This is the place to bust out the corporate card and celebrate a deal or big event. The atmosphere is traditional and masculine with dark wood, white table cloths and well-dressed wait-staff. It's not the sleek and swank atmosphere that many steak houses have. Instead it is more down home. Steak and chops are featured but there are a number of non-red meat options as well.
Price: ExpensiveThis small franchise offers fresh and healthy food fast. It's order at the counter service here. Dine in, take it home or have it delivered. Despite the name, the menu includes much more than noodles. The caf
Price: Least ExpensiveThis small franchise offers fresh and healthy food fast. It's order at the counter service here. Dine in, take it home or have it delivered. Despite the name, the menu includes much more than noodles. The caf
Price: Least ExpensiveLocated on the third floor of the Historical Society Building, the café offers a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu of bistro style food with Italian and American flavors.
Price: Least ExpensiveLocally owned, Campbell's offers natural products including vitamins, herbs and personal care items.
Along with the supplements and other nutrition supplies, there is a deli offering sandwiches, soups and salads.
Open M-Sat
This trendy Italian bistro is located in the Temple for Performing Arts and is known for its coal-fired oven New York style pizza and upscale Italian fare. The urban eatery's dining room is sophisticated, contemporary and cozy. Additional seating is offered in the enclosed three-season, European-style sidewalk caf
Price: Moderately ExpensiveFresh fruits, veggies, homemade baked goods, specialty cheeses, artisan crafts, music and more.
Baked goods, and some prepared foods await you at this lively market.
Saturdays 8 til noon, May - Oct
The power of a big diner menu is part of the appeal here along with the breakfast. Locals rave about the quick service, moderate prices and good eats.
Price: Least ExpensiveOpen air farmers' market featuring Iowa-grown produce and other goodies including BBQ eats, baked goods, and artisan crafts.
Kettle corn, farm-raised chicken, home style BBQ, fresh baked pastries, fruit, veggies, even tacos are sold at this unusual market
Create your own stir fry at this Mongolian Grill that has an industrial and casual cafe vibe.
Price: Least ExpensiveQuick, inexpensive food that allows eaters to customize and select healthy ingredients. Jason's motto is "fresh from the start" and they pride themselves in a trans fat free menu, high quality ingredients and select organic produce.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis sub shop has character. Check out the website! Along with a variety of sub sandwiches, there are also options for those looking to eat light or without so much bread.
Price: Least ExpensiveOrganic food store offering fresh produce, whole foods, bulk grains, and other grocery items (bulk foods, gluten free products, vitamins & herbs, body care, seafood and meats).
In terms of ready to go eats, sandwiches are made daily and can be found in the cooler.
This place adds a little "funk" to downtown Des Moines. With black floors, red walls, wood tables and chairs, couches and plenty of natural light, it's edgy and urban. The menu is small and vegetarian; however everything is super fresh and of high quality. Ritual Café is really more of a coffee house that serves some good food. Live performances in the evening.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis is not your typical Italian bistro. Sam & Gabe's is upscale yet relaxing with white table cloths, sea foam green walls, dark woods and plenty of windows. The menu goes beyond traditional Italian fare with grilled options for poultry, meat and seafood. There is also a lounge with live jazz music. The menu does favor those with hearty appetites.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveLocated in The Temple for Performing Arts (Sbux next door), this luncheon spot serves up hot and cold sandwiches, soups and salads in a cafe style setting. The menu caters to a hungry lunch crowd, meaning don't expect many veggies or non-meat options. Every sandwich is made from South Union Bakery artisan bread which is preservative free and all natural.
Price: Least ExpensiveLocated across from the Civic Center in the historic Homestead Building, Splash's tropical saltwater ocean tanks, and wall-mounted fish make it clear that seafood is the star here. The d
Price: ExpensiveSaddle up to the long, sleek sushi bar which lines one side of the minimalist styled dining room or opt for a teppanyaki table, which means your food is cooked tableside. For those who eschew the Benihana experience, regular dining is also an option. Along with the raw, Taki offers stir-fried options and other Japanese cooked fare.
In addition to the raw, udon noodles, rice bowls, tempura, teriyaki and sukiyaki dishes are offered. Teppanyaki, where fresh meat, seafood and vegetables are cooked on a large iron grill tableside by a Taki chef can be a fun option.
Vegetarian friendly
LD
Fresh fish and seafood market/restaurant offering a diverse menu in a casual Cape Cod style setting. The family owned eatery features seafood, sushi, raw bar items as well as steak and chicken. With fresh fish amply displayed, white booths, and a market style menu, you'll quickly forget your in land-locked West Des Moines.
Price: Moderately Expensive