Best Casual Restaurants in Des Moines

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanPizzeria

Regions

Des Moines

Neighborhoods

AnkenyDes MoinesJohnstonUrbandaleWest 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

Wheelchair access

23 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of In Confidence Speakeasy restaurant

1. In Confidence Speakeasy

4.3

Awesome(35)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Speakeasy • Des Moines

Booked 13 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 Mulberry Street Tavern restaurant

2. Mulberry Street Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(590)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Des Moines

Booked 20 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.

3. Fresko

4.7

Exceptional(1229)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Des Moines

Booked 39 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.

4. Bar Nico

4.7

Exceptional(94)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Des Moines

Booked 14 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.

5. Eatery A

4.8

Exceptional(557)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Des Moines

Booked 39 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.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Des Moines restaurant

6. Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.4

Awesome(686)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Des Moines

Booked 31 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

7. Baratta's

4.5

Awesome(133)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Des Moines

Booked 4 times today

Baratta’s has been a Des Moines staple for over 50 years and is always welcoming new guests to the table. With multiple locations now open, catering available, and take-out options, there are several ways to enjoy our menu. From celebrating anniversaries and birthdays to fueling kids up before football games and dances, Baratta’s is a tradition that keeps getting better.

A photo of Park Street Kitchen restaurant

8. Park Street Kitchen

3.7

Very Good(76)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Des Moines

Booked 8 times today

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.

9. The Latin King

4.6

Exceptional(232)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Des Moines

Booked 23 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.

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

10. Louie's Wine Dive - Des Moines

4.6

Exceptional(858)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Des Moines

Booked 12 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MarikaVIP
Nebraska •66 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The large selection of vegetarian options is so great. Service might have been considered slow, but allowed for uninterrupted conversation.
More info
Eatery APrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Des Moines
•
4.8
D
Debbie
Iowa •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Ordered the squash salad with grilled chicken. Very fresh lettuce. Excellent flavor and service was fast. Definitely will go back to try several other items on the menu.
More info
FreskoPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Des Moines
•
4.7
E
Elizabeth
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Brunch was great! Coffee is really good and it was priced reasonably.
More info
Mulberry Street TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Des Moines
•
4.7
G
Gary
Iowa •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had an excellent experience. Servers were perfectly attentive, and the food was first rate. Even the cocktails were inspired. Will return gladly.
More info
Bar NicoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Des Moines
•
4.7
D
Daniil
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Apr 4, 2025
Amazing cocktails and great vibes. Loved the live music
More info
In Confidence SpeakeasyPrice: Moderate• Speakeasy• Des Moines
•
4.3

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