Best Salad in Des Moines | Top 12 Spots

12 restaurants in Best Salad in Des Moines | Top 12 Spots

• 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.
• Simon's — American: Simon’s offers a warm, convivial escape where the air is rich with the aroma of roasted garlic and bubbling, herb-infused cheeses. The experience centers on the art of the shared table, inviting guests to linger over golden-crisp crostini and savory stuffed mushrooms before refreshing the palate with vibrant, garden-fresh salads drizzled in tangy balsamic.
• Maxie's Supper Club — Seafood: Maxie’s Supper Club evokes the timeless charm of a classic neighborhood haunt, where the golden crunch of signature onion rings and the rich, velvety indulgence of a Rarebit burger anchor a menu of soulful comfort. Guests settle into a warm, convivial atmosphere to share bubbling crocks of baked cavatelli and hearty steak salads, creating a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and celebratory.
• Grounds For Celebration — American: Sun-drenched and inviting, this neighborhood gem welcomes guests with the comforting aroma of golden, flaky quiche and the sweet allure of freshly baked "baby cakes." Crisp, orchard-fresh pear salads and buttery croissants filled with creamy chicken salad offer a bright, wholesome escape from the midday rush, turning a simple lunch into a soulful celebration of flavor.
• Alba Restaurant — Italian: Alba Restaurant glows with a sophisticated yet soulful energy, where the botanical notes of a Violet Beauregard cocktail and the convivial hum of a lively happy hour invite guests to settle in and linger. The kitchen masters the art of elevated comfort, pairing tender, wine-braised lamb shanks and crisp pan-roasted halibut with playful starters like creamy deviled eggs and jewel-toned beet salads. From the refined elegance of a marinated hanger steak to the communal joy of a signature Monday night burger, every meal is a masterclass in balanced flavors and polished neighborhood hospitality.
• 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.
• W-Tao Sushi — Japanese: W-Tao Sushi invites diners into a serene, modern sanctuary where the delicate steam from fragrant bowls of seafood miso and spicy tom yum soup fills the air with comforting warmth. The experience celebrates vibrant textures and oceanic flavors, from the buttery richness of fresh avocado salads to the bold, peppery snap of sesame-crusted tuna and zesty spicy squid. Each dish is a masterclass in balance, offering a refreshing escape where traditional Japanese foundations meet bright, contemporary zest in every bite.
• Teriyaki Boys & China Star — Chinese: The air hums with the sizzle of the grill and the sweet, umami-rich aroma of house-made glazes caramelizing over tender cuts of beef, chicken, and succulent shrimp. Diners are treated to a vibrant fusion of textures, where crisp seaweed salads and golden, molten-centered crab rangoons provide the perfect prelude to hearty bowls of flame-kissed proteins and fresh vegetables. It is a bustling neighborhood gem that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, high-energy dining experience.
• 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.
• Tasty Tacos — Mexican: This lively neighborhood haunt pulses with the irresistible aroma of toasted corn and slow-simmered meats, drawing guests into a space where every plate is a celebration of bold, handheld flavors. Golden nacho supremes piled high with melted cheese share the table with garden-fresh taco salads and hearty burritos, offering a satisfying harmony of textures that range from the snap of a crisp shell to the warmth of a hand-rolled enchilada. It is a vibrant sanctuary for those seeking a casual yet soul-warming feast where the simple joy of a perfectly seasoned taco takes center stage.
• Fiesta Mexican Restaurant — Mexican: The air at Fiesta Mexican Restaurant hums with the rhythmic mashing of made-to-order guacamole and the savory, spiced aroma of slow-simmered birria tucked into crisp, melted quesadillas. Vibrant plates like the Baja cod tacos and the locally-inspired Iowa harvest taco salad bring a sun-drenched energy to the table, offering a festive escape where bold coastal flavors meet the warm heart of the Midwest.
• Village Inn — American: This welcoming neighborhood hub radiates a timeless charm, where the comforting sizzle of the griddle and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee invite guests to linger over fluffy, golden omelettes and artisan-style sandwiches. The heart of the experience lies in the gleaming dessert case, a vibrant gallery of flaky-crusted pies and decadent cakes that promises a sweet, nostalgic finish to every meal. From crisp, garden-fresh salads to wholesome family feasts prepared for the journey home, every dish captures the simple, soul-warming essence of classic American hospitality.