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Local picks

Food in Des Moines

A meal that leaves you satisfied and wanting to return rather than just checking a box on your hunger.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Jumpin Jambalaya image 1
Jumpin Jambalaya image 2
Jumpin Jambalaya image 3
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Cajun restaurant

Cajun restaurant inside a community center offers authentic Creole jambalaya and generous portions at affordable prices. Spacious seating includes an option to sit on the grass outside, creating a lively campus vibe. Food is fresh and flavorful with quick service that handles crowds well.

Food comes out fresh and flavorful, made with clear care. Service supports quick delivery and handles crowds well, making the overall meal experience smooth and satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought the Jambalaya was the best I ever had."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is flavorful and fresh."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Jumpin Jambalaya offers early bird specials priced between $8 and $10.

2

The restaurant provides a variety of menu options to cater to different tastes.

3

Food arrives right on time for events and catering services.

02
JAFRA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean flavors shine with amazing dishes and great service. Enjoy a stunning city view in a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Clean design and drive-thru convenience make it perfect for casual or special meals.

Food here is consistently amazing with great service every time. The dishes stand out for their quality and flavor, making each meal a great experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

"I found the gyro here to be delightful and plentiful."

"It's a great late night spot, open 24 hours for delicious food."

Good to know

1

JAFRA is open 24/7, allowing visits at any time.

2

Everything at JAFRA is Halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

3

The restaurant is extremely clean, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

03
Fish and Chicken House; Indian & American Food image 1

Clean, light space with calm atmosphere and cool air welcomes guests. Indian staff serve flavorful dishes like Indian-style fish and chips and garlic naan with quick, fresh delivery. Affordable prices and great portions make it a versatile spot blending Indian and American flavors, plus a creamy mango lassi to go.

Food arrives quickly and stays fresh and hot with a mild spice level around 3. The menu blends Indian and American flavors and includes a creamy mango lassi that's popular enough to buy for the road.

People are saying

"I loved their Indian-style Fish and Chips; the flavors were great."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and very good."

"The Indian food here is delicious, especially the garlic naan."

Good to know

1

Parking spaces might not be plentiful during busy times.

2

The menu has a great selection of Indian and American food.

3

The restaurant offers lunch and dinner options.

04
B & E Meats & Seafood image 1

Butcher shop shines with house-made jerky and specialty smoked salmon. Friendly staff offer knowledgeable service in a family-owned atmosphere. Quality beats supermarkets with unique frozen items and marinated cuts.

Food here shows consistent high quality with items like bacon, candied salmon, and cheese standing out. Staff remain friendly and knowledgeable about their offerings.

People are saying

"You have to try the candied salmon; it's out of this world."

"I thought the Korean food here was the best."

"I found the food here to be of high quality."

Good to know

1

B & E Meats & Seafood offers a wide selection of fresh meats and seafood.

2

They provide unique items like smoked meats, beer, and wine.

3

Prices are generally higher than supermarkets, reflecting quality.

05
New Tokyo Teriyaki image 1
Japanese restaurant

Dim lighting sets a relaxed atmosphere while large portions of Seattle-style teriyaki satisfy hungry families. Food arrives fresh and tasty with fast service. Limited parking means timing your visit is key.

Food comes out fresh and tasty with fast service. Portions are plentiful and consistently good.

People are saying

"The teriyaki sauce here is really, really good."

"I enjoyed the good gyoza here."

"The food here is so delicious, especially the teriyaki."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available, offering great value.

2

The parking lot can get full, so visit during off-peak hours.

3

Prices have increased recently, so check the menu before ordering.

06
Pizzas Locas image 1
Pizza restaurant

Wood-fired oven creates a smoky scent that sets a camping-like vibe with outdoor seating on turf and lawn chairs. Mexican-style pizzas offer unique flavors with fresh ingredients. Staff stays friendly, keeping the atmosphere family-friendly and relaxed.

Wood-fired oven pizza combines with authentic Mexican flavors for a unique taste. Staff stays friendly and food quality remains consistently great.

People are saying

"I found the pizza delicious and worth trying."

"The unique Mexican ingredients create fantastic pizza combinations."

"The food here is amazing, especially the Mexican-inspired pizzas."

Good to know

1

Pizzas Locas is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

2

The pizzas are very affordable, making it a great value.

3

They offer door-to-door service for convenience.

07
Jamarโ€™s Sports Bar and Grill image 1

Sports bar shines with waterfront views and a lively atmosphere fueled by a live DJ and games like pool. Food impresses with bold seasoning and consistent flavor. Seating options include indoor booths and a patio, perfect for a community feel.

Food stands out for its seasoning and flavor. Dishes come across as consistently delicious and well-prepared.

People are saying

"I'd return for the moist, flakey catfish at this bar."

"I loved the fun atmosphere and cool vibe here."

"The food here is great, especially the burger and fries."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Open mic night is on Wednesdays, featuring local performers.

3

Wing & Whiskey Wednesday offers $6 Jamesons and $1.50 wings.

08
TeaCup image 1
Bubble tea store

Small tea cafe shines with fresh boba teas and hot eggrolls. Cozy space offers flavorful banh mi and a photo-friendly wall. Quiet, friendly vibe makes it a great spot for tasty Vietnamese food and relaxing moments.

Food features freshness and high quality with Vietnamese dishes. Eggrolls come out hot and delicious every time.

People are saying

"Their bubble tea tastes like real fruit and isn't too sweet."

"The Banh Mi sandwich here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

Good to know

1

Prices for drinks range from $3 to $6, with food items around $5 to $10.

2

They offer over 50 drink options, including Vietnamese specialties.

3

Expect a small wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

09
Madina Halal Market image 1

Supermarket shines with fresh halal products and a quiet atmosphere. Food truck offers authentic kebabs worth the wait. Clean space and reasonable prices make shopping pleasant.

Fresh hot foods come out well prepared and tasty. The soup serves as a solid comfort food, and the kebab from the food truck is a notable option despite a wait time of about an hour.

People are saying

"I tried the most delicious soup from this grocery store."

"I found the prices at this market to be very reasonable."

"The food here, especially the soup, is incredibly delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The market offers a wide variety of quality halal products, including meats and spices.

2

Prices at the market are generally reasonable compared to other places.

3

The store is clean and well-organized, making shopping easy.

10
Arturo's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with quick service and standout homemade salsa and guacamole. Vibrant decor and beautiful glass doors create a cozy atmosphere. A lively bar with a DJ table makes it a great spot for drinks and games.

Food comes out quickly and is full of authentic flavors. Homemade items like salsa, pico de gallo, and guacamole stand out with quality and great taste, including the breakfast options.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is bursting with authentic flavor."

"I found the tacos here to be pretty good and giant."

"The food here is homemade and seasoned so well."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.50 each.

2

Happy Hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm.

3

Breakfast is served on weekends until 1pm.

11
Second Love Coffee Roasters image 1

Enjoy specialty coffee with rich flavor in a cozy, historic space. Limited pastries complement the drinks, with plans to add more food soon. Relax on a spacious patio overlooking water, perfect for quiet chats or work.

Coffee stands out with strong quality and flavor. Food options remain limited to a few pastries, with plans to expand offerings as hours extend.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here."

"I loved the coffee while enjoying the beautiful view from outdoor seating."

"The food and coffee here are some of the best."

Good to know

1

Second Love Coffee Roasters isn't open full time yet.

2

Parking can be a bit of a hassle if street traffic is busy.

3

The back porch area is quiet and great for working.

12
via Marina Wood Fired Pizza & Italian Cafe image 1

Wood-fired oven delivers authentic pizza with rich flavor. Heated outdoor patio offers a cozy atmosphere despite street noise. Nutella calzone stands out as a notable dessert complementing the meal perfectly.

Food features great flavor and delicious Italian dishes with a wood fired pizza focus. Service and ambiance complement the meal well.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the outdoor seating, especially with the heaters."

"The wood fired pizza has this awesome subtle smokiness."

"The food here is amazing, always fresh and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a covered outdoor patio for dining.

2

Prices are reasonable, but some dishes may feel overpriced for the portion sizes.

3

The restaurant does not have a children's menu, making it less family-friendly.

13
Viva Mexico Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Building shows traditional Mexican style with a cozy atmosphere that feels homey and quiet. Food offers homemade tacos and enchiladas served hot and fast. Large, strong margaritas and live music on weekends create a relaxed vibe with generous portions and fair prices.

Food features a homemade touch with dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tortillas served hot and beautifully presented. Meals arrive quickly and offer a local flavor that feels like home.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes like home."

"The homemade salsa is chunky with onions and tasty."

"It was quiet and the atmosphere felt really calm."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 every night with discounted drinks.

2

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

3

Reservations are not required, and wait times are usually minimal.

14
Just Poke Des Moines image 1

Bright, clean space offers a peaceful atmosphere with fresh poke that is both customizable and served quickly. Music adds to the good energy, making it a calm spot for a fast, delicious meal.

Food here is consistently fresh and clean, with high quality that stands out. Meals come quickly and can be easily tailored to individual tastes, making it a solid choice for a fast, delicious bite.

People are saying

"I thought the food was fresh and delicious."

"I thought the poke was delicious and super fresh."

"This lunch spot's poke bowls tasted great and were perfect for the park."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for white rice during busy hours.

3

The restaurant offers big portions for a satisfying meal.

15
Sweet D'Licias image 1
Ice cream shop

Colorful decor and authentic Latino nieves create a unique vibe. Food tastes delicious with standout flavors like marzipan and Mexican vanilla. Clean, safe atmosphere with staff often changing gloves ensures good hygiene despite some minor issues.

Food offers authentic flavors and generally tastes delicious. Some dining areas have construction plastic curtains and occasional issues like hair in the food.

People are saying

"I loved the homemade ice cream, especially the coconut and mango flavors."

"I had the most delicious mango smoothies, they were so good."

"The food here is delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

Sweet D'Licias offers a huge menu with something for everyone.

2

The store is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Staff frequently change gloves for safety and hygiene.

16
Happy Teriyaki image 1
Japanese restaurant

Food here shines with large portions and great value under $11. No seating means it's strictly takeout-only, keeping the vibe quiet and empty. Family-owned charm adds a friendly touch to every order.

Large portions deliver hearty, delicious food at a low price. Meals offer great value with filling servings around $10.99.

People are saying

"The Teriyaki portions are huge and a great value."

"I loved the orange chicken; it's delicious Chinese food."

"I found the food here to be great and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy Teriyaki is a takeout-only spot.

2

They are open until 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.

3

Happy Teriyaki offers $10.99 bowls as a special.

17
Creole Soul image 1
Restaurant

Tiny bar with a hole-in-the-wall vibe offers bold flavors in spicy jalapeรฑo hushpuppies. Live music enhances the quaint atmosphere while friendly hospitality keeps the mood comfortable despite the humid air.

Food features bold flavors with garlic, sweet paprika, black and cayenne peppers, and cumin in the jalapeรฑo hushpuppies. Spicy dishes deliver heat without pain, maintaining authenticity throughout.

People are saying

"Their American Food, especially the shrimp and grits, is fantastic."

"I came for the gumbo, and it had real sassafras filรฉ."

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

A 20% service fee is automatically added to the bill.

2

Online ordering system lacks options for sauces and special requests.

3

Some menu items are not available for online ordering.

18
Lighthouse Lounge image 1

Old school dive bar offers a cozy patio and homemade food that often exceeds expectations. Friendly bartenders create a laid-back atmosphere where a mostly older crowd feels at home. Drinks are decent and served without loud music, perfect for a neighborhood spot.

Food here matches the fun dive vibes without losing quality. Dishes and drinks come out amazing and often exceed expectations.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are amazing."

"The Dive Bar bartender, Angie, was a rock star."

"I found the waterfront area to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy at the bar.

2

Karaoke happens regularly.

3

The bar has a very limited menu.

19
Des Moines DogHouse image 1
Hot dog stand

Hot dog stand boasts Latin-inspired hot dogs and a self-serve topping bar for great variety. Cozy interior with dog-themed decor creates a lively, welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating on a pleasant patio adds charm and comfort.

Food offers great variety with lots of toppings and options. Meals come at a good price and taste very good overall.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the hot dogs, is delicious and creative."

"The outdoor seating is great for tasty hot dogs and cold beer."

"The food here is great, with lots of options."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

2

The specialty hot dogs range from $5.25 to $5.50 each.

3

Indoor and outdoor seating is available for dining in.

20
Athens Pizza & Pasta image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot with a quiet atmosphere and friendly vibe. Food is consistently delicious with great grinders and Greek salad. Staff stay attentive, ensuring a smooth experience every time.

Food here is consistently delicious and excellent. Staff stay attentive, making sure every order, dine-in or takeout, is handled well.

People are saying

"The pizza here is fantastic, with flavorful pepperoni and flavorful pepperoni."

"I thought the gyro and Greek salad were the best I ever had."

"The food here is delicious, especially the pizza."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging to find near the restaurant.

2

Prices are about 50% higher than average for similar-sized pizzas.

3

They offer a half grinder and soup lunch special.

21
Subway image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop serves fresh vegetables and bread baked on site with a wide, tasty selection. Staff are friendly and sometimes go the extra mile. Cleanliness varies but daily deals make meals affordable and satisfying.

Food here is consistently fresh and tasty with a good selection to choose from. Staff are friendly and sometimes go the extra mile with customers.

People are saying

"Gary made the best sandwich very quickly."

"The food here is fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

The place was super clean during my visits.

2

I appreciated the good selection of food available.

3

I used the daily deals, such as the 6-inch sandwich for $6.99.

22
Quarterdeck image 1
Coffee shop

Waterfront patio offers spectacular marina views and a chill boater vibe that locals love. Food is simple but very good, paired with good beer and coffee. Frequent live music and food trucks create a lively, dog-friendly atmosphere.

Food offerings include a small menu with very good dishes. Coffee, drinks, and good beer complement the food, and food trucks often appear outside with outside food allowed.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the live music by the water."

"I loved the marina views with boats and the Olympic mountains."

"I found the food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Live music performances and food trucks occur on certain evenings during the summer.

2

Trivia night happens once a month, attracting a lively crowd.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers on weekdays.

23
Taco Time image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fresh Mexican food arrives fast, usually within two minutes, showcasing fresh ingredients and careful preparation. Clean dining and a fast drive-thru make it inviting despite some wear and occasional understaffing. Prices vary, but the varied menu and friendly vibe stand out.

Food comes out quick and hot, usually within two minutes. Ingredients are always fresh and real, with meals made carefully rather than thrown together.

People are saying

"I thought this Mexican food was the best I'd ever had."

"This burrito place is so clean and the staff is friendly."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru is usually fast, but can slow down when busy.

2

Prices at this Taco Time are lower than at other locations.

3

The cost of each burrito is $4.79.

24
Four Points by Sheraton Seattle Airport South image 1

Recently remodeled hotel features spacious rooms with beautiful views and modern amenities. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and flavorful Indian dishes with excellent service. A quiet, family-friendly atmosphere and free 24-hour airport shuttle add great convenience.

Complimentary breakfast and Indian restaurant dishes offer delicious food with excellent service. The bar lounge serves good food and drinks at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"Kylie at the Hotel front desk made my stay feel truly taken care of."

"The rooms were clean and comfortable."

"The Indian food here is a must-try and excellent."

Good to know

1

The hotel lacks daily housekeeping services.

2

Parking is not recommended for airport shuttle pickups.

3

The restaurant offers a weekend Indian food buffet.

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Des Moines, Washington

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