Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Des Moines | Upscale Japanese Food

14 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Des Moines | Upscale Japanese Food

• Thai Flavors Ingersoll — Thai: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the fragrant steam of lemongrass and galangal mingles with the delicate, clean scents of a bustling sushi bar. Guests gather over ornate platters brimming with the bold, multi-layered spices of authentic Thai tradition, balanced by the meticulous artistry of hand-rolled sushi that celebrates the freshest catch. It is a place where the warmth of Southeast Asian hospitality meets a contemporary neighborhood energy, offering a sensory journey that transports the palate with every vibrant bite.
• Sakari Sushi Lounge — Japanese: Bathed in a chic, high-energy glow, this modern lounge invites guests to linger over an array of vibrant, shareable plates that celebrate bold textures and fiery flavors. From the satisfying crunch of golden-fried katsu to the indulgent warmth of creamy crab rangoon dip, every bite is a sensory celebration designed for social evenings and spirited conversation.
• Thai Flavors Restaraunt — Thai: The air at Thai Flavors Restaurant hums with the fragrant steam of lemongrass and the focused artistry of the sushi counter, creating an atmosphere where bold Southeast Asian heat meets East Asian refinement. Vibrant platters overflowing with authentic Thai spices share the table with meticulously arranged Japanese gastronomic spreads, offering a sensory journey through the diverse textures and tastes of the Orient. It is a place where every bite, from the zesty daily specials to the delicate sushi selections, celebrates a harmonious blend of tradition and fresh, vibrant ingredients.
• Wasabi — Japanese: Wasabi invites diners into a sleek, modern sanctuary where the vibrant energy of a bustling sushi bar meets the serene elegance of minimalist design. Masterful chefs transform the freshest catches into edible art, from buttery slices of sashimi that melt on the tongue to inventive rolls bursting with bold, zesty flavors. It is a destination where every plate celebrates the delicate balance of tradition and creativity, offering a refined yet spirited journey through contemporary Japanese cuisine.
• Blue Sushi Sake Grill — Japanese: This high-energy destination pulses with a vibrant, modern energy, where neon-blue accents and a social atmosphere set the stage for a bold exploration of contemporary Japanese flavors. Artfully plated sushi rolls and responsibly sourced sashimi arrive alongside an extensive selection of premium sakes, inviting diners to linger over shared plates in a space that feels both sophisticated and electric.
• 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.
• Haiku — Japanese: Stepping into Haiku feels like entering a serene sanctuary where minimalist aesthetics and the rhythmic precision of the kitchen create an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Each dish arrives as a meticulously composed poem of seasonal flavors, balancing delicate textures with vibrant, umami-rich ingredients that celebrate the art of culinary simplicity.
• Sakura Sushi — Japanese: Bathed in the soft glow of paper lanterns and accented by delicate floral motifs, this serene sanctuary offers an intimate escape into the heart of Japanese culinary artistry. Behind the polished wooden counter, master chefs transform the freshest catches into edible art, from buttery slices of sashimi that melt on the tongue to intricately layered rolls bursting with vibrant, seasonal flavors. Each plate arrives as a masterclass in balance and precision, inviting guests to linger over a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is deeply satisfying.
• Mandarin Grill & Sushi Bar — Japanese: Bathed in warm, inviting light, this vibrant destination bridges the gap between the meticulous precision of a master sushi bar and the smoky, high-heat allure of the grill. Guests watch as delicate slices of pristine sashimi are plated with artistic flair, while nearby, the kitchen turns out charred, savory classics infused with the bold, aromatic spices of the East. It is a sensory journey that marries the cool, clean elegance of the sea with the comforting warmth of the flame, offering a sophisticated yet spirited escape for every palate.
• Akebono — Japanese: Bathed in a soft, ethereal glow that mirrors its namesake dawn, this serene sanctuary invites guests to experience the quiet artistry of Japanese culinary traditions through meticulously crafted plates. The rhythmic precision of the open kitchen blends seamlessly with the warm, wood-toned interior, creating an intimate atmosphere where time slows down over a parade of vibrant sashimi and delicate, seasonal flavors.
• Wasabi Chi — Japanese: Bathed in a vibrant, modern glow, Wasabi Chi invites diners into a high-energy space where the rhythmic chop of the sushi bar sets the tempo for an evening of bold Asian flavors. Artfully plated specialty rolls burst with color and texture, pairing perfectly with crisp sake and zesty ginger-infused cocktails to create a dining experience that feels both electric and intimate.
• Hibachi Grill — Japanese: The air hums with the rhythmic clinking of steel spatulas and the savory aroma of garlic butter as skilled chefs perform a captivating dance of fire and flavor at communal grill tables. Guests are treated to a theatrical dining experience where sizzling cuts of steak and succulent seafood are seared to perfection amidst leaping flames, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for lively gatherings and shared celebrations.
• Izumi Sushi & Hibachi — Japanese: The air at Izumi Sushi & Hibachi hums with the rhythmic clinking of spatulas against sizzling grills, where chefs transform fresh ingredients into smoky hibachi feasts amidst a flurry of theatrical flair. Delicate artistry takes center stage at the sushi bar, where vibrant slices of sashimi and intricately layered specialty rolls offer a cool, refined contrast to the golden crunch of tempura and savory glazes of teriyaki. This lively destination invites guests to explore a vast landscape of Japanese flavors, from the comforting warmth of steaming udon to the indulgent variety of a bountiful all-you-can-eat lunch.
• Miyabi 9 — Japanese: Sunlight streams through large windows into a space where exposed brick meets polished wood, setting a sophisticated stage for the refined artistry of Japanese cuisine. At the bustling sushi bar, master chefs transform pristine cuts of fish into vibrant, edible masterpieces that balance delicate textures with bold, inventive flavors. This urban sanctuary invites guests to linger over creative specialty rolls and premium sake, offering a seamless blend of modern energy and timeless culinary tradition.