The Des Moines metro’s dining scene isn’t slowing down, and this month’s list proves it. Our latest roundup features seven newly opened restaurants serving everything from cozy comfort food and fiery Nashville hot chicken to Japanese street food, ramen, Vietnamese dishes and ice cream. Together, they offer a snapshot of the flavors and ideas driving central Iowa’s fast‑changing food landscape.
This guide focuses exclusively on restaurants that opened within the past six months, keeping the spotlight on what’s new right now. As fresh spots arrive, older ones roll off — giving diners an always‑current look at the metro’s most exciting openings and plenty of inspiration for their next meal.
Hungry for more? Explore our 2025 Essential Restaurants guide, for a curated list of the metro’s top dining destinations…