The cocktail with the five-spice rim was a standout. They&#39;re doing interesting things with toasted sesame and yuzu. I paired it with the duck, and the drink&#39;s spice notes complemented the dish perfectly. The bar program is definitely the highlight here.

Aaron and Ellen are the best! They remembered my name from my first visit and always check in without being overbearing. It&#39;s the kind of service that makes you want to come back.

Trendy spot, super casual. Came with friends and we all loved the fried bologna sandwich appetizer! The brussels sprouts were a hit too. Great for a chill group hangout.

Been coming here for years, and the octopus appetizer is the one thing I always order. It&#39;s consistently tender, never chewy, and the char is just right. That&#39;s what keeps me coming back.

They accommodated my friend&#39;s vegan and gluten-free needs from the dinner menu, which was helpful. Her quinoa salad was fresh and well-prepared. Service was efficient. Good option for dietary restrictions downtown.

Kristina was a great server, kept our drinks topped up. The strawberry flips were the highlight, really fresh and not too sweet. Solid spot.

Been coming here for years, and the steak street tacos are still solid. Fresh cilantro and onions, corn tortillas that don&rsquo;t fall apart. Simple, but they get it right.

The liver and onions here is a game changer. Soaking it in milk first totally gets rid of that weird metallic taste. And the onions? They give you a whole mountain of them, all sweet and caramelized. Really hit the spot.

Had a birthday dinner with a big group. The food was spot on&mdash;the steak was cooked just right, and the sides were fresh. Becky remembered our table, which was a nice touch. A solid spot for a celebration.

The chicken salad croissant is fresh and has a nice crunch. The space itself is bright and cozy, perfect for a relaxed bite.

The space has such a cool, historic feel. I love that they kept the old grocery store vibe. It&#39;s a unique spot to grab a meal. The booths were comfortable, which is always a plus for me.

Still my go-to for Chinese food when I&#39;m in the area. The flavors are just as I remember them, which is a comfort. The place itself feels unchanged, a little worn but familiar. That&#39;s what keeps me coming back.

The hand-cut ribeye was a solid piece of meat. Cooked just right, nice char. It&rsquo;s exactly the kind of straightforward, hearty meal you want from a steakhouse around here. Portions are generous, no fuss.

Been coming here for years, and their spinach artichoke dip is always the same. Creamy, warm, comes with those crispy chips. It&rsquo;s the one thing I know I can count on every single visit.

Perfect for grabbing a bite before a game at Principal Park. The little parking lot is a lifesaver!

Stopped by for trivia night on a random Tuesday. The staff was super chill, and the menu had enough options for everyone. Good vibes all around.

The shrimp and grits were pretty good. The grits were creamy and the shrimp had a nice flavor. The peppers and onions added some good texture. Service was fine.

The sushi is fresh and reasonably priced for downtown. Happy hour has some good deals too.

The veggie sushi section is a solid idea. Tried the avocado and cucumber rolls, both fresh and tasty. Portions are decent for the price.

I love that they do French press here! You get to pick your own coffee beans, which is a fun little detail for us coffee people. Perfect for catching up with friends over a slow cup. ☕

Been coming here for years, and it&#39;s always reliable. The service is quick, food&#39;s out fast, even when they&#39;re busy. Just what you want for a solid lunch.

The lighting was so soft, it felt like a little escape. Cozy and intimate, just right for a quiet dinner. The decor has this beautiful, warm glow.

The chocolate here is so good. I just sat with my date, slowly melting a piece on my tongue. The whole place felt so calm. That&#39;s all we really needed.

Ordered a gluten-free pizza online and they actually caught an ingredient issue before it was made. Staff was really careful about cross-contamination. Felt safe eating here.

The baklava was a nice dessert. It had good layers, not too soggy. A little sweet for my taste, but a solid finish.

The broth in their pho is the standout. Rich flavor and fresh ingredients make it worth the price.

The osso buco here is a must-order. The meat was so tender it just slid off the bone, and the sides were a really nice, unique touch. Definitely the star of the meal.

Parking is much better now, which I appreciate. As a regular, I know to expect a wait at busy times. The freshness of their ingredients always keeps me coming back.

Planning a Des Moines trip? Discover the best restaurants in Des Moines with traveller reviews, ratings, menus, photos and exclusive dining deals. Book tables instantly on Trip.com.

The best restaurants in Des Moines

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Tsing Tsao Chinese Fast Food

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The Stuffed Olive Des Moines

El Bait Shop

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Bubba

Akebono 515

Sakari Sushi Lounge

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure

Pho 888

Open Sesame

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Aposto at the Scala House

Skip's

Blu

Tequila Restaurant & Cantina