June 30, 2026

By: Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Ultimate DSM Food Bucket List

Greater Des Moines (DSM) knows good food. And not just the kind worth posting on Instagram — the kind people crave, road-trip for and insist you “have to try at least once.”

Across the region, you’ll find iconic Iowa comfort foods, globally inspired dishes, legendary local staples and small-town gems that have built loyal followings one plate at a time. Some are longtime classics. Others are newer favorites locals can’t stop talking about. All of them help tell the story of DSM’s evolving food scene.

From flaky Dutch letters in Pella to smoked barbecue in Pleasant Hill and crab rangoon pizza in Downtown Des Moines, these are the dishes worth adding to your DSM food bucket list.

Fong's Pizza in Des Moines

Regional Classics: The Main Dish Event

Fill your bucket list — and your belly — with these main dish picks. This line-up includes distinctly regional meals and popular favorites.

Crab Rangoon Pizza at Fong’s Pizza

Des Moines | 317 E. Court Ave.
Crab rangoon pizza has become one of DSM’s most iconic foods, and Fong’s is the reason why. Cream cheese, crab, crispy wontons and sweet chili sauce somehow work perfectly together.
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Prime Rib at Prime Time Restaurant

Guthrie Center | 217 State St.
Prime Time is one of those classic small-town Iowa restaurants people happily drive for, especially on prime rib nights. Expect hearty portions, old-school supper club energy and a longtime local favorite that feels perfectly at home along the Western Skies Scenic Byway.
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Pork Tenderloins Across DSM

From old-school diners to longtime local bars, pork tenderloins are practically an Iowa food group. Whether you prefer them hand-breaded, extra crispy or hanging dramatically off the bun, DSM has plenty of standout options. Local favorites include the tenderloins at Goldie’s Restaurant in Prairie City, Nite Hawk Bar & Grill (pictured above) in Slater and Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop in Des Moines. Honestly, trying a few and picking your favorite might be part of the experience. Looking to turn it into a full DSM food adventure? Explore Iowa’s Tenderloin Trail.

Steak DeBurgo at Simon’s

Des Moines | 5800 Franklin Ave.
Steak De Burgo is one of DSM’s signature dishes, and Simon’s keeps the local classic alive with tender steak and rich garlic-herb butter sauce. It’s rich, comforting and very Iowa in the best way.
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Chicken Spiedini at Latin King

Des Moines | 2200 Hubbell Ave.
Latin King has long been a DSM favorite for Italian-American comfort food, and the Chicken Spiedini remains one of the menu standouts. Buttery, flavorful and classic.
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Ziti Cucina with Graziano Italian Sausage at Cosi Cucina

Clive | 1975 NW 86th St.
Cosi Cucina’s baked pasta loaded with Graziano sausage is peak Iowa-Italian comfort food. Rich tomato sauce, hearty pasta and local sausage make this a longtime metro favorite.
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Smoked BBQ at Bubbie’s BBQ

Pleasant Hill | 1225 Copper Creek Dr.
Ankeny | 1802 N. Ankeny Blvd., Suite 101
Bubbie’s BBQ has earned a devoted following for smoky brisket, pulled pork and ribs that practically fall apart after one bite.
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The Chicken Orilla in West Des Moines

Fried Chicken at The Chicken

West Des Moines | 4221 SE Orilla Rd.
People have been making the drive to Orilla for fried chicken for years. Crispy coating, juicy chicken and classic comfort-food sides make this a longtime DSM favorite.
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Steak at Rube’s Steakhouse

Waukee | 3309 Ute Ave.
At Rube’s, guests grill their own steaks over massive charcoal pits, turning dinner into a full experience.
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Maid-Rite Sandwich at Taylor’s Maid-Rite

Marshalltown | 106 S. 3rd Ave.
Loose meat sandwiches are an Iowa staple, and Taylor’s Maid-Rite is one of the state’s classic stops for trying one.
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Tacos at Mi Pueblito

Winterset | 103 North John Wayne Dr.
Mi Pueblito has become a favorite Winterset stop for flavorful tacos, fresh ingredients and generous portions. It’s the kind of casual local spot worth adding to your next DSM road trip itinerary.
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Fresh and Flavorful Picks in DSM

Mom always said “eat your veggies” and she was onto something. DSM offers plenty of ways to get your fill of vegetables in the most flavorful way possible.

The Urban Grill in Urbandale

Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad at The Urban Grill

Urbandale | 3651 86th St.
Crunchy pecan-crusted chicken, crisp greens and The Urban Grill’s flavorful honey mustard dressing make this a standout lighter options.
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Vegan Crunchwrap at Veggie Thumper

Des Moines | Mobile Food Truck
Veggie Thumper’s Vegan Crunchwrap delivers big flavor while showcasing DSM’s growing lineup of creative plant-based dining options.
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Vegetarian Pizzas at Georgio’s Pizza & Steakhouse

Pella | 707 Franklin St.
Georgio’s has become a go-to stop for hand-tossed pizzas packed with fresh ingredients and small-town pizza charm. Vegetarian-friendly favorites like the El Greco Pizza and Greek Island Pizza make it an easy choice for sharing around the table.
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Farm-to-Table Fare at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm

Cumming 3201 15th Ave.
Come hungry for farm-forward fare at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm. Enjoy a rotating menu of seasonal mains, blistered-to-perfection wood fired pizzas and of course, signature ciders.
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Sides That Are Anything But on the Sidelines

Dive into these sides and apps. Whether you choose to share is up to you.

Sweet Corn in the Summer

Fresh Iowa sweet corn is a summer staple across DSM, whether you’re grabbing a few ears from roadside stands, stopping by pickup trucks parked around town or loading up at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market or other local farmers markets, like the Pella Farmers' Market or Grinnell Farmers' Market. Sweet corn season also fuels summer traditions like the Adel Sweet Corn Festival, Sweet Corn Serenade in Oskaloosa and Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair. You’ll also find farm-to-table dinners and seasonal events across the region, including the Historic Corn Plot Dinner at Wallace Farm in Orient. In Iowa, sweet corn season is basically the ultimate way to complete your full summer experience.

White Cheddar Cheese Curds at The Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill

Osceola | 123 S. Main St.
Golden, crispy and packed with gooey white cheddar, these cheese curds are the kind of Midwest comfort food that disappears fast. Pair them with a burger and settle into the neighborhood grill atmosphere.
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Pickle Balls at Pour Choices Neighborhood Bar

Grimes | 1895 SE Grimes Blvd., Suite 101
Crunchy, cheesy and packed with pickle flavor, Pickle Balls have become one of Grimes’ most talked-about appetizers. It’s chaotic Midwest food energy in the best possible way.
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Mango Chicken Egg Rolls at Prairie Canary

Grinnell | 924 Main St.
Prairie Canary’s Mango Chicken Egg Rolls balance crispy, sweet and savory flavors perfectly. While you’re there, order the fried Brussels sprouts too.
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Sweet Treats and Bakery Stops in DSM

Greater Des Moines has no shortage of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. Start with these treats.

Salted Oreo Ice Cream at Home Sweet Cone

Waukee | 1188 SE University Ave.
West Des Moines | 5045 Bentley Dr.
Home Sweet Cone’s Salted Oreo flavor has developed a serious fan base thanks to the perfect balance of sweet, salty and crunchy.
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Home Sweet Cone in Waukee and West Des Moines

Pie & Pastries at Bakery Unlimited

Grinnell | 901 Main St.
Fresh pies, oversized pastries and classic baked goods make Bakery Unlimited a must-stop while exploring Grinnell.
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Apple Cider Donuts at Center Grove Orchard

Cambridge | 32835 610th Ave.
Every fall, people flock to Center Grove Orchard for apple cider donuts, caramel apples and other seasonal favorites.
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Homemade Ice Cream at The Outside Scoop

Indianola | 602 N. Jefferson Way
Creative flavors and homemade waffle cones have made The Outside Scoop a favorite summer stop in Indianola.
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Dutch Letters in Pella

Pella | Jaarsma Bakery, 727 Franklin St.
Pella | Vander Ploeg Bakery, 730 Franklin St.
These flaky, almond-filled pastries are one of Iowa’s most iconic treats. The only real debate is which bakery makes the best version.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JAARSMA BAKERY & VANDER PLOEG BAKERY

Looking for Even More Must-Try DSM Foods?

The Greater Des Moines (DSM) region is home to so many Iowa classics, local staples and legendary comfort foods worth adding to your list. Explore this list of totally famous Iowa foods and where to find them in Downtown DSM.

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