If you want to eat out and eat somewhere good, we’ve featured 10 of the best restaurants in West Des Moines, IA in the list below.
1. Mi Patria Ecuadorian Restaurant
If you’re like most Iowans, Ecuadorian food is a mystery. It’s clearly similar to many other types of Latin American food, but it has something… unique to it. Mi Patria Ecuadorian Restaurant recognizes that and opened a joint to familiarize Midwesterners with delicious Ecuadorian cuisine. Mi Patria is open from 11-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and closed on Sundays.
The menu at Mi Patria is chock-full of authentic Ecuadorian eats. From the ever-popular empanada and tortillas de Verde/yuca to Camarones, ceviche, and fritadas, there are loads of perfectly spiced and crispy entrees in countless forms. Mi Patria is likely your best stop in West Des Moines if you’re a fan of Latin American food.
Swing by Mi Patria’s contact page to learn more.
2. Pad Thai Garden
Pad Thai Garden is a simple Thai eatery serving delicious plates of classic southern Asian cuisine. They keep the menu simple, but it’s reflected in the quality of each meal, and Pad Thai garden has earned a reputation for speedy and top-notch service to accompany their perfect noodles, curries, and soups. Pad Thai Garden is open from 11-2 p.m. and 4-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, from 12-7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.
The menu consists of many familiar Thai favorites and a few welcome surprises. Ever-present staples like Pad Thai, Pad Se-Ew, Drunken Noodles, and fried rice are always appreciated, but the unique entries on their menu are what sets Pad Thai Garden apart. They boast several excellent soups and curries that use secret spices, so give them a try on your next grey-skied Iowan day.
Go to Pad Thai Garden’s contact page to reach out.
3. Ohana Steakhouse
Ohana Steakhouse is an exciting entry on this list, as they’re a Hawaiian steakhouse with an apparent Japanese influence. The word Ohana in Hawaiian translates, as many know, to family – and the staff at Ohana treat each customer as such, earning the name. Ohana Steakhouse is open from 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, from 5-9:30 p.m. on Fridays, 4:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 4:30-8:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Their menu is precisely what you’d expect from a steakhouse – juicy cuts of meat, savory potatoes, and delicate veggies are ever-pr. Still, the true highlight of the menu is the Japanese steakhouse-inspired entrees. Calamari, scallops, steak, and shrimp are equally present, each with a unique Asian twist on American steakhouse fare. Ohana is the best stop for those seeking a warm and delicious night on the town.
Head to Ohana Steakhouse’s contact page for more information.
4. Cooper’s on 5th
Cooper’s on 5th is one of the premier late-night dining stops in West Des Moines. As the first craft cocktail bar in the city, they’ve developed a reputation for an elegant yet relaxing ambiance that encourages diners to just… be as they are. It’s refreshing and part of what earned Cooper’s their spot on this list. Cooper’s on 5th is open from11-10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and from 10-11 p.m. on Saturdays, closed Sunday-Monday.
Cooper’s menu primarily focuses on drinks and eats that accompany them perfectly. As such, the cocktail menu is the highlight of most diners’ nights, though the food isn’t to be ignored. Sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and seafood are the most common entrees on offer, each plated elegantly and made with love. At the end of the day, Cooper’s on 5th is an excellent stop for a drink and a small plate to wrap the night.
Go to Cooper’s on 5th’s Instagram page to reach out.
5. Dino’s Bar & Grill
Dino’s Bar & Grill is a far cry from our last entry, opting for a friendly, family-owned casual diner experience rather than a more refined night on the town. They’re known for serving great food for reasonable prices, and the owners (Jeremy and Leslie) are famously friendly. Dino’s Bar & Grill is open from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and closed Sunday-Monday.
The menu combines classic Americana (chicken wings, burgers, fries) and Italian favorites. Whether you’re there for a meatball dinner or sandwich, a luxurious Parmigiana sandwich, or even a pizza, everything at Dino’s is made with the care you’d expect from an owner who insists on getting to know each of his customers by name.
Swing by Dino’s Bar and Grill’s contact page to get in touch.
6. Cosi Cucina Italian Grill
Cosi Cucina Italian Grill is an excellent example of authentic Italian dining done perfectly. They’re a longstanding name in the city, having opened in 1993, and have earned a reputation for casual yet welcoming Italian cuisine in its most refined form. Cosi Cucina Italian Grill is open from 11-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, closes a half-hour later Friday-Saturday and is open from 5-9 on Sunday. They’re closed on Mondays.
The menu is exactly what you’d expect from a longstanding name in the Italian dining business. A secret house recipe for tomato sauce brings life and flavor to each dish, and the seafood is served in its most delicate and perfectly-cooked form every time. Customers can expect handcrafted pasta, homemade sauces, and painstakingly created wood-fired pizza from Cosi Cucina, each made from the best possible ingredients.
Head to Cosi Cucina’s contact page to reach out.
7. Taste of New York Pizza
Taste of New York Pizza is classic American-Italian at its best. They’re (obviously) known for serving up perfect New-York style pies with tasty twists, though that’s not all. They’ve established a reputation as one of the fastest and most delectable pies in West Des Moines, and for a good reason. Taste of New York is open from 11-9 p.m. seven days a week for all of your pizza needs.
The menu at Taste of New York is excellent. They serve classic pizzas (pepperoni, cheese, etc.), though their specials are the true highlight. From chicken parmigiana and lasagna pizza to the T.O.N.Y, each pie is absolutely loaded with flavor and personality. The next time you need a slice right now, give Taste a try – you won’t regret it.
Swing by Taste of NY’s Facebook page to learn more.
8. Opa! Italian & Greek
Opa! Italian and Greek is a genuinely refreshing restaurant. They serve the freshest and most easy-going Mediterranean eats in the area and have earned local love for that exact reason. Their food is fresh, handmade, and (whenever possible) local, so you know it’s good! Opa Italian and Greek are open from 11-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, closes a half-hour later Friday-Saturday, and is available from 11-2 p.m. on Sundays. Opa is closed on Mondays.
While the menu may seem a bit scattered at first, it’s organized chaos. Gyros, pita wraps, falafel, and souvlaki platters make up the Greek portion of the menu. In contrast, the Italian side consists of handmade pasta, chicken, and seafood. They also offer steaks, burgers, and a handful of other Mediterranean favorites – so what’re you waiting for? Get going!
Head to Opa! Italian & Greek’s Facebook page to get in touch.
9. PerKup Cafe
PerKup Cafe is a quaint little cafe in the heart of downtown West Des Moines. Since opening its first location in 2011, PerKup moved to West Des Moines to expand and find more space. Seemingly, it’s gone quite well since then, as they’re a local favorite for coffee and breakfast alike. PerKup Cafe is open from 7-2 p.m. seven days a week.
Their menu (breakfast or lunch) is quite simple. Early birds will find homemade biscuits and gravy, egg sandwiches, and omelets, among other standard breakfast eats. You can grab cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and a small selection of grilled wraps, burgers, and melts for lunch. And the coffee is not to be forgotten – they have an extensive and super well-curated coffee menu, so don’t miss out.
Go to PerKup Cafe’s contact page to learn more.
10. JF Craft & Co.
JC Craft & Co., while the last entry on our list, is certainly deserving of its place. They’ve developed a reputation for their refined dining experience that’s accompanied by delicious wine, craft cocktails, and local craft beer. JC Craft & Co. is open for breakfast from 6:30-11 a.m. seven days a week, from 11-2 p.m. Monday-Friday for lunch, and from 5-10 p.m. for dinner all week.
The menus at JC Craft & Co. are really something else. The breakfast menu is full of classic breakfasts that have been given an artistic and incredible twist in some way, shape, or form. From “broken yolk” sandwiches to frittatas and simple cuts of meat, their breakfast menu is top-notch. And for dinner, you’ll find juicy steaks, perfectly-cooked seafood and pasta, and a hefty selection of burgers and sandwiches.
Swing by JC Craft & Co.’s contact page to get in touch.
