Must-Try Eats in Downtown DSM

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is packed with incredible places to eat, but some menu items stand out above the rest. From brunch favorites and shareable starters to date-night dinners and unforgettable desserts, DSM’s restaurants are serving up dishes worth seeking out again and again.

Whether you’re spending a weekend exploring the city, planning a night out or simply looking for your next favorite meal, these are the must-try dishes worth adding to your Downtown DSM food bucket list.

Scenic Route Bakery

Downtown DSM Brunch & Bakery Favorites

Blueberry Pinwheel at Scenic Route Bakery

350 E. Locust St., Suite 104
Flaky layers, sweet blueberry filling and just the right amount of icing make Scenic Route Bakery’s Blueberry Pinwheel a favorite among Downtown DSM regulars. Pair one with a coffee and start your day exploring the Historic East Village.
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Iowa Taproom

Breakfast Burrito at Mullets

1300 SE 1st St.
Packed with breakfast favorites and big flavor, Mullets’ Breakfast Burrito is the perfect way to fuel up before a day spent exploring Downtown DSM.
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Caprese Avocado Toast at Main Street Cafe & Bakery

801 Grand Ave. Suite 370
Fresh avocado, mozzarella, tomato, asiago and balsamic glaze come together on wheat toast for a fresh and flavorful brunch option that’s as satisfying as it is colorful.
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Shareables & Appetizers in Downtown Des Moines

Iowa Ham Balls at Iowa Taproom

215 E. 3rd St. Suite 100
A true Iowa classic, Iowa Taproom’s Iowa Ham Balls offer a taste of local comfort food in the heart of Downtown DSM.
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The Empire

Shoestring Fried Pickles at Judges

208 3rd St.
Thin-cut, crispy and packed with pickle flavor, these addictive fried pickles are the perfect shareable starter for any Downtown DSM outing.
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Pork Belly Pupusa at Malo

900 Mulberry St.
Handmade corn masa, melted cheese and smoked pork belly make this flavorful pupusa a standout menu item. Served with romana salad and house salsa, it’s an easy addition to any Downtown DSM meal.
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Truffle Fries at Alba

524 E. 6th St.
White truffle oil, aioli and Grana Padano elevate these crispy fries into a shareable starter that’s packed with flavor.
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Downtown DSM Lunch & Casual Favorites

Reuben’s Snobby Cousin at The Empire

223 4th St.
Loaded with sliced pastrami, pepper-jack cheese, kicked-up thousand island dressing and mustard slaw on marbled rye, this sandwich delivers bold flavor in every bite.
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Akebono 515

Korean Pork Tenderloin at Lua Brewing

1525 High St.
Korean BBQ sauce, kimchi aioli and carrot-cabbage slaw put a flavorful spin on this breaded pork tenderloin. It’s a creative take on an Iowa classic that’s worth trying.
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Greek Feta Fries at The Green Olive

424 SW 9th St. Suite 116
Crispy fries topped with feta cheese and Mediterranean flavors make this standout side worth ordering for the table.
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Chicken & Waffles at Bubba

200 10th St. Suite 606
Buttermilk fried chicken topped with whipped honey butter, syrup and bread-and-butter pickles makes this sweet-and-savory classic a standout menu item at Bubba.
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Faves for Date Night in Downtown Des Moines

Dragon Roll at Akebono 515

215 10th St. Suite 120
Shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, eel, avocado and unagi sauce come together in this flavor-packed sushi roll. It’s a standout choice from Akebono 515’s extensive sushi menu.
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The creamery.east village

Chicken Green Olive Marinara Spaghetti at Lucca

420 E. Locust St.
House made pasta, savory chicken, green olives and homemade marinara sauce create a flavorful combination that’s both comforting and unexpected.
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Bison De Burgo at Proudfoot & Bird

1000 Walnut St.
Wood fire grilled bison sirloin, de Burgo butter and tallow confit fingerling potatoes give this Iowa classic an elevated Downtown DSM twist. It’s a memorable take on a beloved local favorite.
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Fresh & Flavorful Picks

Asian Crunch Salad at Revelry Room

401 Locust St.
Crisp vegetables, crunchy wontons, cashews and a mandarin orange ginger sesame dressing make this salad a fresh and flavorful standout.
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Mediterranean Falafel Bowl at Big Grove Brewery

555 17th St.
Muhammara, couscous, crisp vegetables, crispy chickpeas and oregano vinaigrette come together in this fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bowl. Served with pita, it’s a satisfying vegetarian-friendly favorite.
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Sweet Treats & Desserts in Downtown DSM

Flight of Artisan Ice Cream Scoops at The Creamery East Village

424 E. Locust St.
A flight of artisan ice cream scoops is the perfect way to sample multiple flavors at one of Downtown DSM’s sweetest stops.
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Raspberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls at Fong’s Pizza

317 E. Court Ave.
Raspberry cheesecake-filled egg rolls are fried until golden, then finished with chocolate drizzle and powdered sugar. It’s a sweet twist that’s worth saving room for.
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Baklava at Olympic Flame

514 E. Grand Ave.
Flaky layers of filo pastry, nuts, honey and sugar syrup come together in this classic Greek dessert that’s stood the test of time.
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Looking for Even More Must-Try Foods in Downtown DSM?

Downtown DSM is just one part of the region’s incredible food scene. Explore iconic Iowa dishes, local favorites and road-trip-worthy eats throughout the Greater Des Moines region in The Ultimate Greater DSM Food Bucket List.

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Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.