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
South Union Bread Cafe Description: Airy venue for sandwiches & salads. Light, open counter-serve featuring signature hot & cold sandwiches for lunch, plus a salad bar. Address: 1003 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-248-1782 Website: http://southunionbreadcafe.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 11AM-2PM | Tuesday: 11AM-2PM | Wednesday: 11AM-2PM …
Applebee’s Grill + Bar Description: Casual American bar & grill chain. Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting. Address: 6301 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, United States Phone Number: +1 515-287-3322 Website: https://restaurants.applebees.com/en-us/ia/des-moines/6301-s-e-14th-street-88092?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_my_business&utm_term=88092&utm_content=website Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-10PM | Monday: 11AM-11PM | Tuesday: 11AM-11PM | Wednesday: 11AM-11PM | …
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
QDOBA Mexican Eats Description: Counter-serve Mexican chain. Mexican chain for counter-serve, custom burritos, tacos & more, including health-oriented options. Address: 2105 Ingersoll Ave Suite 104, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States Phone Number: +1 515-619-5358 Website: https://locations.qdoba.com/us/ia/des-moines/2105-ingersoll-ave.html Store Hours: Sunday: 10:30AM-10PM | Monday: 10:30AM-10PM | Tuesday: 10:30AM-10PM | Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM | Thursday: 10:30AM-10PM | Friday: …
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 …
Gateway Market Cafe Description: All-day American restaurant in a market. An array of classic American dishes from breakfast to dinner with happy hour, Wi-Fi & patio seating. Address: 2002 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States Phone Number: +1 515-243-1754 Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: 7AM-9PM | Monday: 10:30AM-9PM | Tuesday: 10:30AM-9PM | Wednesday: …
IHOP Description: Diner chain known for its breakfast. Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare. Address: 4807 SE 14th St #818, Des Moines, IA 50320, United States Phone Number: +1 515-953-5800 Website: https://restaurants.ihop.com/en-us/ia/des-moines/breakfast-4807-se-14th-st-5329?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_my_business&utm_term=5329&utm_content=website Store Hours: Sunday: 6AM-12AM | Monday: 6AM-12AM | Tuesday: 6AM-12AM | Wednesday: 6AM-12AM | …
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Description: Casual chain for American comfort food. Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other American standards in dinerlike digs. Address: 4601 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322, United States Phone Number: +1 515-278-0468 Website: https://stores.perkinsrestaurants.com/us/ia/des-moines/4601-merle-hay-rd.html Store Hours: Sunday: 6AM-10PM | Monday: 6AM-10PM | Tuesday: 6AM-10PM | Wednesday: 6AM-10PM …
Abelardo’s Mexican Restaurant Description: Counter-serve Californian-Mexican pick. Tortas & fish tacos are staples at this basic, counter-serve Californian-Mexican joint. Address: 2510 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States Phone Number: +1 515-243-3743 Website: http://www.abelardosmexicanfood.com/locations.html Store Hours: Sunday: 8AM-1AM | Monday: 8AM-2AM | Tuesday: 8AM-2AM | Wednesday: 8AM-2AM | Thursday: 8AM-3AM | Friday: 8AM-3AM | …
Main Street Cafe & Bakery Description: . Address: 801 Grand Ave Suite 370, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-282-2796 Website: https://www.mainstreetcafeandbakery.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 6AM-9PM | Monday: 6AM-9PM | Tuesday: 6AM-9PM | Wednesday: 6AM-9PM | Thursday: 6AM-9PM | Friday: 6AM-9PM | Saturday: 6AM-9PM
Quinton’s Bar & Deli Description: Tavern with a classic American menu. Neighborhood watering hole & eatery serving traditional American eats in a low-key setup. Address: 506 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-244-6624 Website: http://quintonsbaranddeli.com/food Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-2AM | Monday: 11AM-2AM | Tuesday: 11AM-2AM | Wednesday: 11AM-2AM | …
Star Bar Description: Casual hangout with an eclectic menu. Relaxed bar with patio seating & a globally inspired menu of small & large plates. Address: 2811 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States Phone Number: +1 515-244-0790 Website: https://starbardsm.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 9AM-12AM | Monday: 11AM-2AM | Tuesday: 11AM-2AM | Wednesday: 11AM-2AM | Thursday: …
Motley School Tavern Description: . Address: 1903 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States Phone Number: +1 515-279-0075 Website: http://motleyschooltavern.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 8AM-9PM | Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 4-9PM | Wednesday: 4-9PM | Thursday: 4-9PM | Friday: 8AM-10PM | Saturday: 8AM-10PM
Noodles and Company Description: Chain eatery with a global noodle focus. Counter-serve chain offering international noodle & pasta dishes from mac ‘n’ cheese to pad Thai. Address: 2105 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States Phone Number: +1 515-288-2541 Website: https://locations.noodles.com/ia/des-moines/2105-ingersoll-ave.html Store Hours: Sunday: 10:30AM-9PM | Monday: 11AM-9PM | Tuesday: 11AM-9PM | Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM …
Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers Description: . Address: 2331 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States Phone Number: Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-10PM | Monday: 11AM-10PM | Tuesday: 11AM-10PM | Wednesday: 11AM-10PM | Thursday: 11AM-10PM | Friday: 11AM-12AM | Saturday: 11AM-12AM
Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop Description: Vintage fixture for American grub. Humble American throwback with counter stools known for breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches. Address: 1401 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States Phone Number: +1 515-287-4742 Website: http://smittystenderloin.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 10AM-9PM | Tuesday: 10AM-9PM | Wednesday: 10AM-9PM | Thursday: 10AM-9PM | …
Palmer’s Description: . Address: 655 Walnut St #219, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-288-4466 Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 9AM-2PM | Tuesday: 9AM-2PM | Wednesday: 9AM-2PM | Thursday: 9AM-2PM | Friday: 9AM-2PM | Saturday: Closed
Smokey D’s BBQ Description: House-smoked BBQ & hearty sides. BBQ standards & other comfort foods prepared on-site in a casual, down-home smokehouse. Address: 601 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-245-3800 Website: http://www.smokeydsbbq.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 10:30AM-2:30PM | Tuesday: 10:30AM-2:30PM | Wednesday: 10:30AM-2:30PM | Thursday: 10:30AM-2:30PM | …
Noodles and Company Description: Chain eatery with a global noodle focus. Counter-serve chain offering international noodle & pasta dishes from mac ‘n’ cheese to pad Thai. Address: 5840 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States Phone Number: +1 515-278-4294 Website: https://locations.noodles.com/ia/des-moines/5840-douglas-ave.html Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-9PM | Monday: 11AM-8PM | Tuesday: 11AM-8PM | Wednesday: 11AM-9PM …
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: Open 24 hours | Monday: Open 24 hours | Tuesday: Open …
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 | …
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: …
Sam’s Fine Food & Egg Rolls Description: Chinese dining in a colorful space. Cheery, family-owned restaurant offering familiar Chinese eats, such as fried rice & lo mein. Address: 3300 SW 9th St UNIT 4, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States Phone Number: +1 515-288-5400 Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sams-Fine-Food-Egg-Rolls/104901716219194 Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 11AM-2PM, 5-8PM | …
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 | …
Francies Description: Low-key game-day spot with pub grub. Easygoing wood-paneled sports bar with a covered patio offering American eats, cocktails & beer. Address: 2100 Wakonda View Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States Phone Number: +1 515-285-5207 Website: https://franciesbarandgrill.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 11AM-9PM | Tuesday: 11AM-9PM | Wednesday: 11AM-10PM | Thursday: 11AM-10PM …
Purveyor Description: . Address: 505 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-280-1130 Website: http://purveyordsm.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 12-5PM | Monday: Closed | Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday: 11AM-8PM | Thursday: 11AM-8PM | Friday: 11AM-8PM | Saturday: 11AM-8PM
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill Description: Colorful modern eatery & oyster bar. Upscale seafood specialist featuring an oyster bar & wine tastings in a colorful, modern space. Address: 303 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-244-5686 Website: http://www.splash-seafood.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 5-10PM | Tuesday: 5-10PM | Wednesday: …
The High Life Lounge Description: Bar & grill with retro blue-collar flair. Offbeat homage to the Midwestern beer halls of the 1960s dishing up old-school comfort food. Address: 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Phone Number: +1 515-280-1965 Website: Homepage Store Hours: Sunday: 11AM-11PM | Monday: 11AM-11PM | Tuesday: 11AM-11PM | …
Teriyaki House Des Moines Description: . Address: 1014 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States Phone Number: +1 515-262-2889 Website: http://teriyakihouse.co/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: 10:30AM-9:30PM | Tuesday: 10:30AM-9:30PM | Wednesday: 10:30AM-9:30PM | Thursday: 10:30AM-9:30PM | Friday: 10:30AM-9:30PM | Saturday: 10:30AM-9:30PM