10 Best New Restaurants in Des Moines
The ten best new restaurants in Des Moines are HoQ, The Green Olive, Malo, Café di Scala, The District, Cooper's on 5th, Baratta's, The Hall, El Bait Shop, and Lucca. Dining in Polk County restaurants centers on Iowa agricultural output, with chefs building menus around local livestock and seasonal harvests. The best new restaurants in Des Moines feature thick-cut Iowa pork chops, handmade pastas, and Latin-inspired tacos on the menus. HoQ provides a meal sourced entirely from local farms. Malo delivers a lively downtown setting for Latin food. El Bait Shop offers a vast selection of American craft beer. A meal at a popular new restaurant in Des Moines averages $35 per person.
HoQ holds the highest position on the list of the best new restaurants in Des Moines for a commitment to Iowa agriculture and an inventive seasonal menu. El Bait Shop is a primary choice for its massive beer selection and casual pub food. Lucca is the superior upscale option, providing a refined and intimate Italian meal.
The top best new restaurants in Des Moines are listed below.
10 Best New Restaurants in Des Moines are listed below.
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1
The Green OliveMediterranean Chicken Vegan Vegetarian Healthy GreekThe Green Olive is a Mediterranean eatery on the south side of the city. This new restaurant serves classic Greek and Middle Eastern plates in Des Moines.- Item Prices 795
- Average Item Price $10.01
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Mediterranean
Signature Dishes:Chicken Shawarma
Gyro Mix
Mixed Grill Combo
Location:4221 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant offers a simple, counter-service setup for quick and easy ordering.
What Makes It Special:The authentic preparation of dishes like gyros and falafel provides a true taste of the Mediterranean.
What Sets It Apart:Its reputation as a reliable, family-owned spot for classic Greek comfort food.
Operating Hours:Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PMSunday: 8:30 AM–8:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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2
MaloMalo is a large, energetic Latin American restaurant located in the Des Moines Social Club. A meal at this new restaurant includes creative tacos and strong margaritas.- Item Prices 123
- Average Item Price $11.88
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Latin American
Signature Dishes:Quesadilla
The Trio
Beef Barbacoa Mini Quesadillas
Location:900 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant is housed in a renovated Art Deco firehouse, featuring a massive patio and vibrant decor.
What Makes It Special:The extensive menu of Latin-inspired dishes goes far beyond standard Mexican fare.
What Sets It Apart:The lively, social setting makes it a top destination for group dinners and happy hour.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMSunday–Monday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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3
The DistrictCasual Dining AmericanThe District is a modern American restaurant and bar in the suburb of Ankeny. This new restaurant provides an upscale yet comfortable dining option for the Des Moines metro area.- Item Prices 735
- Average Item Price $11.70
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:District Burger
Steak De Burgo
Tuna Poke Nachos
Location:212 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant has a large, four-season patio that can be enclosed during colder months.
What Makes It Special:The menu offers creative, contemporary twists on classic American comfort food.
What Sets It Apart:Its role as a key dining anchor in the growing Prairie Trail development of Ankeny.
Operating Hours:Wednesday–Sunday: 7:00 PM–2:00 AMMonday–Tuesday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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4
Baratta's RestaurantPizza Sandwiches Italian DessertBaratta's is a long-running, family-owned Italian spot on the South Side. Any new restaurant in Des Moines must compete with the legacy of this local institution.- Item Prices 136
- Average Item Price $18.86
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian-American
Signature Dishes:Chicken Amaggio
Tortellini
Chicken Carbonara
Location:2320 S Union St, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for multiple generations.
What Makes It Special:The timeless, homestyle recipes have been beloved by the community for decades.
What Sets It Apart:Its status as a cultural landmark for classic, red-sauce Italian-American comfort food.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00–8:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00–9:00 PMSaturday: 4:00–9:00 PMSunday: 4:00–8:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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5
The HallThe Hall is a massive beer hall and event space located in West Des Moines. This new restaurant offers a communal gathering spot with a rotating selection of food trucks.- Item Prices 41
- Average Item Price $8.86
Type of Restaurant:Bar, Food Hall
Type of Food:Varies (Food Trucks)
Signature Dishes:Porker Pizza
Wonton
Chicken Schnitzel
Location:111 S 11th St Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States
Special Feature:The food is provided by a rotating lineup of local food trucks, offering a different menu each day.
What Makes It Special:The huge, open space and long communal tables create a festive, Oktoberfest-like setting.
What Sets It Apart:The unique food truck model provides endless variety and supports multiple local small businesses.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$15 to $30 per person
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6
LuccaLucca is an intimate, upscale Italian spot in the East Village. This new restaurant provides a refined, prix-fixe lunch and an elegant dinner service in Des Moines.- Item Prices 85
- Average Item Price $13.73
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:Scallops
Gnocchi
Risotto
Location:420 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant offers a popular and affordable prix-fixe lunch menu, a rarity for its quality level.
What Makes It Special:The elegant, minimalist dining room creates a sophisticated and calming environment.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of high-end, precisely executed Italian food with a welcoming, unpretentious feel.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Wednesday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PMThursday–Friday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–9:00 PMSaturday: 5:00–9:00 PMSunday–Monday: Closed
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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7
HoQHoQ is a farm-to-table eatery in the East Village with a globally inspired menu. This new restaurant sources over 90% of its components from Iowa farms in Des Moines.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:New American, Farm-to-Table
Signature Dishes:Lamb Shank
Mediterranean Bowl
Pork Tenderloin Rolled Around Lamb Sausage
Location:303 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Special Feature:The menu changes almost daily based on what is available from the restaurant's partner farms.
What Makes It Special:The extreme commitment to local and sustainable sourcing is central to the restaurant's identity.
What Sets It Apart:The ability to transform simple, high-quality Iowa ingredients into sophisticated, globally influenced dishes.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Thursday: 5:00–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 5:00–10:00 PMSunday–Monday: Closed
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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8
Café di ScalaCafé di Scala is a romantic Italian restaurant set in a Victorian mansion. This is a top-tier new restaurant for a special occasion meal in Des Moines.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:Germogli
Romano Di Melanazane
Tagliatelle
Location:644 18th St, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant's setting in a beautifully preserved home creates an intimate and elegant environment.
What Makes It Special:The focus on authentic, regional Italian recipes and handmade pasta.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a unique, romantic setting with high-end, classic Italian cooking.
Operating Hours:Wednesday–Thursday: 5:00–8:30 PMFriday–Saturday: 5:00–9:00 PMSunday–Tuesday: Closed
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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9
Cooper's on 5thCooper's on 5th is an upscale American restaurant in the Valley Junction area. A meal at this new restaurant offers a refined experience in West Des Moines.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:New American
Signature Dishes:BBQ Pulled Pork
Filet Deburgo
Cheeseburger
Location:227 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant is located in a beautifully renovated building in a charming shopping district.
What Makes It Special:The classic, fine-dining menu is executed with precision and high-quality components.
What Sets It Apart:Its reputation as a top destination for special occasion dining on the west side of the metro.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–10:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday–Monday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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10
El Bait ShopEl Bait Shop is a world-famous beer bar with a menu of classic American pub food. Any new restaurant focused on craft beer in Des Moines is measured against this institution.Type of Restaurant:Bar, Casual Dining
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots
Broasted Chicken
Fish Tacos
Location:200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Special Feature:The bar holds the record for the largest selection of American craft beers on tap.
What Makes It Special:The unparalleled and constantly rotating list of over 250 beers on draft.
What Sets It Apart:Its international reputation as a must-visit pilgrimage site for serious beer lovers.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
What Makes New Restaurants in Des Moines Famous?
New restaurants in Des Moines become famous by championing an agricultural identity and building restaurant menus around local farm products. The food culture relies on a farm-to-table ethos where chefs in the East Village transform Iowa pork, sweet corn, and beef into sophisticated plates. Hype grows through community support and word-of-mouth as residents take pride in independent dining spots. Cooks gain recognition by mastering whole-hog butchery, handmade pasta, and creating menus that change weekly based on crop availability. This focus on local ingredients ensures every plate reflects the specific seasons of the region.
What Types of New Restaurants are Commonly Found in Des Moines?
The types of new restaurants commonly found in Des Moines include farm-to-table bistros, classic Italian dining rooms, and massive craft beer halls. These Des Moines restaurants showcase the city's blend of agricultural roots and urban growth.
- Farm-to-Table Bistros: Ingredient-driven spots that build their entire menu around local Iowa farms. HoQ is the prime example.
- Classic Italian Dining Rooms: Family-owned establishments serving traditional, homestyle Italian-American food. Baratta's and Café di Scala operate in this format.
- Latin American Eateries: Lively, downtown spots offering creative tacos and cocktails. Malo represents this style.
- Massive Craft Beer Halls: Large, open bars with an enormous selection of American craft beers. El Bait Shop is the definitive example.
- Modern American Grilles: Upscale suburban spots serving contemporary takes on comfort food. The District provides this exact setting.
Does Des Moines Have an Authentic New Restaurant?
Yes, there are authentic new restaurants in Des Moines defined by their dedication to a specific tradition, such as HoQ, Baratta's, and Malo. HoQ is authentic to its farm-to-table mission, sourcing nearly all its components from within Iowa. Baratta's is an authentic South Side Italian-American institution, using family recipes passed down for generations. Malo provides an authentic taste of modern Latin American street food and cocktails.
Do New Restaurants in Des Moines Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, new restaurants in Des Moines offer easy online reservations, especially for the upscale and popular spots like Lucca, HoQ, and Café di Scala. These in-demand dining rooms use apps like OpenTable to manage seating, and booking ahead is a good idea for weekend dinners. The city's food culture also includes many high-volume, casual spots and bars, like El Bait Shop and The Hall, that are walk-in only, making spontaneity part of their appeal.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best New Restaurants in Des Moines?
The signature dishes of the best new restaurants in Des Moines often showcase Iowa pork and handmade pastas. Key plates that define the city's dining are detailed below.
- Iowa Pork Chop: A thick-cut, high-quality pork chop, often sourced from a local farm. HoQ is acclaimed for its version.
- Chicken Spiedini: Skewers of marinated chicken, breaded and grilled, an Italian-American classic. Baratta's specializes in this dish.
- Malo Tacos: Creative tacos with fillings like adobo chicken or pork carnitas. Malo is famous for these.
- Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: A classic Midwestern sandwich featuring a large, breaded and fried pork cutlet. El Bait Shop offers a popular version.
- Handmade Pasta: Fresh, house-made pastas with seasonal sauces. Café di Scala and Lucca are top destinations for this.
Does Des Moines Enjoy New Restaurant Food
Yes, Des Moines enjoys new restaurant food with great enthusiasm, a reality shown by the continued growth and activity in the East Village and the downtown area. The new restaurants in Des Moines are a point of local pride. The community actively supports independent, chef-owned ventures, which has fueled a significant expansion of the city's dining options and reputation.
What is the Average Meal Price at New Restaurants in Des Moines?
The average meal price at a new restaurant in Des Moines is $35 per individual. A casual meal at a spot like El Bait Shop or The Green Olive costs $15 to $25. A dinner for two at a popular sit-down establishment such as Malo or Baratta's runs from a total of $50 to $90. A full fine-dining experience at a high-end location like Lucca or HoQ will require over $60 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at New Restaurants in Des Moines?
Yes, there are vegan options at a new restaurant in Des Moines, with HoQ being a standout choice. Because its menu is so closely tied to seasonal farm availability, HoQ consistently offers creative and satisfying vegetable-based entrees that can be prepared vegan. Other spots like Malo can also accommodate vegan diets with their taco and bowl options.
Do New Restaurants in Des Moines Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, a new restaurant in Des Moines offers gluten-free options, especially at farm-to-table and modern American spots like HoQ and The District. HoQ's menu of grilled meats and fresh vegetables provides numerous naturally gluten-free choices. The District and other grilles can prepare steaks and fish without gluten-containing sauces.
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