Downtown Des Moines Restaurants
Make a free reservation
Book for dinner in Iowa
New restaurants to OpenTable in Iowa
Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Downtown Des Moines
Updated on
Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.
Splash Seafood Bar and Grill
Price: Expensive•Seafood•4.7(1,953)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.HoQ
Price: Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.4(363)Welcome to Hoq Restaurant! Experience delicious, sustainable farm-to-table dining in the historic East Village of Des Moines.
Outdoor dining in Iowa
See what locals rave about in Downtown Des Moines
- JJPVIPIowa •15 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoExcellent evening out at 801 as always! Service was great and dinner was delicious.More info801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines•4.8
- PPattyVIPNorthwest Florida •28 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoWe dined with friends from out of town. The menu offered something for everyone to enjoy. Our server was kind and efficient.More infoFreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines•4.7
- AAmyIowa •12 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoAlways have an amazing experience! The staff here is AMAZING! They care about all their clients needs.More infoThe Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines•4.7
- JJasonNebraska •3 reviews5.0Dined 6 days agoSamantha was amazing tonight, energetic, kind and welcoming for our table. Would come back again especially thanks to her!More infoTupelo Honey - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Des Moines•4.4
- AAndreaSeattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews5.0Dined on Mar 22, 2025We 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 infoMulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines•4.6
Discover Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines, nestled deep in the heartland of Iowa, is a surprisingly great place to find new American cuisine. Native-born Iowans and recent immigrants have combined their cultures to create fusion flavors like Polynesian pizza and Asian tacos from the highest quality ingredients. Downtown Des Moines has steakhouses that have high-quality Midwestern beef sitting right next to some of the heartland's best produce. Whether you prefer modern takes on pizza, seafood or pub food, head down East Court Avenue or Locust Street to try some incredible restaurants. Along the river, you can find bars and brewpubs for spending a casual night out.
Explore OpenTable
- Hooper State Game Area
- Red Haw State Park
- Whitmer Park
- Memorial Park
- Site of Old Fort Des Moines Historical Marker
- Site of Des Moines First Public School Historical Marker
- Buxton Park Arboretum
- Court Avenue Bridge
- Fairmount Park
- Sesquicentennial Park
- Railroad Park
- Wells Fargo Arena
- Buxton Park
- Blank Park Zoo
- Stone Park
- Ewing Park
- Grandview Park
- Lucas Mall
- Des Moines Marriott Downtown
- Carlisle City Park