Best Lunch Restaurants in Des Moines

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodJapaneseChinese

Regions

Des Moines

Neighborhoods

AnkenyCliveDes MoinesUrbandaleWest Des Moines

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant

1. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(680)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Des Moines

Booked 14 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! We are currently closed on Monday's

2. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1218)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 23 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.

3. Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

Exceptional(706)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Global, International • Des Moines

Booked 12 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 In Confidence Speakeasy restaurant

4. In Confidence Speakeasy

4.3

Awesome(32)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Speakeasy • Des Moines

Booked 4 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!

5. Cooper's On 5th

4.7

Exceptional(154)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Des Moines

Cooper’s on 5th is a great place for Lunch & Dinner. We have had the pleasure of being West Des Moines’ first Craft Cocktail Bar. Join us for our amazing food menu & award-winning cocktail program. Classic & Reimagined Americana comfort food paired with one of Des Moines’ original & highly awarded craft cocktail programs. Great beer, wine, and martinis.

A photo of Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines restaurant

6. Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines

4.6

Exceptional(857)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 8 times today

Louie’s Wine Dive serves lunch, happy hour and dinner daily and brunch on weekends. Award-winning food is created from local ingredients under the eye of formally trained chefs. Louie’s wine list and featured wineboard offer hard to find, quality focused selections. Louie’s offers a craft cocktail and local beer menu. Louie’s Wine Dive features a warm, casually elegant atmosphere. It's the place for food and wine lovers to be social!

A photo of Park Street Kitchen restaurant

7. Park Street Kitchen

3.7

Very Good(76)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Des Moines

Park Street Kitchen & Bar, located in Hilton Des Moines Downtown is an all day dining concept featuring local ingredients and products, simply prepared and professionally served. The soul of this restaurant is anchored in the abundance of regional foods produced and raised locally. The menu features wholesome and hearty fare, using tried and true recipes and methods. Dine indoors or al fresco on our outdoor patio complete with string lights and a fireplace. Enjoy validated parking while you dine for up to two hours. See a restaurant team member for more details.

A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines restaurant

8. Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(219)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Des Moines

Booked 4 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!

9. Eatery A

4.8

Exceptional(551)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Des Moines

Booked 23 times today

Eatery A is Des Moines's destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients, we strive to offer our guests exotic flavor profiles that let the ingredients take center stage.

10. The Latin King

4.6

Exceptional(228)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Des Moines

Booked 11 times today

The Latin King restaurant was founded in 1947 by Rose and Jim Pigneri, who immigrated from Terravecchia, Italy to Des Moines. Rose and Jim wanted to bring authentic Italian fare to Des Moines and began this undertaking in earnest upon selling their home to finance the Latin King restaurant lease, which had previously operated as the Cinderella Sandwich Shop (circa 1930) and the Chanticleer Restaurant (circa 1937). Pigneri named the Latin King after New York City’s Latin Quarter and operated the Latin King for 35 years, notably taking only 10 days of vacation time during his tenure. Pigneri sold the Latin King to his third cousin Bob Tursi in 1983.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KatieVIP
Austin •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Eric was a fantastic waiter. I enjoyed his energy, class and service. His recommendations were spot on.
More info
Proudfoot & BirdPrice: Very Expensive• Global, International• Des Moines
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
South Dakota •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent good with great service. Would definitely go back
More info
FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
•
4.7
S
Scott
Iowa •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Server was outstanding and the special right on the mark.
More info
Cooper's On 5thPrice: Moderate• American• West Des Moines
•
4.7
S
ShannonVIP
Iowa •11 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
The menu choices are varied enough for everyone to find something they like. I had the harvest bowl which was delicious. Our waitress was prompt and checked back in at appropriate times. It can get a bit noisy with large tables, but we were still able to carry on a good conversation.
More info
Tupelo Honey - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Des Moines
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Fun bar in the basement of the Fort Des Moines hotel. Very chill and elegantly dark with lots of little nook’s and corners for quiet conversation. Good selection of bourbons and cocktails
More info
In Confidence SpeakeasyPrice: Moderate• Speakeasy• Des Moines
•
4.3

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