Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Des Moines

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!

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.

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.

Bar Nico

4.7

4.7 (164)

$30 and under

Mexican

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Our restaurant's mantra is "Sin Maiz, No Hay Pais" meaning "without corn there is no country" as such, our tortillas are hand ground in house from heirloom organic Mexican corn varietals - made daily & cooked to order. As a result of our corn obsession, we have no flour in house & are a completely gluten-free kitchen.

Top review

Emily

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

We had a lovely dining experience here. It was the first time for us and we ordered a few items to try. Our faves were the chicken empanadas and the rice. Our tacos were also delicious. We both ordered the specialty margarita which complimented the food. The flavors and textures were amazing. Service was on point. Haven't had such attentive service in awhile, which is refreshing. The only thing that felt off was the choice of music, kind if an odd vibe, but it certainly didn't affect our enjoyable experience.

Fresko

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.

Discover more

Popular dish

Molten Chocolate Cake

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.

Discover more

The Stuffed Olive - Des Moines

4.6

4.6 (936)

$30 and under

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

The Stuffed Olive is about the entire “Martini & Tapas Experience.” From your favorite classics to new and exciting blends you’ve never seen before, you’re sure to find a cocktail to love on our vast martini menu. Add a warm, comfortable atmosphere, great wines, beers and top-shelf spirits, and The Stuffed Olive will become your favorite place to start, end or spend your entire evening. Our tapas menu offers appetizer-sized portions of globally influenced entrees, for a sampling and sharing dining experience. Pair tasty tapas with your favorite martini for happy hour, dinner or a late-night snack. We welcome you to sit back, relax, enjoy great food, good conversation and your favorite martini. Welcome to the Stuffed Olive!

Top review

ShannonGold

Dined 2 days ago

Three of us went out for dinner and drinks at Stuffed Olive. I LOVE their brie, cranberry sauce, and candied pecan dish, and my 2 friends enjoyed it as well. The martinis at Stuffed Olive are so well made and just fun since there are a ton of flavors to choose from!

Discover more

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

Discover more

Experience

Happy Hour

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

4.6

4.6 (1795)

$30 and under

American

Clive

About the restaurant

Award-Winning Wines | Craveable Dishes | Innovative Cocktails | Wine Country Hospitality The inspiration behind Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants was the desire to bring the Wine Country experience to all of America by combining a Napa-style tasting room with a modern casual restaurant. Built upon the belief that food and wine have the ability to forge lasting connections, Cooper's Hawk is home to one of the world's largest wine clubs.

Top review

Dennis

Dined 3 days ago

Had an amazing dining experience! The pasta was fantastic, and my guest’s filet was cooked to absolute perfection. The wine pairing fit like a puzzle piece, and the service was exceptional throughout the evening. Being a wine club member really capped off the experience. Highly recommend!

Discover more

Experience

Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm

Experience

Wine Tastings and Rotating Chef Recommendations

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines

4.5

4.5 (2018)

$30 and under

American

West Des Moines

About the restaurant

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is your destination for bold flavors and warm hospitality. From expertly crafted wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood to signature cocktails, mocktails, and curated wines, every detail is designed to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're gathering with family, hosting a client, or toasting to a special occasion, Firebirds offers elevated cuisine at an approachable price. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio and let us show you what extraordinary dining feels like. Reserve your table today — we can’t wait to serve you.

Top review

Baily

Dined 4 days ago

We made a reservation for two and we were seated right away. I had noted in the booking that it was my husband’s birthday, and both the host and server wished him a happy birthday. We also got a free dessert because of that, very nice! The food was delicious and the server was very friendly. Highly recommend the 3 course meal deal. Thank you for making his birthday special!

Flying Mango

4.4

4.4 (24)

$31 to $50

Southern

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Flying Mango is a traditional Southern BBQ cuisine. Scott Cosner and his wife Alexis Cosner own this restaurant. Flying Mango boasts an energetic and colorful ambiance. Smell of fresh fruits and roasted nuts dominates the dining rooms. The restaurant specializes in welcoming and serving the guests with authentic Southern hospitality. It offers catering services also.

Flying Mango specializes in smoked barbecue cuisines. It obtains fresh produce from the Valley Junction Farmers Market. 24 hour smoked Brisket and juicy smoked baby back ribs are signature must try's! Flying Mango has a large variety of smoked proteins by the pound. The spiced apples are served bakes/grilled. Flying Mango corn bread with honey cinnamon butter is the specialty here.

Top review

GeneGold

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

We celebrated my birthday at the Flying Mango. The team and service were all great. Our meals were good and the menu is a lot of fun (great Louisianna options).

Explore Diners' Choice best of Des Moines

Explore more Diners' Choice lists