So how does this work?
We pick our top choices based on the quality of the food, service, and consistency over time. We’ll start off by giving you the best options overall for dining in Des Moines and then follow up with links to different types of restaurants in different neighborhoods at the end of this page.
Best Restaurants Des Moines

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Description: Fast-food fried chicken chain. Louisiana-accented fast-food chain known for its spicy fried chicken, biscuits & sides. Address: 6230 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, United States Phone Number: +1 515-285-1900 Website: https://locations.popeyes.com/ia/des-moines/6230-se-14th-st?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=local_listings_pack&utm_campaign=yext_localsearch&utm_id=yext_localsearch Store Hours: Sunday: 10AM-11PM | Monday: 10AM-11PM | Tuesday: 10AM-11PM | Wednesday: 10AM-11PM | Thursday: 10AM-11PM | Friday: …

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Description: Fast-food fried chicken chain. Louisiana-inspired fast-food chain known for its spicy fried chicken, biscuits & sides. Address: 4140 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States Phone Number: +1 515-251-7670 Website: https://locations.popeyes.com/ia/des-moines/4140-merle-hay-rd?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=local_listings_pack&utm_campaign=yext_localsearch&utm_id=yext_localsearch Store Hours: Sunday: 10AM-11PM | Monday: 10AM-11PM | Tuesday: 10AM-11PM | Wednesday: 10AM-11PM | Thursday: 10AM-11PM | Friday: …

Panka Peruvian Restaurant Description: . Address: 2708 Ingersoll Ave Suite 200, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States Phone Number: +1 515-244-1430 Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 11AM-2PM, 5-9PM | Wednesday: 11AM-2PM, 5-9PM | Thursday: 11AM-2PM, 5-9PM | Friday: 11AM-2PM, 5-9PM | Saturday: 11AM-2PM, 5-9PM

Wally’s Chowder House Broiler Description: Longtime standard for soup & seafood. Local seafood catches & New England-style chowder are offered at this simple circa-1993 go-to. Address: 22531 Marine View Dr S, Des Moines, WA 98198, United States Phone Number: +1 206-878-8140 Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-8:30PM | Monday: 11AM-9PM | Tuesday: 11AM-9PM | Wednesday: …

W-Tao Sushi Description: Polished Japanese bistro & sushi bar. Sushi, hot Japanese fare & cocktails served in a sleek, dark space with traditional decor touches. Address: 400 Walnut St #101, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-777-3636 Website: https://www.w-taosushi.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 11AM-2:30PM, 4-10PM | Tuesday: 11AM-2:30PM, 4-10PM | …

Fazoli’s Description: Italian fast-food chain for pasta & subs. Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos. Address: 3600 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States Phone Number: +1 515-251-7767 Website: https://locations.fazolis.com/ia/des-moines/3600-merle-hay-road.html?utm_source=yext+GMB&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=website&y_source=1_MzExNzA0OS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D Store Hours: Sunday: 10:30AM-10PM | Monday: 10:30AM-10PM | Tuesday: 10:30AM-10PM | Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM …

Fazoli’s Description: Italian fast-food chain for pasta & subs. Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos. Address: 4800 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, United States Phone Number: +1 515-285-6755 Website: https://locations.fazolis.com/ia/des-moines/4800-se-14th-street.html?utm_source=yext+GMB&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=website&y_source=1_MzExNzA3OS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D Store Hours: Sunday: 10:30AM-10PM | Monday: 10:30AM-10PM | Tuesday: 10:30AM-10PM | Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM …

Cafe Baratta’s Description: Seasonal bistro fare & patio with views. Lunch destination for seasonal soups, salads & sandwiches in an indoor/outdoor setting with views. Address: 600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319, United States Phone Number: +1 515-281-3294 Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 11AM-2PM | Tuesday: 11AM-2PM | Wednesday: 11AM-2PM | …

Spaghetti Works Description: Factory turned red-sauce Italian parlor. Casual, bustling fixture in a former factory offering Italian-American staples & a full bar. Address: 310 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-243-2195 Website: https://spagworks.com/des-moines Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-9PM | Monday: 11AM-9PM | Tuesday: 11AM-9PM | Wednesday: 11AM-9PM | Thursday: 11AM-9PM | …

Christopher’s Description: Decades-old Italian-American destination. Family-owned standby for Italian & American grub in a laid-back space with a sporty vibe in the bar. Address: 2816 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States Phone Number: +1 515-274-3694 Website: https://www.christophersdsm.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 5-10PM | Tuesday: 5-10PM | Wednesday: 5-10PM | Thursday: 5-10PM …

Tumea & Sons Restaurant Description: Homey, old-fashioned Italian restaurant. Old-fashioned, family-oriented red-sauce Italian parlor with a full bar & bocce ball court. Address: 1501 SE 1st St, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States Phone Number: +1 515-282-7976 Website: https://www.tumeaandsons.net/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 4:30-9PM | Wednesday: 11AM-2PM, 4:30-9PM | Thursday: …

Aposto at the Scala House Description: Italian dining in a Victorian mansion. Candlelit dinner spot serving modern, wine-paired Southern Italian fare in a Victorian mansion. Address: 644 18th St, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States Phone Number: +1 515-244-1353 Website: http://www.apostodm.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: Closed | Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday: 5-9PM | …

Spices Of Nepal Restaurant & Grocery Description: . Address: 4804 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States Phone Number: +1 515-285-0467 Website: http://www.spicesofnepal.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-9PM | Monday: 11AM-9PM | Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday: 11AM-9PM | Thursday: 11AM-9PM | Friday: 11AM-9PM | Saturday: 11AM-9PM

Rolling Wok Cafe Description: Homey, colorful pan-Asian eatery. Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese & other Asian cuisines offered in a quaint, vibrantly colored space. Address: 1534 E Grand Ave E, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States Phone Number: +1 515-266-3787 Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-3PM | Monday: 11AM-2PM, 4-8PM | Tuesday: 11AM-2PM, 4-8PM | Wednesday: 11AM-2PM, …

Tasty Tacos Description: Low-key joint for homestyle Mexican eats. Local counter-serve chain dishing up homestyle Mexican fare in a low-key setting. Address: 1400 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States Phone Number: +1 515-266-4242 Website: http://www.tastytacos.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 11AM-10PM | Tuesday: 11AM-10PM | Wednesday: 11AM-10PM | Thursday: 11AM-10PM | …

Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh Description: Mexican fast-food spot with all-day eats. Fast-food restaurant offering Mexican standards, including breakfast fare, plus a 24/7 drive-thru. Address: 5525 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States Phone Number: +1 515-278-4749 Website: http://www.abelardosmexicanfood.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 8AM-1AM | Monday: 8AM-1AM | Tuesday: 8AM-1AM | Wednesday: 8AM-1AM | Thursday: 8AM-1AM | …

Tacos La Familia Description: . Address: 1610 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States Phone Number: +1 515-244-6659 Website: https://www.tacoslafamiliaia.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 9AM-6PM | Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 10AM-9PM | Wednesday: 10AM-9PM | Thursday: 10AM-9PM | Friday: 10AM-9PM | Saturday: 9AM-9PM

Los Laureles Mexican Restaurant Description: Modest cafe offering Mexican fare. Straightforward traditional Mexican & Latin American dishes served in an informal atmosphere. Address: 1518 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States Phone Number: +1 515-265-2200 Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: 10AM-12AM | Monday: 10AM-10PM | Tuesday: 10AM-10PM | Wednesday: 10AM-10PM | Thursday: 10AM-10PM …

OTB-0167 Jordan Creek Description: Casual Tex-Mex chain restaurant. Casual restaurant chain featuring Tex-Mex standards such as fajitas, burritos & grilled meats. Address: 140 S Jordan Creek Pkwy W, Des Moines, IA 50266, United States Phone Number: +1 515-528-7788 Website: Jordan Creek Store Hours:

Taco Bell Description: Mexican-inspired fast-food chain. Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos. Address: 5959 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, United States Phone Number: +1 515-661-3699 Website: https://locations.tacobell.com/ia/des-moines/5959-se-14th-st.html?utm_source=yext&utm_campaign=googlelistings&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=033338&utm_content=website&y_source=1_ODI4NDAwMy03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D Store Hours: Sunday: 7AM-1AM | Monday: 7AM-1AM | Tuesday: 7AM-1AM | Wednesday: 7AM-1AM | Thursday: 7AM-1AM | Friday: 7AM-1AM | Saturday: …

Taco Bell Description: Mexican-inspired fast-food chain. Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos. Address: 2517 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, United States Phone Number: +1 515-265-5983 Website: https://locations.tacobell.com/ia/des-moines/2517-hubbel-avenue.html?utm_source=yext&utm_campaign=googlelistings&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=G160011&utm_content=website&y_source=1_NjE0NDgxMy03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D Store Hours: Sunday: 10:30AM-10PM | Monday: 10:30AM-10PM | Tuesday: 10:30AM-10PM | Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM | Thursday: 10:30AM-10PM | Friday: 10:30AM-10PM | Saturday: 10:30AM-10PM

Taco John’s Description: Western-style Mexican fast-food chain. Fast-food chain featuring tacos, burritos, nachos & breakfasts mixing Mexican & Western flavors. Address: 2600 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States Phone Number: +1 515-243-6900 Website: https://locations.tacojohns.com/ia/des-moines/2600-ingersoll-ave.html Store Hours: Sunday: 8AM-10PM | Monday: 6:30AM-10PM | Tuesday: 6:30AM-10PM | Wednesday: 6:30AM-10PM | Thursday: 6:30AM-10PM | Friday: 6:30AM-11PM …

El Aguila Real Mexican Restaurant Description: Tacos & margaritas in cheery environs. Colorful, painted chairs & tables adorn this festive Mexican haunt with classic food & cocktails. Address: 4351 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States Phone Number: +1 515-254-9453 Website: https://www.elaguilarealmexicanrestaurant.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-9PM | Monday: 11AM-9PM | Tuesday: 11AM-9PM | …

Taco Bell Description: Mexican-inspired fast-food chain. Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos. Address: 640 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-280-6535 Website: https://locations.tacobell.com/ia/des-moines/640-southwest-9th-st.html?utm_source=yext&utm_campaign=googlelistings&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=030417&utm_content=website&y_source=1_NjE0MjY0OS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D Store Hours: Sunday: 10AM-12AM | Monday: 10AM-12AM | Tuesday: 10AM-12AM | Wednesday: 10AM-12AM | Thursday: 10AM-12AM | Friday: 10AM-12AM | Saturday: …

Taco Bell Description: Mexican-inspired fast-food chain. Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos. Address: 4875 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States Phone Number: +1 515-331-7753 Website: https://locations.tacobell.com/ia/des-moines/4875-merle-hay-ln.html?utm_source=yext&utm_campaign=googlelistings&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=030970&utm_content=website&y_source=1_NjE0MzMyMy03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D Store Hours: Sunday: 10AM-12AM | Monday: 10AM-12AM | Tuesday: 10AM-12AM | Wednesday: 10AM-12AM | Thursday: 10AM-12AM | Friday: 10AM-1AM | Saturday: …

Pancheros Mexican Grill Description: Chain boasting freshly made tortillas. Burritos, tacos & quesadillas are made with freshly pressed tortillas at this Mexican chain outpost. Address: 2708 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States Phone Number: +1 515-777-2898 Website: https://www.pancheros.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=Yext Store Hours: Sunday: 10:30AM-12AM | Monday: 10:30AM-12AM | Tuesday: 10:30AM-12AM | Wednesday: 10:30AM-12AM | Thursday: …

Lina’s Mexican Restaurant Description: Fast-food option for tacos & burritos. Local fast-food chain with a drive-thru offering classic Mexican eats, including all-day breakfast. Address: 1221 Keosauqua Way Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-285-9138 Website: https://facebook.com/LinasMexicanRestaurant/ Store Hours: Sunday: 10AM-12AM | Monday: 10AM-12AM | Tuesday: 10AM-12AM | Wednesday: 10AM-12AM | …