Where to Eat Stellar Sushi & Seafood in Downtown Des Moines

Whether you’re a seasoned sushi and seafood connoisseur or a novice just figuring out what you like, Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is sure to have what you’re craving when it comes to the sushi and seafood scene! We put together this sensational curated list of must-try sushi and seafood restaurants to keep you satisfied. You can thank us later!

Downtown Des Moines Sushi Restaurants

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, you might be surprised to find there is a thriving sushi scene in Downtown Des Moines, plus an array of cultural restaurants. Get your next fix at a Downtown Des Moines sushi restaurant at one of these favorite spots listed below.

Akebono 515

215 10th St. Ste. 120, Des Moines
Head to Akebono 515 for fresh, unique sushi in Downtown Des Moines. The menu boasts over 30 specialty rolls that are quite affordable, ranging from $11 to $22. The Nonsense Roll is a menu standout made up of spicy salmon, spicy tuna and jalapeños, topped with salmon, yellowtail, tuna, sriracha, spicy mayo, spicy unagi sauce, scallions and masago. And don’t miss your opportunity to try a sushi roll with a Midwestern twist. The Iowa Roll features pulled pork, cream cheese and corn, tempura fried and topped with kochijan barbecue sauce. For those looking for more classic, traditional menu offerings, the selection of maki rolls and nigiri will be right up your alley!
akebono515.com

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

316 Court Ave., Des Moines
Find your new favorite sushi in Des Moines’ Historic Court District! Blue Sushi Sake Grill is raising Downtown Des Moines’ sushi game, offering sustainable sushi you can feel good indulging in! Place your order for a House Salad with sesame honey dressing and an order of Mango Crab Rangoon and Lettuce Wraps to share with the table. Then get your sushi on with a few classic Maki Rolls like the Crunchy L.A. (shown below with the Crunchy Blue) and Rainbow Roll, and a couple Specialty Maki Rolls like the Tidal Wave and Amazon Roll. Pro Tip: Be sure to order a Sake Flight to go along with your meal!
bluesushisakegrill.com/locations/court-avenue

Miyabi 9

512 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
A Downtown Des Moines sushi staple located in the artful Historic East Village, Miyabi 9’s food is both delicious and well-prepared. Start off with the Spicy Tuna Rice Cracker appetizer (shown below). Then begin your sushi feast with a Sashimi Sampler of tuna, salmon and yellowtail, along with some edamame, spring rolls or gyoza. Next make your selections from the list of diverse sushi rolls. A fan favorite specialty roll is the Alligator Roll, featuring shrimp, tempura and avocado, topped with eel. Finish off your meal with the Tempura Ice Cream dessert – green tea ice cream fried in tempura batter. If you (or your dining companions) are not feeling the sushi vibe, the Miyabi 9 menu also includes authentic Japanese specialty dishes to satisfy your hunger.
miyabi9iowa.com

The Poké Company

300 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines
If you’re feeling the flavors of sushi but want to try something a little different, The Poké Company has you covered! This Downtown Des Moines restaurant gem offers healthy Hawaiian-inspired poké bowls and poké burritos. Try an ahi tuna bowl with cucumber, sweet onion, hijiki seaweed and sesame seeds. Top it off with your choice of sauce, and don’t forget a side of Krab Salad.
thepokecompany.com

W-Tao Sushi

400 Walnut St. #101, Des Moines
Enjoy a quality, high-end sushi and Japanese cuisine experience at W-Tao Sushi, formerly known as Wasabi Tao. Grab a seat at the sushi bar and order a starter or two, like the Spicy Garlic Edamame and Kani Cucumber Salad. Follow that up with an Eel Avocado Roll and Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll, as well as a signature Angry Tuna Roll – spicy tuna, white fish tempura and avocado, topped with peppered tuna, tobiko, scallion, crunch, mango sauce, unagi sauce and spicy mayo. Yummy, yum, yum!
w-taosushi.com

And if you’re looking to do a sushi restaurant crawl including spots just outside Downtown DSM, you’ll want to check out Sakari Sushi Lounge nearby on Ingersoll Avenue.

Downtown Des Moines Seafood Restaurants

Des Moines may be landlocked, but these Downtown Des Moines seafood restaurants offer everything you want and more when it comes to fresh, quality fish, shrimp and more.

801 Chophouse

801 Grand Ave., Ste. 200, Des Moines
You know and love 801 Chophouse for offering some of the juiciest steaks in the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region. They also have some of the best options for seafood in Downtown Des Moines. Whether you’re kicking things off with Oysters Rockefeller, centering your meal around a Maine Lobster Tail or adding a side of Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, the seafood options are plentiful and mouthwatering.
801chophouse.com/des-moines

Ceviche Bar

223 E. Walnut St., Des Moines
Dishing up Cuban classics in the Historic East Village, Ceviche Bar offers an array of seafood in Downtown Des Moines with a low-key, relaxed atmosphere. Order the Ceviche Plate featuring fresh wild salmon, topped with avocado and cilantro, or order the Seafood Paella (pictured at top of page) with plump shrimp and a mix of other seafoods. Stop in on a Thursday and enjoy a Lobster Roll (shown above) with fresh lobster tossed with capers, celery, fresh lemon and a bit of mayo, served on warm and buttered Cuban bread.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064023454345

Django

1420 Locust St., Des Moines
A comfortable Downtown DSM bistro serving up French cuisine, Django has an abundant selection of seafood on the menu including oysters, mussels, shrimp and scallops to name a few. Cozy up to a bowl of Bouillabaisse, a traditional French fisherman’s stew with a mix of scallops, mussels, shrimp, seasonal white fish, Provençal vegetables and saffron-scented seafood broth served with crostini topped with rouille and grated Gruyère. A seafood sensation for your taste buds!
djangodesmoines.com

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill

303 Locust St., Des Moines
When you’re wanting to eat seafood in Des Moines’ Downtown area, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill is a can’t-miss dining experience. Seafood selections are flown in fresh daily from Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle, Boston and The Florida Keys, making it impossible to detect that you’re dining on seafood in a landlocked city. Don’t miss out on the exquisite taste of the Splash Crab Cake, P.E.I. Mussels, or a warm comforting bowl of New England Clam Chowder. The menu is full of seafood goodness that will satisfy your cravings for the ocean’s best!
splash-seafood.com

Proudfoot & Bird

1000 Walnut St., Des Moines
Located in the luxurious Hotel Fort Des Moines, Proudfoot & Bird is the perfect spot for a seafood dinner in Downtown Des Moines. While you enjoy the ambiance, place an order for Half Shell Oysters or Wood Roasted Oysters to start your meal off, followed by the Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops served with avocado puree, charred sweet corn, roasted cherry tomato, carrot and shallot escabeche and prosciutto chips. And don’t forget to pair your menu selections with a glass of wine from the award-winning wine list!
hotelfortdesmoines.com/dining/proudfoot-bird

Photo Credit: facebook.com/ProudfootBirdIA  

Find even more Downtown Des Moines restaurants serving up sushi, seafood and more. Plus, find parking and navigation tips. Follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown DSM.