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Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Des Moines

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Des Moines? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Cooper's On 5th restaurant

Cooper's On 5th

4.9

4.9 (137)

$30 and under

American

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Cooper’s on 5th is a great place for Lunch & Dinner. We have had the pleasure of being West Des Moines’ first Craft Cocktail Bar. Join us for our amazing food menu & award-winning cocktail program. Classic & Reimagined Americana comfort food paired with one of Des Moines’ original & highly awarded craft cocktail programs. Great beer, wine, and martinis.

Top review

C

Catherine

Dined 3 days ago

If you're seeking a warm ambience and friendly servers, check out this wonderful restaurant in Valley Junction - West Des Moines!

A photo of Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar restaurant

Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar

4.9

4.9 (317)

$30 and under

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar serves comfort food with local flair in a historic building on Main Street in Grinnell, Iowa. Prairie Canary was opened in September 2012 and is currently owned by Chef, Paul Durr. Located in the city of Grinnell, also known as “The Jewel of the Prairie” and home to Grinnell College, Prairie Canary provides a gathering place where guests can enjoy Midwestern flavors in an inviting, understated atmosphere that speaks to the colors and textures of the Iowa prairie.
Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar is all about being local. From the name of the restaurant to the dishes on which the food is served, effort was taken to showcase local talent and area producers. Enjoy your meal on hand-thrown plates and bowls. Sit at hand-made hickory tables. Savor farm-fresh produce grown just miles away. Sip on an Iowa wine or pint of beer. We look forward to seeing you!

Top review

M

Matt

Dined on Nov 10, 2024

Great food and attentive waitstaff. Overall fun evening.

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A photo of Iowa Chop of a restaurant

A photo of Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines restaurant

Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (906)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine, or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner, or simply wanting to enjoy an excellent culinary experience - we will create a safe and memorable evening for you. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

K

KariVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Always good. Tiffany and Andres are our favorites. Excellent service, as always.

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (3179)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

A

Austin

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing, huge shoutout to ben and quinn both amazing guys made our night that much better lovely place best place in iowa you could ever take that special someone!

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A photo of Grand Marnier Souffle of a restaurant

Grand Marnier Souffle

A photo of Sliced Prime Rib au jus of a restaurant

Sliced Prime Rib au jus

A photo of Roast Prime Rib of a restaurant

Roast Prime Rib

A photo of Fresko restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1187)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Des Moines

About the restaurant

“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.

Top review

H

HalVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great place. Excellent menu and well prepared. Reservations handled well.

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A photo of AM Tacos of a restaurant

A photo of Salmon of a restaurant

A photo of Alba Restaurant restaurant

Alba Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (407)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

B

BillVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Great service, incredible food. All the dishes were excellent. The Beef Stroganoff was the hit of the night!

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA restaurant

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

4.7

4.7 (1196)

$30 and under

American

Clive

About the restaurant

Experience the perfect fusion of award-winning wines, Napa-style tasting rooms, and modern casual dining at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine influenced by international flavors from our scratch kitchen. Each dish is expertly paired with our selection of wines for the best food and wine match. Whether you explore the tasting room for a pre- or post-dinner adventure or join the world's largest wine club, we believe in the power of food and wine to create lasting connections. Dining reservations are highly recommended, but walk-in guests are always welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.

Top review

S

Stephanie

Dined today

10/10 recommend Brussel Sprout appetizer is a must have! Great Sangrias & Martinis! From steak, to pasta, to salmon & burgers, not one person in our group was disappointed with their meal!

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A photo of House-Made Truffles of a restaurant

House-Made Truffles

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Chocolate Cake of a restaurant

Cooper's Hawk Chocolate Cake

A photo of Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm of a restaurant

Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm

A photo of Eatery A restaurant

4.8

4.8 (541)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

J

Julie

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

With a reservation we got seated immediately. Pasta and pizza arrived in a timely manner. Was delicious and good size portions. Highly recommend.

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A photo of 4 Pizza of a restaurant

A photo of 8 Pizza of a restaurant

A photo of 6 Pizza of a restaurant

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

4.7 (778)

$30 and under

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

K

KirkVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Always good food and good service. A great place!

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A photo of Caribbean Salmon of a restaurant

Caribbean Salmon

A photo of Cajun Salmon of a restaurant

A photo of Proudfoot & Bird restaurant

Proudfoot & Bird

4.7

4.7 (688)

$50 and over

Global, International

Des Moines

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

K

kevin

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful atmosphere, service and food! Had a great time.

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A photo of Crispy Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

A photo of French Onion soup of a restaurant

French Onion soup

A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant

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