Alba
524 E 6th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-0261
www.albadsm.com
Imagine diving into heavenly light gnocchi and perfectly flowing chocolate lava cakes. These classics are still available. But this bistro finds savvy ways to mix things up, such as their recently added steak-and-sides section and a constantly expanding wine list. Look for fan favorites plus new twists on salmon, beef and pasta. Click here for more on Alba’s 2021 plans.
Allora Cafe
1459 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309
515-330-1517
Allora Cafe will be serving fresh, home-made pasta featuring seasonal, local ingredients.
Aposto
644 18th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314
515-244-1353
www.apostodm.com
It’s the place if you’re seeking a romantic Mediterranean meal. Italian pastas, braises and snacks star, although French, Latin and other flavors sneak into chef Shawn Bennigsdorf’s thoughtful recipes. Ask for a table on the wraparound patio lined with petunias that originated in the garden of owner Tony Lemmo’s mom, Lou Ann. (Also, a must-try is her mascarpone-frosted walnut Italian wedding cake.)
Aura Restaurant and Lounge
12851 University Ave #400, Clive, IA 50325
515-225-6005
www.auradsm.com
In his latest addition to the Wasabi Restaurant Group, Jay Wang offers global fusion in a renovated setting complete with a patio. Hop from Korea (Korean-fried cauliflower) to Greece (a honey-lemon vinaigrette-drizzled farro salad) to Mexico (pulled pork carnitas tacos) at this new-in-2021 bistro. If you like seafood, consider adding a few oysters on the half shell to your order.
Bubba
200 10th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-257-4744
www.bubbadsm.com
Chris Diebel’s downtown locale is so beautiful, you might want to cozy up on one of the couches all night. But make your way to a table in the dining room and you’ll be rewarded with crab cakes, chicken-fried steak or a po’boy sandwich. Save room for Bourbon Bananas Foster or a classic Southern pie. Check out the menu for one of the largest selections of brown liquors in town
Centro
1003 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-248-1780
www.centrodesmoines.com
For just shy of two decades, chef-restaurateur George Formaro and his team have been delivering consistent takes on Italian-American food (massive meatballs, wood-fired pizzas and more). Feeling fancy? Take a look at the entrees spotlighting Angus steak and seared scallops. Click here for a feature of what will be on the menu during Restaurant Week.
Clyde’s Fine Diner
111 E Grand Ave, Suite 111, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-243-3686
www.clydesfinediner.com
Chef-owner Chris Hoffmann provides upscale American cuisine and re-imagined diner classics, at this cozy East Village restaurant. Have a seat at their swanky bar and enjoy a delicious meal with a craft cocktail. Save room for soft-serve!
Des Moines Marriott Downtown (Mash + MARROW)
700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-245-5500
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dsmia-des-moines-marriott-downtown/dining
A modern twist on American classics at Mash + MARROW Cocktail Lounge, our inventive restaurant and bar in the Downtown Des Moines Marriott. Mash + MARROW Cocktail Lounge is ideal for meeting with friends to enjoy great food and good conversation.
District 36
1375 SW Vintage Parkway, Ankeny, IA 50023
515-261-2502
www.district36winebar.com
Now part of Dave and Jean Thompson’s three-location Urban Restaurant Group (see Urban Grill and Urban Cellar, below), this Ankeny grill creates American fare with an upgrade. A basic BLT gets better with grilled salmon, while beef tenderloin is stuffed with sausage and caramelized onions, then wrapped in bacon. Enjoy it outside on the patio.
Django
1420 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-288-0268
www.djangodesmoines.com
George Formaro and chef Derek Eidson team up to offer their unique flair on all things French. In addition to cheese and charcuterie, the fried Brussels sprouts, and plenty of vegan options, two dishes are especially worth the trip: Moules Frites (mussels and fries—splurge on the duck-fat fried version) and the runny egg-crowned Croque Madame.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
440 68th Street, Suite 450, West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-259-8540
https://west-des-moines.firebirdsrestaurants.com/
Open for lunch and dinner daily and with seating inside or out, this steakhouse is not just about steak (although they do excel at that!). The regular menu features lobster spinach queso, seared tuna superfood salad, chicken-bacon pasta, and Kobe beef meatloaf. Expect similar dishes—for a steal—during Restaurant Week.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
150 S Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-457-2916
www.flemingssteakhouse.com
Franka Pizzeria
111 E Grand Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-288-1086
www.frankapizzeria.com
One of many elegant pandemic pivots in the restaurant industry, the St. Kilda team flipped their Surf & Turf restaurant into this takeout-friendly but beautiful dine-in Neapolitan pizza spot. The wood-fired menu features fresh locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supplemented by Italian imports. Pair your pie with a salad or small plate, or try a sandwich or calzone.
Franka Pizzeria – Clive
12695 University Avenue, Suite 100, Clive, IA 50309
515-223-2384
www.frankapizzeria.com/clive
One of many elegant pandemic pivots in the restaurant industry, the St. Kilda team flipped their Surf & Turf restaurant into this takeout-friendly but beautiful dine-in Neapolitan pizza spot. The wood-fired menu features fresh locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supplemented by Italian imports. Pair your pie with a salad or small plate, or try a sandwich or calzone.
Harbinger
2724 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
515-244-1314
www.harbingerdsm.com
James Beard Award-nominated chef Joe Tripp has been a harbinger himself of the ever-diversifying and innovating food scene in Iowa. His recently renovated Ingersoll hot spot fuses local, seasonal components with Southeast Asian flair inspired by his travels to the area.
HoQ Restaurant
303 E 5th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-1213
www.hoqtable.com
Farm-to-table can be found in fantastic form at Suman and Cynthia Hoque’s airy restaurant. The frequently shifting menu showcases the farms and growers whose organic or chemical-free produce appears on your plate. Free-range chicken, grass-fed beef and bison, and other carefully sourced proteins, plus seafood and vegetarian options, can often be found on the menu.
Malo
900 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-5000
www.malodesmoines.com
Salsa over to the patio at Malo, another venue under the George Formaro/ Orchestrate Management umbrella. The Mexican cantina is best enjoyed with a basket of chips and dip, a mojito or margarita, and a platter of tacos, fajitas or nachos. If you happen to have room after the ample portions of all of the above, finish with cherry-filled dessert empanadas.
Motley School Tavern
1903 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
515-279-0075
www.mstdsm.com
New American Restaurant offering fresh spins on yesterday’s classics.
Mulberry Street Tavern (Surety Hotel)
206 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-985-2066
www.suretyhotel.com/food-and-drink
Experience the best Des Moines has to offer from traditional tavern fare to perfect classic cocktails, eclectic wines, and an interesting array of local, regional, and foreign beers. This vibrant setting brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to downtown Des Moines.
Panka Peruvian Restaurant
2708 Ingersoll Ave Suite 200, Des Moines, IA 50312
515-244-1430
www.pankadsm.com
We use fresh and local products. Our favorite dish is Lomo Saltado, traditional stir fry beef, the original Peruvian taste.
Proof
1301 Locust St, Suite C, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-0655
www.proofdsm.com
Proudfoot & Bird
1000 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-957-2400
www.facebook.com/ProudfootBirdIA/
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. Comprised of handmade pastas, humanely raised poultry, waterfowl, prime cuts of beef, sustainably caught seafood and locally sourced produce, Proudfoot & Bird’s menu consists of world class fare. Timeless cocktails, local/regional beer selections, and a carefully curated list of award-winning wines have been chosen to pair perfectly with our culinary vision.
Purveyor
505 E Grand Ave Suite 105, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-280-1130
www.purveyordsm.com
Another Port of Des Moines property (see Trellis), this East Village market is great for more than grab-and-go pastries and wine. From cheese boards and other light bites to sandwiches on homemade bread and fresh salads, you can make a meal out of the goodies gathered here. Can’t miss are Doré Bakery sweets, which include buttery-crusted tarts and tasty cakes.
Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar
11865 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50323
515-985-2066
www.rangedesmoines.com
Tee up a unique dinner experience at this sports bar that feels straight out of a country club. Beyond the golf simulators, you’ll score above-par grill favorites. Some have an eye toward nutrition (bison steak bites, mountainous salads and lean elk burgers), while others are right on path for what you’d crave at a bar—just with a slightly elevated twist (Wagyu beef flat-iron steak with Parmesan risotto).
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill
303 Locust St., Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-5686
www.splash-seafood.com
Since 1998, the Locust Street hot spot has been dishing fish, tasty lobster and Alaskan King Crab, plus oysters on the half-shell. Seafood is flown in from both coasts daily, but you can also order filet mignon or New York strip if beef is your thing. Chef Dominic Iannarelli recommends the Chilean Seabass Meuniere, which is dredged in flour and sauteed in butter. Grab a seat at the raw bar for a casual date night with a glass of wine, or go formal in the dining room decked in crisp white tablecloths.
St. Kilda Cafe & Bakery
300 SW 5th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-369-7854
www.stkildadsm.com/cafe-bakery
All-star service, Instagrammable brunches and great coffee have become the trademarks of the bright, trendy cafe helmed by Alex and Whitney Hall. The character and chef Ken VanMilligen’s vibrant recipes (truffle-topped country peas with ricotta and a colorful Moroccan riff on avocado toast) combine to make you feel like you’re in a major hub city, but you can find it all downtown near Principal Park.
St. Kilda Cafe & Bakery – Clive
12695 University Avenue, Suite 140, Clive, IA 50325
515-223-2384
www.stkildadsm.com/cafe-bakery
St. Kilda Collective
333 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-705-2030
www.stkildadsm.com/collective/
Step inside the airy dining room—Alex and Whitney Hall’s most spacious venue yet—in this historic district for some thoroughly modern, beautifully plated food. Acting as the bakery for the other St. Kilda properties, a variety of homemade breads and pastries star in dishes like the pistachio-topped hummus with homemade pita. Swing by at brunch or visit at dinner for small and large plates. For a sneak peek at what they’ll serve during Restaurant Week, click here.
Trellis Café
Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316
515-323-6288
trelliscafedsm.com
Matching its verdant backdrop at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, chef Lisa LaValle, chef Rebekah Kohl and Doré Bakery pastry ace Nik Pugmire sprout up a new plant-inspired, seasonal menu each month. The Port of Des Moines cafe isn’t just about leafy greens, though. It has entrees that will please everyone including staunch vegetarians and meat-and-potato lovers.
Trostel’s Greenbriar
5810 Merle Hay Road, P.O. Box 445, Johnston, IA 50131
515-253-0124
www.greenbriartrostels.com
A favorite dining destination since 1987, Greenbriar offers an experience to suit any palate and any mood. With its inviting ambiance, the restaurant’s expansive patio is the perfect place to relax. Prefer fine dining? Book a table in the elegant dining room. Likewise, the menu is sure to please everyone in your party, whether you order a classic splurge-worthy dish (gunpowder-crusted ribeye, pan-seared scallops) or more casual fare, such as a thin-crust pizza or Boursin beef slider. Also, be sure to check out the seasonal specialties; a recent offering included smoked salmon linguini with capers and cream sauce.
Tupelo Honey
665 Grand Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-513-5922
www.tupelohoneycafe.com
Urban Cellar
640 S. 50th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-226-3230
www.urbancellarwdm.com
A newer member of the Urban Restaurant Group (and a sibling to Urban Grill and District 36), this cozy bistro offers an eclectic mix of comfort food. Case in point: crab Rangoon-flavored dip with wonton chips, garlicky de Burgo sauce served atop chicken, and a gumbo-inspired sausage and seafood dish on a bed of pasta instead of rice.
Urban Grill
3651 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
515-278-1016
www.theurbangrill.com
You can feel the family-owned climate at this Urbandale haunt, a relative of Urban Cellar and District 36. The cozy, separate dining spaces are decked out in mahogany touches and tavern-like lighting, and the kitchens’ creations will please those who prefer American, Asian and Italian eats. Work your way from appetizer (blackened seafood quesadilla) to entree (cavatelli with Graziano’s sausage) to dessert (candy bar pie) on the regular menu for a flavor of things to come during Restaurant Week.
