Des Moines Restaurant Tips by yooperprof Top 5 Page for this destination

Drake Diner: Retro Resto!

Charming authentic 1950s diner in west Des Moines, a big hit with the collegiate set at Drake, very popular for weekend breakfasts.

Address: 1111 25th Street

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Diner

Website: http://www.drakediner.com/menu.html

A-Dong: Vietnamese in Iowa

This Vietnamese Restaurant on the west side of Downtown offers good Vietnamese food at reasonable prices. It seems to attract a good number of its patrons from the nearby medical school and hospital, but I've also noticed a fair number of college students eating here as well.

Address: 1511 High Street

Comparison: about average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 2

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Dong-Restaurant/113401495359711

Django: Not unchained, but a nice bistro

Pleasant, quality bistro in downtown Des Moines. Reliable and well-recommended by Des Moines natives, Django is one of the most-admired upscale restaurants in the city.

Address: 210 10th Street

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: French

Website: http://www.djangodesmoines.com/

Lucca: Lucca Skywalker?

Beautiful, casually elegant restaurant with a classic Euro-feel, in Des Moines' fashionable East Village neighborhood, just west of the State Capitol. They do a great value lunch special here, too.

Address: 420 E. Locust

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: East Village

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://luccarestaurant.net/

The Continental Lounge: Worth crossing the Alps to Get Here!

The Continental Lounge is a chic lounge/bar/restaurant in the heart of the East Village neighborhood, in the shadow of the imposing State Capitol. Handsome brick walls and a friendly and well-stocked bar up front, comfortable seating area for dining in the back. During the day, the lounge serves tasty tapas, while at night more substantial fare is offered.

Address: 428 E. Locust

Comparison: about average

Directions: East Village

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://www.continental-lounge.com/

La Mie: French Bakery Heaven

Luscious baked goods and a memorable brunchy menu make La Mie "La Favorite" in Des Moines. This very popular bakery-restaurant is a stellar attraction. It's located in a suburban style strip mall a few miles west of downtown, with very easy access to I-235, so it made for an excellent place to stop when I was driving in between Minneapolis and Kansas City in December 2012.

Address: 841 42nd Street, just off I-235

Comparison: about average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Bakery

Website: http://www.lamiebakery.com/

Art Center Cafe: If Matisse were a chef, he'd cook here

The Art Center Cafe has a limited menu, but it all looked good when I was there. Upscale and delicious - it seems to attract many people in Des Moines who just come for the restaurant. On pleasant days, there is outdoor seating by the reflecting pool; there are about ten tables inside, so if you want to be sure of a table, get here early.

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Eclectic/International