The Best Restaurants in Des Moines: 12 Must-Try Restaurants in Iowa's Capital
By Jamie Dutton
These days in Des Moines, neighborhoods like the East Village and Ingersoll Avenue hum with inventive restaurants run by James Beard-nominated chefs, all while maintaining the unpretentious charm that defines the Midwest. This is a city with a culinary scene that rivals cities twice its size. Here are the 12 best restaurants in Des Moines.
Harbinger
1. Harbinger
On Ingersoll Avenue, Harbinger is the brainchild of chef Joe Tripp, a five-time James Beard semifinalist. The restaurant offers a vegetable-focused small plates concept, drawing inspiration from Southeast Asian flavors. Dishes like the Korean fried cauliflower exemplify the creative menu that changes with the seasons.
2. Clyde's Fine Diner
Located in the East Village, Clyde's Fine Diner is owned by chef Chris Hoffmann, a 2024 James Beard semifinalist. The diner presents an elevated take on classic comfort food, with offerings such as the CFD burger—two patties with American cheese, onions, pickles, and burger sauce—standing out as a local favorite. And don’t skip the long john, pictured here, made of brioche dough, filled with strawberry jam and cream filling, and topped with vanilla glaze and rainbow sprinkles.
3. Table 128
Table 128 relocated in 2021 to fancier digs on Southwest 9th Street in the Gray’s Landing neighborhood. Chef Lynn Pritchard offers a menu featuring dishes like salmon, scallops, and stuffed clams, maintaining a reputation for quality and innovation.
4. Oak Park
On Ingersoll Avenue, Oak Park opened in October 2024 and quickly became a favorite for locals. The restaurant's design pays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright, featuring built-in booths and acorn light fixtures. The menu boasts dishes like gnocchi with truffle cream and bourbon candied bacon, and a $100 banana split for dessert.
5. Fresko
On Locust Street, Fresko focuses on natural foods, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options along with carnivore-friendly choices like a bone-in ribeye. Dishes like Blackened Salmon and Golden Dragon Street Noodles highlight the restaurant's commitment to fresh, health-conscious dining in a modern setting.
6. The Stuffed Olive
The Stuffed Olive has a following for its extensive and imaginative cocktail menu. While the comfort food offerings are commendable, it's the cocktails that truly shine, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of mixology.
7. Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar
Found within the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Hobnob serves as both a coffee bar and wine lounge. Morning patrons can enjoy a Matcha Latte, while evening visitors might opt for a selection from the curated wine list, making it a versatile spot for any time of day.
8. Parlor
Located in the Beaverdale neighborhood, Parlor specializes in Detroit-style pizza with a focaccia-like crust. Creative combinations, such as the "Sussudio" (sausage, mushroom, chimichurri), offer a fresh take on a classic favorite, all served in a hip atmosphere with a rocking soundtrack.
9. Cinnaholic
Located at 505 E. Grand Avenue in the Historic East Village, Cinnaholic is a plant-based bakery specializing in customizable cinnamon rolls. Seasonal offerings like the Razzle Dazzle Roll, featuring chocolate raspberry frosting and homemade brownie bites, cater to those with a sweet tooth.
10. Mad Meatball
Now in the Gray’s Station neighborhood, Mad Meatball has elevated its game while staying true to its name. The pizzas remain the star: their crispy crusts are cut into squares with creative toppings. But don’t overlook the namesake meatballs—they’re rich, tender, and served with a tangy marinara that might have you asking for a spoon.
11. Grimaldi's Pizzeria
In The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny, Grimaldi's serves coal-fired, Brooklyn-style pizza. The menu features calzones, salads, and charcuterie boards, alongside a full bar with cocktails, craft beers, and wines, bringing a slice of New York to Iowa.
12. Hokkaido Ramen & Izakaya
The Ankeny location of the Hokkaido chain offers nine styles of ramen, including tonkotsu with white shoyu broth and spicy beef with shoyu broth. You can customize their spice levels, and the chicken katsu comes highly recommended.
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