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Best Fun Restaurants in Des Moines

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29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fresko restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1176)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • Des Moines
Booked 31 times today
“Fresko” meaning “fresh” inspires our creation of seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Fresko makes natural food from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. The culinary team prepares product from start to finish applying natural time honored techniques with care at every step. This enriches the flavorful and nutritious product we serve and benefits our community. Fresko believes we are what we eat and eating well means living well.Fresko features a splendid assortment of original cocktails with a deep spirits menu and a beer program with sixteen beers on tap in addition to bottles and cans. Fresko's wine menu focuses on quality selections at a great value to our guests.
A photo of Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(558)
Price: Expensive
• American • Des Moines
Booked 23 times today
Mulberry Street Tavern brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to Downtown Des Moines. Once a hub for the city transit, it is now adorned with rich woods, leather, and a zinc bar that create a warm and timeless social destination. The open-hearth kitchen produces shareable worldly tavern fare, hearty entrees and, hands down, the best burger in Des Moines. Enjoy perfect classic cocktails, eclectic award-winning wines, and interesting regional and foreign beers on draught.
A photo of Proudfoot & Bird restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(675)
Price: Very Expensive
• Global, International • Des Moines
Booked 20 times today
Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private areas available, seating eight and ten guests respectfully.
A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant
4.0
Excellent(664)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Southern • Des Moines
Booked 21 times today
Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of In Confidence Speakeasy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(18)
Price: Moderate
• Speakeasy • Des Moines
Booked 19 times today
For Large reservations or other inquiries please call 515-528-7733 x 4627 f=SPEAKEASY BAR IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DES MOINESHotel Fort Des Moines brings the Prohibition-era feel to downtown Des Moines - In Confidence. Enjoy our hidden secret with a curated wine collection and crafted cocktails.Enjoy your downtime in a unique casual setting deserving of the Great Gatsby himself!
A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(202)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Des Moines
Booked 9 times today
Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!
A photo of The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(773)
Price: Moderate
• American • Des Moines
Booked 45 times today
The Stuffed Olive is about the entire “Martini & Tapas Experience.” From your favorite classics to new and exciting blends you’ve never seen before, you’re sure to find a cocktail to love on our vast martini menu. Add a warm, comfortable atmosphere, great wines, beers and top-shelf spirits, and The Stuffed Olive will become your favorite place to start, end or spend your entire evening. Our tapas menu offers appetizer-sized portions of globally influenced entrees, for a sampling and sharing dining experience. Pair tasty tapas with your favorite martini for happy hour, dinner or a late-night snack. We welcome you to sit back, relax, enjoy great food, good conversation and your favorite martini. Welcome to the Stuffed Olive!
A photo of Splash Seafood Bar and Grill restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1952)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown Des Moines
Booked 12 times today
Splash Seafood Bar and Grill is a fun place because of its unique dining experience, as one reviewer said, 'Splash Seafood is a unique dining experience with Fresh Seafood, great service, and awesome atmosphere!!'. The ambiance is praised for being 'cool and modern' with a 'plethora of adult beverages', and the food, 'amazing! Freshest seafood in the Midwest'. Plus, the seafood is served in both traditional and contemporary styles, so there's something for everyone!
A photo of Bar Nico restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(79)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Des Moines
Booked 22 times today
Our restaurant's mantra is "Sin Maiz, No Hay Pais" meaning "without corn there is no country" as such, our tortillas are hand ground in house from heirloom organic Mexican corn varietals - made daily & cooked to order. As a result of our corn obsession, we have no flour in house & are a completely gluten-free kitchen.
A photo of Alba Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(403)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Des Moines
Booked 14 times today
Alba offers a creative culinary twist on traditional American cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, the finest cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits, vegetables and herbs. Our menu changes often, we invited you to join us to discover a new favorite.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Natalie
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We came in from Omaha to celebrate my partner’s birthday and had a very relaxing and tasty time. I got the dragon noodles and they were delicious, hearty and filling. Our server was friendly, attentive and informative about vegan items, and he treated my partner to a birthday dessert! Thank you!
    More info
    FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
    4.8
  • Laura
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Enjoyed a work lunch. Meal was good. Was told by teammates who had the shrimp and grits the grits weren’t very flavorful but overall, we had a good experience and would return again.
    More info
    Tupelo Honey - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Des Moines
    4
  • Dawn
    Iowa •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    First time visiting Mulberry Street Tavern and we will definitely go back. Wonderful and well- timed service. Our server Andre was one of the best and able to thoughtfully answer any questions about the food. Overall a really awesome experience, setting, and food.
    More info
    Mulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines
    4.6
  • James
    Iowa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    My wife and I celebrated our 20th Anniversary while dining in. The hotel is beautifully restored revealing its historic charm and that is carried out throughout the restaurant area. Our waitress was fabulous and she really did a great job in making us feel special on our date with added touches to the dessert plate and even providing an unexpected discount. It was much more than we would ever spend on a night out together, but due to the occasion, it was well worth it!
    More info
    Proudfoot & BirdPrice: Very Expensive• Global, International• Des Moines
    4.7
  • Becky
    Iowa •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 3, 2024
    Lovely experience at In Confidence. The drinks were delicious and the service was wonderful.
    More info
    In Confidence SpeakeasyPrice: Moderate• Speakeasy• Des Moines
    4.6

Discover best fun restaurants in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa, offers a vibrant dining scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it a delightful destination for food lovers seeking fun and unique dining experiences. If you're searching for a fun place to eat in Des Moines, you'll find a splendid array of restaurants that promise not just great food but an engaging atmosphere. These eateries feature menus that blend traditional flavors with innovative twists, ensuring every meal is both delicious and memorable. Whether you're in the mood for a casual dining experience or a more sophisticated outing, Des Moines has something to offer. The restaurants are well-regarded for their lively settings and friendly service, enhancing the overall dining experience. Each establishment maintains a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, making them popular choices among locals and visitors alike. This collection of fun dining spots in Des Moines is perfect for anyone looking to add a dash of excitement to their culinary adventures.

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