Best Des Moines Restaurants with Mediterranean Options | Top Rated

16 restaurants in Best Des Moines Restaurants with Mediterranean Options | Top Rated

• Winchester Public House — American · rated 4/5: Winchester Public House serves as a spirited neighborhood anchor where the inviting glow of the bar and the aroma of toasted flatbreads set the stage for a convivial night out. The kitchen reimagines social dining through a parade of artisanal shareables, from warm, salt-flecked pretzels and creamy dips to a diverse collection of sliders that pack bold, global flavors into every bite. It is a place where the casual charm of a local pub meets a refined culinary sensibility, creating a welcoming retreat perfect for lingering over craft drinks and savory plates.
• Michael's Pizza — Italian: Michael's Pizza serves as a warm neighborhood anchor where the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and bubbling cheese draws guests into a space buzzing with casual energy. The kitchen masters the art of the shared table, turning out crispy, golden-fried favorites and savory, molten dips alongside bright, garden-fresh salads that burst with Mediterranean flavors.
• Blue Shark Ale House — American: This vibrant social hub hums with the energy of a classic neighborhood hangout, where the aroma of golden-fried favorites and the clink of glasses set the stage for a relaxed afternoon. Guests dive into shareable mountains of loaded waffle fries and bubbling crocks of spinach artichoke dip, savoring a menu that celebrates the crunch of panko-crusted curds and the zesty heat of southwest egg rolls. It is a place where every plate is an invitation to linger, turning casual bites into a communal feast of comfort and camaraderie.
• Palmer's Deli — American: Step into a vibrant neighborhood cornerstone where the rhythmic clatter of a busy kitchen and the scent of freshly toasted bread create an atmosphere of effortless warmth. The counter celebrates the art of the stacked sandwich, from the robust, savory layers of the Beef Eater and the Cowboy to the bright, crisp crunch of the Apple Orchard and garden-fresh market selections. It is a sanctuary for the lunchtime crowd, offering a soulful dining experience where every handcrafted creation feels like a flavorful tribute to classic deli traditions.
• Either/Or — American: Either/Or pulses with a vibrant, communal energy, offering a stylish backdrop where eclectic small plates and elevated comfort classics take center stage. Guests linger over tables laden with everything from zesty Mexican cheese curds and delicate tuna poke to charred, smoky broccolini, creating a spirited dining experience that celebrates bold flavors and the joy of sharing.
• Roots95 — American: Roots95 invites diners into a stylish, high-energy space where global inspirations converge through a sophisticated array of shareable plates designed for discovery. The kitchen balances bold textures and refined flavors, serving everything from zesty spicy tuna tostadas and delicate dumplings to the decadent, sweet-savory crunch of roasted pear and bleu cheese flatbreads. It is a destination where modern culinary artistry meets a warm, communal spirit, making every meal feel like a vibrant celebration of contemporary tastes.
• The Green Olive — Mediterranean: The air at this sun-drenched morning retreat is thick with the scent of sizzling ham and griddled batter, drawing locals in for a soulful start to the day. From the delicate fold of a sweet crepe to the robust, savory layers of a breakfast torta, every plate celebrates the comforting art of the classic breakfast in a space that feels like a warm neighborhood embrace.
• Java Joe's — American: Sunlight streams through the windows of this bustling neighborhood haunt, where the rhythmic sizzle of hashbrowns and the aroma of toasted bagels create a warm, inviting morning ritual. From golden-brown biscuits ladled with rich gravy to vibrant, garden-fresh melts, every dish is a celebration of hearty, soul-warming comfort that turns a simple meal into a cherished daily escape.
• Palmer's Deli & Market — American: This vibrant neighborhood staple hums with the friendly energy of a local market, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of toasted rye and premium, hand-carved meats. Towering sandwiches like the hearty Cowboy and the crisp, refreshing Apple Orchard showcase a commitment to bold flavors and garden-fresh ingredients, all served in a bright, welcoming space. From the first savory bite of a classic Reuben to the last crumb of a signature club, every meal feels like a celebrated tradition in the heart of the community.
• South Union Bread Cafe — American: South Union Bread Cafe serves as a sun-drenched sanctuary for those seeking a fresh, nourishing escape, where the air is thick with the scent of artisanal loaves and the vibrant colors of seasonal produce. Here, the humble salad is elevated to a centerpiece, with crisp greens tossed in a global array of flavors—from zesty Cuban inspirations to classic, savory Italian medleys—offering a bright and satisfying dining experience in a bustling, friendly atmosphere.
• Urban Cellar — American: Urban Cellar unfolds as a vibrant social sanctuary where the air is perfumed with the scent of sizzling fire shrimp and savory braised pork empanadas. This modern retreat invites guests to linger over an eclectic array of shareable treasures, from the satisfying crunch of golden-fried zucchini to the rich, creamy indulgence of burrata and house-made meatballs. Every plate is a masterclass in bold textures and playful innovation, creating a spirited atmosphere where communal dining and elevated comfort flavors take center stage.
• Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe — Mediterranean: Steam rises from vibrant bowls in this lively noodle house, where a world of flavors converges in a celebration of comfort and creativity. Guests wander from the Mediterranean zest of a veggie tuscana to the bold, silken heat of spicy peanut noodles, all served in an atmosphere that hums with casual, welcoming energy. Every forkful of hearty penne or chopstick-lifted bite of savory udon brings together fresh ingredients and global inspiration for a truly personalized dining escape.
• Fresko — Mediterranean (often associated with "fresh: Fresko pulses with a vibrant energy, where the smoky perfume of the wood-fired oven mingles with an eclectic array of bold, global spices. Guests gather over shared plates of tender Moroccan skewers and charred octopus, or dive into the adventurous fusion of Thai red curry meatballs and crisp, pork-belly-flecked Brussels sprouts. It is a spirited destination that celebrates the art of the flame, offering a sensory journey through bright, fire-kissed flavors in a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
• Saint Kilda Collective — American: This sun-drenched sanctuary captures the vibrant spirit of Australian cafe culture, where the hum of neighborhood chatter mingles with the enticing aroma of sizzling chorizo and freshly griddled brioche. Plates arrive as a kaleidoscope of color, featuring everything from lush, herb-flecked Green Goddess omelets to golden, syrup-soaked French toast and the iconic, hearty "Big Aussie" breakfast. It is a space that celebrates the art of the morning, turning simple ingredients into a sophisticated yet laid-back culinary experience.
• Tito's Lounge — Mexican: Tito’s Lounge hums with a vibrant, social energy, inviting guests to settle into a space where the clink of glasses meets the irresistible aroma of golden-fried favorites and sizzling shareable plates. From the zesty crunch of firecracker shrimp to towering mounds of loaded nachos and savory, cheese-filled quesadillas, the kitchen turns out elevated comfort food designed for communal indulgence. This lively retreat blends the casual warmth of a neighborhood hangout with a spirited atmosphere, making it the ultimate destination for shared bites and late-night cravings.
• Lucca — Italian: Lucca serves as a sun-drenched sanctuary for the midday crowd, where the crisp snap of garden-fresh greens and the comforting aroma of toasted artisan bread fill the air. The kitchen artfully balances lightness and indulgence, layering vibrant salads with seasonal squash and tangy dressings alongside sophisticated sandwiches featuring creamy brie or zesty Cajun-spiced tuna. It is a refined neighborhood gem that celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients, offering a polished yet relaxed space to enjoy a truly elevated meal.