The 31 best spots for oysters in Des Moines

The 801 Chophouse doesn't disappoint. We had an excellent dining experience from the bar to the meal. The food is all top notch. The service was First Class. I would definitely dine there again.

801 Chophouse is an homage to the American steakhouses of old. Located in downtown Des Moines, 801 effortlessly blends classic steakhouse elements with a very contemporary dining experience. A dining room adorned with oak accents and white table cloths, if there was any confusion about what type of establishment you were in, the large golden bull at the middle of the dining room removes any doubt that beef is the star attraction. In terms of the menu, you will see many of the expected land and sea fare. Though much of the menu will feel familiar, the wait staff incredibly attentive and does an excellent job making recommendations and guiding you throughout the dining experience. During my visit with family we tried the prime rib, salmon and jumbo shrimp with sides of Mac and cheese and corn. While everything was well prepared, the shrimp was a personal standout. If you are looking for a special night out in Des Moines, 801 is an solid selection.

It was great! The staff was friendly and the food was on par. We started with an excellent Old Fashioned. We also tried the Cosmopolitan; my aunt said it wasn't the best she's had, but I think after four or five, it was pretty good! For appetizers, we ordered their fried lobster bites. They were good, but I probably wouldn't get them again, as they were a little on the salty side. Then we had a very good pears salad. We ended with the Prime Rib and Seabass with the family side of carrots. Everything was super good.

During a quick visit to the area for a work function, this restaurant was recommended by several locals. A colleague and I decided to have dinner there and and it was great. The drinks, appetizers (beef tartar), salads, and steak (aged Delmonico) were all delicious.

This is a great place for wonderful food and tremendous service. Come in and enjoy the best crab cakes ever, and the biggest shrimp you have ever seen!

I had an outstanding experience at 801 Chophouse in Des Moines. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt upscale yet inviting. The food was exceptional—perfectly prepared steaks and sides that matched the quality you’d expect from a true chophouse. What really made the evening stand out, though, was the service at the bar. The bartenders were friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable, making spot-on recommendations for both cocktails and wine pairings. Their professionalism and warm personalities made the experience feel special and personalized. If you’re looking for a place in Des Moines that combines top-notch cuisine with first-class service, 801 Chophouse is absolutely the place to go.

The best steak ever! The sear was unbelievably perfect. Kudos chef! The best sides ever! Ben took the best care of us I have experienced! Best desserts ever! Ate two, took two home! You need to GO!

For high end dining it's tough to beat Django. The elegant ambiance and excellent service set it apart. Maryann was attentive and friendly. Save room for tasty deserts, especially the cherry sundae; the tartness and sweet explode your tastebuds.

We are here for Senior Games and seven of us had a delicious dinner on the patio. Our waitress, Debbie was great. We were too full for dessert. We are thrilled we stopped here for one of our dinners in Des Moines.

Desserts 10/10. Atmosphere 10/10. We were kind of ignored a couple of times. I personally didn’t like the pork chops but this looks like a place that you can have a nice date or celebration depending on the personnel that assist you.

Celebrated my birthday with family and friends. Excellent food and service. I loved the low dim lighting and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and specific ingredients. Highly recommend!

The pork chop had almost no flavor other than the sauce. The Beef Bourignon needed salt. The escargot, cherry sunday and bread pudding were great. Our food took wayy too long to come out. Our server walked by us several times without asking if we were ok. I mentioned that I wanted my wine paired with my meals (specifically asked which wines would go well with my food) and the wine was brought 15 minutes before my food. Tried to have a conversation with manager about the 5 course dinner they are having on the 17th and I was met with very short responses. Overall, I wasn't happy with this experience at all. I doubt we will be back.

Me and my group had the best experience at Django for a friend’s birthday dinner. We had poutine & oysters as appetizers, I had the beef bourguignon as my entree, and for dessert we shared the creme brûlée. I cant say enough how delicious the food was- it was a meal I’ll be thinking about for awhile. We also had lotsss of espresso martinis & as true connoisseurs of the cocktail (for better or worse) we all agreed it’s the best in the area. Our server (I believe her name was Loretta) was absolutely OUTSTANDING. We felt so well taken care of from start to finish.

My husband and I love this place. We've been coming here for a few years and it's always quality food and a quality experience. Their escargot, and their mussels, are top notch, the likes of which I've only had in France/Belgium. This is one of the places we always bring guests who come to visit us. While it might be priced a bit more than a casual restaurant, it's not ridiculously expensive like some other places in the area, and it's amazing quality for what you pay.

One of the best restaurants in Downtown. I really liked the interior. Atmosphere as if you are close to the sea. The food was excellent. Definitely a place to celebrate special events.

We came here for our anniversary. The service Heather provided went above and beyond that though I would've give the other categories a 5 ⭐️ but it felt like it would've been a disservice to how much of a wonderful server she was for us. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the carpaccio, it was stupid good. I highly recommend coming here. Ask for Heather!

We got the chicken with garlic mashed potato, seasonal squash with riccotta, charcuterie board, salmon with broccolini, lobster wontons and creme brulea. So yummy! The vibes and decoration really adds to the experiance! We were pasaing through from Superior, WI but I'm definatly going to come back. Worth the trip! (Also the parking ramp behind was only 1$ per hour!)

Pre-concert upscale dinner. Amber took good care of us. Celebrating my birthday 🎂. She helped with food choices and made sure we were done in plenty of time for the concert. I believe we were the first to dine this evening. It was a Tuesday evening. I had the Sea Bass. She helped me decide how to have it cooked. It was perfection. Pan seared and blackened with 2 sauces on the side. It literally melted in my mouth! My partner ordered the scallops with a side of shrimp. The scallops were perfect. Delicious. Neither of us cared for the shrimp. They were tough and chewy. Overcooked. We didn't complain. At the concert the couple sitting next to us ended up asking if we had shrimp there. We told her about our experience. She said she always tells people to not order the shrimp. It's always overcooked....now you know what we didn't! The oyster selections were plentiful. If you have NOT had then with caviar you 100% should get those! They were amazing. Skip the ones in the bloody mary mix. Neither of us cared for those compared to the price.

Food is always amazing! Service is excellent. Lots of fish tanks to look at. My favorite special occasion place.

Stopped for a birthday dinner and had a really nice time. The food was really good, we tried the Crab Cakes, Oysters Rockefeller, a seafood pasta and miso salmon. All were very nice. The price was a little high for the quality however, just seemed a bit stretched on a few of the offerings for sure. Drinks as a whole were about 14-18 dollars which seems a bit much. The decor seemed a little dated but still a great spot for a date. The service was excellent and attentive and waitress was more than happy to take on any requests. The chocolate cake with ice cream added at the end was fantastic.

Beware bourbon drinkers, their drink menu is VERY misleading. Our server, Danielle(?), has been working here for 16+ years and was excellent. Ordered a $17 Angels Envy neat, which came in a bourbon glass indented on the bottom (likely to make the appearance a stronger pour). When getting the bill, I was charged $25 for 2 ounces of bourbon (one drink). When questioning this to Danielle, she checked with the bar and they claimed because it was neat, there was an extra ounce of liquor hence the higher price. We were already spending $200+ on apps and food alone, it was extremely disappointing to be misled by something small like this and honestly ruined my experience here. The food was great if you enjoy seafood, but nothing extremely special. About half of the PEI mussels were overcooked, but a good bang for buck appetizer if you can guzzle down a pound of mussels. One of their special apps for the month, Maryland soft shell crab, was delicious and the lemon caper sauce went especially well with it. The halibut was decent and the potatoes and salad with it were delicious. The crab cakes were loaded with delicious crab and may have been the highlight of the meal. Very quiet dinner for a 5:30pm reservation, there were some folks at the bar and another couple two tables away, almost had to whisper for our conversations to stay private. Downstairs area looked very cozy and inviting, mid-level almost felt like a hotel lobby, with the top area hosting the bar. Found a parking spot on the street right at the entrance, and there is garage parking nearby. Overall a decent dining experience, but the neat bourbon being an extra $7 for “an extra ounce” was BS. Whether on the rocks or neat, it should be a 2 ounce pour. May consider returning and recommending if management addresses Bourbongate.

Just the fact that they charged us to pay by credit card, and then we had to pay higher tax because of that, makes me not want to go back, and I enjoyed the salad, but the pizza was disappointing. We started with the Caesar which was very good and I liked the anchovies. The pizza was a four cheese with tomato sauce. Horribly tasteless, I make better pizza at home, and my tomato sauce actually has flavour. This was just coloured red and the entire pizza just tasted of garlic. It was tasteless bread with the texture of cheese that tasted like chunks of crushed garlic. Then to top it off, I realised once home that they charged an additional $1.61 (2.75%) to pay via credit card, and then the tax we paid went from $4.10 to $4.22. If anything this charge should be after tax and not increase our bill. This is daylight robbery and a disgrace to hard working people. We live down the road and we would have gone back, but this is just unacceptable

I visited this restaurant after seeing it recommended in a food review, but unfortunately, my experience did not go as I had hoped. When I arrived, the restaurant was empty, and since I had a broken foot, I was hoping to sit at a booth or a regular table. However, I was only offered a seat at the bar, with the option of waiting 20 minutes to sit outside on the patio. I ordered a pizza, which is priced at a premium compared to other places in the area. After placing my order at the bar, I was left unattended for about 35 minutes until another staff member delivered my food. During this time, I did notice another server beginning her shift, setting up her station with care and using gloves, which I appreciated. When I was ready to leave, I asked for a box. My five remaining slices were placed in a styrofoam container stacked directly on top of each other, which made them stick together. I asked if they could be placed in a regular pizza box instead, but the slices were transferred by hand without gloves, which raised some concerns for me. When I asked about this, I was told he dose not ware gloves for boxing pizza and was directed to speak with a manager. After waiting for about 10 minutes without any response from management, I decided to leave. I truly wanted to enjoy my visit here, but unfortunately, the service left me feeling unwelcome. I hope this feedback helps the restaurant improve, as I believe the potential for a much better experience is there.

Guys, the salad could’ve been great if we could actually taste the vegetables — instead, it was drowned in a sweet dressing. The meat was extremely poor quality; we couldn’t even eat the steak. As for the service… it was disappointing. No one cleared the dirty plates, I didn’t even get a proper dinner plate and had to eat from a dessert plate. On top of that, the waitress brought all the food out at once and just stood there waiting while we scrambled to make room.

We got a large half cheese, half peperonni pizza. They put extra sauce on the plain cheese but not on the Peperoni side. Crust was crispy and very fresh tasting. Great tasting cheese, though the after taste was garlicy, so definately a garclic flavor to it. Overall, I'd rate it a 7.1 out of 10.

Centro had potential, but my experience just didn’t connect this time. The vibe was nice, but the execution felt a little off from the timing of the service to the overall balance of the meal. The atmosphere had energy, but the follow-through missed a few details that matter. I’m all for growth and consistency, so I’ll check back again later to see how they evolve. Louie K’s Up I don’t bash, I build. Honest feedback makes the culture stronger. 💯🔥

Wow. Centro is fantastic. This is easily the best Italian food in Des Moines and top 5 favorite Italian places I’ve ever been. Our server, Grace, was fantastic. I had the spicy sausage rigatoni and it was phenomenal. The desserts were unreal good. If you’re in Des Moines and looking for a high quality restaurant experience, I highly recommend Centro.

Amazing service and delicious food at a fantastic price. If we lived anywhere near Des Moines, I know this place would be one of my favorite restaurants.

We arrived at opening time, for a weekday lunch. We ordered the fried green tomatoes, frog legs for appetizers, & the mac&cheese (a sharable dish, for sure! So rich & filling!!) with shrimp & bacon, & chicken fried steak for our entrees. We shared a peanut butter chocolate pie for dessert. Our waitress was very kind & professional. Our food was well presented & HOT when it arrived at the table. Veggie garnished were fresh & crisp. A delightful meal, celebrating a wonderful day.

In town to visit with family, our last night in town we selected Bubba's. This was the first time for all of us to eat at this restaurant. This restaurant strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. With its upscale aesthetic and warm, down-home atmosphere, it feels both refined and welcoming. The space spans two floors: the first features a cozy mix of bar seating and a handful of tables, while the second floor opens up to the main dining area, complete with long wall booths and a variety of table arrangements that invite relaxed gatherings and intimate meals alike. Our server was wonderful, checking the table often to refill drink orders between the appetizer and main meals. She also was helpful with dish options to match tastebud interests. The food was okay, a bit more seasoning would have made it really good. The exception is the Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo was excellent! The roux was savory and on point - rich, velvety and layered with flavor. And the Mac & Cheese Bite appetizer was cheesy and lightly fried to perfection with jalapeno cheese sauce. A good place to enjoy a relaxing place with good service and food.

Bubba's is great, we got the gumbo, jambalaya, fries, and bananas foster and sweet tea. Everything was excellent. The gumbo and jambalaya were seasoned perfectly and so flavorful. The fries were also nicely seasoned and were cooked to be crispy on the outside while still being slightly soft inside. The sweet tea was less sweet than lots of other sweet teas we've tried (this is a good thing), as it lets the flavor of the tea come through, while still being sweet enough. The bananas foster was also amazing, our only complaint about it was that it could do with a bit more banana. The restaurant is in a nice old building, and the downstairs seating area really gives off that classic old feeling. Unfortunately upstairs doesn't share the same decor, making the upstairs feel much more like 'generic restaurant', but this doesn't take anything away from the food. The service is also excellent.

Pleasantly uncrowded on a Sunday morning. Josh was super nice. Latte Cocktail was tasty, albeit a tad small. Wife liked her Bloody Mary. I enjoyed the Crab Benedict and the wife liked her skillet plate. Nice bourbon list! Would return to explore more of that menu!

We went to this place to celebrate my daughter wedding. And I'm on a soft food diet do to surgery. And i asked the server if the cook can pureed my food because that how I have to eat for now. And I was so please that they did. And everyone at the table enjoyed there meal.

Came here for my birthday lunch on a Saturday afternoon visiting Des Moines. There wasn't many other tables taken at that time so it was quiet and laid back. I love shrimp and grits. Between that being on the menu and the great reviews, I decided on Bubba's. I really liked the ambiance and vibe upon entering. Our waiter, Jordan, was fantastic. Very attentive, considerate and nice. I wish we had Jordan every time we went out somewhere. The shrimp and grits were fantastic. The onions, green/red peppers really added nice flavor to the dish. It was very filling and tasty. I was offered a free dessert for my birthday and Jordan even brought out a candle, which made it more special. Highly recommend going here!

We came here by chance to grab a quick lunch and were blown away. The staff is friendly and gives great customer service. The food is so damn good wow. Fresh ingredients.. my steak was cooked to perfection. Kudos to the chef!

A quick walk from the Expo Center in downtown Des Moines! Great atmosphere! Food was not as flavorful, but I have a Southern palate, meaning I need less char and bland taste and more seasoning and fresher taste plus sweet tea. Probably great food if you're drinking, but I was there for brunch with teens. Busy day, so it was a long wait.

Was here for lunch during a conference and most of the patrons were also conference attendees. We were seated right away and the wait staff was friendly and timely. This has a huge menu so you could find anything you want to try, I had the blackened salmon salad. The salmon was good but the salad was pretty poor iceberg lettuce with shredded cheese, cucumber and tomatoes. It was an easy stop for us since it was close by and we sat in the deck in beautiful weather.

Was my first time trying them and I absolutely loved the meal I ordered. I believe this is going to be one of my favorite places to eat. Definitely will go back!

From what I remember, it was a great time. Good, knowledgeable and patient staff. Lots of interactions going on. Good vibrations. Had good beer(when I was into that) and great food when we went. Given this was apparently back on 9/18/20. Better late than never, I suppose💯. God bless🤎🙏🏽

First timers.. food was good, the atmosphere and the staff at the front door were amazing! We were a group of ol school servers and unfortunately our server left a bit to be desired.. efficient enough but maybe she was just having a bad day.. but will be back!!

We grabbed a table towards the back. Just stopped in for a few drinks and to catch up with some friends we ran into in town. We were able to enjoy our time there. Noise level was medium, however this was right after we saw Adam Sandler. There were 6 of us, 3 had canned beer, and 3 had tap beer. Tap beer was good and cold. They also have a few games. I won a duck on my way out.

Love, love love this place. Adalynn was do nice. It was our first time there and she was very patient with us orienting us with the menu. The food was extremely satisfying.

Just walking in the door, takes you to another world. The atmosphere is just wonderful. Our waitress was just exceptional! She added to the fun of two old friends reconnecting. The chicken marsala was more than I expected! I knew with the first bite that I had made the right choice. The flavor was out of this world, mouth watering, and hot with every bite. Don't forget to have the cod, there are no words to describe how delicious this was! Hoot & Holler'!

The dining room felt quite dark, which might be cozy in the winter months but came across a little dismal during my visit. Service was fine, nothing outstanding but also not problematic. For the meal, the steak was prepared nicely but was pretty average overall — good, but nothing memorable. The salad and the Deburgo sauce were both highlights and really enjoyable. Unfortunately, the asparagus was overcooked and lacked the fresh texture I was hoping for. Overall, it was an “okay” experience. Nothing went terribly wrong, but nothing really stood out either.

What a gem! In town for a 70 mile bike ride, hadn't eaten much but peanuts all day. Got the recommendation from local hotel front desk down the street & thought I'd smash a couple dishes. I stood no chance. Got the chicken nachos and bowtie creole and couldn't finish 1/2 of either! But they were sure both phenomenally DELICIOUS dishes! I saw some complain about the dark mood in the place but it is what it is. It's pretty cool if u ask me. Everyone was super friendly, staff and patrons (i just called in a pickup order on way back to hotel) & makes me wish I was a local or had more time to know folks and have a few drinks! Seems super kid friendly too, its not just some dank bar by any means! Love it, will def be back next time I'm in town!

Delicious food! Waitress wasn't so attentive, and it took a while to get drinks and refills. Overall, it's great food, though. We will be back. Marsla is good, but sweet. Alfredo is good, would get again, but chicken was a tad dry. (Not as good as my Mama's) Chicken Bordeaux was AMAZING! Tilapia just okay.

I was lucky enough to kick off my trip on the first day with their happy hour—what a great start! The beer was refreshing, and the soup was delicious (and even better with the discount). I happened to order the same thing as a sweet older lady sitting nearby, and we both agreed: it was so good and gave me the energy I needed. If I ever visit Des Moines again, I’ll definitely come back. I actually planned to go once more before leaving, but sadly they’re closed on Mondays. Still, it was one of the most memorable meals of my trip.

How have I never been here? Wow!! I been missing out. And you have too if you haven't been here. The mussels are heaven, literally! The rest was good too, but the mussels are life changing

Favorite restaurant in Des Moines! Jalapeño chicken pasta was very good. Onion rings too!

We were in the mood for something new and exciting, as usual. After a quick search, one of the first spots that caught our eye was The Flying Mango. The name immediately grabbed my attention—it's unique and intriguing. A quirky name like that usually promises some equally unique food, right? The place itself is a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant that could maybe fit 50 people at most. When you first walk in, you pass by the kitchen and a small bar, with the dining area located on the opposite side. When we visited, it was pretty quiet—just us and one other group—so the vibe was laid-back and relaxed. Our server got us seated quickly and was incredibly attentive to everything we needed. She was, without a doubt, the highlight of our visit. Her exceptional service was the main reason for the high rating I gave this place, because if it were solely based on the food, it wouldn't have scored nearly as well. One of my friends ordered a couple of adult drinks, but they ended up sending them back because they just weren’t good. Now, let's talk about the food, which is probably why you're reading this. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with garlic mashed potatoes—or at least that’s what they called them. The pulled pork sandwich was fantastic. They definitely know what they’re doing with their BBQ. The pork was sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once, and the bread was perfectly baked with just the right amount of warmth. However, the mashed potatoes? They can keep those and take them back to wherever they got them. They weren’t good at all. In fact, none of the sides really impressed anyone in our group. My so-called "garlic" mashed potatoes didn’t have any garlic flavor whatsoever, and honestly, it seemed like they only had butter in them. They definitely need to rethink that recipe. Overall, I wouldn’t come back for the food, but I would return for the customer service and relaxed atmosphere. The team there really knows how to make you feel welcome, and that goes a long way. If they ever bring their food up to the level of their service, this place could be something special. Keep up the great work, and hopefully one day the food will match the fantastic vibe you’ve already got going on.

Never heard about this place before! We drove by and decided to stop in and couldn't be happier! I love the semi-open kitchen in the front room. The service was quick and friendly, the prices were very affordable (especially for the amount you get), and the food was DELICIOUS!!! This is the best brisket I've ever had in Iowa! The caramelized bark on the brisket added beautiful depth to the buttery meat. Kind of surprised I'd find it in a place called "Flying Mango", but alas; that's where I found it! Apparently Guy Fieri has been here? They named a dish after him. It includes a little bit of everything and that's what I got. Hubby almost ordered another meal to-go cause I stole all his brisket. It was so good! Also, if you're used to collards from the SE US, then you'll love these! Amazing. All of it!

I wish 5 stars wasn’t the limit🥭 I walked into this restaurant from hearing the amazing phonk music and seeing mustard perfectly placed on the tables! I waited for about 67 mins and got in at 6:07 pm! When I first sat down I was greeted by Mr Beast! He offered me his exclusive deluxe mustard collab with Kendrick Lamar! I excitedly accepted the request. As I went to open the top the mustard starting singing “MUSTARDDDDDDDDDDDDDD” the whole restaurant was silent after that. I eagerly dipped the mango samples I got into the mustard and oh my gosh it was amazing! And for desert they served Dubai chocolate matcha with a labubu shaped chocolate on top! First bite was amazing and the rest was ok not the best but would eat again! Overall everything was 5 stars, but if I could I would give you 67 stars🥹 -Mason

First time here, but won’t be last! Everything was great! Food, service was top notch! The owner, Mike, is the nicest guy. He walks around and checks in on the customers. He’s super interesting to talk to! Can’t wait to go back. Will be part of the dining rotation going forward!

I love my food spicy so this was a great treat for me. I had the shrimp and grits. Had a great uniquely flavored sauce with grits, large BBQ shrimp and toasted garlic bread. I may reccommend that a side vegetable should be added for a little more balance. Wife had the garlic lime chicken on pasta. The chicken was well seasoned which helped assist the pasta which she felt was needing a little more flavor. Also ordered their personalized coffee that we both found very good. We shared a slice of the chocolate cake. It was nice and thick, creamy and topped with a cinnamon flavored cayenne pepper looking candy. A comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Staff made us feel welcome and were attentive. Good selection of wine, beer and other refreshments. Was also fun to see the open kitchen where you could view food preparation. I would advise calling ahead for a reservation. I would like to go back and try another dish to explore one of their BBQ dishes.

Food was amazing glad I happen to see the Resturant while I was Riding around the area. From Maryland

We had the shrimp pontchatrain and the root beer and molasses braised pork. The shrimp pontchatrain was to die for. Absolutely delicious, lick your plate clean good. The crispy garlic bread to go with it added a nice crunch to the dish as well. The root beer and molasses braises pork was not good at all. Definitely would not recommend. I thought the root beer would add some sweetness but it just made the flavor really weird.

The food was so delicious, I almost wept. Great service; seated quickly; extremely clean. It didn't feel like a chain restaurant at all. Such a nice atmosphere. Obviously pretty pricey, but absolutely delicious.

We absolutely love Johnny's Italian Steakhouse in Des Moines!!! You ask which one? We have always had excellent food, service and atmosphere at all three locations. It has been several years since we have visited the one out by the Des Moines airport. During recent weeks we have traveled through Des Moines and eaten twice at the east location next to BassPro and once at the newest location in the Rewind Hotel in West Des Moines. (Photos on this post are from the location in West Des Moines). You cannot go wrong eating at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, everything is so amazing. We have not had better food or service anywhere in our travels across the USA.

Wandered in for lunch. We didn’t realize it was a formal setting so we were under dressed. Food and service was excellent although you could tell the host was annoyed we were in tshirts, but we didn’t know, we just saw it across from the outlet mall. (First time I’ve ever been judged by a morbidly obese man). I was wearing an under armor tshirt and khaki slacks, my wife had a white blouse and leggings , both wearing new Hey Dudes. Place was mostly empty at noon on a Sunday and my wife and I speculated that it’s because of the uptight formal atmosphere. But lunch should be casual and to draw a lunch crowd I think you’re going to need to convey/portray that. Half sandwich and soup combo was perfect for lunch. One of the best Rueben sandwiches I’ve ever had. Our waitress Jordan was top tier, one of those who has found the perfect balance between attentiveness and bothering you while you eat. She provided absolutely the best service you could get. Very fast and professional as they come but still warm and friendly. We will probably go back for dinner, when we’re dressed for it.

The food and service was amazing! Our server was Bella. She was very attentive and took great care of us! The meatball appetizer is to die for! My husband said the lasagna was the best he has had in a long time. Great selection of cocktails! We live 2 hours away and will be back!

Toasted raviolis came out still frozen, deBurgo sauce was burnt and brown, not creamy and white like it should be or use to be. Looked nothing like the picture they have online either. Gave my wife crown and Pepsi when she asked for Captain. Only decent part of the meal was the salad and bread. Will definitely be going to another location after this experience. Didn’t take or remove anything from the bill even though we voice our concerns and were respectful about it. Hard to find good help these days I guess. The server was mediocre at best walked by our table, numerous times without asking how you were doing. My voice are concerned about the sauce. He went back and asked and told us that we need to make sure we asked for extra cream. That’s not a thing if they need to make sure they’re preparing it the same way every time. This location has lost us as customers is sad because we live right in town. I’d rather drive across town to any other Johnny’s than this

Went to dinner for my anniversary, made the reservation and was super excited because my husband and I love the food and atmosphere but this time was absolutely horrible. 1) asked for a captain coke, they only have Pepsi which I was okay with but was given a crown and Pepsi 2) order toasted ravioli for appetizer which came out with the cheese still super cold inside and 3) the steak deburgo was more brown this time than the normal creamy white and definitely tasted off. When I said something to the waiter, he came back and told me they did not add more cream like they normally do and advised me to ask for more cream in the sauce next time. My husband and I were very nice even after all this but received the bill and still paid full price for everything even though literally everything was wrong other than the bread. The bread was the best part about us eating there which is very disappointing. You just lost us as customers.

I took my wife here tonight for our 37th Anniversary and it was our first time eating here. The service was exemplary from the minute we walked into the restaurant. Our waitress, Riaanna, was absolutely fabulous! She always had a smile on her face and was so kind and genuine. The food was the best we have had, and I am not saying this just for the review, but with all honesty. From our appetizer to our main meal and anniversary cheesecake, everything was perfectly made and absolutely delicious! The atmosphere was perfect, even for a cowboy like me. We will be back frequently as this is now our most favorite restaurant.

I came to Americana with a party of 13 to celebrate my graduation. We were promptly seated with no wait at all, but once our server came to the table she seemed less than pleased. I’ve been an industry worker before so I know how stressful it can be to take a larger party, but at least smile and pretend to be happy. We notified our server we were missing a chair and silverware set, and she said she would grab those for us. She seemed to forget because one member of our party had to sit on the lap of another for 10 minutes before she just got up and grabbed her own. Our drinks came out fast and we thoroughly enjoyed the wine we selected. One member of our party had to ask two different servers on three different occasions for another beer. When it came to ordering appetizers we asked the server if they were big and how many would be enough for 13. She was unable to elaborate and just said “they’re not very big” so that was not helpful. The same ordeal played out when we ordered dessert (which was not that good). When our food did come it was delicious and everyone did enjoy their meals. All steaks were cooked to the requested temp, and the sides were delicious as well! Unfortunately I have to add that the server seemed very annoyed with the fact that my grandparents could not speak English even though a member of my party was directly translating and ordering for them with no problem. I’m unsure why this seemed to bother the server, but it was evident to us. I understand why automatic gratuity was applied to our large party, but I honestly wish it wasn’t because that was service was not deserving of 20%. I have had several positive experiences at Americana, and I can’t deny the food is delicious!!

Was the only place we found open night of July 4th. We’re traveling and had a great experience here. Good food, great drinks and service- even though the bartender was the only server! (The manager was also bringing out food/drinks) The crab Rangoon dip was awesome. Shoutout to the awesome bartender turned temporary server! But do be warned they charge both a credit card service fee (3%) and a $3.00 plate share charge (even if you’re ordering drinks + appetizer).

Breakfast buffet for brunch. Our server Jen was great. The grill cheese bar was not available, so was disappointed as I was looking forward. Everything I tried was hot and delicious. They offer all you can drink mimosa bar, and bloody Mary bar, was very popular. Fun fact the location was a Chrysler dealership in the old day's.

Absolutely top notch food and service, the atmosphere is great but the culture, wait staff and management are where they shine. My sister who has celiac and I went there two nights in a row because the food was amazing and they take gluten free/celiac very seriously. Macy and D’Angelo are easily the best wait staff I’ve had at a table in years, and they handled GF procedures in the best way possible. Jen, I believe the manager, was amazing as well! And I haven’t even had their brunch yet, no doubt I’m coming back.

Sadly this place is closing with no explanation as to why especially since they still have a couple years left on their lease. We’ve always met a lot of family there yearly during the art festival to walk off the buzz from the bottomless mimosas while viewing art from all over which has always been a fun tradition. This year it was apparent that they don’t have enough service workers and even cups/utensils. We decided to go one last time yesterday before they close and it was obnoxiously loud! Our reservation was at 2 and by 2:30 they were telling us last call and trying to wrap things up which is a little frustrating. We should have been given a heads up about that before we started or when they were seating us. One of our waitresses was having a good ole time drinking at a table with some of her friends every 5 to 10 minutes which I was shocked was even allowed. I’d be curious to know where all the art/photography will be going once this place closes. I hope they give the public an opportunity to purchase some pieces and make an announcement. I hope a local business owner swoops in to re-establish another great restaurant in the months to come. It’s a great location with a nice atmosphere - maybe they could do some sound proofing to make the noise a little more tolerable though.

I've had many great experiences here over the years. Really good, quality dishes! Pepsi products. Wonderful brunch, btw!

07/03 I attended for my birthday I sat at the bar! The bartender was also the server who first assigned to me. She was sweet. The restaurant is decorated so cute and has great lighting. I enjoyed the food and the atmosphere! Will be returning

Went to Noah’s Ark with a couple other people for dinner. I was very grateful to have had the option of the specials menu for the day, and got the baked Ricotta manicotti. It was tasty, but rather pricey for what it was. It came with a small salad which I did enjoy. I personally was not intrigued by the actual menu. Especially when something is describe as having “meat” - I don’t eat all meat and don’t always want to have to ask the waiter to explain everything on a menu.

I may have to give them another try. For the price, and I love local and chains, but I had better pasta at Olive Garden or Maggiano’s. The ambience was nice, though! May come back in the future.

Get the pizza or calzone. I honestly am not a fan of the food but my family loves their pizza and calzones. It’s old style ambiance in the dining area which I like but just wish the food was better. If you go, get the pizza and calzone - you’ll love the pizza and even crave it at times.

We love the pizza, just a awesome thin crust pizza. I also really like the baked Cavatelli with meatballs, baked cheese on top. My favorite onion rings anywhere and state visited. Service this last time was awesome. The others with us said the calamari was cooked perfect. Just not too many restaurants like this around anymore.

Was visiting from out of town,great food egg plant parm was delicious, chicken parm was delicious, the lasagna was amazing,the kid got the pepperoni pizza and was good

I went to dinner there tonight. I ordered the chicken parm. I ended up being served a ravioli dish with spaghetti. It was no big deal, mistakes happen. The server came around, frustrated with no apology. She brought back another dish with still no apology. It was a chicken breast with spaghetti sauce on top and still a side of spaghetti. It wasn’t even the chicken Parmesan I looked up the picture on other reviews of what the chicken Parmesan looks like And then I knew for sure she didn’t get it right the second time. There was a note at the front door of the restaurant that mentioned something along the lines of being friendly to staff because they are only doing their best. Maybe it’s not the people that are coming for meals, the customer but the employees. She could’ve said an apology and I got the wrong meal twice. The meal I did get was very bland, these dishes are 28 and up. I’m going to need some flavor and have high expectations with those prices. I had a fazolis meal with a high end price.

I love this Italian restaurant, it’s so authentic! My husband knew the owners grandparents so the restaurant has been there a long time. Jimmy, the owner, gave us a sample of what looked like a cinnamon roll but made with anchovies. I didn’t think I would like it but I tried it at home and it was delicious! My husband always has the spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs. The portions are so large that he took home enough for two meals! I’m working my way through the menu. My brother-in-law had the fish sampler special which he loved. Our friend, Pat Sullivan, has had pizza the last five times we ate there. I had gnocchi in Alfredo sauce. It wasn’t on the menu but they still made it for me. Every thing is so delicious! Try their homemade terramisu (sp), it’s so mouth watering that I’m tempted to eat it first. That way I won’t run out of room. Out of a five star rating, I would give Noah’s Ark a twenty! If you are hungry for Italian food, don’t eat anywhere else.

Very happy with our decision to book dinner here! We were seated at a cozy booth, and the place was packed — the lively atmosphere really made the experience special. The owner even stopped by our table for a great chat, which made us feel especially welcome. The staff were all friendly, attentive, and the food was absolutely perfect. We’ll definitely be back if we find ourselves in Iowa again!

It was cozy. I like being somewhat close to other patrons and seeing what they're enjoying. It was packed when we went there for a weekday lunch. We were seated immediately but I will say that it took quite some time for the food to come out. It was 45 minutes without an appetizer. But, they were absolutely slammed! I think the servers handled it really well by checking in on everyone and giving updates on food. The burger was so-so but my London Broil was absolutely worth the wait! I would go back for that alone! The pasta salad doesn't seem like anything fancy but the dressing reminds me of something my granny made. The whole visit tasted like nostalgia. It was great!

While visiting Des Moines, IA this weekend, I was in the mood for a great steak or pork chop. Several locals recommended Jesse’s Embers, so I decided to give it a try. When I arrived, it was clear it was a busy Saturday night. The entrance felt a bit chaotic, and I wasn’t sure where to go for seating. Eventually, I found an employee folding napkins and asked for a table for one. Another staff member persistently tried to seat me at the bar—which I generally avoid due to the noise and rowdiness—but after being asked again, I reluctantly agreed, taking a seat at the far end. Donna, one of the bartenders, took my order after a few minutes. She and another bartender, Joe, were handling the entire bar, which was clearly a challenge given how busy it was. The area was quite warm, and a customer seated next to me named Dan was loudly chatting with others and making his next date—exactly the kind of environment I had hoped to avoid. I ordered a steak with a salad and broccoli. The salad arrived quickly but was room temperature and wilting. My steak came about 10 minutes later; I had ordered medium, but it was more on the rare side. I went ahead and ate it, mainly because I was ready to leave due to the heat and the noisy atmosphere. I will say Joe and Donna did their best under tough conditions. Before leaving, I spoke with the manager, Marty, who listened to my concerns and said he would address them. Overall, while I appreciated the effort from the staff, the experience wasn’t what I was hoping for, and I don’t think I’d return.

Under new ownership but they wisely kept the menu and recipes. Also the famed Steve Little is cooking there some nights. That alone is worth the price of admission, highly recommended!

I had a fantastic experience at Jesse’s Embers in Des Moines! I ordered the French Dip and the onion rings, both were absolutely delicious and cooked perfectly. The French Dip was tender and flavorful, and the onion rings were crispy without being too greasy. On top of the great food, the service was excellent. A young man named Carter checked in with us regularly to make sure everything was just right, and he made the whole experience even better. It was a wonderful visit from start to finish, and I’m already looking forward to coming back!

I hadn't been to Jesse's Embers in a very long time. I was happy to see that not much had changed, classic dining in a homey atmosphere. The service was great and the food was equally good. The owner stopped by to say hello and was very congenial. If you haven't tried it in a while, you should.

1. Noisy 2. Crowded, tables way too close together 3. Slow service in getting order, i.e. over an hour for a steak, baked potato, salad and bowl of soup to arrive. 5 tables around us received their orders before we did, despite the fact that we placed our order long before they did. 4. Per my husband, the steak was "tough and not high quality beef". 5. We complained to the owner, whose response was "I've been here for 5 months and you are the first to complain." Rule number one when dealing with a customer complaint is never, ever make them feel they are the only ones who complain and therefore they are an anomaly. That's demeaning to your customers. Having said that, the one positive was our waitress who was great. That is the only reason we gave the restaurant two stars instead of one. Unfortunately, we will never go back to Jesse's Embers, which saddens us as it's been a mainstay Des Moines restaurant for decades.

Well, me being me, I drove around the block 3 times before I finally found it! Hint, it's on the ground floor, corner of 10th & Mulberry and the signs are kinda hard to see. Once I found them, it was a great experience! Very cool atmosphere. We were there for a late lunch around 2:30 so I can only imagine what it looks like for dinner! The appetizers were fast, sushi was perfect, table service was awesome, and dessert was sinful! Order the fried chocolate & you won't be disappointed! We'll definitely be back! Thanks for such a wonderful experience!

I came here while visiting from Michigan and was tired of bar foods. The quality of the food is phenomenal. We saw the manager interacting with customers in such a positive manner. Our server was the bartender with pony tail and he was absolutely one of the best servers I’ve ever had!! He checked on us at the perfect moments and just the right amount of times. The food proportions are perfect for the price. And the fried snickers are crazy good!! The next time we are in Des Moines we are definitely coming back here!

My wife brought my daughter and I here because I wanted something delicious and hearty to settle my stomach. We started with steamed dumplings to share, they were juicy and delicious, and we all ordered ramen for our main dish. The broth was so clean, delicious and you could tell it had been cooking for hours, it was a perfect meal. Our original server was distracted and absent most of the meal, but Nick really stepped up and gave us excellent and personal service. It’s not the first time we’ve been here, so we already know he brings a great energy to the table, but he really made us feel taken cared of and like a friend who had our back. We love this place and will definitely be back for the excellent food and exceptional service.

We had an amazing dinner! Nic hooked us up with amazing apps of pork belly and zucchini skewers + portobello mushroom tempura. Additionally they serve you a cup of miso soup and a side salad with fantastic gingery dressing. For rolls we had carb conscious, cupid & two with shrimp tempura. Awesome paloma mocktails to boot. So glad to support a local business!

We loved this place so much we had to come back the next day! My boyfriend and I were staying nearby and had to try this place. All the employees were very friendly and helpful. You feel like you are friends when you walk in. We didn't wait long to be seated the first time but I recommend a reservation on Saturday nights. The menu has a great selection of food. We loved everything we had. We started with dumplings, steamed is the best. Then we had a few rolls. The iowa roll is different and worth a try. The Malibu crunch was perfect if you like your sushi fried. Their specialty roll for the weekend The. Best. With smoked salmon. The nonsense roll is great if you like a little heat. And you have to try the surf and turf roll too! Our drinks were well made and reasonably priced. The staff makes you feel valued and have a fun attitude. We will be back!!

Akebono has a cool vibe, and very reasonably priced sushi. I had a seaweed salad, rainbow roll and 6 pieces of sushi, and my total came to $36. It wasn't the greatest sushi I have ever had, but it was good and well-made. The server was attentive, but I took a star off for service because when the seaweed salad came, they had added two shrimp. It was a very nice touch, and I love shrimp, but unfortunately am highly allergic to it. When I told him that, he sniped at me, saying I should have told him that when I ordered. I have eaten at many restaurants in my life, and just know not to order anything with shrimp. If I'm not sure of the ingredients, I ask. It was unnecessary of him to chastise me like that, and it diminished the experience for me.

Needed some sushi and this came across my radar. The best part was how great the server Nick was. He saw my Greenfield shirt, realized I had just been through a tornado, and was uber kind. Brought me a complimentary soup and salad. They were good. I chose the Mulberry and the ZeeZee. They were both okay. I was soooo hungry and ate almost all of both. The flavor was fine, there wasn't much fish in either roll. I was craving that punch of actual fish. Service was wonderful. Space was inviting. Lots of choices for seating. I was there during happy hour and the most annoying guy was at the bar right next to me. I wish I would have sat in the other section. Not the restaurant 's fault. In a future visit I will try something without tempura and see if there is more fish in the roll. The entrance is inside the parking ramp. Outdoor seating available. My bill was $26 for 2 rolls and a pop. I tipped well.

I honestly would have given this a 5 out of 5 stars had it not been for the lack of service we received. When the server was at our table they were absolutely amazing! But after we were seated, we sat there for 20 minutes before our server came and nobody even brought us water during that time. We actually contemplated getting up and leaving. After he gave us our drink order and took our meal order we never saw him again. He didn't even stop by and check to see if we were happy with our food. Perhaps they were busy but I've never had this happen before anywhere else. The location was perfect for us as we were staying downtown and it was a block away, and we walked there. Loved the vibe of the entire restaurant. There were so many food items I wanted to choose, it was hard to decide. I still would recommend and would definitely go again! Word to the wise- I would definitely recommend getting a reservation.

This is our first time in Des Moines and we stopped here for lunch. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. We first shared a seared sesame tuna, and it was simply delicious. Then, my husband ordered the burger and he gave it 7.5/10 but he loved the potatoes accompanying the dish. I ordered the golden dragon street noodle dish. It was tasty but I was unable to finish. The creamy coconut/peanut dressing was overpowering. Since we are here for four days, we may come back and try other dishes.

Had a dinner before a show at Hoyt Sherman and I was so impressed by everything! The mocktails were AMAZING and I even got to pour cinnamon smoke into mine 🤯 our server, Theresa was great and helped suggest good things on the menu. Just get the seafood ravioli. Definitely will be back!

Boy oh boy, this is the place! From the delectable appetizers to the main course to the wine selection, you cannot go wrong. We had the octopus and the Brussels sprouts, both incredible. The rib eye next was incredible! We had the red schooner and the vin zant, both fantastic wines! Anne and Kyle were amazing in completing our evening, thank you!

Katie Wiklund was TOP NOTCH!!! She is the bartender who is the most creative bartender I have ever met in my entire life. She gave me a plethora of drinks that made me sit there and think about my life in a positive way. The restaurant overall was great such a next level idea of a restaurant when looking at the menu and the creativity of the menu items. It took a VILLAGE to create this place and I honestly would rate this restaurant in my top 5 nation wide.

Fresko in Des Moines is an absolute gem and easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the area. From the moment we walked in, the warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service set the tone for a great evening. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and made excellent recommendations that really elevated the meal. We started with two appetizers—the Brussels sprouts and the Formaggio cheese flatbread—and both were phenomenal. The Brussels sprouts were cooked in a unique and creative way that gave them a depth of flavor I’ve rarely experienced. Honestly, they may have been the best I’ve had in a long time. The Formaggio flatbread was rich, cheesy, and the perfect starter to share. For the main course, we had the hanger steak served with mashed potatoes and kale. The steak was cooked perfectly—tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor—while the mashed potatoes were creamy and the kale provided a fresh, hearty complement. We paired our meal with a glass of Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon, which was a fantastic match to the flavors of the steak. From start to finish, everything was excellent—delicious food, beautiful presentation, great wine, and first-class service. Fresko is a must-visit if you’re in Des Moines!

As someone with celiac, I’m impressed — Fresko in Des Moines is the real deal for gluten-free dining. Got a last-minute 8 p.m. reservation with no problem. Menu is clearly marked with GF items, and our server was top-notch, even giving us tips on other safe spots in town. Started with a fresh, generous spicy tuna roll, followed by short rib tacos that were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. My vegetarian wife loved her tofu noodle dish (a rare feat). She finished with a massive cream-filled muffin — delicious, but better as bites. Two hours later, I feel great. Excellent food, pro service, and truly GF-friendly. Highly recommend. I rarely give out 5 stars.

I love this place! First of all I stay here at the Fort hotel, how convenient! I love to have this elegant restaurant just steps away from my room. Too much wine? No problem! Now let me tell you about the food! Wow! The flavor of the rabbit meat balls.. that's right, rabbit! How cool is that! And last but not least the charming bar tender Sam made every bit of it more delightful! Very professional and polite! Good service can make the whole vibe more pleasurable. I'll be back!

The place is very nicely decorated. Quite quiet with a cocktail and wine menu. The food was delicious. I tried the duck dish and it was excellent and the service was kind. Not cheap but really a good place.

All the food was extremely well prepared and tasted great. You can tell they pride themselves on doing things right and it has an elevated feel to it. The bar was a good hang and had comfortable chairs. It was a busy Saturday dinner rush and they would've benefitted with an additional bartender as sometimes it was hard to wave one of the two down. Would definitely return. The Farmer's Cheese was an amazing app and the bison was cooked perfectly

Sam the bartender was fantastic. I sat at the bar both nights I visited, and he made sure I was well taken care of each time. The venison was outstanding—huge thanks to the sous chef (wish I'd caught your name!). I also had the pleasure of sitting next to a regular who spoke just as highly of Sam and the rest of the staff. If you're looking for exceptional food and drinks, this place is a must-visit

Wonderful meal to celebrate my sister-in-law’s retirement. My scallops were perfect; the cauliflower puree was a bonus. Our server, Allison was so professional and helpful. I’ll be back!

Very nice place! Waiter was kind and knowledgeable about the menu. We sat in an area that had a privacy curtain that was very cool. Nice selection of drinks! The food was delicious. Everyone enjoyed the food. Pictured is the table setting, the menu, and also what I ordered. I got the scallops!

Worth every dollar and then some! By far the best food I've ever had. We will be back for many special occasions and date nights!!

I was so happy to have my friends join me for dinner!! <3 We were promptly seated upon arrival even though we were missing a member of our party. Our server was kind and enthusiastic, and able to provide great recommendations. We started with delicious drinkies and some small plates. The brussel sprouts had shisito peppers and banana peppers but it wasn’t a spicy dish like I was looking forward to. The sticky wings were soooo yummy I would definitely recommend those! As for the steak, I thought the fat cap was pretty intense but it was cooked perfectly. The bone marrow butter on top was salty yet to die for!! The scalloped potatoes were super oily though. No matter how much I mixed there was always a pool of oil on top so I didn’t really enjoy that. The dessert menu was dropped off for us, but it felt like our server kinda forgot about us because he did not come back for at least another 15 minutes. At that point we weren’t really sure that we wanted dessert anymore, but our server recommended the peanut butter pie and it was just alright. Overall, the vibes were good, the service was decent, and the food was just good.

We were in town for a performance and needed a place to eat beforehand. I made reservations for 11:15am. We were seated at 11:17. Bloody Mary’s were very good. However, we ordered our food shortly after arriving and did not receive our food until 12:20. Much too long. We had a performance to be at at 1:00. I ordered the meatloaf eggs Benedict with eggs poached hard. The first meal that came out had no meatloaf but the eggs were correct. She brought me back out another plate and the meatloaf was there, however the eggs were runny and the whole dish was cold. I ate it anyway because we didn’t have much time. Beware that the “side of bacon” that you order is 2 strips (laughable). Several in our party received burnt bacon. Biscuits and gravy were just ok. None of the food was seasoned well, and there was no salt and pepper at the table (why??). As you can see from the photo the biscuits and gravy are to come with runny eggs and it did not. The best part of the whole meal were the breakfast potatoes. One of us also ordered pancakes and those were good. All in all, food was under seasoned and cold. Took way too long to come out. The restaurant was also not busy when we arrived. I’m assuming this is a staffing issue that the food took so long. I think this restaurant has a lot of potential but as you can see from the reviews the experience tends to be extremely inconsistent.

Went to Mulberry Street Tavern with some friends and had such a fun time! I rarely find myself at this side of downtown so it was nice to try something new. We got: • COSPLAY drink (N/A — cute presentation and super tasty) • Brussel sprouts • Sticky Wings (so delicious, loved them!) • NY strip x3 • Pot pie • Peanut Butter Pie I really liked my NY strip, I thought it was cooked just to my liking and I appreciated that it was already sliced for me. To be honest, I didn’t care for the scalloped potatoes. They came out nice and hot but they were just too oily for my liking. The broccolini was a good addition- I always like to have some type of vegetable with my meat. Service in the beginning was great, however towards the end it seemed so slow. By the end of the meal, we were left stranded for awhile after being given our dessert menu that we were hesitant to order it anymore. We ended up getting the peanut butter pie and it was OK. It was enough to fulfill my sweet tooth but it was pretty underwhelming in my opinion. I think I would return but would come back to trial more appetizers, drinks, and sides!

Right... so I came here to get an easy burger for dinner after a poor experience at Bubba. The host wasn't too sure about two questions about the smash burger. Went with it anyway. First a smash uses smaller amounts of beef, smashed to get a nicely crusted brown sear. Neither of my patties were this way. I would call it more of a sloppy burger. Medium Rare, regular cooked or at best, unbound patties wet from all the toppings. Same with the bun. A soggy mess in spots. Fries were so salty the ketchup didn't even help. Send help Des Moines. Do I need to stick to soy beans?

New York strip was overcooked . I ordered medium rare and got medium well. The steak itself was seasoned well although. The waitress did offer to send it back but I was very hungry . Broccolini was overcooked and only one piece . The scalloped potatoes were delicious. I added salt and pepper and they were amazing . The drinks were blended well and the wait staff was amazing . The seats at the bar are very comfortable with a pleasant open air feeling .

I had so been looking forward to going and having brunch in their courtyard, after driving past it one day and seeing the trees. I waited weeks for a decent day. I was sadly disappointed. Even though it was humid out, I wanted to sit under the trees and not trapped indoors as one is here. Outside it turns out is where smokers are allowed. Even though we moved tables, I had to constantly breathe in disgusting smoke as a guy chain smoked 5-6 cigarettes. Where I come from this is not allowed, even an outdoor area is considered a public space and you aren’t allowed to smoke 200m from an entrance. This ruined the outdoor experience for me. When breakfast came, after paying extra for smoked salmon, we had expected beautiful ribbons of fish. Instead, what arrived on our avo toast, looked like and tasted like salmon out of a can, flaked onto the avo. For the price, this was daylight robbery. What a disappointment overall. We live so close and I was hoping this cute place would be a weekly outing, but alas, I’m very put off.

In the sweltering, corn-syrup haze of a Des Moines midday—September 18, 2025, etch it in the ledger of lost afternoons, for the flatland demons were howling—I careened into that fever-dream speakeasy called Mulberry Street Tavern, hunkered at 206 6th Ave like a banker’s ghost risen from the trolley tracks of yesteryear.  Five stars, you corn-fed heathens, five bloodshot stars ripped from the hide of the prairie sky, because to score it lower would be to spit in the eye of the open-hearth gods who stoke its fires. Kenny—yes, Kenny, that grinning apparition at the zinc bar, going by Lil Dicky in the shadowed hours when the whiskey whispers names—unleashed a soup and salad that struck like a combine harvester laced with lightning and holy water from the Raccoon River. The soup? A cauldron of primordial elixir, steaming with root vegetables that clawed their way from Iowa’s black earth, infused with herbs sharp as switchblades and a broth so rich it could bribe a senator or dissolve the chains of a bad divorce. And the salad! Mother of mercy, the salad—a riot of greens plucked from forbidden truck-farm patches, crisp as the crack of a .38 in a cornfield ambush, tossed in a dressing of vinaigrette that sang of elderberry sins and the tears of ambitious cicadas. It wasn’t mere sustenance; it was a ritual gut-punch, a chlorophyll-fueled exorcism for every mile of monotonous interstate that led me here, belly full of regret and radiator fluid. But the mixed drinks, oh you sons of the soil, the mixed drinks were the real heart-attack revelation, sorcerer’s brews muddled in shakers of hammered tin by Kenny’s callused, clairvoyant mitts. One gulp of that rye-fueled monstrosity—dub it the “Trolley Phantom,” why not?—and I was airborne over the Des Moines skyline, hallucinations of top-hatted tycoons waltzing with feral hogs, the ice rattling like loose change in a politician’s pocket during a filibuster. Another, a vodka vortex with bitters bitter as a betrayed harvest and a lemon twist that seized the sinuses like a twister in July, hurled me into paroxysms of cackling hysteria that bounced off the leather-upholstered walls, where mounted antlers from long-dead bucks judged me with eyes like boiled marbles. These weren’t libations; they were mutagens, man, chemical grenades lobbed into the trenches of temperance, exploding into visions of endless amber waves under a blood-orange moon. I lurched out into the muggy gale, tab settled but psyche swollen with the riot of it all, swearing a blood oath to this agribusiness Atlantis amid the feedlots and fairgrounds. Five stars? Christ, I’d mortgage the family silo for more. Kenny, you outlaw alchemist, keep ladling that lunacy—Lil Dicky’s saga swells with every shaken drop. 

We tried this spot for happy hour and we were rather disappointed. I had the coconut breezy as my bevvie and that was good as was the brussel sprout appetizer we got. As for the sushi, it was all rather mid. I tried the Hawaiian roll and the crunchy red. The crunchy red was missing some ingredients from the description and was bland and the Hawaiian roll wasn’t much better. Maybe it was because we ordered off of the happy hour menu, but it just wasn’t the greatest food. Service was good and atmosphere was nice.

Very nice atmosphere, well lit and spacious with great outdoor seating options as well. The happy hour when you choose is a great option with excellent prices on popular dishes! I've never seen a place offer such a wife take off time for happy hour! Loved the music soup and sushi rolls we selected! Our server, Symphony, was very attentive and helpful! We were celebrating a birthday and they brought out a lovely dessert big enough to share! Great experience!

Service was excellent. Our reservation was seated immediately. Started with a few martinis and they were very nice. Ceviche was I believe best in Des Moines. They will bring extra chips if you ask. Tuna Tataki, San Marcos, and Rainbow Roll all were fresh and tasted excellent. My wife lived in Japan for a year and we know good sushi. I highly recommend this place. Very high quality. Reasonable prices. Music was a little annoying. They have a Happy Hour menu that is worth checking out. We will return for more!

I love sushi and I had been on many sushi places From San Francisco Ca, Guadalajara Jal and this one Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Des Moines IA and this one was special different and I loved it; Not only the food, the service was exceptional, the lady that helped me was amazing cause when she learned was my first time there she gave me edamame and the way the do it was a little different, I loved it; all the rolls were amazing but the one that I loved the most was the one with cucumber that I forgot the name, but was not all; honestly I could not finished all and she told me let me put this for you to go, OMG this beautiful lady packed my stuff really well even I got this lil plate for the soy sauce, so I really recommend this place to eat there or even to go, cause their service and the food is exceptional, and definitely if I am close I going to come again, thanks !!!!

Super fresh, everything was delicious. Our server Jose was so helpful and kind, we were so glad we sat at the bar! A must visit in Des Moines. (The Miso soup was the best we’ve had. Perfection!)

Ordered the Miso soup, Cali roll, Crunchy L.A roll, and Tamago Nigiri. The cucumber water was quite refreshing! The music volume was a tad too loud for heart-to-heart conversation…

I went here on a first date and it was a perfect location for it. The parking is easy, downtown parking. We went during lunch and I still found parking in front. The server was kind, attentive, but not invasive. The food is delicious! It was fresh, flavorful, and pretty. The place is clean, cute and not too loud. It's a vibe, really.

Delicious Rangoons. I had the angry tuna roll and the seafood hotpot. They both exceeded expectations.Nice spot with decent customer service. The ambiance is up scale. This is downtown so parking is horrible. They don't validate parking.

The restaurant is more spacious than I would have thought. We had a large party and were sat by the entrance which got cold when people forgot to close the door. With that being said, it did not hinder our dining experience. The food was magnificent and the cocktails were superb. Presentation was top! The space is beautiful inside and had kind of a sexy vibe. The servers were extremely attentive and we all left satisfied. Our cups and our bellies were full. Great place!

Great atmosphere, had wonderful air conditioning. The servers were quick and attentive. The food was gooddt. Ordered the California rolls and got more bang for my buck. I traveled all the way from the Midwest just to try their food. 10/10 will come back again.

A little bit on the pricey side but wonderful portion sizes and nice selection. My wife had the rainbow roll and something else, sorry I forget, but she loved all of it. I had the Fuji Yama rolled, enjoyed every bite. I also order the yakisoba and veggies. Amazing flavor with out being heavy with sauce. My mistake was being used to grocery store rolls. W-Tao rolls will fill you up. I couldn't finish my noodles. Sad face, they were good.

Highly recommend the Tao Chef Roll. So good I had to come back a 2nd time.

This place was best sushi I have ever tasted will definitely be back! Great service and atmosphere. Keep up the good work thanks for the experience 👍

Been coming here for years, reliably great sushi...not too much rice, quality fish. Awesome lunch specials, 2 rolls and soup/salad for $10 really can't be beat! Spicy egg drop soup is the best anywhere. Best happy hour downtown, the service is excellent and you can get in and out quickly if needed

We went to The Poke Company for lunch today and enjoyed a tasty Poke bowl. We did the build your own and opted for the larger size, will do the smaller one next time. The flavours were nice but we did have to pay extra for avocado which landed up being the smallest piece, and it was brown so it had that horrible taste to it which was very unpleasant. I wouldn’t do that again.

Always give me excellent portions, and their coconut thai sauce over their salmon is to die for. I order here often; salmon over rice with tempura flakes, pineapple, and the coconut sauce-try it!-it's one of my favorite places. Delicious bowls and my kid loves the boba tea!

I love their poke, but there’s always a problem w their sizing I always get regular and sometimes they give great amount and sometimes it’s more like the small size amount. In this pic I had to cook my own rice, because they barely put any rice in there. The rice on the plate is all mine that I cooked and how much rice they included is in 2nd photo. Also, I ordered from doordash so idk whose fault it was but they did forget my drink + no utensils either.

I was craving a poké bowl. This is the first one I've had in Des Moines since I moved here three years ago and it did not disappoint! $14 for a large bowl, totally loaded up with whatever toppings you want is a good deal. I almost got 4 meals out of my single bowl! 3, for sure! The staff was extremely courteous and fast. I absolutely loved it!

So I walked in after the gym and told the professionally dressed person behind the counter "I'm a virgin" and she snickered and guided me through the process. The food was awesome, truly sushi in a bowl. I'm not a huge rice fan but they had cauliflower rice which I had never tried before and I'll never have normal rice again! Downtown atmosphere and healthy right next to anytime fitness. Staff was awesome and price was spot on. Only issue is the lack of healthier beverage choices over full-sugar sodas, but not worth a star deduction! Well done

We got 3 build your own bowl. 2 of them were steak bowl and it tasted fine. The rice and meat and mango were good. The carrot pickle has this after taste vinegar to it, quite different from what I’ve had before.

Visited for the 3rd time and it was just as delicious as the previous visits. The staff is always super friendly, the food fresh & tastey, and the prices aren't outrageous. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring one to Waukee!! It would be amazing to have a delicious food option other than chain burger & Mexican food!!

I rate this magnificent diner a 5 because it was a memorable experience, the food couldn’t have been any better, the bathrooms were super comfortable and fancy, and the experience overall was the best!!! I’ll have to rate this restaurant one of my favorite places to eat!

The views of Des Moines and the cocktails are unmatched. If you ever get the opportunity… don’t miss out!

Come for the view.. Stay for the food. With an incredible view of Des Moines and a equally ncredible staff it's paradise in the clouds.

We used the DMEC catering and bar services for our wedding at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, and they were incredible to work with. Kristy was so responsive and kept me on track during the entire planning process. I never felt pressured to make any specific decisions - everything was very much how we wanted it, and she provided recommendations and guidance when asked. She was phenomenal at communicating with our other vendors to make sure everything was accounted for and perfect. The set up and presentation on the day of was stunning and the staff passing apps, drinks, and dinner were also so great. In addition to all of this, the food was delicious! Our guests raved about how good everything tasted. DMEC, Kristy, Josue, Alfredo, chef, and the rest of the staff really are the dream team. No matter where you get married I cannot recommend them enough.

Just had our daughter's wedding and reception at the DMEC and it was perfect!!! Food was spectacular, setting and ambiance was perfect, staff was on point and spot on. Really couldn't have asked for more. It was everything we had hoped for! A beautiful, elegant venue with lovely service and fantastic food. You are going to want to plan an event here!

Embassy Club catered and ran our wedding last month! Sukanya, Tyler and the head chef were an absolute pleasure to work with! Not only did they go above and beyond on the day of the wedding, they also worked to provide a fully customizable menu to meet our needs! The food and presentation was fantastic! I highly recommend using them for your next event — they are efficient, easy to work with, and proactive! You will not be disappointed!

We had a wonderful experience at the Embassy Club with a large group of ladies. The food and service were exceptional!! I highly recommend the Embassy Club for an elegant and delicious luncheon.

When you walk in the door, you are greeted with pleasant warm smiles. The atmosphere is amazing. The chandelier and the lighting is perfect. The bathroom is classic, clean, and neat. The food was amazing, and the staff was kind and attentive. This place reminds me of that restaurant in that mob gangster movie. That is truly a compliment.

Sinatra would be proud! I ate at the bar, Camille was the server and she was excellent! Beer was ice cold and cocktails were generous. The bread alone is worth the trip for sure. I had the chicken piccata, loved it. Menu is vast with salads, steaks, Italian, seafood and more. If you're staying here or near, come on! Love in town....come on! Ask for Camille, she makes it an even better dining experience.

Late lunch on a Monday- arrived at 3:30. Waited to be seated for quite awhile. Once we were acknowledged, the hostess was pleasant. We had to walk through the entire restaurant to find a clean table. Gross! Nephew had the minneli which is fettuccine Alfredo. Added chicken. Runny sauce but flavor was good. It didn't come with anything. No salad, no bread sticks. $27. Smallest portion I have ever seen in my life. I had the goat cheese salad. Very good. Generous portion. Our server started out rough. Could tell he did NOT want to be there, let alone be serving an old lady and a young kid. Literally threw our bread basket on the table. Side note- the complimentary bread was very good. Warm and fresh. I like having the olive oil and cheese and pepper on the table to make your own dipping sauce. Seth did get better as the meal went. Certainly tried to be more pleasant anyway. I had plenty of salad to take home. Enough for another meal. Total with a lemonade was $50. For the size of the entree, that was too much. IDK if we will return or not. Had a bad experience at this location a few years ago that took until now to go back. I don't feel like they redeemed themselves. The dirty tables literally grossed me out. Every single table (except the one we got) had food and plates and yuckiness all over them. I do understand busy times are hard to keep up. I was a server for many years. This was just overload.

We were sequestered on 9/1 and weren’t going to be able to leave our location for 5 hours. Called at 4:25 to order dinner for two, To Go. One sirloin, one ribeye, two salads with extra blue cheese, one mixed veggie and a baked potato. $82. We realized it was a To Go order at a “trendy” place in a holiday, no less and volunteered to pay, in advance. “No not necessary”. Repeated the order and asked if there’d be anything else. “No, just the extra blue cheese and extra silverware, because the plastic stuff tends to break”. “Okay, did you want the loaded baked potato or butter and sour cream?”—“Just the butter and sour cream, please. How long?” 20 minutes was the reply. Great! We arrived 25 minutes later. We paid. We tipped and we waited.Ten minutes go by…ok I’ll use the restroom, (which was nice). I come out, wife is still waiting, ok I’ll plug in my phone. Food bag is presented and we thank the concierge and hurry off to our assignment, three blocks away. We get there, get our instructions and release the other team. Open the bag—no blue cheese dressing(ranch, instead); no extra dressing. No butter, no sour cream no silverware—even after we stressed we were eating at a remote location, we couldn’t leave. Ok—3 blocks away, we paid $90-called them and ask for someone to run the 6 missing items to us. Not able to help. Even after explaining I had two steaks getting cold, and that clearly, no one had bothered to check the bags accuracy. Spoke to a “manager” who offered me a discount or a gift card. Told her we didn’t need either, just what we ordered. Then asked “How would you feel if you spent $90 and the service quality was lower than McDonalds?” The “manager” responded “I think you’re threatening us and I have to hang up now. It’s either a small discount or a gift card or nothing.” I said again “I’m not willing to eat salad, steak and potato with my fingers. We got no silverware, no napkins, not even a breath mint-please, help us enjoy our dinner”. “I can’t do anything for you. And I have you on tape, threatening us. I’m hanging up now. “Click. WE WILL NOT BE BACK.

Absolutely delicious and great service. Highly recommend the Beef Wellington! The Lemoncello cake was also really good.

Food wasn't all that. Asked for medium to medium rare, got rare. Brussels sprout wasn't that good. Had lunch the next day, meat loaf wasn't that good either. Other jonnys steakhouses around des moines was much better. Not sure what's going on. July 2025, went again, had the honey salmon special. It was 5 star. I put them up to 4 stars

My husband and I love going out to dinner not just for the food, but for the entire dining experience—and this restaurant truly delivered. We also loved the proximity to the airport and the hotel. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with professionalism and warmth, and promptly escorted to our table. Service was attentive right from the start. We ordered Manhattans, and they were crafted perfectly—something we’ve found isn’t always guaranteed. For starters, we shared the calamari, which was delicious. I opted for the Caesar salad with anchovies, while my husband upgraded to the goat cheese salad. We sampled each other’s and agreed both were outstanding. For the main course, I had the filet trio cooked medium rare. It was a true highlight—tender, flavorful, and comparable to dishes I’ve had at top-tier steakhouses in Chicago like Gibsons. My husband chose the beef Wellington and was thoroughly impressed by its tenderness and rich flavor. As sides, I enjoyed a loaded baked potato with sour cream, butter, bacon, and chives—it was satisfying. My husband had the mashed potatoes and liked them as well. The ambiance was charming, reminiscent of an old-school supper club, which added to the overall experience. We ended the evening by sharing the tiramisu, which we both loved. Throughout the meal, the service remained excellent. We never felt rushed, allowing us to relax, converse, and truly enjoy the atmosphere and each other’s company. I highly recommend this restaurant—it’s a wonderful place for a memorable night out.

I had been to Louie's Wine Dive a few times before Friday, August 15, but usually for apps and drinks, not a full meal. On this occasion, I ordered the chicken piccata. It was amazing. I literally cleaned my plate, and it was a very generous portion (see picture). Our server was friendly, attentive, and took care of us perfectly. I will definitely be back!!

Went here for an early Valentine's Day dinner with the wife to avoid crowds. First, I will say that even though they were somewhat busy and we didn't have a reservation, we were able to get a table quickly, which was nice. The table they had us at was very small, even for just 2, which was a bit of a downside. Our server was very professional, and did a good job checking in during the meal without being overbearing. I got the 4 pork gnocchi. I was a bit worried that the red wine sauce might be too strong, but it was actually very good, and I enjoyed the dish a lot. The only downside is that there weren't as many pork pieces as I would have expected; the dish was great, just a little light on meat, especially given its name. My wife got the Pumpkin Marscapone Ravioli with chicken. She thought the sauce was actually much too sweet, and though the chicken was good, the dish was just not as good as she'd hoped. She put a generous amount of salt and pepper on, which improved it, but she still ended up eating less of it than she would have if it had been more savory. We also got a chocolate molten cake to share. This was small, but given how intense the flavor was turned out to be just the right size. It was good, but easily took twice as long as our entrees to come out (nearly 30.minutes just for this; we weren't sure if the order just got in at a bad time, it what, but the wait for the desert was the worst part of the experience for the night. The atmosphere was also good, with jazz music played just loud enough that other tables talking were just a din, but not so loud you couldn't talk at your own table. The lighting was also good. The only bad part was that our table was more like the size of an end table, but we made do with it Overall, this place was very good, with just a couple little things that could be improved. We'd go again.

Great place overall. The service was excellent, and the staff was friendly and professional. Live jazz was performed as part of the Wednesday night schedule, which created a fantastic atmosphere for dinner. The food was served hot and fresh and was plated well. The crab cakes were delicious.

Food is consistently good, service super, love live jazz nights. Cameron and Alexis deserve raises as they were incredible!! Thank you for delicious food, atmosphere and top notch service. Love open table for reservations! New app to track points, easy to know where I stand. Keep up the great work Louies!!

Decided to come here for my belated birthday brunch because the patio is dog-friendly and because the menu seemed to accommodate dietary restrictions for my friends. My gluten-free and Vegan friends ended up getting just homefries and a bowl of fruit for $5 each. The portions were very small for that price point. The restaurant does have GF bread but there were a lot of dishes that were already prepped where they couldn't have certain ingredients removed. The rest of us enjoyed our food and drinks. My only personal complaint is that the Fig & Ricotta Toast didn't have enough Fig or Ricotta on it. Also, the herbed ricotta tasted kind of weird. More fig, maybe in the form of a jam, and either a neutral or spicy/tangy ricotta would have been better. There was so much arugula I felt like I was eating a messy salad with no dressing. Other than that, food (and drinks especially) took longer than normal to come out and it seemed like there was enough staff to accommodate us. We arrived before it started filling up (at 11) so I'm not sure if they were just busy training or something else. The server was really funny though and helpful to us. It's too bad that the bar and kitchen couldn't be more efficient.

Best cheese curds I’ve ever had & they are GF! 🙌🏻 The crab Benedict, chicken sandwich & burger were very good! The ball got dropped with the breakfast potatoes & French fries…soggy & not very hot. (Could have been timing?) Loved being able to sit on the patio in the shade & seeing its dog friendly! Server was nice but late in taking our order & clearing our plates. I’ll definitely be back for another Limoncello Spritz & Squeaky Cheese (curds) with my dog, Blue!

Great patio sitting once the sun moved toward the horizon enough. So many tasty dishes to choose from, many of hhem gluten free. Server even made sure we got a second drink order in just before their special ended.

Have not been in a couple of years. The food was incredibly delicious- as it always has been! Sauces and dressings are amazing, produce is flavorful and fresh. The sushi was amazing. However, the ambience and level of caringness seemed to have declined a bit. The walls had unfinished wood boarding up the sides and no decor. I remember they used to have small candles on the tables and soft music but there was none of that. Our server would stop by with our items but rush off before I could ask for anything else (like utensils,etc). A few easy changes would help this restaurant out tremendously, but no one seemed to notice or care.

My wife and I went on a dinner date to miyabi 9 and had a wonderful time. we were well taken care of in all aspects of our service with some complimentary service being that it was our first time and we were blown away at the quality and craftsmanship that they put into their sushi as well as their desserts. The restaurant itself is quaint and very cozy and clean. we ate at the bar which we don't typically do but really enjoyed it watching and communicating with the chefs. We will most certainly be heading back there in the near future because we left so satisfied. We would highly recommend Miyabi 9 for sushi over the many other options in the metro area.

My son wanted amazing sushi for his 18th birthday and so we took him here. We have a large family so there were 14 of us. I was worried we would be too much for the cozy place. I called beforehand and they made sure everything was ready as soon as we walked in. The food was amazing! The service was amazing! And my family had a wonderful time!! Thank you so much for having us!! Try the STT Roll!!

Things started off rough for our visit with us showing up at 5pm only to be told by the restaurant they are doing a late open and we had to wait outside for 20 min. Then our appetizer apps we ordered were wrong. They were out of the first 2 things we wanted. But after all of that, the food we did get was lackluster and flavorless. I won't be back and I would advise anyone who plans on going to pick another restaurant or lower your expectations.

Very good Japanese food. The restaurant was clean and the atmosphere was comfortable. The staff was very kind and said goodbye and thank you to everyone when they left. This is super minor, but the tempura could have been cooked slightly more. The lunch specials are a good price for a large amount of food. Definitely will be coming back in the future.

Sunshine roll with house salad and miso soup included. The roll was really good, it was one of the best sushi I've had. Service is really good too. I recommend this place!

This is the best sushi place in town, maybe in mid-west! They serve very fresh sashimi and sushi, which I never expected to have such fresh and tasty sushi in Mid-west area! All cooked foods such as Tempuras are just like in Japan. There are full of chefs efforts in every dishes. Will definitely come back again!

I went here for dinner. I had the ground beef burrito and enchilada combo. The enchilada was good, everything was cooked just right. The burrito was okay. The beef was flavorful and cooked just right. I felt it was missing some ingredients. I normally find burritos to have cheese, tomato, and lettuce. Also, they are usually topped with sour cream. Maybe it's just a local thing how they prepare a burrito. The meal came with chips and salsa. They were both excellent. I had the medium Margarita which was on special. I'll be honest, it seemed weak in the alcohol content. Though it did taste good. The people were friendly and attentive. It was clean inside and there are quite a few tables. I would return again if in the area. Bicycling: The road is not very bicycle friendly. They were working on it. Hopefully a bike lane is part of the project. I didn't notice any outdoor seating.

We’re regulars here and the food usually good but tonight we did carry out the salsa tasted like wet mildewy rags. They also burnt the steak in the burrito. The chips and queso dip were good. Please address the issues.

I am from California so comparing with our Mexican places it was very good. The salsa was excellent. They had ground beef enchiladas instead of cheese, the ground beef taco was good and the tamale was small but it had a good flavor to it. I had no complaints on the rice. It was different not having rice and beans included with combination plates. They need to include. The prices was a lot lower than I am used too.

We stopped for dinner here tonight on the recommendation of someone we met. I should never have listened to him because it was a huge disappointment. It didn’t taste like Mexican food and everything was so bland and unseasoned. I ordered the #9 combo plate. It was two enchiladas and came with rice and beans. My husband ordered the Burrito Western which also came with rice and beans. We both agreed that the beans were nice and creamy and the only good thing about our food. The chicken in my enchiladas and in my husband’s burrito was completely unseasoned. It tasted like boiled chicken that had been shredded and put into tortillas. It was completely white-bread and unauthentic. Other Mexican restaurants that we love have the chicken seasoned with spices and it has so much flavor. But this chicken was very bland; as was the rice. It had peas and carrots in it, too. What’s up with that? The enchilada sauce that was on top of both of our dishes was also flavorless. It tasted like tomato sauce that came out of a can. The only positive was that the food came out fast. I don’t think we waited ten minutes for it. But I would rather have waited longer if it meant better tasting food. Our server seemed kind of grumpy and unfriendly, too. I do not recommend this place if you want great-tasting Mexican food.

Yum! I tried something new to me and it was delicious! Trio burrito or something like that. Had chicken, steak, shrimp, mushrooms, jalapeño, cheese. So incredibly good and huge. Black beans, rice, salad came on side. Enjoy their cheese sauce at every visit cause it has just a little heat which I love. Sometimes service is good, sometimes mediocre. The food makes up for that. Bill was $20 before tip. Enough for 3 meals. Patio and indoor seating available.

My favorite Mexican restaurant in central Iowa. The staff is so friendly and attentive there! It's clean and has a kind of old school ambiance. Highly recommend the Ashley Burrito!

We enjoyed the food here. Waited quite long to be served, but our waiter was really great. We'd come again.

Felt like I was in Key West at a local Cuban restaurant. Great food, happy hour specials, and friendly service.

Ceviche is one of my favorites to go for date night. Best restaurant in Des Moines to get plantains (maybe the only place) you also can’t go wrong with their happy hour.

Super cool spot we always meant to try but couldn't. Very nice decor & layout. We took advantage of the Mojito special. We also had Yuca fries, Cubano, Pan con Lechon, Ropa Vieja & Flan

I have ordered takeout here and eaten outside with friends another time. I was disappointed both times. I was craving ceviche and this was the first place that came up. I ordered ceviche to-go the first time with tostones. It was really underwhelming. The ceviche here is salmon and shrimp that is barely marinated or seasoned with avocado and cilantro. Fatty salmon with fatty avocado in a "citrus" marinade that can barely cut through the oils. It tastes like there's not enough acid or spices. The salmon and avocado take over the whole dish. I felt like I was just eating Crisco lard. The salmon just does not work. It's not the ceviche you would think of if you've ever been to Central or South America. Ceviche is normally made with shrimp and whitefish and/or squid/octopus. The combination of these firm, mellow proteins soak up the tangy, citrus marinade which normally renders an exciting dish teeming with explosions of flavor. That's not what I experienced at Ceviche either time. Not only that but the Cuban bread I got with the "ceviche" the second time was thick and soggy. This place is a no go for me. I love to support local, and I tried to give them another chance, but no. Just no. The other two entrées we tried are also over-priced and unremarkable. If you want large servings of real ceviche that is cheap, go to Isla del Pacifico by the capitol building! UPDATE TO OWNER: No one is asking you to sell cheap food. If you go through all of the negative reviews your diners are saying that the quality of food +/ service doesn't match the prices. If you actually go through my reviews like other restaurant owners you can see that I'm happy to pay hundreds of dollars for good food. Making a slight against one of your competitors by saying that you won't use fish from China shows that you lack emotional intelligence. And, in reading your response to other reviews that also shows. Being a restaurant owner requires you to be able to take criticism and use it to your advantage. People aren't asking you to sell cheap food. People are asking you to do better. Not everyone is going to like your food. I eat, I leave reviews. I am not responsible for your actions or emotions. You are.

In the past this has been so good, maybe a year ago. But the last two times we went were disappointing. Last time the rice was so dry and seemed old. The burger we had was overdone, everything was bland and dry. The drinks were good! But for the price, it was a lame meal.

If you’re a paella lover, like us, check out Ceviche’s Cuban seafood (or vegan) paella! Tuesdays is a $10 special on paella. It was delicious, so much so that we ordered 4 of them. Different than a Spanish paella (not in concept but overall flavor), but still amazing. Served with awesomely seasoned plantains and bread slices, plump shrimp and a mix of other seafoods, this dish was fantastic. Definitely something worth not skipping out on, and would be great as take out, too. Ropa Vieja: shredded beef and vegetables was very flavorful. Hard to beat the paella but we still loved it and all tried a bite. Flavor was on point. Diablo Shrimp: spicy shrimp with tons of capers, if I could combine this with the paella I would be in heaven. Very different flavors, but the diablo shrimp was sooooooo good. The latter two dishes came with an option of rice and beans or a salad. We opted for salad but they both came with rice and beans. No worries, a salad was brought out anyhow, which I loved but the others did not; tons of green olives, onions, avocados and peppers, this was definitely a “Jessica-style salad”! Espresso martini was awesome. Really really good (wasn’t mine but I tried a sip and it was fab).

Ordered the lobster roll to go. Upon arrival the place was a ghost town on a Thursday at 6:30pm, should have been a sign the place sucks, as just across thw street the iowa tap room was packed to the gills. Was told it was $20 with 1 side but tried to charge me an extra $5 for mixed veggies that were obviously similar to the frozen mixed veggies you get from hyvee, the were gross! The lobster mix in the sandwich was ok but the bread was old, stale, dry and hard. Also the bread to meat ratio was like 5 to 1 bread. On a lobster roll, even the cold ones need a butter toasted bun at the right proportion. Worst lobster roll by fare that I've ever had and I've had alot of them. I don't see this place lasting too much longer.

The food was hot when it needed to be, there was a lot of variety, and the restaurant was clean as far as I could tell. We came for lunch so it was probably cheaper than usual. We're not huge buffet people but it satisfied our cravings. I do prefer this over the bigger buffet on the west side of town.

My first time there i was impressed the food was so good and the service was great. I'm coming back. Had a to go plate. I'm on special diet. I made sure I got enough for a couple of days. Greatly appreciate the good food. The owner a beautiful lady so kind so sweet. Thank you

We visited the New China Buffet & Grill on Army Post Road on a Saturday evening to scope out this restaurant for an upcoming family celebration. I sampled a wide variety of the foods and found everything hot, fresh, and delicious. I especially appreciate that the restaurant provided disposable plastic gloves at the buffet. Using these helps reduce sharing of germs. Service was VERY prompt. Whenever we finished eating from a plate, it was almost immediately whisked away. The restaurant has 3 "party rooms." One is truly separated from everything else by its own round entry. The two smaller party rooms are basically a large room separated by a partial wall partition. We checked out another Chinese buffet in town that also offered a party room, but unlike the New China Buffet & Grill, that restaurant would not guarantee that we would have the room to ourselves for our event. After looking at both restaurants, we reserved the large party room at the New China Buffet & Grill, with no extra charge for use of the room.

The food was delicious! But one thing that needs to be addressed is the attitude of the employee. I didn’t even finish my food but one lady gave us the bill, she seemed like she shooed us away without looking at my plate.

We are traveling from out of state and decided to give New China a try. I'm so glad we did! The food was really good and even though we arrived at almost 8pm the food was very fresh. If we ever travel this way again, we will definitely stop back by!!

Best Chinese buffet I have managed to find in the state and surrounding states since moving to Iowa. Haven’t had any food from here that I haven’t liked. Love the open sushi bar. Wife and I make it a point to come to Des Moines around lunch just so we can get lunch here when we come out.

Went for a date, pretty good food. Standard fare for a Chinese buffet. I enjoyed everything I ate. Sushi comes with the dine-in buffet, and you get ginger/wasabi with it! I enjoyed the hot and sour soup and the fried rice above all else. As with most buffets, minimal service, but the staff was attentive with our drinks. Everything felt pretty clean too, in spite of how busy it was (Friday night). Would come again!

Panka is probably my favorite place in the Des Moines area... maybe anywhere. Everything that I've ordered (or tried from someone else's plate 🙃) has been amazing - even dishes I wouldn’t normally choose. Every ingredient ties in so perfectly together which makes each bite nothing short of divine! And the service is always incredibly welcoming, kind, and helpful! They've always helped at least one person at the table decide which dish to get and they're so genuine about their recommendations.. asking you questions and providing you with information about the dishes that you're curious about. They genuinely want you to enjoy your meal. This is a small, locally owned gem that deserves so much more recognition! 100/10. You need to try it! They also have a great happy hour! **We dug in too quickly for me to of gotten pictures of the appetizers and desserts. Appetizers: Choros a la chalaca Chicharron de pescado Drinks: Andean sour Pusco sour Entrees: Lomo saltado Arroz con mariscos Golden pepper wine mussels Pescado a lo macho de camerones Dessert: Tiramisu Suspiro a la limena

I visited Panka Peruvian Restaurant yesterday and was blown away by how authentic everything felt. From the moment I walked in, the warm welcome and date-night vibes set the perfect tone—even though I opted for takeout, I still felt pampered. I went with the Tallarín Saltado, a Chinese-Peruvian stir-fry loaded with tender sirloin beef, crisp veggies, and earthy bella mushrooms. Every bite was a harmonious mix of savory soy notes and Peruvian spices. It felt like a true fusion masterpiece. The total came to about $45, tip included, which felt more than fair for the quality and portion size. The tableware and silverware placement added a refined touch, and the staff was attentive without being overbearing. I’d highly recommend Panka to anyone who craves genuine Peruvian flavors. I’m already planning my next visit to explore more of their menu—there’s plenty left to discover!

This place is the best. GO EAT HERE! We went here to do a gender reveal for just my wife and I and they made it very special for us. The owner is so kind and our waiter Felipe is awesome too. Do yourself a favor and go support Panka. My wife loves the Grilled Spanish Octopus and I got the Lomo Saltado which was very flavorful.

The food is absolutely amazing. We had the fried fish and dumplings. And the octopus with potatoes & shrimp with veggies. It felt so hardy yet I didn't feel stuff. I will definitely be back.

This is one of my favorite restaurants to go to. I’m impressed with the food every time I go. Massive flavor and spiced well. I’ve gone here 4 times in total upon making this review, all this year. I couldn’t imagine this place not being here. First time I didn’t order my food right off the menu, I told our waiter that I’ll have what the guy next to me is having and it’s my favorite dish to have there; Aji de gallina. Which can also be in empanada form. I also recommend their purple corn drink, if you like refreshing yet spiced juices. This place deserves attention with its quality of food and I hope they stay here for a long time. Please support them!

While flipping through instagram today, I came across a post from Panka Peruvian Restaurant letting customers know that their restaurant had fallen on hard times and asking for support. With only a workout class planned, I decided that my Tuesday evening would be better spent at Panka. While I have only been there a few times, I have had only positive experiences and was introduced to Peruvian cuisine through Panka. I started with a Pisco Sour which was delicious and went down entirely too easily. For an appetizer, I order the Empanadas de Aji de Gallina. Perfectly fried, the dish came out with six empanadas that I was sure would provide me leftovers for the next day. As I started diving through empanadas, I quickly realized that this was a dish that had no hope for tomorrow, and was to be enjoyed fully in the present. The cheesy, slightly nutty filling with shredded chicken was a more complex variation to the typical beef pastries that I have enjoyed. Next, I gave the attentive and friendly waiter, Freddy, several choices that I was considering which were quite different from one another. Freddy must have known that I was seeking validation for wanting soup in 94 degree weather, because he suggested the Parihuela. This soup was extraordinary and everything I was craving: creamy, comforting, with a nice spice and full (I mean full) of shrimp, fish, octopus, and muscles. The experience was a 10/10. If you haven’t been, you are in for a true culinary experience. In addition to the food being outstanding, the staff and owner have always been kind and eager to share Peruvian food with the community. So get there, Des Moines, skip your weeknight workout and go support Panka.

Panka Peruvian knocks it out of the park. I had their Peruvian burger smothered in rocoto sauce with fries—🔥 delicious. The brunch menu has real Peruvian staples like tacu tacu with eggs and lomo saltado with a fried egg. Service? Outstanding. Friendly, fast, and they make you feel right at home. To my Iowa friends: it’s not scary food, it’s better food. Stop playing it safe—you’re missing out big time.

So good! We got the barilla tacos and they were the best tacos I’ve ever had. Simply amazing. The manager stopped by and explained how they are made. Slow cooked beef for five hours then mixed with peppers and spices. The wait staff was fantastic. My daughter had the chicken fajita burrito and it was also amazing. Love it! Can’t wait to come back.

I'm on a road trip with my dad and we decided to stop for some food. It was delicious, very well may be the best fajita veggies I've had ever. I'll definitely come back on my next road trip. I'm not kidding when I say they were AMAZING! They were also good with my allergies, I have celiac disease and am allergic to dairy. It's been a few hours and I have no symptoms of cross contamination!

Food was excellent! Generous portions, great flavor! Service was excellent, Marina did a excellent job!

It's that time, y'all!! Another restaurant review. Hubby and I have been going to them for a while. This is his favorite Mexican spot. So long they moved from Douglas Ave to Merle Hay Rd. Today, I got the Molcajete Rancho Fiesta, and hubby got Zapata. We tried mine at one other restaurant and loved it, so why not try it here. They didn't disappoint!! I didn't realize it had a cactus. I thought I was eating some kind of pepper. I enjoyed the cactus. My favorite part was the panela. I love, love, love cheese. It's very soft and creamy. The drinks never disappoint and well worth the price! The only downfall is don't leave your meat in the bowl too long it will dry out but still good coming from someone who is a texture person and is very particular about her beef/steak. The atmosphere and decor are great, and they even have patio space. I would definitely recommend it, but as I always say. Don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself!! HAPPY EATING!!

Great service! Maybe the best margarita I've ever had (blackberry). So big I couldn't finish it. Food was good. Nothing special just good, fresh quality Mexican style food.

Visited El Patron Mexican restaurant recently just after they moved to their Merle Hay Road location. The food is just as good as ever, and margaritas are great. The staff is excellent. Everyone was friendly and the service was prompt. It’s nice that they moved to a larger space. It was fairly busy, but did not feel crowded. We’ll be back again soon!

Great portions. Chips were great. Light! Refilled without having to wait. Food was really good. Great margaritas ❤️

Went here on my wedding anniversary. I placed a reservation 3 weeks prior to the night. When we arrived we were met with a bloody fridge that was empty of meat but had a ton of blood. Then the hostess couldn't find my reservation and took about 5 min searching before just seating us. Then our table was by the smelly bathrooms. When we got our food some was good and some was way too salty. The waiter was nice and he gave us a free creme brulee but unfortunately it tastes like jet fuel. Overall, I would be very cautious when eating here. Don't think I will be back.

We had a great time on our first visit! We ate in the lounge which is perfectly dark and intimate, just right for a relaxing meal and conversation. Our server was friendly and attentive and gave us great recommendations. The Boursin Mushrooms were really great as our appetizer. I had the bone-in porkchop which was smoky with a great glaze. My wife had the salmon salad which she really enjoyed. Irina herself stopped by to chat for a moment and she's very charming. We will certainly be back!

The food is delicious and the presentation is unmatched! The flights of vodka are incredible, you won't find them anywhere else. The staff was great and worked well together to make our experience top shelf. Thank you all!

First time to experience Irina’s. The appetizer was amazing. Other than that we did not have a great experience. Waitress was not friendly or attentive. The main course was warm almost cold. Always like to dine in at locally owned places, but will not be going back here. All together it was over priced for the experience we had.

Absolutely amazing food and drinks. Meats were perfect temp as requested. Server was wonderful and right on top of everything. Expect a longer wait on your food compared to other restaurants. Wife and I had our entrees about 45 minutes from the time we sat down. The wait was perfect for us as we had a great conversation while eating our appetizers and having a few drinks. Food was very fresh and cooked to perfection. Our new favorite restaurant. They can expect us twice a month now.

Great place to go for food and drink. The Almost Famous Mac & Cheese was delicious. Last week I had the Lobster Ravioli- homemade goodness. Everything on the menu look delicious. The atmosphere is soothing. The staff is friendly.

We had a larger group and the staff still did an excellent job taking care of us. We all had different dishes and they were all great. I had the pork chop. The carmelized apples were delicious. Highly recommended!

Good! Went for lunch at noon. They have refreshed a former Village Inn. Bar seating as you walk in the door, then 2 separate dining areas on each side. Chips and salsa free to start- says in the menu first 2 bowls on them, $2.99 after that. Loved the salsa. Kick without burning heat. Thick but not chunky. Nice crisp chips. Extensive menu! Like 12 pages extensive. I went for the Texas Fajitas- 1/2 lunch special for $9.50. Had steak, chicken, shrimp. 2 flour tortillas, beans, rice, salad, sour cream came on the side. Fresh green pepper and onion. It was nice that the veggies retained some color and crunch. Lots of times overcooked and just a swampy mess. Ratio of meat to veggie great. The chicken and shrimp were good. The steak in mine was all gristle. So hence the loss of a star. Friendly service. Clean environment. Employees masked. Definitely will go back- many items on the menu looked yummy.

Salsa was fantastic! Service was good, and food served fast.

Iowa ... Mexican food hummm? Well I am in Iowa so don't expect San Diego type Mexican food flavor. I will say you get a lot of tasty food for the price so value Plus. Otherwise for my taste just kind of bland. Salsa is good, again my taste is looking for a lot more heat or even some heat. The chips were fresh hot and delicious. I got a seafood chimichanga and it was loaded with crab and shrimp but otherwise good. They have a vast selection, huge beers I know cuz that's what I tried :-) The flavors are fit for a midwesterner but certainly not a southwesterner. Places clean but dated but the staff is super friendly. Great place to take the family and not spend a lot and get a lot!

7/24: Good food, a little bland, modest prices and good service. Generally large portions, you get a lot of bang for your buck here.

Watch your credit card amounts. I tip and wrote amount on my copy, when processed thru my bank amount was higher than I had given. Salad croutons were soggy and stale. Chicken was cut very thin stripes, piece of chicken didn't even look like chicken or tasted like chicken.

We LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. We go here for all our families bdays as a tradition and Maria is our go to server. We love the service and the molcajetes. Our kids love this place just as much. They always get to pick a bottled soda from the front and feel so “cool” bc of that.

We had lunch at Primos Tex-Mex Bar and Grill. This is in the old Village Inn on Army Post across from Southridge Mall. It was okay but not anything special. I love Tex Mex when in the southwest but I didn’t get that from Primos so I ended up ordering a taco salad. I’d give it a 6 out if 10.

Got my food to-go. Rice was great and well seasoned as well as the chicken. The Maduros were what I was looking forward to and it was rubbery and overcooked. I posted a photo here and it looked better than how it tasted. I also didn’t care for the yellow sauce. Overall the food is decent.

This place is big in every way, flavor, variety, portion size and ambiance. It is real Peruvian food. Be careful, because if you order the wrong dish you will have to take most of it home. Parking is limited. Just park on the streets to the south or north. Don't let the outside of this little restaurant fool you. It is a five-star dining experience. This is one you need to go to every week because it will sooner or later get so busy that There will be waiting lines. Very clean and sanitary. Beer served with chilled mug. Massive ice water container. Consider Lomo a lo poured that should be split in two. The tray with cold fish plantains and crunchy corn is Ceviche de tilapia. Tinga is a small bowl of spicy meat for chip dip. That should get you started.

It was too hot inside the restaurant. We ordered tiger milk and it had cockroach inside it. We give that dish back and ask them not to charge for that dish but they charged for that too. When I asked for refund they said that we didn’t charge. I showed my transaction and later they said that we refunded. I asked for the receipt that time so they give me cash and it was less than what we paid. I highly recommend not to visit this restaurant. If you don’t have any other choice then cook at home instead of visit this restaurant.

Peruvian food made with care and love.

Had the Seafood dish and a Tamale with pickeled onions. Amazing gem close to capital area

Arrived at 6pm and it’s closed but people eating inside. No explanations. And in their hours it says until 8pm. ????

This is a small and cozy restaurant. Parking is a big challenge, but worth going to eat at Uchu. The staff is very friendly and check with you frequently. The food is delicious and the portions are more than adequate. There are not many Peruvian restaurants in the state, but this is the best one!