West Des Moines has always had a solid dining scene, but over the past couple of years, it's gotten genuinely exciting. From Northwoods-inspired supper clubs serving hand-shucked oysters to craft cocktail bars that have become Valley Junction institutions, WDM is earning a reputation as one of the best places to eat in the entire Des Moines metro.
The Best Restaurants in West Des Moines for 2026
1. Cooper's on 5th
Craft Cocktails · Comfort Food · Valley Junction
Address: 227 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Hours: Tue–Fri: 11am–2pm & 4pm–10pm | Sat: 11am–10pm | Closed Sun–Mon
Must Order: Meatloaf Meltdown, Cajun Meatloaf, award-winning craft cocktails, Eggroll du Jour
Why Visit: West Des Moines' first craft cocktail bar, earning Yelp's #1 spot consistently. Classy comfort food in a cozy Valley Junction setting, perfect for date night or a client dinner. Happy Hour runs 4–6pm with $1 off drafts and well drinks.
Megan's Local Take: Cooper's sits right in the heart of Historic Valley Junction, one of the most charming and walkable pockets of West Des Moines. Many of my clients who move to the area cite proximity to Valley Junction as a major reason they chose WDM over other suburbs. If you're curious about homes near this neighborhood, I'd love to show you around.
2. Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster
Northwoods Supper Club · Fresh Oysters · New in 2024
Address: 9500 University Ave, Suite 1118, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Hours: Tue–Thu: 3:30pm–10pm | Fri: 11am–10pm | Sat–Sun: check website | Closed Mon
Must Order: Chargrilled Oysters, Lobster Roll, Trout Almandine, Walleye & Chips, Guesthouse S'more dessert
Why Visit: Opened in February 2024 and quickly became one of the most talked-about new restaurants in the metro. Co-owned by the team behind Barn Town Brewing and Django, Guesthouse brings a Wisconsin lodge atmosphere to West Des Moines — think plaid booths, fishing reels on the walls, and the freshest oysters in the Midwest (flown in multiple times per week). Reservations strongly recommended.
Megan's Local Take: Guesthouse is already drawing people from all over the metro to this stretch of University Ave near Waukee. The WDM/Waukee corridor has seen tremendous residential growth, and this restaurant is a perfect example of the dining culture that's following that growth. If you've been considering the Waukee or West Des Moines area, the lifestyle here is very real.
3. Prime & Providence
Upscale Fine Dining · Special Occasions
Address: 595 S 60th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Hours: Check website for current hours — reservations recommended
Must Order: Chef's seasonal selections, premium steaks, artisan cocktails
Why Visit: A standout destination for upscale dining in West Des Moines. Prime & Providence earns consistent praise for its sophisticated ambiance, attentive service, and commitment to high-quality ingredients. It's the kind of place that makes West Des Moines feel less like a suburb and more like a genuine dining destination. Best for special occasions, client dinners, or celebrations.
Megan's Local Take: West Des Moines has evolved significantly in the last decade, what used to be a purely residential suburb now has the kind of dining scene you'd expect in a major city neighborhood. That shift in lifestyle quality is one reason I see so many buyers choosing WDM, especially those relocating from larger metros.
4. Waterfront Seafood Market
Fresh Seafood · Casual & Family-Friendly · Local Institution
Address: 2900 University Ave, Suite 130, West Des Moines, IA 50266 (Clocktower Square)
Hours: Check website for current seasonal hours
Must Order: New England Clam Chowder, Creole Seafood Gumbo, fresh oysters, grilled salmon, surf & turf
Why Visit: A West Des Moines staple since 1984. Family-owned, consistently excellent, and serving the freshest seafood the Midwest can access. The award-winning Clam Chowder alone is worth the trip and the retail market side lets you bring fresh catch home. This place has earned its loyal following across four decades for good reason.
Megan's Local Take: There's something to be said for a neighborhood restaurant that has thrived for 40+ years, it reflects the stability and community character of West Des Moines. Longtime residents are deeply proud of places like Waterfront. It's one of the first restaurants I recommend to new clients settling in from out of state
5. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Mon–Thu: 11am–10pm | Fri–Sat: 11am–11pm | Sun: 11am–9pm
Address: 440 S 68th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266 (near Jordan Creek Town Center)
Hours: Wood-fired steaks, FIREBAR® Happy Hour (Mon–Fri 4–6:30pm), seasonal cocktails
Must Order: New England Clam Chowder, Creole Seafood Gumbo, fresh oysters, grilled salmon, surf & turf
Why Visit: A refined yet approachable steakhouse that consistently earns top marks from WDM diners. The FIREBAR is a lively spot for Happy Hour. Located near Jordan Creek Town Center, it's convenient whether you're coming from across the metro or heading out for a post-shopping dinner. Great for a group or a date.
Megan's Local Take: Jordan Creek is one of the most active commercial and residential corridors in the greater Des Moines area. Homes in this part of West Des Moines sell quickly and hold their value well, excellent schools, proximity to shopping, and restaurants like Firebirds make it a top choice for move-up buyers.
6. G-Mig's 5th Street Pub
Neighborhood Pub · Casual · Sports Bar · Valley Junction
Address: 128 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Hours: Check current hours — typically open for lunch and dinner
Must Order: Prime Rib Burger, Flatbread Pizzas, Weekend Brunch, large craft beer selection
Why Visit: G-Mig's is the quintessential Valley Junction neighborhood pub, fresh food prepared by owner and head chef George Migliero, 15 flat-screen TVs, an oak bar, and the kind of atmosphere where everyone seems to know each other. It's loud, welcoming, and exactly what a neighborhood sports bar should be. One of the most beloved casual spots in the area.
Megan's Local Take: Valley Junction is one of those rare neighborhoods that feels genuinely local — independent shops, locally-owned restaurants, community events all year. It draws a very different buyer than Jordan Creek does, and I love helping people find the area that fits their lifestyle. If a walkable, local-flavor neighborhood sounds appealing to you, we should talk.
7. Barn Town Brewing
Local Craft Brewery · Casual Dining · Family-Friendly
Address: 9500 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266 (near Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster)
Hours: Check website for current hours
Must Order: House-brewed craft beers, rotating seasonal selections, pub food
Why Visit: West Des Moines' beloved local craft brewery. Barn Town is a community hub, the kind of place you bring family, friends, and out-of-town guests. Their beer program is genuinely excellent, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it approachable for everyone from serious craft beer fans to casual visitors. Also co-owns the adjacent Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster, making this stretch of University Ave a two-stop dining destination.
Megan's Local Take: The growth of the craft brewery and dining scene in WDM over the last five years has been remarkable and it tracks closely with the growth of the residential market. Buyers in their 30s and 40s prioritize lifestyle infrastructure, and a thriving local food and beverage scene is increasingly a factor in home purchase decisions.
Also Worth Checking Out: Tom Archer's Poor Man's Supper Club (quirky and beloved Valley Junction spot), The Green Olive (consistently rated for ambiance and cocktails), Urban Cellar (wine bar and bites near Jordan Creek), and Bix (great for pre-show dining near Val Air Ballroom). West Des Moines' restaurant scene keeps expanding — check local guides like Cityview Des Moines and the WDM Chamber for the latest openings.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dining in West Des Moines
What are the best restaurants in West Des Moines, Iowa?
Based on current Yelp and TripAdvisor rankings as well as local recommendations, the best restaurants in West Des Moines include Cooper's on 5th (craft cocktails and comfort food in Valley Junction), Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster (Northwoods-inspired seafood and supper club fare), Prime & Providence (upscale fine dining), Waterfront Seafood Market (a WDM institution since 1984), and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (steakhouse near Jordan Creek). For casual dining and craft beer, Barn Town Brewing and G-Mig's 5th Street Pub are local favorites.
What are the newest restaurants in West Des Moines in 2024-2026?
Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster, which opened in February 2024, is the most talked-about new restaurant in West Des Moines. Located at 9500 University Ave near Waukee, it's a Northwoods supper club concept co-owned by the teams behind Barn Town Brewing and Django. The restaurant features fresh oysters flown in multiple times weekly, hand-cut steaks, and a warm lodge atmosphere. It's earned strong reviews since opening and quickly became one of the top-rated spots in the metro.
Are there good restaurants in Valley Junction, West Des Moines?
Yes. Historic Valley Junction is one of the best dining neighborhoods in West Des Moines. Cooper's on 5th (award-winning craft cocktails and comfort food) and G-Mig's 5th Street Pub (neighborhood pub with fresh food and sports bar atmosphere) are both Valley Junction staples. The area also hosts local shops, galleries, and community events, making it a walkable destination rather than just a meal stop.
What is the best restaurant near Jordan Creek Town Center?
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is consistently rated as the best restaurant near Jordan Creek Town Center. The wood-fired steakhouse is located at 440 S 68th St and offers a refined but approachable dining experience with a popular FIREBAR Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4–6:30pm.
Thinking About Making West Des Moines Home?
The dining scene here is just one reason so many buyers are choosing WDM. Between the excellent schools, growing neighborhoods like Clive and Waukee, and a community feel that's hard to find in larger cities, this is a remarkable place to live.
I'd love to help you find the right home in the right neighborhood. Whether you're looking for walkable Valley Junction character or a newer build near Jordan Creek or Waukee, let's talk.
