Restaurants in Downtown Des Moines & Night Life
Places to Eat in Downtown Des Moines
Come hungry, because the food in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) will keep you coming back for more! Dining in Downtown DSM features farm-to-table eats, international flavors, and unique, locally owned breweries, nightlife and restaurants. Downtown DSM is the perfect place to dine, no matter what you’re craving.
Nationally Recognized Restaurants in Downtown Des Moines
In addition to numerous James Beard-nominated chefs and local Downtown DSM restaurants featured on The Food Network and The Travel Channel, the city also has many hidden treasures. If you’re a fan of the show Food Paradise, the episode featuring Downtown DSM staple Fong’s Pizza may have caught your attention. In 2024, Clyde's Fine Diner was a semi-finalist for one of the best restaurants in the country by USA Today. New restaurants are popping up all the time, and many of them are getting attention for their inventive menus.
Brunch and Breakfast – Downtown Des Moines
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your day right at a DSM brunch locations found Downtown. Enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet and all-you-can-drink mimosas at Americana’s weekend brunch or the fresh vegetarian fare at Ritual Cafe. More great Downtown DSM breakfast options:
Lunch – Downtown Des Moines
If you work in Downtown DSM, you’ll need to know some places to get a good lunch. Grab soup and a sandwich at South Union Bread Cafe, Palmer's Deli or give Basil Prosperi a try.
Try some popular Downtown Des Moines lunch spots:
Dinner – Downtown Des Moines
When you need somewhere special for that special someone, Downtown DSM offers fine dining with a view. Be amazed at Alba or get a taste of Italy at Lucca.
Other popular places for dinner include:
Need more food for thought? Visit Catch Des Moines for more inspiration.
Pizza Places – Downtown Des Moines
Whether your pizza craving hits over the lunch hour or late at night, you’ll be covered by all of the great pizza options at Downtown DSM restaurants. As mentioned above, Fong’s Pizza may be the most famous Greater DSM pizzeria, but there are many more places to grab a slice:
Seafood and Sushi – Downtown Des Moines
When it comes to restaurants, it seems everyone has strong opinions about their go-to place for seafood and sushi. Why not try them all and see what you think?
Roving Restaurants
Need something more on the go? See a list of all the best food trucks in Downtown DSM.
Places to Grab a Drink in Downtown Des Moines
Bars & Breweries – Downtown Des Moines
A more recent addition to the Downtown DSM scene is the quickly growing collection of craft breweries. Exile Brewing Co. serves delicious food and beer out of their location near Western Gateway Park. Other all-stars on the Downtown Des Moines brewery scene include Big Grove Brewery, Confluence and Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. Don't miss Lua Brewing, named the best brew pub in the country by USA Today in 2025.
Other great places to visit to grab a beer include:
Cocktails & Wine – Downtown Des Moines
All of the date night locations mentioned above have a bar area with an excellent list of fine wines and fancy cocktails. Some other local favorites include:
Speakeasys – Downtown Des Moines
These speakeasys are quickly becoming staples in Downtown DSM. Explore In Confidence, Ken's — featuring classic prohibition drinks and themed cocktails — and Black Sheep, providing an underground private-club feel where all are welcome.
Additional Nightlife Options
Still haven’t found your spot for a night out? Check out these bars and nightclubs in Downtown Des Moines, often featuring DJs, dancing and more:
Bakeries & Coffee Shops – Downtown Des Moines
Need caffeine or a sweet treat instead of a cocktail? Whether it's to meet up with a friend, for a business meeting or grabbing something to-go, you can find coffee shops and bakeries of every kind in Downtown DSM: