Reflecting traditions, family recipes, and unique cuisines, Des Moines, Iowa restaurants offer a lot of variety. RealFoodTraveler.com’s Hospitality Editor, Ron Stern, recently visited, made the rounds of restaurants, and reports back with his picks for Des Moines restaurants to try.
Keep this article about Des Moines, Iowa restaurants handy by saving it to Pinterest. Photos by Ron Stern. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.
Des Moines, Iowa Restaurants: By Day or Night, a Heavenly Delight
Des Moines is a city of passion! Locals, whom some refer to as Des Moines-ians, are avid about their history, culture, and perhaps most of all, their food. From farmers’ markets to ethnic eateries to tiki bars, a burgeoning and eclectic culinary scene is simmering at all hours. You will discover them among the fourteen municipalities and neighborhoods that comprise Greater Des Moines.
Once considered a “flyover state,” this part of Iowa is now the fastest-growing metro area in the Midwest. With a welcoming spirit, historic neighborhoods and an abundance of restaurants, travelers are uncovering this city’s edible treasures. Serious foodies take note; it’s time to put Des Moines at the top of your must-visit destinations.
Here then, is a brief list of your choices du jour:
You might be surprised to find out that the #2 Best Farmers’ Market in the country is right here in downtown Des Moines (Daily Meal). Each Saturday morning from May – October, you can stroll among seemingly endless vendors offering colorful flowers, fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies and artfully displayed meats and cheeses.
Employing techniques mastered in Holland, Frisian Farmers Cheese House is known for its fresh curds and many varieties of Gouda. Mast Family Farms’ table display is hard to miss being laden with colorful gooseberry, blackberry, and raspberry pies. Then there’s the stand-out favorite, Vander Ploeg Bakery Co. from nearby Pella. Made with Danish love since 1847, they are famous for their puff pastries filled with almond paste in the shape of “Dutch Letters.” The cutest one is the “S,” reportedly the first letter in Sinterklaas (aka Santa Claus).
Vander Ploeg Bakery’s treats are a favorite at the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
Crème, 543 28th St, Des Monies
Former food stylist Sammy Mila had a vision for opening an Asian-inspired bakery with pastries that were lighter and fresher than traditional desserts. She opened Crème in 2022 serving “globally-inspired” bakery goods. Pastries like milk buns, cakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls are delicious but not too sweet, a concept that her customers seem to eagerly embrace.
Mila also created a “faux buttercream frosting” that is creamy, airy and can be enjoyed all by itself. This is part of what makes up her after-hours Midnight Munchies, every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to midnight. In addition to cocktails and a re-imagined cup of instant noodles, she organizes her own sweet, wacky version of a charcuterie board. This one, however, is thoughtfully prepared to order based on your personal preferences, including your favorite colors.
Imagine a wooden breadboard loaded with salted chocolate buttercream, raspberry mousse, cupcakes, cookies, fruit and pretzels and you’ll get the idea. This is the ultimate snack, the one you wish had when the late-night cravings hit.
Crème’s Midnight Munchies are a snacker’s treat board in this Des Moines, Iowa restaurant.
Hungry for more? Here’s a sweet recipe for Hot Cocoa.
The Latin King, 2200 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines
Founded in 1947 by Italian immigrants, Latin King is one of the oldest restaurants in Des Moines, having undergone several changes of ownership since its inception. The good news is that the family’s original tried and true recipes have been preserved, making Latin King more popular than ever.
Among their Italian specialties is their signature Chicken Spiedini. Large, tender chunks of chicken breasts are marinated, then breaded and charbroiled. The dish is then completely covered in amogio sauce, a blend of lemon, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and sweet red peppers. Even though I was already stuffed with appetizers, I couldn’t stop myself from finishing this entire plate. Oh my gosh, the combination of intense flavors kept calling my name so what could I do?
Top off your meal with one of their excellent desserts. In season, the must-go-to is their strawberry shortcake.
Chicken Spiedini is very popular at The Latin King.
Maid Rite, 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines
This “loose meat” sandwich was reportedly the invention of a “bored” butcher named Fred Angell from Muscatine, Iowa, way back in 1926. His simple recipe combined some fine cuts and grinds of ground meat with just the right amount of seasoning. Served on a steamed hamburger bun, he offered one to a local deliveryman who declared “This sandwich is made right!”
Using a play on words, the Maid-Rite sandwich was born and at one point the landscape was dotted with more than 100 drive-through, walk-up franchises. You can still enjoy one of these iconic Midwest sandwiches along with many others here in Des Moines at the Merle Hay Mall. If you’re wondering about the name, Merle Hay was reportedly the first Iowa serviceman killed in World War II.
The iconic Maid-Rite Sandwich is a “made right.”
Simon’s, 5800 Franklin, Des Moines
This small unassuming, neighborhood restaurant belies its tasty side. Owner Simon Goheen was around the service industry most of his life and opened his intimate casual, American eatery in 2004.
Even with reservations, lines rapidly form outside, and each guest is personally greeted by Simon. Using locally sourced ingredients together with his acquired chef skills, he provides some truly mouth-watering dishes, earning him top marks from residents and travelers alike.
Take his signature, Steak Du Burgo, for example. A 6/8 oz. U.S.D.A. Choice beef tenderloin is sauteed in garlic, oregano, basil, butter and spices. It is then paired with a potato and some fresh veggies. I have to say I haven’t enjoyed such a tender, flavorful steak, as far back as I can remember.
For dessert, I recommend his red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Very much a family operation, this moist baker’s confection is lovingly prepared by his parents.
The red velvet cake at Simon’s is made by his parents.
Mi Patria, Des Moines, 1410 22nd St., West Des Moines
Who knew you could find authentic Ecuadorian food in Iowa? Not only that but Mi Patria’s tasty cuisine has been featured in none other than “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Located in a strip mall in West Des Moines, this family-owned eatery is packed most days with recipes that the owners say are true to their roots. I ordered their slow-roasted, marinated pulled pork with steaming white rice, potato patty and ensalada criolla. The flavors of this colorful combination seemed to intensify with each bite and was one of the favorites on “DDD.” A side of chicken empanadas was no less impressive. The warm crust was delicate and moist with some tangy, not too spicy meat. If you still have room, try their coconut-fried bananas. Simply heavenly!
Mi Patria’s pulled pork plate with a side of chicken empanadas.
Hungry for more? Make it a roadtrip with Ron’s list of 10 great places to eat in Ames, IA.
Open Sesame, 313 Locust St, East Village, Des Moines
The historic district known as “East Village,” is one of the most vibrant and diverse areas of the city. Nestled between the gold-domed Iowa State Capital and the Des Moines River, it is the place to go for great food, entertainment and nightlife.
It was here my attention was drawn to an eggplant-colored facade of Open Sesame, a Lebanese cuisine eatery. After dark, the inside décor will visually transport you to some Middle Eastern oasis with billowing purple and magenta fabrics illuminated by a bevy of ornate lighting.
Serving authentic recipes from his home country of Lebanon, Mario Ghazali prides himself on consistent authentic meals such as Kibbeh, Kafta shawarma, gyros and many others. The pita bread, a family recipe, is crispy and the ideal accompaniment to his house-made hummus laden with olive oil.
A platter of Stuffed Grape Leaves at Open Sesame. Photo by Mario Ghazali.
Bellhop Tiki, 440 E Grand, East Village, Des Moines
Once the sun sets, locals and visitors in the know head to this island-style East Village getaway. Bright neon flowers of yellow, orange, red, and green combined with live foliage surround the central bar where mixologists blend all your favorite tropical drinks.
With rum as the most favored base, all of the cocktails are as pleasing to the eye as they sound. Try one of their signature Mai Tai’s made with a blend of Jamaican and Haitian rum, orange curacao, lime and orgeat. Their extensive menu includes a Pillow Talk, Painkiller, Polynesian Sling and Blue Crush.
For the most Instagram-worthy libation, get your camera phone ready and order a Zombie with Puerto Rican rum, demerara, falernum, grapefruit, cinnamon, grenadine and absinthe. Once ignited, flames dance into the air for several seconds while your server cools it down and applies some beautiful finishing garnishes. Aloha!
The drinks from Bellhop Tiki are a tropical treat in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa Tap Room/ Ken’s-A Not So Secret Speakeasy 215 E. 3rd Street, (East Village) Des Moines
The Iowa Tap Room is housed in a historic building that, among other things, was previously a lithography and printing company. They produced morale-boosting wartime posters during WWII and postcards celebrating the achievements of the Women’s Army Corps (WACS).
Popular with locals and legislators from the capital, this is one of the busiest watering holes in the city, especially at night. The centerpiece is a show-stopping, brightly illuminated grain silo with more than 100 functional taps wrapped around the cylindrical metal form. Specializing in Iowa regional and craft beers, they also have a broad selection of appetizers, salads, burgers and entrees.
But the underlying reason I came was for their Capital Pie. This is an enormous, 7” tall slice of peanut butter and cookies n’ cream ice cream with a chocolate cookie crust. But wait, there’s more! They top it off with whipped cream, hot fudge, and almonds. You’ll have to suspend your calorie concerns and allow yourself to indulge in this decadent dessert.
Most Des Moines-ians are familiar with Ken Sonderleiter, an infamous bootlegger from the 1920s. Ken’s Not So Secret Speakeasy is located just a few steps downstairs from the Iowa Taproom. Wanting to re-create the feel of the era, the owners incorporated various elements from the period into the overall design. A high school auditorium stage, old elevator doors, and a mirrored fireplace mantle salvaged from a local mansion are all part of the fun decor.
If you cherish history, you will enjoy seeing how these various components were used in this space. Naturally, you can enjoy some of their fine prohibition-style cocktails or one of their 125 diverse whiskeys while enjoying some live jazz, swing, ragtime and blues music.
The well-loved Capital Pie at the Iowa Tap Room.
Black Cat Ice Cream, 2511 Cottage Grove Ave. Des Moines
The story goes that the owners of this ice cream shop adopted a cat named Boo Bear who spent most of his life living on the streets. Difficult to please, the only thing that seemed to soothe his feline soul was ice cream. Conceivably that sentiment could apply to people as well, I mused.
Either way, at least one outlet called this the “Best ice cream on earth.” True? You’ll have to decide for yourself but their small batch, award-winning, artisanal ice cream is prepared with grass-fed milk and fresh ingredients. The result is a cool, creamy and oh-so-good confection that results in long lines way before the doors open.
Flavors change seasonally with names like blueberry pancake, killer bee (golden honey and burnt sugar) and banana with marshmallow. All I can say is that after savoring my selections, I felt a strange sense of peace, that all was right with the world. Guess Boo Bear was right.
Two scoops from Black Cat Ice Cream.
Smitty’s Tenderloins, 1401 Army Post Road, Des Moines
Iowa is the number one producer of pork in the nation. As such, it’s no surprise that one of the most popular local delicacies is the pork tenderloin. And at Smitty’s, the Original King Tenderloin, they have been serving these award-winning beauties since 1952.
Now a fourth-generation, family business, their humble building resembles an old-time retro diner. Red-trimmed paint graces the wooden exterior while inside they still have dinette tables, chairs and booths from the 50s.
The breaded tenderloins come in two sizes—king (1 lb) and queen (½ lb) and served overflowing on a bun. Part of the appeal of what makes Smitty’s so special is their preparation and cooking process. Using cracker meal, double breading and a high frying temperature, the result is a non-greasy, tasty sandwich that is moist and deliciously flavorful.
You may also want to sample some of their sweet hand-made onion rings with your order (one server told me she came in on her days off just to get these.) I added a chocolate malt to complete this delightful Midwest taste extravaganza.
Des Moines may have been an underrated culinary locale in the past, but that is changing. With more than 1,000 restaurants from which to choose, you can find a great meal at almost any time of the day or night. Easy to get to, it is within a day’s drive for a quarter of the US population. From casual to fine dining, sweet to savory, this Iowa city is welcoming all food lovers to experience some tasty down-home hospitality.
Smittie’s classic, oversized Tenderloin Sandwich.
Where to Stay in Des Moines, Iowa
Surety Hotel, is centrally located in downtown Des Moines and within easy walking distance to the capital, Farmers’ Market and East Village. This elegant property has retained many of the design features from its former incarnation of a savings and loan building. The rooms are tastefully designed and come with large flat-screen televisions, extremely luxurious beds, a minibar and plush leather accents. The staff is well trained and very willing to assist with any needs.
Surety Hotel is a great place to stay when checking out restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mulberry Street Tavern – Inside Surety Hotel
Serving “approachable food,” almost everything here is made from scratch. Enjoy a crafted cocktail before dinner or stay in your cozy surroundings with in-room dining.
A plated brunch is served starting at 11am. and you can enjoy everything from a braised pork burrito to avocado toast to biscuits and gravy. I ordered the Main Street Tavern breakfast with eggs an authentic British “banger,” thick-sliced bacon and crispy potatoes. Together with some fresh-squeezed orange juice, I wasn’t hungry until noon. But then again…
-Story and photos by Ron Stern, hospitality editor, RealFoodTraveler.com
Learn more about Ames, Iowa on their tourism website. To plan your own trip to Ames, Iowa, you can use our affiliate link for Expedia.
Please note: This was a sponsored visit, however, all opinions were honest and based on the author’s opinion. Also, this article contains an Amazon affiliate link for a movie. This is intended as a convenience to the reader and, if purchased, may result in a small compensation to support the running of this site. It does not effect the price of the product in any way.
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