18 Reasons Why DSM Crushes the Food Scene

The state of Iowa leads the nation on several food production fronts. So yeah, we take food seriously here, and the Greater Des Moines (DSM) food scene shows it. Here are 18 reasons why your taste buds (and you!) will be happy in DSM.  

  1. Pizza on the Prairie. It’s (local ingredient, brick oven) pizza on the (restored, native) prairie. This pop-up experience at The Wallace Centers of Iowa is dinner and an experience – live music, art installations, and plenty more to explore on this historic farm. 

    Pizza on the Prairie

  2. James Beard Shout-Outs. James Beard is NOT sleeping on DSM. Many DSM chefs have made the shortlist for the Best Chef: Midwest award.  
  3. International Flavors. DSM-ers are from all corners of the globe, and the food scene showcases this. Check out the Refugee Alliance of Centra Iowa’s restaurant and grocery store directory to plan a globe-trotting tour, without ever leaving home. 
  4. Gas Station Pizza (IYKYK). Specifically, Casey’s Breakfast Pizza.  And if you don’t know gas station pizza, get to a Casey’s STAT and get in the know. 
  5. The Wine Experts Have Spoken. Wine Spectator called out 801 Chophouse, Oak Park, Proudfoot & Bird, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Splash as award winners. Not into wine? See Nos. 6 and 7. 
  6. Crafted Coffee on a Century-Old Farm. The origin story of Pammel Park Coffee  is one for the ages. Find it brewed and in bean form throughout DSM.  
  7. 50+ Beers on the Wall. Well, tap. There are literally over 50 beers on tap at Barn Town Brewing. (And you can rent a patio igloo for cozy patio vibes, November-March.)  

    Barn Town Brewing photo

  8. Cheese 80 Years in the Making. Ok, you’re not actually eating 80-year-old cheese, but Maytag Blue Cheese, made in Newton, has a rich history and an even richer flavor profile. (Not a blue cheese fan? Give Maytag’s white cheddar or spreads a whirl.) 
  9. Steak de Burgo. We made it famous, we embrace it. This indulgent regional staple has two variations: a cream-based sauce or a butter-based sauce and both can be found at local faves like Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Latin King and Skip’s.  
  10. Prairie Canary. It's fun to say, embodies “farm-to-table" and psst... there’s a speakeasy. 
  11. Dutch Letters. While most people come Jaarsma Bakery for these flaky almond paste-filled pastries, insiders say you should also try the bakery’s other delights, too.  

    Bags of pastry sitting on a table

  12. Oh My Pie. Prefer pies to pastries? Head to Homeslice Pie in Bondurant and head there weekly, because the flavors change from week to week. Read more about the owner’s sweet (pun definitely intended) story here.  
  13. Crab Rangoon Pizza - You read that right. It’s a favorite DSM mash-up of pizza and crab Rangoon flavors from the storied Fong’s Pizza. (Its location was formerly King Ying Low, which operated for over a century in DSM.) And for a night out, check out Fong’s other claim to fame – Tiki drinks. 
  14. Success Stories. Across DSM, you’ll find plenty of eateries that started as food trucks or event vendors and flourished into brick-and-mortars or lines at grocery stores. A few to check out? Put Roots 95, Nadia’s French Bakery, Musa’s Lemonade and Tulpa Restaurant on your list. 
  15. Two Words: Farmer’s. Markets. You’ll find plenty of markets across the region, and the Downtown Farmer's Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines ranks as a Top 5 Best Farmer's Market in the United States (The Getaway, 2024). 

    Farmers booth at a farmers market

  16. Three words: Iowa. State. Fair. – Stuff on a stick, a whole concourse wonderland of food stands, and the line for the bucket o’ warm chocolate chip cookies? Worth it.
  17. Retro Italian. Not much has changed at Noah’s Ark (a DSM OG) over the decades, and nothing should. The décor, the Italian American menu mainstays, the sunken bar — molto bene. 
  18. Sweet Corn from a Pickup Truck. It’s peak summer (and peak Iowa) when you see pickup trucks filled with sweet corn popping up at random intersections and bank parking lots. It’s arguably the best and freshest way to get your hands on sweet corn. So brake when you see one and partake. (Tip: Bring cash.) PS: There’s a whole Sweet Corn Festival (in Adel) too.

Taste the Good Life 

Living in DSM means delish food, low cost of living, fulfilling job opportunities and amenities galore. Greater Des Moines is where you can find your greater.  

Connect Now to Learn More