Updated 2026/09/12
The Best Restaurants in Des Moines, United States (2026)
Compare 30 restaurants in Des Moines, United States, averaging 4.52 stars on Google Maps. The typical listing has 620 reviews, so the ratings below reflect real customer volume rather than a handful of opinions. 83% maintain a website. Most are clustered around Indianola, Pleasant Hill. Rankings combine Google rating, review volume and website popularity, keep one entry per brand, and refresh automatically as our data updates.
Top picks

Gursha Ethiopian Grill
GURSHA ETHIOPIAN GRILL characteristically consists of vegetable and often very spicy meat dishes. This is usually in the form of wat, a thick stew, served atop injera, a large sourdough flatbread, which is about 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter and made out of fermented teff flour.

Crouse Cafe
Crouse Cafe in Indianola, IA has been a family tradition since 1946, when Bob and Cleo Crouse first opened their doors serving customers in Leon, Knoxville, and Indianola. In 1963, their son Richard and his wife Bonnie continued the business, and in 1970 the cafe moved across the street to its curre

Rolling Smoke Barbeque
At Rolling Smoke Barbeque, we're serving our community with freshly cooked BBQ and a welcoming place to enjoy a meal with those around you.

South Union Bread Cafe
Airy venue for sandwiches & salads

The Iowa Taproom
Lots of local brews in a buzzy beer hall

Tasty Tacos
Low-key joint for homestyle Mexican eats

The High Life Lounge
Bar & grill with retro blue-collar flair

The Breakfast Club
Brunch spot for comfort food & cocktails

Fresko
Casual eatery with vegan options & a bar

Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers
Fresh burgers and Iowa craft beer located in the heart of Dogtown! Be sure to try the rotating featured frozen cocktails! HAPPY HOUR: Monday-Thursday 3-6pm -- $2 Classic Cans -- $5 Frozen Cocktails -- 1/2 price wine & well drinks -- 1/2 Price Select Appetizers (Buffalo Cauliflower, Onion Rings, and
Full list
Frequently asked questions
How many restaurants are there in Des Moines, United States?
We list 30 restaurants in Des Moines, United States that meet our quality bar of at least 4.0 stars and 10 Google reviews. The wider directory holds more, including newer and unrated businesses.
Which restaurant in Des Moines, United States is rated highest?
Gursha Ethiopian Grill currently tops our list with 4.8 stars from 565 reviews. Rankings update as new reviews and traffic data arrive.
How are the restaurants ranked?
Each business gets a composite score: 70% a Bayesian average of its Google rating and review count, so a 4.9-star business with hundreds of reviews outranks a 5.0 with five, and 30% estimated website traffic. Chains appear once. Nobody can pay to be listed or ranked.