1. Centro Does It All, And Does It Right
Centro 1003 Locust St(515) 248-1780Yelp: 4 stars, 153 reviews
Pronounced “chen-tro,” this restaurant is where basics done right (like a cheeseburger) meets chic, specialty cuisine (like pancetta-wrapped shrimp).
Located in the heart of downtown, this is the place to impress your date or your in-laws, or just enjoy a great meal with friends. The menu also has something for everyone, from wood-fired pizzas, to sandwiches, to pasta, to seafood.
And the portions are generous, so you’ll have plenty for lunch the next day. Perfect.
2. Django Is Off The Chain
Django210 10th St(515) 288-0268Yelp: 4 stars, 131 reviews
See what I did? Django…is unchained?
OK.
Django boasts classic French fare and the atmosphere of a bustling brasserie in Montmartre. Diners can choose from a menu that ranges from beef bourguignon and moulard duck confit, to a variety of fruits de mer and mussels frites, or a classic croque madame.
And if you have a picky eater dining with you, never fear. There are awesome burgers and slightly less French sandwiches on the menu too.
This is Iowa, after all.
3. Flying Mango Is Iowa’s BBQ Destination
Flying Mango4345 Hickman Rd(515) 255-4111Yelp: 4.5 stars, 115 reviews
Flying Mango is where BBQ and flavors of the Caribbean turn into delicious love and happiness on a plate.
This is the place for BBQ classics like a rack of ribs or pulled pork, as well as favorite dishes with a twist, like “Red Neck Surf-n-Turf” or lime and garlic shrimp with mango salsa over black pepper fettuccine.
4. Tursi’s Latin King Rules Over Des Moines Restaurants
Tursi’s Latin King2200 Hubbel Ave(515) 266-4466Yelp: 3.5 stars, 34 reviews
Tucked alongside a dairy and a used car dealership, Tursi’s Latin King is an east side institution. If you’re just driving by you might never think to stop, but locals know this is the place to be. Do a double take, and you might notice the parking lot is completely full.
Known for their house specialty, chicken spiedini, other menu favorites include antipasti, pretty much any pasta dish you could imagine, and Italian fried mozzarella. The wine menu is comprehensive, Italian-focused and won’t gouge your wallet.
Done, done and done.
5. Fong’s Is The Go-To Place For…Asian Pizza?
Fong’s Pizza223 4th St(515) 323-3333Yelp: 4 stars, 145 reviews
Were you expecting that? Well, you know what happens when a pizza place moves into the location of the city’s oldest Chinese restaurant? The ultimate in Asian fusion, that’s what.
Pizzas are handmade with names like “Crab Rangoon,” “Happy Family” and “Moo Shu Pork.” It would be so easy to get everything wrong, but Fong’s somehow turns Asian-Italian fusion (a head-scratcher, for sure) into a delicious adventure.
And don’t forget to order a tiki drink; after all, you’re a Fongolian now.
6. Kitschy Awesomeness Awaits At El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop200 SW 2nd St(515) 284-1970Yelp: 4.5 stars, 67 reviews
Do you like ‘70s fishing themed, Mexican-ish Des Moines restaurants? Us too! Especially if there are well over 100 beers on tap to choose from and more than 150 in bottles to wash down all those delicious tacos and enchiladas. Our list of Des Moines restaurants has the perfect spot for you.
The ambiance at El Bait shop is fun all year round, but things really get going in the summer, when the patio opens and an I-Cubs game is going on nearby.
7. Go Small But Mighty At Trostel’s Dish
Trostel’s Dish12851 University Ave(515) 221-3474Yelp: 4 stars, 33 reviews
Not sure what you’re in the mood for on this list of Des Moines restaurants? Why not sample flavors from around the world on small plates so you can try as many as possible?
At Trostel’s Dish on University (technically located in nearby Clive) you can jump from pork tostadas to tuna tataki to an antipasto flight.
Heck, throw in a wine flight too. Go crazy.
8. Sample Every Pastry There Is At La Mie
La Mie Bakery841 42nd St(515) 255-1625Yelp: 4.5 stars, 78 reviews
Ask anyone in Des Moines about pastries and the name La Mie is sure to come up. La Mie is synonymous with the city’s best flaky goodness and has been a favorite bakery and café for more than a decade.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic croissant, tart or danish, or would like to take home a loaf of your favorite bread, La Mie is the place to be. The tough part is holding yourself back from buying all the pastries.
Seriously, you will want them all.
9. “Thai” One On At Cool Basil
Cool Basil8801 University Ave(515) 225-8111Yelp: 3.5 stars, 48 reviews
In the Des Moines area, “Thai” and “Cool Basil” are synonymous. The best part is, when you order almost much any of their delicious dishes, you can specify how spicy, or how mild, you would like it.
In addition to curry, noodle, rice and stir-fry dishes, the restaurant also serves great sushi, maki, sashimi and nigiri.
10. You’ll Be Defeated By The Zombie Burger
Zombie Burger300 E Grand Ave (515) 244-9292Yelp: 4 stars, 176 reviews
Sometimes you just need a really great burger. Look no further than the No. 10 spot on our list of best Des Moines restaurants. Zombie Burger has you covered, to the tune of 26 to choose from as well as salads, appetizers, deep fried hot dogs, chili, sides, desserts and a full menu of shakes.
Ordering will be tough – how to choose between the Raygun and the Fulci burgers, or the carrot cake shake and the pumpkin pie shake?
But beware, after consuming a giant burger and needing an immediate post-burger nap, you may just feel like a zombie. Wait…
11. Savor The Spectacular Sushi At Wasabi Chi
Wasabi Chi 5418 Douglas Ave(515) 528-8246Yelp: 4 stars, 46 reviews
Des Moines has a number of good sushi restaurants, but Wasabi Chi is known for being fresh and delicious, not to mention truly artistic, each time you visit.
The restaurant features classic rolls, sushi and sashimi as well as signature rolls like the Des Moines Monster Roll, a definite local favorite.
And if you’re not in the mood for sushi, try the other hot Chinese and Thai dishes. Whatever you do, be sure to strike up a conversation with the great bartenders.
12. Jethro’s BBQ Doesn’t Mess Around
Jethro’s BBQ3100 Forest Ave(515) 279-3300Yelp: 4 stars, 104 reviews
Don’t go to Jethro’s BBQ by Drake because it was on TV. Don’t go because you’re curious if an ambulance is going to show up after someone stuffs themselves during an eating challenge (it’s an American restaurant that serves a lot of meat; of course they have an eating challenge!).
Go because you want to eat amazing BBQ at one of our favorite Des Moines restaurants – and a lot of it. The restaurant’s signature dish is The Jethro, a pork tenderloin, topped with Carolina-style pulled pork, house smoked pit ham, and a double order of thick slab bacon.
You might just want to have a salad tomorrow.
13. All Pizza Lovers Can Live In Harmony At Gusto
Gusto Pizza Co.1905 Ingersoll Ave(515) 244-8786Yelp: 4 stars, 38 reviews
With two Des Moines restaurants there’s no reason to miss out on a delicious pie from Gusto. And the pizza’s awesome too. Whether you want a simple pepperoni pizza, a specialty pizza like the Vincent Van Goat, or one with a gluten-free crust and vegan mozzarella, Gusto has you covered.
The menu also offers sandwiches, pasta, appetizers and desserts and a selection of Iowa Craft Beers, including selections from Peace Tree and Millstream.
14. Throwback To Simpler Times At Drake Diner
Drake Diner1111 25th St(515) 277-1111Yelp: 3.5 stars, 50 reviews
Drake Diner is everything a diner should be: Great diner atmosphere meets great diner food.
The pumpkin pancakes are the best you’ll ever have; the omelets are loaded with your favorite ingredients, and the lunch and dinner fare range from the expected (salads, sandwiches and burgers) to the surprising (chicken deburgo and black bean hummus).
And you’ll find just about everyone there, from students at nearby Drake University, to families and young professionals. Everyone loves Drake Diner.
15. Brag To Your Uncool Friends About Your Meal At Americana
Americana1312 Locust St(515) 243-1397Yelp: 4 stars, 93 reviews
Americana is just one of the trendy Des Moines restaurants helping revitalize the downtown area. And, beyond the chic décor and nice location (gaze outside at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park), is some seriously good food.
From a brunch buffet and mimosa bar to lunch, dinner and cocktail menus for later in the day, there’s something tasty for everyone. On the dinner menu, Thai tacos, steak with a choice of sauces and seared tuna with miso noodles are all favorite dishes.
Like This Post? You’ll Definitely Love These:
