Des Moines Restaurant Tips by Sagespot

Restaurant Name: Taki Japanese Steakhouse

If you love fresh sushi - yet hate living so far away from big cities that have those wonderfully classy japanese joints, go to Taki!

The food is wonderfully prepared in a non smoking restaurant, with great customer service. There is a sushi bar, regular bar, room with "teppan"/fry tables, and a back room for a few larger parties.

For those a little shy of sushi or not really into the raw fish aspect of dining, not to worry, Taki has Teppanyaki. Teppanyaki is a traditional style of Japanese cuisine where fresh meat, seafood and/or vegetables are cooked on a large iron sheet or grill, the "teppon."

I am super fond of the Captain Crunch Roll with a Tiramasu martini.

Favorite Dish: If you at all love sushi or you at all love to get your drink on during a week day - go for Sushi & Martini night - every Wednesday evening.

The sushi is always discounted and so are the martinis!!! Your Wednesday night meal includes soup and salad. (Go for the clear soup and the ginger dressing!)

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 515.331.3030
Address: 2677 86th Street
Directions: Located in the West Mark Plaza II complex off 86th. Go north on 86th from University Avenue.
Website: http://www.desmoinesnightlife.com/taki_japanese_steakhouse.htm

Restaurant Name: China One International Buffet

If you're looking for a simple buffet with tons of options for menu items, I'd recommend China One. The decor is typical of most chinese buffets, but the staff is quite attentive, and service is quick. The meals are reasonably priced with deep discounts for those whith children, and during lunch time.

Favorite Dish: The sushi is not bad, and I'd highly suggest you try the grill options.

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Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 515.237.0022
Address: 2301 Ingersoll Ave
Directions: East of the downtown area on Ingersoll Ave.

Restaurant Name: Tumea and Sons

I'll have to say that Des Moines probably isnt the best for culture or wild food, but we do have one of the oldest Italian communities in the midwest. That being said, please DO NOT go to an Olive Garden when in our town - take the time to find a great small family owned restaurant. Usually the food is far superior and the service is like 100% better.

Tumea and Sons is one of these small family run places. They have a great eating area, bar, and appear to have smoking and nonsmoking sections. The service was OUTSTANDING!! Its great for a casual dinner or a business lunch.

They have really cheap lunch entrees - so keep that in mind if you're looking for a close place to the metro if you need a noon break. Please make a note that they are closed on Sundays.

I'm honestly not sure I've ever been more impressed with an Italian eatery.

Favorite Dish: This evening I had the baked cheese ravoli to begin, salad with the house garlic cheese dressing, the cheese manicotti for an entree, the house Merlot for wine, and the tiramisu. The baked ravoli came with a wonderfully mild red sauce for dipping. But let me tell you, one of the largest highlights was the salad dressing - I'm not sure I've had better stuff in my life. The portions were just the right size for a dinner with friends.

The other dinner companions raved about the Pastachena (mostaccioli with a meatball and eggs served casserole style,) and the Cotolette (breaded steak cooked in garlic butter.)

Between the four of us we had almost all the sweets they offer at the end - and I can't say a bad thing about any of them!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 515.282.7964
Address: 1501 SE 1st Street
Directions: Just South of the I-Cub Stadium
Website: http://tumeaandsons.uswestdex.com/

Restaurant Name: Nick's Bar and Grill

Okay, don't let the name Bar and Grill throw you off - this could be considered a fine dining joint. The atmosphere is always slightly dark and mysterious with great staff and a cute little bar off the restaurant.

Voted the best food in Des Moines several times in a row, its a must see for excellent cuisine.

During the warm months, a great patio offers outdoor seating to watch people and traffic go by while you sip an ice cold brew.

Favorite Dish: All the cocktails here are great as far as drinks go.

For food - the cajun pasta with shrimp is outstanding, and all their salads are like the size of your head, so they are well worth the money.

On Friday they have a crab bisque that is to die for.

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Theme: American
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 515.221.1338
Address: 9769 University Avenue
Directions: Just North of Valley West Mall.