Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown Des Moines

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresko

4.8

Exceptional(1176)

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.

A photo of 801 Chophouse – Des Moines restaurant

2. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

4.8

Exceptional(3166)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown Des Moines

Booked 29 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, enjoy beautiful views and excellent customer service at 801 Chophouse. We value our guests and want to give you the best dining experience possible. Our restaurant has only prime USDA steaks, paired with innovative side dishes and an award-winning wine selection from around the world to create an upscale dining experience you won't find anywhere else in Iowa. 801 Chophouse is the premier steakhouse in Des Moines and even offers private dining room options. Book a reservation online or via phone today.

A photo of In Confidence Speakeasy restaurant

3. In Confidence Speakeasy

4.6

Exceptional(18)

Price: Moderate

• Speakeasy • Des Moines

Booked 16 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 The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines restaurant

4. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.7

Exceptional(773)

Price: Moderate

• American • Des Moines

Booked 47 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!

5. Eatery A

4.7

Exceptional(536)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Des Moines

Booked 40 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.

6. Parlor

4.5

Awesome(27)

Price: Moderate

• Pizza Bar • Des Moines

Booked 6 times today

At Parlor we've created relaxed, social surroundings with family booths, shuffleboard, patio seating, full bar and sports on tv. Reconnect with the simple joy of a cold drink and a hot slice of pizza, or sausages and slaw. Everything is curated for you to enjoy yourself, so what are you waiting for?

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA restaurant

7. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

4.8

Exceptional(1162)

Price: Moderate

• American • Clive

Booked 119 times today

Experience the perfect fusion of award-winning wines, Napa-style tasting rooms, and modern casual dining at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine influenced by international flavors from our scratch kitchen. Each dish is expertly paired with our selection of wines for the best food and wine match. Whether you explore the tasting room for a pre- or post-dinner adventure or join the world's largest wine club, we believe in the power of food and wine to create lasting connections. Dining reservations are highly recommended, but walk-in guests are always welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines restaurant

8. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(831)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • West Des Moines

Booked 47 times today

Ruth's Chris Steak House is a premier dining establishment renowned for its specialty in serving USDA Prime steaks. Each steak is expertly prepared and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate, ensuring a delicious and unforgettable dining experience. Located in West Des Moines, Ruth's Chris Steak House has been recognized as the 2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner and 2024 Wine Spectator's award recipient, a testament to its commitment to exceptional quality and service. Whether you're a steak aficionado or simply looking for a remarkable dining experience, we invite you to join us and indulge in our award-winning cuisine.

A photo of Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar restaurant

9. Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar

4.6

Exceptional(299)

Price: Moderate

• American • Urbandale

Booked 4 times today

Range Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is casual fine dining establishment that combines prime proteins with signature cocktails, perfectly matched with each other. Our menu is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, the unique background of two talented chefs, and served by a talented team of servers and bartenders working to make your dining experience a Range experience.You can enjoy any part of our facility individually or come and enjoy all aspects of Range with friends, family, co-workers, and teammates. You can dine in our restaurant, cocktail lounge, or our indoor golf simulators. We invite you to stop in and see what Range is all about!

A photo of Aura Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

10. Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(213)

Price: Expensive

• American • Urbandale

Booked 7 times today

Lively & flavorful tapas along with vibrant cocktails offer a unique shared experience that challenges the traditional. At Aura, it's good vibes only! Our invigorating environment is the perfect place to gather friends & family.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
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
K
KEVIN
Iowa •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
A group of 4 people and all had a great time. Our server Jeffery took great care of us. Great job. We always expect great from Stuffed Olive and are always never disappointed. We will be back again.
More info
The Stuffed Olive - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• Des Moines
•
4.7
T
Tracy
Iowa •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Luckily we had a reservation, it was very busy. I had the duck breast and it was delicious. Loved the blend of flavors. I also tried the drink Spirit Cleanser. Loved it! I could drink about 10 of those!
More info
Eatery APrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Des Moines
•
4.7
S
Sadie
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 12, 2024
My fiancé and I were out tonight to celebrate our engagement and exactly 11 months until our wedding day. Every single staff member was excellent and our waiter, CJ, really went above and beyond to help us celebrate. Not only that but we had the best drinks, appetizers, steaks, and soufflé that you can get in the Midwest. We were amazed by everything and can easily say that the experience was worth every penny.
More info
801 Chophouse – Des MoinesPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Des Moines
•
4.8
B
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

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Downtown Des Moines

Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown Des Moines

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresko

2. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines

3. In Confidence Speakeasy

4. The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

5. Eatery A

6. Parlor

7. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

8. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

9. Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar

10. Aura Restaurant & Lounge

See what locals rave about

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