Some of the most interesting restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa have a family story behind the menu.
And when a recipe has kept customers coming back for several generations, I can’t help wondering what makes it so special.
I’ve always enjoyed discovering places where the owners are personally invested in what comes out of the kitchen.
Sometimes that means a family protecting a beloved recipe for decades, while other times it’s a newer restaurant introducing traditions the city hasn’t experienced before.
Des Moines has an impressive mix of both. You’ll find longtime neighborhood favorites alongside newer establishments serving dishes inspired by family traditions around the world, each with its own reasons for attracting loyal customers.
But which ones are really worth visiting? These 13 family-owned Des Moines restaurants offer plenty of delicious possibilities, and a few might surprise even longtime locals.
1. Tumea & Sons Restaurant, Des Moines
Some families pass down photo albums. The Tumea family passes down pasta recipes.
This South Side favorite feels like a Sunday dinner you did not have to cook. The family has stayed involved for generations, and you can sense it the moment someone greets you by asking how hungry you are.
My first order here was the lasagna, and it showed up tall, cheesy, and proudly saucy. The homemade pasta has that soft, tender bite you only get when someone actually makes it in the kitchen.
I still think about it on cold Iowa nights.
Then there is the steak de Burgo, a Des Moines classic topped with butter, garlic, and herbs. If you have never tried it, this is a great place to start your education.
Bring a friend so you can share and sample more of the menu. Portions are generous, so a to-go box is almost guaranteed.
Plan a little extra time, since nobody here seems to rush you out the door. That relaxed pace is part of the charm.
Leave room for conversation, because the stories at the next table might be as good as the sauce.
Address: 1501 SE 1st St, Des Moines, IA 50315
2. Christopher’s, Des Moines
Back in 1963, Joe and Red Giudicessi took over a restaurant in Beaverdale. Their children, Rene and Ron, keep the lights on today.
That kind of staying power tells you something before you even read the menu. Locals treat Christopher’s like a second dining room, and many have been coming since they needed booster seats.
The menu sticks with Italian-American comfort food. Baked lasagna arrives bubbling, the chicken dishes are hearty, and the steaks are cooked with real care.
Of course, the signature steak de Burgo deserves a spotlight. Garlic and butter do most of the talking, and honestly, they say all the right things.
I like coming here for a slow weeknight dinner. The room has a classic, timeless feel that makes you put your phone away without being told.
A tip from my own visits is to ask what the regulars order. You will usually get a friendly answer and maybe a fun bit of neighborhood history along with it.
Families celebrating birthdays fit right in, and so do couples on quiet dates.
Sixty years of recipes have a way of tasting like home, even if you just moved to town.
Address: 2816 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
3. Noah’s Ark Ristorante, Des Moines
Pizza has been coming out of this kitchen since 1946. That is older than most of the buildings on some streets in town.
Noah’s Ark remains tied to the Lacona family, and James Lacona II carries the tradition forward today. The historic dining room keeps a vintage feel that makes every meal seem like a small celebration.
Start with the homemade bread, because skipping it would be a real mistake. It is warm, simple, and ready for any sauce left on your plate.
The Neapolitan-style pizza is the star for many guests. It has a soft, slightly chewy crust and toppings that do not try to hide the dough.
Classic pasta dishes and traditional Italian dinners round out the menu. I went with spaghetti on one visit and felt like I had stepped back a few decades, in a good way.
Fun fact: this place has fed Des Moines families for more than 75 years. Some guests now bring their grandkids to the same tables where they once sat.
Come hungry, stay curious, and look around at the old details.
History never tasted quite so cheesy.
Address: 2400 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
4. Tasty Tacos, Des Moines
Ask any longtime local about fluffy tacos. Watch their eyes light up instantly.
Richard and Antonia Mosqueda started Tasty Tacos in 1961, and the Mosqueda family still runs it today. What began as one spot grew into a local chain without losing its hometown heart.
The famous flour tacos are the reason people line up. The shells are soft and puffy, almost like a pillow that decided to hold seasoned meat and cheese.
Do not skip the homemade hot sauce. It brings friendly heat that wakes up every bite without setting off alarms.
Enchiladas are another solid choice, and the portions are generous enough to share. I tried to save half for later once and failed within ten minutes.
Prices are fair, which makes it easy to bring the whole crew. Kids, grandparents, and hungry teens all find something to love here.
My advice is to order one more taco than you think you need. Future you will say thanks.
Some restaurants chase trends, but this one simply keeps folding the same delicious tortillas, decade after decade.
Address: 1400 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
5. A Dong Restaurant, Des Moines
A good bowl of pho can fix a gloomy afternoon. A Dong has been proving that since 1989.
This family-owned Vietnamese restaurant sits on High Street and has earned a loyal following over the decades. The recipes stay traditional, and that steady approach keeps people returning week after week.
The pho comes out steaming, with a rich broth and tender noodles. Add basil, lime, and bean sprouts until it tastes exactly how you like it.
Spring rolls make a fresh, crunchy starter. Rice dishes offer a filling option for anyone who prefers a plate to a bowl.
Here is a detail I love: the vegetarian section is huge. Meat-free friends do not have to settle for a side salad, because they have real choices that are packed with flavor.
Lunch can get busy, so plan ahead if you are on a tight schedule. The service moves quickly, though, and the staff handles crowds with calm smiles.
A Dong is also a great first stop for anyone new to Vietnamese food.
Slurp loudly if you must, since nobody here will judge a happy noodle eater.
Address: 1511 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309
6. Drake Diner, Des Moines
Pancakes at dinnertime are perfectly acceptable here. Drake Diner serves breakfast all day.
Opened in 1987 and family-owned today, this retro spot sits near Drake University. The shiny, old-school look makes you feel like you rolled in from a different decade.
Students cram for exams over plates of eggs, while families gather in booths after weekend games. Everyone seems to have a favorite order and a favorite seat.
Burgers here are juicy and filling, and the sandwiches are stacked high. Hearty diner classics fill the rest of the menu, so picky eaters have plenty of options.
My go-to move is ordering breakfast for supper. Something about hash browns after sunset just feels like a small adventure.
The neighborhood vibe keeps things friendly and relaxed. You might overhear chatter about classes, local sports, or the best shortcut across campus.
Parents visiting students on campus should put this place on their list. It is easy, comfortable, and filling enough to fuel a long drive home.
Retro decor, bottomless comfort, and no strict meal rules make a pretty sweet combination.
Address: 1111 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
7. Palms DSM, Des Moines
Two cooking traditions share one menu at Palms DSM. The result is bold, bright, and full of spice.
Chef Amara Sama and his wife, Dionne, own this family-operated restaurant. It opened as a permanent spot on Ingersoll Avenue in 2025, giving fans a home base for their favorite dishes.
West African and Caribbean flavors meet on every plate. Jerk chicken arrives smoky and well seasoned, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Jollof rice is a must for first-timers. The tomato-rich rice is packed with flavor and pairs well with almost anything else on the menu.
Braised oxtail is the slow-cooked showstopper. The meat is tender and falls right off the bone into a rich sauce.
Fried plantains add a sweet, caramelized side that balances the spice. I ordered a second helping once and had zero regrets.
The newness of this spot makes visiting feel exciting. You get to watch a family dream grow in real time.
Bring an open mind and an empty stomach, then let the chef take you somewhere new.
Address: 1905 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
8. Zavy Kitchen, Des Moines
Family recipes found a stylish new home in 2024. Vy Nguyen and her family opened Zavy Kitchen in the East Village.
The restaurant brings generations of Vietnamese cooking to one of the trendiest parts of town. It blends tradition with a fresh, modern feel.
Aromatic pho is a strong choice for your first visit. The broth smells amazing before the bowl even hits the table.
Beef stew is a cozy option that many people overlook. It is rich, warming, and great on a chilly day downtown.
Noodle dishes and spring rolls give you plenty of lighter picks. The menu also includes contemporary Asian-inspired specialties that add a creative twist.
I like stopping here before exploring the shops nearby. A bowl of noodles makes window shopping much more pleasant.
Since it is newer, you may spot the family members working hard behind the scenes. That personal touch makes the food feel even more special.
Young restaurants with old recipes are a fun combo to support.
Grab a friend, split some rolls, and toast the newest chapter in a family story with a cold glass of tea.
Address: 111 E Grand Ave Ste 101, Des Moines, IA 50309
9. Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop, Des Moines
The bun never stands a chance here. The pork tenderloin is always bigger.
Bill Smith founded Smitty’s in 1966, and third-generation owner Ben Smith runs the show today. This South Side institution is a true Iowa classic.
The hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is famous for its size. It hangs way past the edges of the bun, and that is exactly the point.
The breading is crispy and golden, while the pork inside stays juicy. Add pickles, onions, or mustard and get ready for a two-handed meal.
Homemade onion rings make the perfect sidekick. They are crunchy, sweet, and very hard to stop eating.
Traditional American diner favorites fill the rest of the menu. Still, I have never seen anyone come here and skip the tenderloin.
Visitors from out of state often ask what to eat in Iowa. My answer always includes a trip to this little shop.
Bring napkins, an appetite, and maybe a camera for a giant sandwich photo.
Three generations of Smiths cannot all be wrong about pork.
Address: 1401 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
10. Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant, Des Moines
Over on the east side, a hilltop spot has been feeding neighbors for more than 50 years. Loyal customers keep coming back with their kids and grandkids.
Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant is a longtime family-owned Italian favorite. It has the kind of easygoing atmosphere where nobody minds if you linger over one more slice.
Thin-crust pizza is a big reason people visit. The crust snaps when you bite it, and the toppings spread all the way to the edges.
Here is a surprise for first-timers: the homemade onion rings are almost as popular as the pizza. Order a basket for the table and watch it vanish.
Baked pasta dishes come out hot and cheesy. Traditional Italian sandwiches also make a filling lunch.
I once stopped in just for a quick snack. An hour later, I had tried three dishes and made plans to return.
Fifty years of service shows how much the community trusts this kitchen.
Families looking for a casual night out will feel right at home.
Climb the hill, grab a booth, and let the onion rings convince you.
Address: 2820 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
11. La Cuscatleca South, Des Moines
Pupusas deserve way more fame than they get. La Cuscatleca South is here to fix that.
This family-run Salvadoran restaurant has served Central American dishes in the Des Moines area since 2012. The owners prepare their meals using family traditions passed down over the years.
So what is a pupusa? It is a thick, handmade corn cake stuffed with fillings like cheese, beans, or pork, then cooked until warm and golden.
Top it with tangy cabbage slaw and a little salsa. That mix of crunchy, soft, and savory is pure happiness.
Tamales and empanadas are also on the menu. I suggest ordering a few different things and sharing family style.
The location on Fleur Drive makes it handy if you are heading to or from the airport area. It is a tasty way to start or end a trip.
Staff are happy to help newcomers pick their fillings. Just ask and you will get a friendly suggestion.
Once you taste a fresh pupusa, plain tortillas may never look the same again.
Address: 2580 Fleur Dr Ste 101, Des Moines, IA 50321
12. Tacos Mariana’s, Des Moines
Bright colors greet you before the food even arrives. Tacos Mariana’s knows how to make a first impression.
Mariana Gomez established this family-run Mexican restaurant, and it has served Des Moines for about 30 years. The colorful interior gives the place a lively, neighborhood personality.
Street tacos are the classic order here. They are small, simple, and loaded with flavor, so ordering a handful is the smart move.
Birria has become a crowd favorite too. The tender, slow-cooked meat is rich and comforting, especially when you dip it into the warm broth.
Homemade guacamole makes a fresh starter. It is creamy, chunky, and perfect with crispy chips.
Keep an eye out for rotating Mexican specialties. Something new might show up on your next visit, and that keeps regulars curious.
I love how the place feels like part of the street around it. Neighbors chat, families share platters, and the energy stays cheerful.
Three decades of tacos on University Avenue is a record worth celebrating.
Stop by soon, and let the colors and flavors brighten your week.
Address: 1305 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
13. Gursha Ethiopian Grill, Des Moines
Forks are optional at Gursha. Your hands and a piece of injera do the work.
Salah Salah and Safia Umar co-founded this Ethiopian grill near Drake University. They introduce guests to the cooking traditions of Ethiopia in a warm and welcoming way.
Injera is a soft, spongy flatbread with a slightly tangy taste. It acts as your plate, your spoon, and a delicious part of the meal all at once.
Savory meat stews are full of deep spices. Lentils and seasoned vegetables offer hearty choices for anyone skipping meat.
For beginners, I recommend a combination platter. You get to sample several dishes and discover new favorites without guessing.
Did you know the word gursha refers to feeding someone else a bite as a sign of care? That sweet idea fits the friendly feel of this place perfectly.
Bring a group so you can share a big platter together. It turns dinner into a fun, hands-on event.
New flavors can feel a little scary at first.
One bite here usually changes that worry into a craving, and a fine finale for this family-owned food tour.
Address: 2316 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311