Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in Des Moines

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best value restaurants in Des Moines? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Savor by Savor the Rise

4.9

4.9 (21)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Des Moines

About the restaurant

Chef Dale is joining the Savor the Rise team to bring you Savor, the same great quality you've enjoyed with the bakery and cafe, but bringing his years of culinary expertise to bring you an unforgettable dining experience!

Top review

Kathy

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

Great place! We are so happy to support quality food in Indianola.

Wasabi - Waukee

5.0

5 (87)

$30 and under

Sushi

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Wasabi is located at 9500 University Avenue in West Des Moines. Chefs at Wasabi serve the highest quality New York style sushi, Japanese fusion dishes. Unique custom cocktails and more.

Top review

Danielle

Dined on Oct 14, 2026

We eat here every time we pass through town ! It’s so good. The spicy egg drop soup is amazing

30hop Ankeny

5.0

5 (45)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Ankeny

About the restaurant

At 30hop in The District at Prairie Trail, we’re all about good food, good vibes, and great company. Each visit feels fresh and inviting—a place where you can kick back, connect, and enjoy the moment. Our menu satisfies every craving, from classic comfort favorites to bold, globally inspired flavors.

Pair it all with our rotating selection of local craft beers, creative cocktails, and a weekend brunch where sweet meets savory. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch, patio drinks, or dinner with friends, 30hop delivers food for legends and hospitality with heart.

Top review

Marlin

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

The food was very good and there were many choices. Our waitress was excellent and very friendly and knowledgeable, we’ll definitely be back.

Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (365)

$30 and under

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Casual New American dishes, cocktails & craft brews served in an airy space with minimalist decor.

Top review

KathiGold

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

As always, the food was very good and the service was outstanding. Our server was kind, sweet, and very patient! Can’t waif to go back.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Des Moines

4.8

4.8 (274)

$30 and under

Sushi

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Blue Sushi Sake Grill is all about good vibes and even better experiences. We bring people together through bold, sustainable ingredients, unforgettable flavors, and a vibrant atmosphere where inspired food, great conversation, and an iconic Happy Hour take center stage. Find us on Court Ave in the heart of downtown Des Moines - a natural fit for a neighborhood that knows how to have a good time. Weekly specials include All Day Happy Hour, Vegan + Sake Tuesdays, and Little Bento Bonanza Mondays. Dine in, order online, or grab a BYO(S)B to-go. Patio seating, private dining, and catering available.

Top review

Annika

Dined on Sep 12, 2026

I love all of the vegan options! The drinks are also very good and love the ambience.

Fleming's Steakhouse - Des Moines

4.9

4.9 (1050)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine, or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner, or simply wanting to enjoy an excellent culinary experience - we will create a safe and memorable evening for you. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

KellyGold

Dined 3 days ago

Our server was so great! Had great energy, so fun, and very thoughtful of our experience. Truly made our night!

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4.7

4.7 (1416)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Des Moines

About the restaurant

“Fresko” meaning “fresh” inspires our creation of seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Fresko makes natural food from the bounty of Iowa farms whenever possible. The culinary team prepares product from start to finish applying natural time honored techniques with care at every step. This enriches the flavorful and nutritious product we serve and benefits our community. Fresko believes we are what we eat and eating well means living well.

Fresko features a splendid assortment of original cocktails with a deep spirits menu and a beer program with sixteen beers on tap in addition to bottles and cans. Fresko's wine menu focuses on quality selections at a great value to our guests.

Top review

TerryGold

Dined 2 days ago

Great as always. Nothing else more to say than to keep up the service and menu options as more competition moves into the downtown market.

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Popular dish

Molten Chocolate Cake

Proudfoot & Bird

4.8

4.8 (855)

$31 to $50

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private areas available, seating eight and ten guests respectfully.

Top review

SharonGold

Dined 6 days ago

our waitress was amazing. atmosphere was 10/10.

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Popular dish

Farmer's Cheese

Popular dish

Sakura Farms Pork Chop

Popular dish

Chicken & Biscuits

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

4.7 (329)

$31 to $50

American

Urbandale

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Dined 3 days ago

The food was perfectly prepared. The ginger dumplings were deliciously seasoned. The elote dip and homemade chips were delightful. The rack of lamb was cooked to perfection. We enjoyed every dish.

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4.6

4.6 (617)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Eatery A is Des Moines's destination for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients, we strive to offer our guests exotic flavor profiles that let the ingredients take center stage.

Top review

MirandaGold

Dined 6 days ago

The best pizzas and bruschetta, always so good! Meatballs are 10/10 too

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Experience

Happy Hour

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