Key Highlights
- New restaurants in Des Moines are catering to diverse tastes with options from breakfast cafes to smoky barbecue joints.
- The Des Moines Register highlights 14 must-try new eateries, updated monthly for the latest arrivals.
- Each restaurant offers unique dishes and atmospheres, reflecting a blend of local flavors and innovative concepts.
- Diners in the Des Moines metro have plenty to explore with options ranging from Italian favorites to Japanese-French fusion.
New Dining Destinations in Des Moines: A Guide for Food Lovers
The bustling food scene of Des Moines, Iowa, continues to evolve with a wave of new dining destinations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. According to the Des Moines Register, these establishments are not only adding variety but also creating a vibrant culinary landscape that locals and visitors alike can’t resist.
The Latest in Des Moines Dining
In October, Littleleaf Luncheonette opened its doors in Waukee’s Old Town, offering a cozy breakfast-and-lunch spot with a focus on sustainability. Owners Mallory Holt and Ryan Nicholson have transformed the building into a warm, inviting space that blends classic comfort food with modern culinary creativity. The menu features dishes like yellowfin tuna melts, steak and eggs, grain bowls, and seasonal smoothies, complemented by drinks from Parlor Coffee.
The Empire, which took over the former Fong’s Pizza space in downtown Des Moines, has added a unique twist to its menu with comfort food classics such as Coney dogs, chicken pot pies, and hot ham and cheese. The bar area, named after the original 1905-1906 establishment, now serves cocktails and coffee from Ritual Cafe, creating a space that’s perfect for neighborhood gatherings.
Expanding Pizza Empire
The Savelli family has expanded their pizza empire to Pleasant Hill with the opening of Pizza Bar by Taste of New York. The 6,000-square-foot location offers a full restaurant with seated service, a bar, and eventually a patio, all with a sports bar theme. Guests can enjoy traditional New York-style pizza crusts along with wings, tenders, baked ziti, and other Italian favorites. A must-try is the chopped cheese sandwich served on a hoagie roll.
Craft Cocktails and American Fare
Judges DSM, which debuted off Court Avenue in September 2023, offers craft cocktails and elevated American fare such as double-bone pork chops and salmon. The restaurant took over the former Stuffed Olive space and is a tip of the hat to its proximity to Polk County courthouses and the U.S. Southern District Court.
Mee Mochi Donuts & Soft Serve, opened in Waukee in September 2023, brings playful, creative Asian-inspired desserts like fish-shaped waffle cones and chewy mochi doughnuts with unique flavors such as matcha, chocolate, ube, Biscoff, churro, crème brulee, cookies and cream, and glazed. The dessert shop also offers soft-serve ice cream in various flavors.
Smoky BBQ and Beyond
Bubbies BBQ, owned by Oscar Sanchez, has expanded its smoky barbecue offerings to Pleasant Hill after its successful Ankeny location. Signature dishes include brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and baby back ribs. Sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and jalapeno creamed corn complement the main courses.
The new West Des Moines location of Faustinos offers a Mexican breakfast menu with omelets stuffed with fajitas, birria, or carnitas; chilaquiles; and breakfast tacos.
The restaurant shifts to offering tacos and other signature dishes after 2:30 p.m., creating a late lunch or dinner option.
Spice Rasta Indian Grill & Bar in Ankeny serves regional Indian cuisines with tandoori plates, slow-cooked curries, and biryanis. Traditional dishes like paneer tikka, chicken tikka masala, and lamb curry are available, along with cocktails and wine. The restaurant also features a lunch buffet with over 20 items.
The Des Moines dining scene continues to grow with options that cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s always something new for food enthusiasts to explore.
