Pictured above: Purveyor Photographer: Duane Tinkey It’s that time of year: You’re sick of grilling. It’s too hot to cook. You desperately need a break from the kids. Well, you’re in luck! Because restaurants all around town are here to give you a special night (or two or three) out. Near ly 30 of Des Moines’ best establishments are pulling out all the stops for 10 days of prix-fixe menus, signature dishes and special drinks, and there’s never been a better excuse than dsm Restaurant Week to finally try that place you’ve been eyeing all year. Dinner specials run $40 to $80, with lunch options from $15 to $25 at some locations, too, making a midday splurge with friends or colleagues an easy “yes.” While you’re there, ask your server about signature drink and wine pairings to round out the meal. Menus will be posted in early August at dsmRestaurantWeek.com — bookmark it now so you can get a few outings on your calendar. DOWNTOWN AROUND Alba Alba From the reclaimed wooden doors mounted overhead to the chef-driven menu that never plays it safe, Alba has been one of the East Village’s most imaginative nights out since 2008. The menu puts colorful market-fresh produce and unexpected ingredients front and center alongside solid anchors like hanger steak and stroganoff, with a cocktail list that leans classic with some creative twists. It’s the kind of place that keeps regulars guessing, which might explain why USA Today named it one of the best hidden gems in America earlier this year. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $70-$80 Find it: 524 E. Sixth St., albadsm.com Allora Café If you’re in desperate need of a midday reset, Allora Café is the place to do it. Located on the ground floor of the Renzo Piano-designed Krause Gateway Center, the light-filled interior offers floor-to-ceiling views of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park alongside a seasonal Italian-inspired menu of daily housemade pastas, polenta and soups. During dsm Restaurant Week, we’re eyeing the garden gazpacho, fresh pasta with prosciutto and the diplomats torte with berries to finish. Just be sure to stop in on a weekday; it’s open for lunch Monday through Friday only. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 1459 Grand Ave., krausegatewaycenter.com/alloracafe Aposto On a late summer night, there’s no place more picturesque for dining al fresco than the wraparound porch at Aposto. You’re likely familiar with the meticulously preserved 1880s Victorian in Sherman Hill, but did you know the restaurant also keeps a garden out back? It’s where chefs draw inspiration for seasonal dishes like the panzanella salad with basil-tomato vinaigrette featured on the dsm Restaurant Week menu. When the weather turns, come back for the homemade cavatelli with Calabrian sausage. It’s an Aposto must. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60 Find it: 644 18th St., apostodm.com Bar Nico Walk by Bar Nico in the East Village and you might miss it. But despite its tiny streetside footprint, the restaurant packs a whole lot of culinary ambition into its lively laid-back setting. Chef Matthew Small’s menu (which just so happens to be gluten-free) is rooted in Latin American farming traditions, where fresh, hand-pressed corn tortillas — made daily from scratch, right down to the nixtamal — are the foundation of everything from classic carnitas tacos to the mole madre enchiladas. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60 Find it: 428 E. Locust St., barnicodsm.com Bubba If you’re looking for a taste of bow tie-clad Southern charm — and some of the best fried chicken in town — you’ll find it on the corner of 10th and Mulberry. For the past decade, Chris Diebel’s downtown restaurant has won over Midwesterners with generous portions of Southern favorites and a polished interior that welcomes diners with its “y’all come sit” attitude. There’s plenty to love about a menu that features fried green tomatoes and pimento mac and cheese, but during dsm Restaurant week, be on the lookout for a special dinner menu, lunch and brunch deals, and signature cocktails. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 200 10th St., bubbadsm.com Centro Few restaurants have done more to shape downtown Des Moines dining than Centro, and after nearly 25 years, it’s still the kind of place that works for everyone, whether that’s a business lunch, date night or even that tricky family dinner that aims to satisfy everyone. Start with a drink at the bar, then settle in for the night with coal-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, steaks and fresh seafood. And if the weather cooperates with one of those perfect long summer evenings, the covered patio is the place to be. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $60-$70 Find it: 1003 Locust St., centrodesmoines.com Fresko The name says it all at Fresko, where the freshest of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients drive the menu. The downtown spot has a knack for keeping things interesting, with a fusion-leaning lineup that can win over a table full of people who can never agree on where to go. For dsm Restaurant Week, the kitchen is pulling out some standouts like blackened salmon, Golden Dragon Street Noodles, a Flaming Dragon Roll and Shrimp on the Barbie, among others. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60 Find it: 909 Locust St., freskodsm.com Harbinger Think you know the extent of what a vegetable can do? Harbinger will change your mind. James Beard-nominated chef Joe Tripp’s globally inspired small plates treat produce with the kind of reverence most kitchens reserve for a prime cut of beef, drawing on Asian techniques and flavors to coax something extraordinary out of every root, shoot and leaf. The menu isn’t strictly vegetarian, but every dish makes a compelling argument for eating more plants. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $60-$70 Find it: 2724 Ingersoll Ave., harbingerdsm.com HoQ At HoQ, farm-to-table isn’t merely a marketing slogan, it’s woven into everything the restaurant does. That means sourcing about 90% of ingredients locally, shifting the menu almost daily to reflect what’s in season and maintaining a deep commitment to sustainable practices. You may already know them from their breakfast wraps at the Downtown Farmers Market, but if you’ve yet to have a proper sit-down at their East Village spot, dsm Restaurant week is reason enough to put one on your calendar. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60 Find it: 303 E. Fifth St., hoqtable.com Mulberry Street Tavern Mulberry Street Tavern has always felt like a bit of a discovery, nestled inside the Surety Hotel with its warm wood accents, cozy leather booths and a long zinc bar that buzzes from happy hour straight through last call. This year, Des Moines native Chef Rosco Kennedy is back home after years of cooking in Northern California, bringing fresh energy to Midwestern classics like meatloaf and loaded mac and cheese that serve up a dose of modern nostalgia. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $70-$80 Find it: 206 Sixth Ave., suretyhotel.com/mulberry-street-tavern Park Street Kitchen Tucked inside the downtown Hilton, it’s easy for Park Street Kitchen to slide off the radar for locals, but that would be a mistake. Chef Anthony Nace’s all-day dining spot leans hard into its Iowa setting, with local ingredients driving hearty, ingredient-forward plates like the Rolek Farms pork chop au poivre and vegan al pastor stuffed pepper. When the weather cooperates, the patio with its sweeping Capitol views is one of the better-kept secrets in downtown Des Moines. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60 Find it: 435 Park St., www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dsmdihh-hilton-des-moines-downtown/dining/park-street-kitchen/ Purveyor Purveyor A plane ticket to Europe will run you a few thousand dollars. A night at Purveyor won’t. And nestled right in the East Village, the Euro-style café channels the relaxed spirit of a Mediterranean market with 15 wines on tap, curated charcuterie, small plates that change with the seasons and luxurious baked goods from Doré Bakery. If you’re there on a Friday, the seafood paella is a can’t-miss. Bottles of wine, cheeses and gourmet pantry items are available to take home, too. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 505 E. Grand Ave., purveyordsm.com The Latin King An east side institution since 1947, The Latin King entered a new chapter last year under operating partner Matthew McCartney, a longtime Latin King veteran who’s back with a clear mission: Polish the crown jewel back to its former glory. Italian classics like chicken spiedini and fried ravioli are the kinds of dishes that have kept diners coming back for decades, and the wine cellar and patio make it a favorite for celebrations, but it’s just as good for a weeknight out. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 2200 Hubbell Ave., latinkingdsm.com Tupelo Honey What started in Asheville, North Carolina, has found a happy home in downtown Des Moines. Tupelo Honey does right by the classics but gives them a modern edge — think scratch-made fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits and honey-dusted fried chicken — with a handcrafted cocktail list that matches the food’s contemporary feel. Save room for the Mississippi Mud Pie. You won’t be sorry. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 665 Grand Ave., tupelohoneycafe.com SUBURBS 30hop 30hop After two years in Ankeny’s District at Prairie Trail, the high-energy sports bar recently upgraded to a brand new 9,000-square-foot space there and now boasts a front-row view of the lawn where live entertainment happens all summer long. On the menu you’ll find a blend of American fare with West Coast influences where yakisoba noodles bowls and ahi poke tuna sit beside tacos and burgers, and the craft beer and cocktail program is reason alone for a trek out to Ankeny. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 1535 SW Market St., Suite 100 in Ankeny, 30hop.com District 36 Wine Bar Grill Don’t let the bar and grill label fool you. This family-owned Ankeny spot trades the usual noise and chaos for an upscale, relaxed atmosphere and a menu that punches above its weight. Sure, you can go with a well-built burger or hearty salad, but you can also order the Steak Delmonico or an 18-ounce aged Iowa ribeye topped with signature steak butter. A popular happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily gives Ankeny residents plenty of reasons to call this place a regular haunt — and gives everyone else a good reason to make the trip. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60 Find it: 1375 SW Vintage Parkway in Ankeny, district36winebar.com Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Wine Bar Fleming’s has long been an anchor of the Jordan Creek dining scene, and while it’s a natural choice for a special occasion, the West Des Moines steakhouse is just as well-suited for a casual lunch or Tuesday night out. Prime steaks and best-in-class seafood headline the dinner menu, but the lunch lineup of sandwiches and salads and a daily happy hour with handcrafted cocktails and shareable bites make it easy to work Fleming’s into the regular rotation. dsm Restaurant Week special: $70-$80 Find it: 150 S. Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, flemingssteakhouse.com Gilroy’s Celebrating its 10th year, Gilroy’s has earned its reputation as one of the friendliest neighborhood hangouts in the metro. Tucked conveniently between downtown and the suburbs, the covered patio is a perennial warm-weather destination, especially on a Wednesday night when there’s live music going. If you’re in the mood for apps while you watch the game, be sure to put in an order of the cheese curds, but if you stay for dinner, the Jambalaya Pasta is always a solid choice. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 1238 Eighth St. in West Des Moines, gilroyskitchen.com Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse It makes sense that you’d find Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse at the Rewind Hotel in West Des Moines. The vibe is a total throwback with a supper club feel that harkens back to the Rat Pack era. If you’re going for the steak, you’ve got plenty of options (though the Steak de Burgo is tough to beat). But if pasta or seafood is more your speed, why not do both? Order the Chanel No. 5, a generous portion of cheese ravioli topped with lobster, shrimp, artichokes and prosciutto tossed in a garlic cream sauce and you’ll likely make your fellow diners jealous. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60 Find it: 6075 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines, johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com Magee’s Irish Pub In Ireland, a pub isn’t just a bar — it’s a kitchen table, a living room, a place where strangers become friends over a pint. That’s exactly the spirit Magee’s has brought to Ankeny, with warm hospitality, a serious Irish whiskey and Scotch selection, and a menu that delivers on the classics like fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, and a shepherd’s pie. Pro tip: Start with the Reuben Egg Rolls served with scratch-made Thousand Island dressing. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $60-$70 Find it: 1610 SW Main St., Suite 107 in Ankeny, mageesirishpub.com Prime Providence On one end of Prime Providence’s open kitchen sits a chilled oyster bar. On the other, Chef Dom Iannarelli’s custom 15-foot Josper hearth turns out prime beef and seafood with a deep, wood-fired char that’s become the restaurant’s signature. But the vegetables and sides are no afterthought, either. Inventive creations like the grilled halloumi salad with pickled strawberries or the rainbow carrots with hot honey butter get the same care and attention as anything coming off the fire. It’s that start-to-finish intentionality that landed the steakhouse on USA Today’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $70-$80 Find it: 595 S. 60th St. in West Des Moines, primeandprovidence.com Ruth’s Chris Steak House If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re dining in Chicago or New York without leaving the metro, Ruth’s Chris is your answer. Three bars, multiple dining areas and rooftop patios give the West Des Moines location a scale that’s hard to match locally, and the USDA prime steaks and top-notch service live up to every square inch of the restaurant’s expansive footprint. dsm Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to favorites like the veal osso bucco ravioli or a classic filet mignon. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $50-$60 Find it: 950 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 1100 in West Des Moines, ruthschrisphg.com/west-des-moines Tribute Eatery Bar When Tribute took over the former 30hop space in Ankeny’s District at Prairie Trail, it brought with it the casual-yet-refined American bistro menu that made the original outpost in Coralville such a hit. The steak frites and deviled eggs are must-trys. And don’t sleep on lunch: The “pick two” option makes a strong case for getting out for a bite, and with 99-cent lunch martinis (yes, you read that right), you just might want to make a whole afternoon of it. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 1615 SW Main St., #105 in Ankeny, tributebar.com/ankeny Trostel’s Greenbriar Family owned and independently operated for 39 years, Trostel’s Greenbriar has earned its place as a Johnston institution. The come-as-you-are atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, from boisterous birthday parties to solo diners just looking for a good meal. If there’s one thing everyone must try, it’s the baked mushroom Boursin to start, and if you feel like splurging, you’ll want to go all in on the prime rib. Weekly seasonal chef specials and wine pairings mean there’s always a reason to return, even if you’re a regular. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 5810 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, greenbriartrostels.com Urban Cellar Urban Cellar Part restaurant, part wine market, Urban Cellar is a West Des Moines neighborhood gem that rewards a little planning. Swing by the market first and pick out a bottle with help from their sommelier, then enjoy it for dinner without paying a corkage fee. The New American menu covers a lot of ground — steaks, pastas, seafood, pizza — but for dsm Restaurant Week, look for the miso ramen tuna, artichoke chicken, and blood orange crème brûlée. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 640 S. 50th St. in West Des Moines, urbancellarwdm.com Urban Grill There’s a reason Urban Grill is closing in on 25 years. The friendly Urbandale spot has become a go-to for many on the northwest side with its warm mahogany interior, a welcoming atmosphere and food that consistently hits the mark. The all-American menu is familiar without being boring (you’ll find Korean steak tacos right next to the classic club sandwich), plus the bill at the end of the night won’t cause sticker shock. dsm Restaurant Week specials: $40-$50 Find it: 3651 86th St. in Urbandale, theurbangrilldm.com ...read more read less