What’s your favorite Des Moines restaurant?

By Stacy Rounds

June 24, 2024

Food enthusiasts and culinary explorers of Des Moines, we need your help! Our city’s dining scene is once again growing and continues to offer new and exciting delights as well as old-school favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a curious visitor, there’s always a new flavor waiting to be discovered in the heart of Iowa. That’s why we’re inviting you, our seasoned locals, to vote on the best restaurants for our upcoming Des Moines Food Guide.

We’re counting on you to dust off your favorite dining memories and sharpen your fork and knife. Which local dining spots have you returning for seconds (and thirds)? Where did you experience that unforgettable dish that still lingers in your dreams? Your insights and recommendations will help fellow diners navigate the culinary landscape of Des Moines, ensuring no one misses out on the city’s must-try eateries. Fill out the quick survey below and vote for the best of the best places to dine in Des Moines in 2024! Voting ends July 5.

</p> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h2>What is the best restaurant in Des Moines?</h2> <p><p>Who is the best overall? Feel free to write in your favorite if it’s not already on our list.</p></p> <ul> <li>A’dong</li> <li>Alba</li> <li>Banana Leaf</li> <li>Centro</li> <li>Christopher’s</li> <li>Cosi Cucina</li> <li>Django</li> <li>Harbinger</li> <li>Lachele’s</li> <li>Lucca</li> <li>Lucky Lotus</li> <li>Oak Park</li> <li>Simon’s</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>What is the best new restaurant in Des Moines?</h3> <p><p>Which of these places that opened in 2023-24 is your favorite?</p></p> <ul> <li>Either/Or</li> <li>Homegrown Kitchen</li> <li>Hugo’s Wood Fired Kitchen</li> <li>Oak Park</li> <li>Panka Chicken</li> <li>Prime & Providence</li> <li>The Stuffed Olive</li> <li>Table 128</li> <li>The Waiting Room</li> <li>Zavy Kitchen</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>Where can you get the best pizza in Des Moines?</h3> <ul> <li>7 Stone</li> <li>Bianchi’s Hilltop</li> <li>Big Tomato</li> <li>Centro</li> <li>Dough Co.</li> <li>Eatery A</li> <li>Maggie’s</li> <li>Nonna’s</li> <li>Parlor Pizza</li> <li>Pete’s</li> <li>Taste of NY</li> <li>Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern</li> <li>Wig & Pen Pizza Pub</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>Where can you get the best fried chicken in Des Moines?</h3> <ul> <li>Basic Bird</li> <li>Bubba</li> <li>Captain Roy’s</li> <li>Charlotte’s Kitchen</li> <li>Chicago Speakeasy</li> <li>The Chicken</li> <li>Clyde’s Fine Diner</li> <li>G.G.’s Chicken & Waffles</li> <li>Good Eatins</li> <li>The High Life Lounge</li> <li>The Iowa Taproom</li> <li>Motely School Tavern</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>Who smokes the best BBQ in Des Moines?</h3> <ul> <li>Bubba</li> <li>Cactus Bob’s</li> <li>Flying Mango</li> <li>Jethro’s BBQ ‘n Bacon Bacon</li> <li>Smokey D’s BBQ</li> <li>Whatcha Smokin (yes, we know it’s in Luther)</li> </ul> </section> <section data-block="SingleChoice"> <h3>Who serves the best ice cream in Des Moines?</h3> <p><p>The final question, the final course. :)</p></p> <ul> <li>8 Degrees Cafe & Boba</li> <li>Black Cat</li> <li>Dairy Zone</li> <li>Dough Crazy</li> <li>La Ventanita Snack Bar</li> <li>Granny’s Sweet Freeze</li> <li>Molly’s Frozen</li> <li>Paleteria La Michoacana</li> <li>Snookies Malt Shop</li> </ul> </section> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>

Stacy Rounds

Stacy Rounds is a writer and growth producer for Iowa Starting Line. Prior to joining the team, Stacy has worked as a writer, editor, and engagement specialist covering topics ranging from local history, disability advocacy, recreation, and food hotspots to relationships and mental health.

View all posts