When it comes to exploring a new city, one of the most exciting aspects is discovering the local culinary scene. Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is no exception. With its rich agricultural heritage and Midwestern charm, Des Moines offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. From farm-to-table restaurants to trendy eateries and classic diners, the city’s food scene is a reflection of its vibrant culture and community.
Get ultimate traveler plannerOverview of Des Moines’ Culinary Landscape
Des Moines’ culinary landscape is a melting pot of traditional Iowa comfort food, modern twists on classic dishes, and innovative cuisine that showcases the city’s cultural diversity. The city is home to a thriving food truck scene, bustling farmers’ markets, and a variety of restaurants that serve everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty burger, a fresh salad, or a spicy taco, Des Moines has something for everyone.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Des Moines’ culinary scene is spread across several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. The Downtown area is home to trendy restaurants and bars, while the East Village is known for its eclectic mix of eateries and shops. The Ingersoll Avenue corridor is a hotspot for foodies, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from Italian to Mexican cuisine. And, of course, no trip to Des Moines would be complete without a visit to the historic Court Avenue district, which is famous for its bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Des Moines, highlighting the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries in each neighborhood. From breakfast to dinner, and from casual to fine dining, we’ll show you where to eat in Des Moines and what to order when you get there.
Where to Eat in Des Moines: A Foodie’s Guide
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a culinary gem that offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From farm-to-table restaurants to trendy eateries, and from classic comfort food to international cuisine, Des Moines has it all. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the city, highlighting the best places to eat in Des Moines.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of these popular spots:
- The Breakfast Club: This retro-style diner serves up classic breakfast dishes with a twist, like breakfast tacos and waffle sandwiches.
- Egg & I: With over 100 omelette options, this breakfast spot is a must-visit for egg lovers.
- The Java House: This cozy coffee shop serves up delicious breakfast burritos and sandwiches, along with expertly brewed coffee.
: This French-inspired bakery offers a variety of sweet and savory pastries, quiches, and sandwiches.
Lunch and Casual Eats
For a quick and delicious lunch or casual meal, try one of these popular spots: (See Also: Where To Eat In Vegas With Kids)
- Fong’s Pizza: This Des Moines institution has been serving up delicious pizza and Chinese-inspired dishes for over 20 years.
: This gourmet cheese shop offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, along with a great selection of artisanal cheeses. : This casual eatery serves up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads, along with a great selection of craft beer.
Dinner and Fine Dining
For a special occasion or a night out on the town, try one of these top-rated dinner spots:
: This upscale bistro serves up classic French-inspired dishes, along with a great selection of wine and craft cocktails. : This modern American bistro offers a variety of creative dishes, along with a great selection of craft cocktails and wine.
International Cuisine
Des Moines is a melting pot of cultures, and its dining scene reflects this diversity. Try one of these popular international restaurants:
: This family-owned restaurant serves up authentic Thai dishes, like pad thai and green curry. : This Mexican restaurant serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and other traditional dishes. : This Asian-Mexican fusion restaurant serves up creative tacos, noodle dishes, and other fusion favorites. : This Italian restaurant serves up delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and other traditional Italian favorites.
Food Trucks and Markets
Des Moines is home to a thriving food truck scene, with many trucks serving up delicious eats at festivals, events, and around the city. Some popular food trucks include:
: This BBQ-focused food truck serves up delicious ribs, brisket, and other meats. : This Mexican-inspired food truck serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and other traditional dishes. : This sweet-focused food truck serves up delicious waffles, ice cream, and other treats.
In addition to food trucks, Des Moines is also home to several popular farmers’ markets and food halls, including:
: This weekly market features over 300 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and more. : This weekly market features local produce, meats, dairy products, and more, along with live music and activities. : This food hall features a variety of vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to gourmet chocolates.
Neighborhood Guides
Des Moines is divided into several unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and dining scene. Here are some popular neighborhoods to explore:
Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines is the heart of the city, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. Some popular spots include:
: This historic theater hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and musicals. : This trendy bar serves up creative cocktails and features live music and events. : This rooftop bar serves up delicious burgers and sandwiches, along with a great selection of craft beer.
East Village
The East Village is a trendy neighborhood just east of downtown, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Some popular spots include: (See Also: Where To Eat In Torrance)
: This casual eatery serves up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads, along with a great selection of craft beer. : This coffee shop serves up expertly brewed coffee, along with delicious pastries and sandwiches. : This weekly market features local produce, meats, dairy products, and more, along with live music and activities.
Ingersoll Avenue
Ingersoll Avenue is a charming neighborhood just west of downtown, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Some popular spots include:
: This casual eatery serves up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads, along with a great selection of craft beer. : This wine bar serves up a variety of wines, along with delicious small plates and cheese boards. : This coffee shop serves up expertly brewed coffee, along with delicious pastries and sandwiches.
Recap and Key Takeaways
In conclusion, Des Moines is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From farm-to-table restaurants to trendy eateries, and from classic comfort food to international cuisine, Des Moines has it all. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a casual lunch, or a special occasion dinner, Des Moines has a restaurant to fit your needs.
Some key takeaways from this article include:
- Des Moines has a thriving food scene, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and food trucks to explore.
- The city is home to several popular neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and dining scene.
- From farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine, Des Moines has a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget.
- Food trucks and markets are a great way to experience the city’s culinary scene, with many trucks and markets serving up delicious eats.
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your culinary adventure in Des Moines. Bon appetit!
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in Des Moines
What are the best restaurants in Des Moines for breakfast?
If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast in Des Moines, some popular options include The Breakfast Club, La Mie Bakery, and The Eggs and I. These restaurants offer a wide range of breakfast dishes, from omelets and pancakes to waffles and breakfast burritos.
Are there any good restaurants in Des Moines that serve gluten-free options?
Yes, many restaurants in Des Moines offer gluten-free options. Some popular options include Eatery A, which has a separate gluten-free menu, and Fong’s Pizza, which offers gluten-free pizza crust. You can also try The Cheese Shop, which has a variety of gluten-free sandwiches and salads. (See Also: Where To Eat In Insadong Seoul)
What are some good restaurants in Des Moines for a romantic dinner?
If you’re looking for a romantic dinner in Des Moines, some popular options include Alba, which offers upscale American cuisine, and Aposto, which serves contemporary Italian dishes. You could also try Proof, which has a cozy atmosphere and a menu of seasonal small plates.
Are there any good restaurants in Des Moines that are budget-friendly?
Yes, there are many budget-friendly restaurants in Des Moines. Some popular options include Tacopocalypse, which serves tacos and burritos for under $10, and Open Sesame, which offers Middle Eastern cuisine at affordable prices. You could also try Fong’s Pizza, which has a variety of pizza options starting at around $10.
What are some good restaurants in Des Moines that are kid-friendly?
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly restaurant in Des Moines, some popular options include The Breakfast Club, which has a fun atmosphere and a kids’ menu, and Fong’s Pizza, which has a play area and a menu of kid-friendly options. You could also try The Chicken Coop, which has a casual atmosphere and a menu of fried chicken and sides.
