Des Moines Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Des Moines. Your complete guide to dining in Des Moines.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Des Moines! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Des Moines has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Des Moines's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Des Moines like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Des Moines offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Des Moines.
Oak Park
Highly rated Restaurant in Des Moines with 4.8 stars from 230 reviews.
📍 3901 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Mulberry Street Tavern
Highly rated Restaurant in Des Moines with 4.3 stars from 266 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
The Stuffed Olive Des Moines
Highly rated Bar in Des Moines with 4.6 stars from 1003 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 216 Court Ave Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Table 128
Highly rated Restaurant in Des Moines with 4.5 stars from 65 reviews.
📍 220 SW 9th St #120, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Lachele's Fine Foods
Highly rated American in Des Moines with 4.8 stars from 1164 reviews.
📍 2716 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
HomeGrown Des Moines - Crescent
Highly rated Restaurant in Des Moines with 4.7 stars from 855 reviews.
📍 555 17th St Ste 102, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Proudfoot & Bird
Highly rated American in Des Moines with 4.6 stars from 363 reviews.
📍 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
The Iowa Taproom
Highly rated Restaurant in Des Moines with 4.6 stars from 4093 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 215 E 3rd St #100, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Bubba
Highly rated American in Des Moines with 4.5 stars from 2772 reviews.
📍 200 10th St Suite 606, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Skip's
Highly rated American in Des Moines with 4.7 stars from 1405 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4000 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
801 Chophouse
Highly rated Steakhouse in Des Moines with 4.7 stars from 1291 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 801 Grand Ave STE 200, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Eatery A
Highly rated American in Des Moines with 4.5 stars from 2203 reviews.
📍 2932 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Des Moines.
Gateway Market
Highly rated Cafe in Des Moines with 4.4 stars from 1888 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2002 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
Highly rated International in Des Moines with 4.8 stars from 3353 reviews.
📍 300 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
C Fresh Market
Highly rated International in Des Moines with 4.3 stars from 1386 reviews.
📍 801 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Iowa Food Cooperative
Highly rated International in Des Moines with 4.8 stars from 73 reviews.
📍 4944 Franklin Ave Suite G, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Fareway Meat Market
Highly rated International in Des Moines with 4.6 stars from 199 reviews.
📍 2716 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Fresh Thyme Market
Highly rated Bakery in Des Moines with 4.6 stars from 1129 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 2900 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
ABC FRESHMART
Highly rated International in Des Moines with 4.8 stars from 48 reviews.
📍 4505 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Hope International Market
Highly rated International in Des Moines with 4.3 stars from 22 reviews.
📍 408 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Des Moines.
Iowa Food Tour
Highly rated International in Des Moines with 5 stars from 1 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Highly rated International in Des Moines with 4.7 stars from 454 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Des Moines.
The Slow Down Coffee Co.
Highly rated Cafe in Des Moines with 4.8 stars from 383 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Northern Vessel
Highly rated Cafe in Des Moines with 4.9 stars from 270 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1201 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Horizon Line Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Des Moines with 4.9 stars from 789 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1417 Walnut St B, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Scenic Route Bakery
Highly rated Bakery in Des Moines with 4.6 stars from 781 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 350 E Locust St Ste 104, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure
Highly rated Cafe in Des Moines with 4.7 stars from 610 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2723 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Daisy Chain Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Des Moines with 4.9 stars from 297 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 505 E Grand Ave #104, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
HomeGrown Des Moines - Crescent
Highly rated Restaurant in Des Moines with 4.7 stars from 855 reviews.
📍 555 17th St Ste 102, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Mayalu Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Des Moines with 4.9 stars from 214 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 4226 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Des Moines.
Signature Dish
A must-try Des Moines specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Des Moines dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Des Moines with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Des Moines specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Des Moines creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Des Moines classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Des Moines specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Des Moines dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Des Moines with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Des Moines specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Des Moines.
Revival House
Highly rated Bar in Des Moines with 4.7 stars from 169 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 316 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Hello, Marjorie
Highly rated Bar in Des Moines with 4.7 stars from 750 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 717 Locust St UNIT 103, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Good News, Darling
Highly rated Bar in Des Moines with 4.9 stars from 66 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 717 Locust St UNIT 103, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
El Bait Shop
Highly rated Bar in Des Moines with 4.6 stars from 2981 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The High Life Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Des Moines with 4.6 stars from 1793 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Secret Admirer
Highly rated Bar in Des Moines with 4.8 stars from 155 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Des Moines's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Des Moines vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Des Moines is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Des Moines offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Des Moines specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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