Restaurants near Iowa State Fairgrounds

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

Wheelchair access

24 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

1. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(821)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 33 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

2. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.9

Exceptional(3219)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 27 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.

3. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1225)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 19 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.

A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant

4. Mulberry Street Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(586)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Des Moines

Booked 18 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.

5. The Latin King

4.6

Exceptional(231)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Des Moines

Booked 7 times today

The Latin King restaurant was founded in 1947 by Rose and Jim Pigneri, who immigrated from Terravecchia, Italy to Des Moines. Rose and Jim wanted to bring authentic Italian fare to Des Moines and began this undertaking in earnest upon selling their home to finance the Latin King restaurant lease, which had previously operated as the Cinderella Sandwich Shop (circa 1930) and the Chanticleer Restaurant (circa 1937). Pigneri named the Latin King after New York City’s Latin Quarter and operated the Latin King for 35 years, notably taking only 10 days of vacation time during his tenure. Pigneri sold the Latin King to his third cousin Bob Tursi in 1983.

6. Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

Exceptional(709)

$$$$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.

7. Alba Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(422)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 2 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.

8. Bar Nico

4.7

Exceptional(92)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Des Moines

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 Splash Seafood Bar and Grill restaurant

9. Splash Seafood Bar and Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1952)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 13 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 Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines restaurant

10. Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines

4.6

Exceptional(221)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Des Moines

Booked 8 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kelley
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food, great service and blackberry mojitos were amazing!
More info
FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
•
4.7
J
JPVIP
Iowa •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent evening out at 801 as always! Service was great and dinner was delicious.
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.9
A
Amy
Iowa •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Always have an amazing experience! The staff here is AMAZING! They care about all their clients needs.
More info
The Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines
•
4.7
J
Jason
Nebraska •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 24, 2025
Samantha was amazing tonight, energetic, kind and welcoming for our table. Would come back again especially thanks to her!
More info
Tupelo Honey - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Des Moines
•
4.4
A
Andrea
Seattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 22, 2025
We had a wonderful evening, full of amazing drinks and food to our indulgence. Robert took good care of us as always and the glasses of champagne to celebrate our 10 year anniversary was very thoughtful. I love that MST has been our go to spot for special occasions and celebrations; it has the best service, food, and vibe whenever we come to visit. Thank you so much for another wonderful evening in the books for us to remember.
More info
Mulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Landmark
Neighborhood
City/Region

Calhoun Wildlife Area
Jordan Creek Park
Iowa State Capitol
SpringHill Suites Des Moines West
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Baird Timber
Prairie Meadows
Riverside Park
Diamond Lake County Park
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport Conference Center
Marcus Community Golf Club
Southpark Shopping Center
The Eastern Iowa Airport
National Balloon Museum
Wells Fargo Arena
Elk Grove Wildlife Management Area
Tanger Outlets Williamsburg
Des Moines Civic Center
Lyons Park
Hoyt Sherman Place

Downtown Des Moines

Iowa