Best restaurants near me in Downtown Des Moines, IA

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

37 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1209)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 19 times today

“Fresko” meaning “fresh” inspires our creation of seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Fresko makes natural food from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. The culinary team prepares product from start to finish applying natural time honored techniques with care at every step. This enriches the flavorful and nutritious product we serve and benefits our community. Fresko believes we are what we eat and eating well means living well.Fresko features a splendid assortment of original cocktails with a deep spirits menu and a beer program with sixteen beers on tap in addition to bottles and cans. Fresko's wine menu focuses on quality selections at a great value to our guests.

A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant

2. Mulberry Street Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(580)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Des Moines

Booked 10 times today

Mulberry Street Tavern brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to Downtown Des Moines. Once a hub for the city transit, it is now adorned with rich woods, leather, and a zinc bar that create a warm and timeless social destination. The open-hearth kitchen produces shareable worldly tavern fare, hearty entrees and, hands down, the best burger in Des Moines. Enjoy perfect classic cocktails, eclectic award-winning wines, and interesting regional and foreign beers on draught.

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

3. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

Exceptional(3198)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 31 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, enjoy beautiful views and excellent customer service at 801 Chophouse. We value our guests and want to give you the best dining experience possible. Our restaurant has only prime USDA steaks, paired with innovative side dishes and an award-winning wine selection from around the world to create an upscale dining experience you won't find anywhere else in Iowa. 801 Chophouse is the premier steakhouse in Des Moines and even offers private dining room options. Book a reservation online or via phone today.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant

4. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.3

Awesome(674)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Des Moines

Booked 17 times today

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. We look forward to seeing you soon! We are currently closed on Monday's

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

5. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(798)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 30 times today

The Stuffed Olive is about the entire “Martini & Tapas Experience.” From your favorite classics to new and exciting blends you’ve never seen before, you’re sure to find a cocktail to love on our vast martini menu. Add a warm, comfortable atmosphere, great wines, beers and top-shelf spirits, and The Stuffed Olive will become your favorite place to start, end or spend your entire evening. Our tapas menu offers appetizer-sized portions of globally influenced entrees, for a sampling and sharing dining experience. Pair tasty tapas with your favorite martini for happy hour, dinner or a late-night snack. We welcome you to sit back, relax, enjoy great food, good conversation and your favorite martini. Welcome to the Stuffed Olive!

6. Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

Exceptional(703)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Global, International • Des Moines

Booked 8 times today

Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private areas available, seating eight and ten guests respectfully.

A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines restaurant

7. Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(218)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Des Moines

Booked 5 times today

Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!

A photo of Splash Seafood Bar and Grill restaurant

8. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4.6

Exceptional(1954)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 8 times today

DiRoNA award winning Splash Seafood Bar & Grill serves only the freshest seafood flown in daily and expertly prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles. Splash Seafood bar and Grill also serve the Midwest's finest cuts of steaks and chops with the same care as they give the seafood. Be pampered by the highly experienced wait staff in one of Des Moines most unique and elegant dining rooms surrounded by whimsical wall murals as well as 9 large salt water aquariums. Splash Seafood offers an extensive wine list, recognized with an Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, as well as a full bar specializing in tropical drinks. Also enjoy a more laid back atmosphere in the raw bar, Splash Oyster Bar & Seafood Market, just across the hallway from Splash Seafood. Enjoy all the fresh oysters and shellfish that the raw bar has to offer as well as the full menu from Splash Seafood. Also be sure to take advantage of the raw bars Seafood Market to enjoy the freshest seafood at home.

A photo of In Confidence Speakeasy restaurant

9. In Confidence Speakeasy

4.3

Awesome(31)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Speakeasy • Des Moines

Booked 4 times today

For Large reservations or other inquiries please call 515-528-7733 x 4627 f=SPEAKEASY BAR IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DES MOINESHotel Fort Des Moines brings the Prohibition-era feel to downtown Des Moines - In Confidence. Enjoy our hidden secret with a curated wine collection and crafted cocktails.Enjoy your downtime in a unique casual setting deserving of the Great Gatsby himself!

10. Alba Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(420)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 3 times today

Alba offers a creative culinary twist on traditional American cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, the finest cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits, vegetables and herbs. Our menu changes often, we invited you to join us to discover a new favorite.

Dining near Downtown Des Moines, IA at a glance

Updated on 16/02/2025

Wasabi - Waukee

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From verified diners like you

M
Mark
Iowa •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food was fantastic, I highly recommend the dry aged steaks. Dessert was decadent and the service was next level. My hats off the this establishment!
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.8
D
Dan
Kansas City / Kansas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our favorite place to eat in Des Moines. Delicious food and great martinis.
More info
The Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines
•
4.7
E
Evy
Iowa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We’ve eaten here three times and it seems to get better and better. It was Valentine’s Day so it was very busy. Our server was efficient and polite. The variety of the menu always surprises me as Tupelo Honey is best known for their fried chicken and southern comfort food. I had the grain bowl and the spiced pumpkin bisque. I could have licked my bowl, the soup was that good. Several people in our party had the meat loaf and that also did not disappoint. The smothered chicken was another winner! I highly recommend this restaurant.
More info
Tupelo Honey - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Des Moines
•
4.3
S
Stacy
Iowa •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is our 2nd experience at Fresko. We chose it for Valentines Day because we could walk from our event hotel (Marriott). Upon being seated we were gifted a gorgeous valentine rose. We loved our meal choices and look forward to coming back to try more more menu items.
More info
FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
•
4.7
J
Joanne
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
A great meal serviced by a genuine server, Christian. Our dinners were delicious and we ate every bite. Great portion sizes for a filling dinner. The wine we selected complimented our dinners. Overall a great experience.
More info
Mulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines
•
4.6

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Here are the most popular cuisines: American, Steakhouse, Contemporary American, Farm-to-table, Italian and many more.

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Best restaurants near me in Downtown Des Moines, IA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

37 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresko

2. Mulberry Street Tavern

3. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

5. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

6. Proudfoot & Bird

7. Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines

8. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

9. In Confidence Speakeasy

10. Alba Restaurant

Dining near Downtown Des Moines, IA at a glance

Wasabi - Waukee

American

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