From sizzling stone bowl pho to supper clubs and tiki drinks, the Des Moines metro’s restaurant scene continues to evolve with bold flavors, creative concepts, and fresh spaces.
At least 44 restaurants and bars have opened in the Des Moines metro in 2025, spanning Vietnamese pho and a fusion of Japanese and French cuisines, to elevated comfort food and barbecue. Ankeny and Norwalk experienced growth with diverse new openings that bring new outposts of established restaurants to the south and Iowa-based chains expanding to the north. Pizza and Italian fare, inexpensive diner food, Brazilian specialities, Mexican breakfast, and Turkish cuisine are just some of the new options in the metro. And if dessert tempts you, try one of the new ice cream and pastry shops that debuted.
Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood gem or a buzzworthy new opening, 2025 has already delivered a wave of exciting additions across the city and suburbs.
Highland Underground
Opened: Oct. 15…