Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Des Moines

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining 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.

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.

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.

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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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!

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4.6

4.6 (455)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Alba offers a creative culinary twist on traditional American cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, the finest cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits, vegetables and herbs. Our menu changes often, we invited you to join us to discover a new favorite.

Top review

Wynn

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

Great food & service last Tuesday! Alba is our go-to restaurant when we have downtown events.

Destination Grille

4.6

4.6 (510)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Grimes

About the restaurant

Welcome to Destination Grille. A contemporary, upscale yet casual restaurant that reminds us of travels and destinations around the globe. We are an experience like non-other!

Please join us Monday through Saturday from 11am-9pm and Sundays 11am-8pm.

Don't forget to join us for a night cap Fridays and Saturdays, our bars remain open until 11pm on both levels!

We have a lot of options with a fabulous ambience on each level, but it can be overwhelming your first time, please call if you have any questions!

Top review

Bobbi

Dined on Oct 10, 2026

The food was AMAZING!! We were seated in the bar area so the service was a little slower but still adequate. The food came out quickly and the portions were very generous. I will definitely go back.

Eatery A

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

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!

Tupelo Honey - Des Moines

4.0

4 (756)

$30 and under

American

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. We look forward to seeing you soon! We are currently closed on Monday's

Top review

Obie

Dined on Aug 20, 2026

First time - won’t be the last time. Excellent service and outstanding food.

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Experience

2 for $22

Experience

50% Off Select Wine Bottles

Experience

$3 Mimos

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