Pictured above: Prime & Providence
Photographer: Duane Tinkey
Look alive! It’s almost time for the best week of Des Moines dining. Chefs all around town have prepped all summer, creating prix-fixe menus showcasing their restaurant’s signature flavors and most delicious dishes for diners to experience during the 10 days of dsm Restaurant Week. Now is the perfect time to make a reservation at nearly 40 participating restaurants, whether it’s your go-to dinner spot or a new place you’ve been eager to try.
The dsm Restaurant Week dinner specials are $40-$80 and lunches are $15-$25 (the perfect excuse for a break with your besties or colleagues). When you visit, ask if the restaurant offers a signature drink or wine pairing with the meal.
Be sure to bookmark dsmRestaurantWeek.com, where menus will be posted in early August.
Downtown
ALBA
Jason Simon’s upscale restaurant and bar has been an East Village staple since 2008, and it continues to delight regulars and newbies alike with imaginative dishes and seasonal surprises. On the menu you’ll find American cuisine with a French accent — think beef stroganoff done with a chef’s touch and Brussels sprouts that could convert even the biggest veggie skeptics — and swoon-worthy desserts like molten chocolate cake that are always worth saving room for.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 524 E. Sixth St., albadsm.com
ALLORA CAFÉ
If there’s an antidote to the sad desk lunch, Allora Café is it. Located at the base of the Krause Gateway Center, this light-filled spot is open 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers modern, Italian-inspired dishes alongside unmatched views of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park from its floor-to-ceiling windows. All of the pastas are made fresh in house daily, and don’t sleep on the vegetarian polenta — it’s a customer favorite.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 1459 Grand Ave., krausegatewaycenter.com/alloracafe
APOSTO
Always on our summer bucket list: dinner on the wraparound porch at Aposto. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date or want to celebrate with friends, a night at the beautifully preserved 1880s Victorian house in Sherman Hill is always a memorable one. You might be tempted to stick with an old favorite like owner Tony Lemmo’s signature homemade cavatelli with Calabrian sausage, but don’t overlook any of the seasonal offerings that rotate through the kitchen weekly.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 644 18th St., apostodm.com
BAR NICO
If you’re looking for a cool, casual place to sip a stellar margarita and aren’t afraid of a culinary curveball or two, get thee to Bar Nico. You can find this East Village jewel tucked along East Locust where chef Matthew Small serves up inventive Mexican fare like wild boar carnitas, Maine lobster empanadas and Wagyu arrachera tacos. Plus, the entire kitchen is gluten-free, so those with sensitivities can enjoy with abandon.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 428 E. Locust St., barnicodsm.com
BIG GROVE BREWERY
This place may have a massive brewery taproom with an even bigger patio, but don’t let that fool you into thinking the food here is an afterthought. The expansive made-from-scratch menu runs the gambit of global cuisines from Korean and Indian to Mediterranean and classic American to keep your taste buds on their game. Don’t leave without trying the Brewer’s Board featuring a generously sized soft pretzel and smoked sausage, both made in house.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 555 17th St., biggrove.com
BUBBA
The moment you walk through the door, this downtown favorite wraps you in Southern charm. From the wall of framed bowties and “bless your heart” mural to the grand chandelier and portrait of owner Chris Diebel’s grandmother keeping watch over the dining room, there’s personality behind every corner. Generous portions of Southern- comfort classics like fried chicken and waffles, pimento mac and cheese, and fried green tomatoes will make you feel right at home, regardless of where you’re from.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 200 10th St., bubbadsm.com
CENTRO
Since opening back in 2002 in the iconic Temple for Performing Arts, this go-to spot has been serving up modern Italian favorites like portobello fries, fried calamari, steaks, seafood, handmade pasta and New York-style pizzas from their coal-fired oven. Snag a seat on the patio or grab a spot by the big windows for some prime people-watching.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 1003 Locust St., centrodesmoines.com
DJANGO
If you’re craving classic French food — the kind that would make Julia Child proud — this is your spot. Start with something fresh from the raw bar like oysters, shrimp or caviar, then dig into duck frites, coq au vin, bouillabaisse, boeuf Bourguignon and even poutine. Swing by on a Tuesday for an extended happy hour (4 p.m. to close) or reserve the Reinhardt Room for your next gathering or special event.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 524 E. Sixth St., djangodesmoines.com
FRESKO
Use three words to describe Fresko and they’d likely be fun, flexible and fresh (as the name suggests). Diners of all dietary backgrounds are welcome at this sleek downtown eatery that focuses on seasonal ingredients and natural flavors. While the menu offers a little bit for everyone, during dsm Restaurant Week, you can’t go wrong with the blackened salmon, Golden Dragon Street Noodles or roasted half chicken.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 909 Locust St., freskodsm.com
HARBINGER
Taking in a meal at Harbinger, you might feel like you’ve been transported to some faraway culinary destination, but the Ingersoll hotspot plants its roots firmly at home. Acclaimed chef/owner Joe Tripp’s vegetable-forward small plates take inspiration from his travels through Japan, Thailand and Vietnam all while spotlighting ingredients from Iowa farmers, artisans and even neighbors, sourcing coffee from Zanzibar down the street and flowers from Wildflower a few doors away.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $70-$80
Find it: 2724 Ingersoll Ave., harbingerdsm.com
HOQ
From its low-key corner in the East Village, HoQ has been serving up hyper local dishes for more than a decade. The farm-to-table restaurant prides itself on sourcing its ingredients close to home and the menu changes with the seasons so you know your meal is the freshest it can be. If you’ve got a little bit of time to linger before or after dinner, be sure to check out HoQtail, a cozy little lounge next door where you can sip on craft cocktails paired with inventive bites.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 303 E. Fifth St., hoqtable.com
JOHNNY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE DES MOINES
Johnny’s might feel like a throwback to the Rat Pack era, but the old-school menu is anything but dated. The steaks are the star — aged for 28 days and cooked just right — and a variety of Italian favorites round out the selections. You can’t go wrong with the steak de Burgo, or you can get a little taste of everything with the Little Italy Combination, a sampling of the calamari marinara, sausage bread, toasted ravioli and bruschetta.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 6800 Fleur Drive, johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com
LOUIE’S WINE DIVE
This popular neighborhood hangout pairs a friendly come-as-you-are attitude with a menu that’s full of surprises. During dsm Restaurant Week, try the four pork gnocchi, spicy shrimp diablo, crispy fish and chips or Emily’s Apple Harvest Salad while sipping something from the wine list that’s well curated but totally accessible. If the weather’s nice, the patio is sure to be buzzing, so get there early if you want to dine al fresco.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 4040 University Ave., louieswinedive.com
MULBERRY STREET TAVERN
When you step into Mulberry Street Tavern, you feel like you could be in any swanky city in the country. Tucked inside the stylish Surety Hotel, the timeless interior welcomes diners with plenty of natural light and stellar city views. Grab a classic cocktail from the stately wood bar then settle into a cozy leather booth or high-top to enjoy worldly tavern fare that was made for sharing.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 206 Sixth Ave., suretyhotel.com/mulberry-street-tavern
PARK STREET KITCHEN
You don’t need a room key to enjoy the food at the downtown Hilton’s street level restaurant. Though it may be part of the global Hilton brand, the kitchen keeps things close to home with local ingredients like Rolek Farms guanciale and classic Des Moines dishes like steak de Burgo. When the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the spacious patio, complete with a cozy fireplace and sweeping hilltop views overlooking the Capitol.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 435 Park St., hilton.com/en/hotels/dsmdihh-hilton-des-moines-downtown/dining/park-street-kitchen
PROUDFOOT & BIRD
With a name like Proudfoot & Bird, you might expect something buttoned-up, but this spot knows how to have fun with fine dining. Housed inside the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, chef James Richards has a knack for bringing bold flavors and eclectic twists to some familiar favorites. During dsm Restaurant Week, start with the pork belly burnt ends and follow it up with the chicken and biscuits — because who says comfort food can’t be classy?
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $60-$70
Find it: 1000 Walnut St. in Des Moines, hotelfortdesmoines.com/dining/proudfoot-bird
PURVEYOR
With a mission to procure, taste, educate and conserve, Purveyor is all about thoughtfully sourcing food and wine and celebrating community. Part wine bar, part European-style market, the laid back East Village spot offers a range of Spanish tapas, curated charcuterie, approachable wines and artisanal desserts from Doré Bakery — all served in a relaxed, café-style setting. Pro tip: Stop in on a Friday for their weekly seafood paella special that’s quickly become a local favorite.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 505 E. Grand Ave., purveyordsm.com
REPUBLIC ON GRAND
Perched on the sixth floor of the AC Hotel, this rooftop hangout brings serious big-city energy to Des Moines’ East Village. It’s stylish without trying too hard and the handcrafted cocktails and artisanal bites feel both approachable and elevated. Sip something creative while you dig into dishes like the goat cheese terrine or the rich, savory shrimp gnocchi. It’s the kind of spot that makes any night feel like an occasion.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 401 E. Grand Ave., therepublicongrand.com
SPLASH
It’s rare for a long-running spot to stay this fresh, but Splash pulls it off thanks in large part to the top-notch seafood flown in daily. You can go big with shellfish like Alaskan king crab and whole Maine lobsters, try an expertly prepared dish like the sea bass meuniere or keep it lighter with mussels, shrimp or oysters on the half shell. Not into seafood? They’ve got solid land-based options, too, like chicken, pork chops and prime cut steaks.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $70-$80
Find it: 303 Locust St., splash-seafood.com
TABLE 128
Table 128 has settled into its downtown digs since reopening on Southwest Ninth last year and reminded loyal followers of all the things they loved — like the Brussels sprouts salad or those famous tiny salted chocolate chip cookies. Chef Lynn Pritchard always has something new up his sleeve, so it’s worth dipping in often for a taste of something seasonally inspired. But you can never go wrong with the Lynn Burger topped with pickled pear, brie, crispy onion and Dijon aioli.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 220 S.W. Ninth St., table128bistro.com
THE LATIN KING
This east side legend has been dishing out hearty Italian favorites for nearly 80 years, and its fanbase is as loyal as ever. Regulars swear by the chicken spiedini, toasted ravioli and baked lasagna — old-school favorites done right. Whether you dine in one of the cozy spaces inside or take it outside on the patio, it’s the kind of place where every meal feels like a special occasion (even on a Tuesday night).
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 2200 Hubbell Ave., latinkingdsm.com
TUPELO HONEY
Tupelo Honey takes an urban approach to Southern comfort, serving up the same feel-good flavors that made the original North Carolina spot a hit. When you go to the sleek downtown Des Moines location for dsm Restaurant Week, be sure to try the fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and banana pudding. And if you just can’t get enough chicken, stop in on Fridays for Chicken Fried Love — BOGO chicken entrées, including their honey-dusted fried chicken, sandwiches and tenders.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 665 Grand Ave., tupelohoneycafe.com
Suburbs
AURA
Upscale American is the name of the culinary game at this stylish gem on the west side of the Des Moines metro, but the menu is anything but traditional. Global flavors permeate the lineup with plenty of influence from Asian, European and Southern American dishes — the Korean fried cauliflower with gochujang sauce is a must-try and made for sharing. Pair your meal with wine from an expertly curated list from across the world, with approachable price points.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 12851 University Ave. in Clive, auradsm.com
COOPER’S HAWK
If a trip to Napa is not in the cards any time soon, a trip out to Clive might scratch that wine country itch. At Cooper’s Hawk, a national chain out of Illinois, you can find a full-service restaurant, award-winning winery, Napa-style tasting room and specialty retail market — all under one roof. The expansive menu includes a variety of American dishes with a relaxed California vibe like the BBQ chicken chopped salad and the soy ginger salmon with wasabi-buttered mashed potatoes and Asian slaw.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 12801 University Ave. in Clive, chwinery.com/locations/clive-ia
DISTRICT 36 WINE BAR & GRILL
Word of advice for those visiting this popular Ankeny spot: Come hungry. An order of the kung pao calamari for the table is a must for starters. If it’s a Tuesday, the chicken Marsala special can’t be beat. Fridays and Saturdays are all about the prime rib dinner. And the steak Delmonico is a sure winner any night of the week.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 1375 S.W. Vintage Parkway in Ankeny, district36winebar.com
FIREBIRDS WOOD FIRED GRILL
When you feel like dining somewhere that’s polished but unfussy, head to Firebirds near Jordan Creek Town Center. The vibe is relaxed and the menu is familiar without playing it too safe — think decadent lobster-spinach queso and the Durango Burger, a chile-spiced beef patty topped with pepper jack, crispy onions and roasted garlic dressing. The shareable dessert menu is always worth perusing, too. The Big Daddy Chocolate Cake is the stuff of chocolate lovers’ dreams.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 440 S. 68th St. in West Des Moines, firebirdsrestaurants.com
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR
This Jordan Creek go-to has long been a favorite for prime steaks, best-in-class seafood, innovative vegetarian dishes and standout service. But if you think Fleming’s is only a special occasion kind of place, you’re missing out. A new lunch menu offers a flavorful range of salads, sandwiches and lighter fare, and if you’ve yet to check out the restaurant’s happy hour, it’s one of the best in town with upscale bites and craft cocktails available in the bar Sunday through Thursday.
dsm Restaurant Week special: $70-$80
Find it: 150 S. Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, flemingssteakhouse.com
GASTRO GRUB & PUB
What started as a food truck nearly 10 years ago has become a beloved Waukee eatery with a knack for finding the sweet spot between modern and nostalgia. Creative comforts like steak de Burgo poutine and a braised short rib grilled cheese may have a cult-like following, but the kitchen is always dreaming up new specials to keep diners on their toes, so it’s worth stopping by often.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 1378 E. Hickman Road in Waukee, gastrogrubpub.com
GILROY’S
When it’s patio season, Gilroy’s is a perennial favorite rain or shine — spacious, lively and roof-covered (just in case). Prefer a seat indoors? You’ve got your pick of big screens for catching up on all your favorite teams. But wherever you eat, you can be sure to find a never-boring variety of American comforts like G’s Blueberry Salad, honey bacon alfredo pizza and jambalaya pizza.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 1238 Eighth St. in West Des Moines, gilroyskitchen.com
JOHNNY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE ALTOONA
Johnny’s in Altoona brings the same swanky supper-club feel to the east side. Though the steaks may get all the attention, don’t overlook the pastas. Try the seafood pasta pomodoro with shrimp, mussels and scallops or the expertly crafted lasagna with layers of seasoned ricotta and meat sauce, which is about as comforting as it gets.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 550 Bass Pro Drive N.W., johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com
JOHNNY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE WEST DES MOINES
When you go to Johnny’s, you probably pack a big appetite. Generous plates of steaks, seafood, and pasta are always on the menu after all. But there’s also plenty of lighter fare, too. Grab a bowl of the veggie-studded minestrone, add your favorite protein to the supper club spinach salad or order the cedar plank salmon for a hearty meal that will fill you up without weighing you down.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 6075 Mills Civic Parkway, johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com
PRIME & PROVIDENCE
More than a year in, this fancy (but not formal) steakhouse in West Des Moines continues to generate buzz with a menu that’s anything but typical. The open kitchen is a song of ice and fire with a chilled oyster bar on one side and the 15-foot Josper oven and hearth heating up expertly cooked prime beef and seafood on the other. Don’t sleep on the veggies and sides either. Inventive creations like coal-roasted Japanese sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus with marigold pesto will keep you on your toes.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $70-$80
Find it: 595 S. 60th St. in West Des Moines, primeandprovidence.com
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Ever since its arrival to West Des Moines in 2023, Ruth’s Chris has done things big. With three bars, multiple dining areas and rooftop patios, there’s a place for everyone for every occasion. The beloved franchise is known for its high-quality USDA Prime steaks served on a sizzling 500-degree plate and top tier service, but the price tag can be a splurge. If you’ve yet to check it out for that reason, go during dsm Restaurant Week to see what all the buzz is about.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60
Find it: 950 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 1100 in West Des Moines, ruthschrisphg.com/west-des-moines
TROSTEL’S GREENBRIAR
This Johnston favorite has a loyal following for a reason. It’s the kind of place that nails both cozy weekday lunches and laid-back date nights. Swing by for a solid sandwich or bowl of soup or go all in on weekend splurges like the meltingly tender prime rib. Don’t skip the Baked Mushrooms Boursin to start, and definitely save room for one of their housemade desserts. Don’t forget to check out the burger and brew specials that happen every Monday.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 5810 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, greenbriartrostels.com
WASABI ANKENY
They say there’s a little something for everyone at The District at Prairie Trail, and if you’re in the mood for authentic Asian cuisine, Wasabi Ankeny’s got you covered. The popular local chain may be known for its sushi, but if seafood and rolls aren’t your thing, you can find an extensive assortment of ramen, pad thai, fried rice and curries to suit any craving.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 1615 S.W. Main St. in Ankeny, wasabiankeny.com
WASABI JOHNSTON
Wasabi’s Johnston location has been a go-to for sushi in the northwestern suburbs since 2018, serving up an inventive mix of fresh sushi and pan-Asian dishes. The Angry Dragon roll is a customer favorite and the Korean fried chicken and Hong Kong steak are popular go-tos for heartier fare, but keep an eye out for special sushi rolls and dishes during dsm Restaurant Week.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 8481 Birchwood Court in Johnston, wasabijohnston.com
WASABI WEST DES MOINES
After bidding farewell to its original Merle Hay location in 2024, Wasabi set up a new outpost in West Des Moines just east of the highway off Mills Civic Parkway and 50th. Bringing its popular menu to the western suburbs, the local sushi chain offers an impressive roster of traditional nigiri and sashimi as well as innovative rolls, ramen and teriyaki. The signature cocktails and sushi happy hour are also a must.
dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50
Find it: 5045 Bentley Drive in West Des Moines, wasabiwdsm.com
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