Local Flavor, Every Direction: Must-Try Restaurants Across Greater Des Moines (DSM)

From local icons to charming cafés tucked into Iowa’s smallest towns, the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region serves up food worth the drive — no matter which direction you’re headed. Whether you’re craving handmade pie, global flavors, lakeside views or a classic grinder, there’s a table waiting for you.

Here’s a taste of must-visit restaurants across all 12 counties of the DSM region

 

North DSM Restaurants: Lakeside Bites, Rooftop Views & Small-Town Flavor

Arcadia

Polk City
This modern American restaurant welcomes boaters and locals alike, serving dishes with Vietnamese and Latino flair. The patio’s one of the best around, especially after a day on Big Creek or Saylorville Lake. (Pictured above.)
arcadiapolkcity.com

Brick & Ivy Rooftop

Altoona
Rooftop cocktails and stylish vibes make this Altoona hot spot perfect for a casual dinner or a celebratory night out.
brickandivyia.com

Solera Wine Bar

Grinnell
In the heart of Grinnell, Solera combines curated wines, funky décor (be on the lookout for the Ruth Bader-Ginsburg bobblehead) and occasional live music. It’s warm, welcoming and perfect for slow sipping with a friend.
soleraofgrinnell.com

Pattee Café

Perry (Dallas County)
Inside the historic Hotel Pattee, this cafe serves comfort food with a side of history. The hotel’s 40 themed rooms are worth a peek, too.
facebook.com/PerryPatteeCafe

Opa Grill

Marshalltown
Serving Greek comfort food like gyros, souvlaki, and baklava with a side of small-town hospitality, Opa is a flavorful find in downtown Marshalltown. (Pictured below.)
opa-grill.com

 

South DSM Restaurants: Community Gems & Comfort Food Classics

The Groggy Dog

Indianola
Burgers, beer, and bar games in a laid-back setting — this Indianola favorite has that welcoming, hometown feel. And with a new menu rolling out in May 2025, it’s the perfect time to stop in (or come back for more). (Pictured below).
thegroggydog.com

One Eleven Public House

Knoxville
Part restaurant, part gathering space, this Knoxville spot is known for its friendly vibe, rotating specials and shareable apps like mussels and loaded fries. (Pictured at the top of the page.)
oneelevenpublichouse.com

Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill

Osceola
A go-to in Osceola for hearty portions and casual eats. The broad menu and welcoming vibe make it both a local hangout and a solid dinner pick.
ironhorseneighborhoodgrill.com

 

East DSM Restaurants: Pie Flights, Patios & Roadside Favorites

Home Slice Handmade Pies

Bondurant
Yes, they serve full-size pies. But the real magic? Pie flights. Sample four 5-inch minis — like apple cream, whiskey silk or banoffee, and find your favorite bite-sized slice of heaven. (Photo shown below.)
homeslicehandmadepies.com

Cratty Shack

Colfax
A nostalgic roadside stop known for burgers, shakes and soft serve. Open seasonally, it’s a bite of pure summer throwback.
facebook.com/p/Cratty-Shack-100057631352251

Full Bloom Brewhouse

Oskaloosa
A cozy brewery and eatery serving craft beer and elevated pub grub. Great for a low-key night out with friends or a relaxed date night.
facebook.com/p/Full-Bloom-Brewhouse-61557570148816

West DSM Restaurants: Pastries, Pizzas & Heartland Hospitality

River to River Bakery & Pizza

Adel
Located on Adel’s historic courthouse square, this mission-driven bakery is known for its doughnuts, bagels and scratch-made pizza — all while providing jobs to those with employment barriers and disabilities. (Pictured below.)
raccoonforks.com/rivertoriverbakery

Chuckwagon Restaurant

Adair
A no-fuss diner serving breakfast favorites and down-home comfort food. A perfect refueling stop on any Iowa road trip through the western side of the region.
facebook.com/chuckwagonadair

The Port on Lake Panorama

Panora
With lakeside views and a menu of steaks, seafood and cocktails, this destination restaurant delivers vacation energy without leaving DSM.
experiencetheport.com/dining

Beans & Beignets

Earlham
Head west of DSM to discover Great Aunt Amy’s famous beignets in flavors like lemon, cinnamon sugar and spicy honey. It’s a charming little coffee spot with big flavor.
beansandbeignets.com

Central DSM Restaurants: Global Eats, Classic Steaks & Local Legends

The Cork 50131

Johnston
Sip from a rotation of 20+ wines at The Cork 50131, located at the Johnston Town Center. This hot spot also hosts events, live music and even has its own wine club.
thecork50131.com

Dough Co. Pizza

Des Moines & Ankeny
Serving Detroit-style pizza with golden, crispy edges and bold toppings. A crowd favorite with two locations in the DSM metro. (Pictured below.)
doughcodsm.com

Guesthouse Oyster + Tavern

West Des Moines
Midwest vibes reach their pinnacle at this supper club-inspired spot. Guesthouse’s robust menu include weekly specials, cocktails and even “blunch” and “the happiest of hours”.
guesthousetavernoyster.com

Jesse’s Embers

Des Moines (Polk County)
A longtime local favorite with old-school charm and sizzling wood-fired steaks. It’s got that supper club feel — in the best way.
theoriginaljessesembers.com

MinGaLaBar Burmese Kitchen

Urbandale (Polk County)
For something off the beaten path, MinGaLaBar delivers bold, vibrant flavors rooted in Burmese tradition. Every plate is made to order and packed with variety. Owner Lum Naw likens their cooked to-order dishes to cuisine from other Southeast Asian countries.
mingalabarkitchen.com

Where Will You Eat in DSM?

Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is full of delicious surprises in every direction. So hit the road (or just the next town over) and discover your next favorite bite.

Check out even more local favorites in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Affiliate Member directory.

When dining out in Greater Des Moines (DSM), local restaurants, craft breweries, local wineries, coffee shops and more have this foodie scene covered. Find out more about the region’s most popular restaurants and new additions here.