Restaurants near Early Des Moines River Crossings Historical Marker

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Top Rated

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

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

20 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Splash Seafood Bar and Grill restaurant

1. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1952)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 11 times today

DiRoNA award winning Splash Seafood Bar & Grill serves only the freshest seafood flown in daily and expertly prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles. Splash Seafood bar and Grill also serve the Midwest's finest cuts of steaks and chops with the same care as they give the seafood. Be pampered by the highly experienced wait staff in one of Des Moines most unique and elegant dining rooms surrounded by whimsical wall murals as well as 9 large salt water aquariums. Splash Seafood offers an extensive wine list, recognized with an Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, as well as a full bar specializing in tropical drinks. Also enjoy a more laid back atmosphere in the raw bar, Splash Oyster Bar & Seafood Market, just across the hallway from Splash Seafood. Enjoy all the fresh oysters and shellfish that the raw bar has to offer as well as the full menu from Splash Seafood. Also be sure to take advantage of the raw bars Seafood Market to enjoy the freshest seafood at home.

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

2. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(814)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 43 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!

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

3. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

Exceptional(3209)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 30 times today

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.

4. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1218)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 31 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.

5. Bar Nico

4.7

Exceptional(89)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Des Moines

Booked 9 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.

A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant

6. Mulberry Street Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(584)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Des Moines

Booked 17 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.

7. Alba Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(422)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 10 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.

A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines restaurant

8. Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(219)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Des Moines

Booked 12 times today

Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!

9. Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

Exceptional(706)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Global, International • Des Moines

Booked 14 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.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant

10. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(680)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Des Moines

Booked 27 times today

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. We look forward to seeing you soon! We are currently closed on Monday's

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Ted
Iowa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 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 6 days ago
Excellent good with great service. Would definitely go back
More info
FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
•
4.7
D
DavidVIP
Atlanta •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful family dinner while traveling through Des Moines. We enjoyed all of our food, great service, very attentive! The bread was amazing as well!
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.8
J
Justine
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We ordered shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes, chicken strips with fries, and lobster Mac. Everything was as good as the staff said it would be. The staff was so nice and warm with our children. We felt very comfortable and appreciated the food and the service. Very simple to make a reservation and modify it if needed. Definitely a favorite!
More info
Splash Seafood Bar and GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dorset •1 review
4.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Great service. Very attentive staff. But 2 pizzas with a drink each was still over $50 even on happy hour.
More info
Eatery APrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Des Moines
•
4.8

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Mary Christopher Park
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Bessman Kemp County Park
Guthrie County Park
Iowa State Capitol
Junge Park
Legion Park
Johnny Clock Museum
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
West Des Moines Marriott
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
Geode State Park
Hull State Game Management Area
Historical Village Museum
Hotel Fort Des Moines
National Balloon Museum
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Hallett Flat-Rawson and Co. Apartment Building
Hoyt Sherman Place
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