Welcome to Des Moines. If you need an excuse to stay for a while, we have plenty of options. Settle in and stay a while.
Where to find great restaurants in Des Moines
Des Moines has a vast range of dining options for every occasion. Whether you’re planning quick bite before a Civic Center show, grabbing drinks after work with friends or looking for a one-of-a-kind meal, look no further than this list.
Special occasion: Reserve a table at Harbinger, the vegetable-forward restaurant from five-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest Joe Tripp. He opened his restaurant that leans into technique and Asian influences in 2018 in a brick-lined room along Ingersoll Avenue. Executive chef Ryan Skinner creates the artful small plates — such as farm carrots, salt-crusted celery root, or steamed buns — rotate as the star of the show goes out of season. Beware though; Skinner says he does not repeat dishes.
Harbinger, 2724 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines; 515-244-1314
Breakfast: Stop into the bakery and restaurant La Mie Bakery and ogle the bounty of pastries that await. Order proper dishes for breakfast that include tartines, quiches, omelets and French toast, or quinoa with black beans, jalapeno egg salad or chicken wild rice for lunch. Order a cappuccino or a cold brew as well.