Best Seasonal Restaurants in Downtown Des Moines

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanChinese

Regions

Des Moines

Areas

Des MoinesDowntown Des MoinesUrbandaleWest Des Moines

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

14 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1218)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 23 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(584)

$$$$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 The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

3. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(814)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 45 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!

4. Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

Exceptional(706)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Global, International • Des Moines

Booked 11 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.

5. Alba Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(422)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 6 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.

6. Bar Nico

4.7

Exceptional(89)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Des Moines

Booked 6 times today

Our restaurant's mantra is "Sin Maiz, No Hay Pais" meaning "without corn there is no country" as such, our tortillas are hand ground in house from heirloom organic Mexican corn varietals - made daily & cooked to order. As a result of our corn obsession, we have no flour in house & are a completely gluten-free kitchen.

7. HoQ

4.4

Awesome(363)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to Hoq Restaurant! Experience delicious, sustainable farm-to-table dining in the historic East Village of Des Moines.

8. Eatery A

4.8

Exceptional(551)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Des Moines

Booked 23 times today

Eatery A is Des Moines's destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients, we strive to offer our guests exotic flavor profiles that let the ingredients take center stage.

A photo of Park Street Kitchen restaurant

9. Park Street Kitchen

3.7

Very Good(76)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Des Moines

Park Street Kitchen & Bar, located in Hilton Des Moines Downtown is an all day dining concept featuring local ingredients and products, simply prepared and professionally served. The soul of this restaurant is anchored in the abundance of regional foods produced and raised locally. The menu features wholesome and hearty fare, using tried and true recipes and methods. Dine indoors or al fresco on our outdoor patio complete with string lights and a fireplace. Enjoy validated parking while you dine for up to two hours. See a restaurant team member for more details.

10. Baratta's

4.5

Awesome(134)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Des Moines

Baratta’s has been a Des Moines staple for over 50 years and is always welcoming new guests to the table. With multiple locations now open, catering available, and take-out options, there are several ways to enjoy our menu. From celebrating anniversaries and birthdays to fueling kids up before football games and dances, Baratta’s is a tradition that keeps getting better.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KatieVIP
Austin •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Eric was a fantastic waiter. I enjoyed his energy, class and service. His recommendations were spot on.
More info
Proudfoot & BirdPrice: Very Expensive• Global, International• Des Moines
•
4.8
T
Ted
Iowa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Waiter knew menu well and made great recommendations
More info
The Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
South Dakota •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent good with great service. Would definitely go back
More info
FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Loved the embedded cabbage entree. A unique and delicious option!
More info
Mulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines
•
4.6
E
Eric
Hawaii •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 Mar 2025
Everything was wonderful. Food is always excellent.
More info
Alba RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Des Moines
•
4.6

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