District at Prairie Trail. This lively area filled with locally owned shops offers a sharp contrast to the surrounding residential neighborhoods and chain restaurants in Ankeny, the second-largest suburb of Des Moines. Visit Flavory, a Mediterranean bistro run by chef Lisa Morales and her husband, Hector, where you can enjoy specialties like seafood paella, gyro pitas, and abundant platters of salads, homemade bread, sautéed vegetables, falafel, and various dips.

Grab a seat at El Bait Shop, boasting 262 draft beers (the largest selection of craft beers west of the Mississippi), and enjoy a glass of your favorite. Afterward, stroll through the door that leads you to this cozy downtown lounge, reminiscent of Grandma’s basement. Begin with classic Iowa bar fare like bacon-wrapped tots, fried cheese curds, and chicken wings, then indulge in comforting entrees like goulash, meatloaf, or chicken pot pie, just like Mom used to make.

Clyde’s elevates diner classics and the traditional diner atmosphere with a stylish, Instagram-worthy twist. Utilizing local ingredients, they offer inventive takes on beloved comfort foods, such as fried Brussels sprouts dressed in Caesar salad dressing and breadcrumbs. From the double smash burger to the Chicago hot link paired with cornbread and vegetable panzanella, and spicy hot chicken served with kimchi collards, every dish is a treat. Don’t forget to leave space for their rotating soft serve flavors.

At this locally sourced bistro nestled within the lush GrDinogo Des Moines Botanical Garden, chefs Lisa LaValle and Rebekah Kohl, alongside pastry chef Nik Pugmire, expertly craft dishes using the freshest seasonal produce. Dine in the plant-filled, window-lined room or on the deck overlooking the serene pond while savoring an Iowa sweet corn BLT, Grandma's peach salad with Maytag blue cheese and white balsamic dressing, and a delightful blackberry-rhubarb lavender crisp.

As Central Iowa’s exclusive chef’s table destination, this East Village new American restaurant lets you chart your own culinary course. Enjoy a laid-back evening with spicy chorizo fries at the bar, or settle in for cloud-like gnocchi and seasonal crème brûlée in the dining room. For a truly special experience, reserve the chef’s table for two to six guests. Simply specify your budget, any dietary restrictions, and your preferred drink pairings, and let the chefs and sommelier take care of the rest.

Pork tenderloin sandwiches are a beloved classic at many Iowa diners, featuring thinly pounded meat that often overflows the bun, breaded and fried to perfection. (For the adventurous, there’s even an Iowa Tenderloin Trail to explore.) Goldie’s, located about 30 minutes east of the metro, serves up an outstanding version along with burgers made from locally sourced Iowa beef. No visit is complete without indulging in a Twister, their signature milkshake.