I dropped in here late at night and was immediately impressed. Even for a late hour, the place had…read morea great energy and a warm, friendly atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The decor and seating are spot on it's a stylish space that still feels incredibly comfortable. The service was 10/10. My waiter was fantastic, very warm, and made the whole experience seamless. I ordered the Zucchini Fritters, and they were a total win. Crispy, flavorful, and exactly what I needed. If you're looking for one of the best spots in the city with high-quality food and a vibe that actually lives up to the hype, this is it. I'm officially a fan and will definitely be back!

I loved the concept of tapas sharing plates. We had a wide variety of goodies. The group voted for…read morethe stuffed mushrooms as the best! We had reservations and were seated very quickly. Our server was conscious of our theater time so we weren't late. Do yourself a favor and try one of their amazing martinis.

I dropped in for dinner between 6 PM and 8 PM and honestly, I've found a new favorite. The vibe…read morehere is 10/10 candlelit, romantic, and perfectly quiet. Even though I was dining solo today, the staff treated me like a VIP. The waiter was incredibly warm and took the time to explain everything on the menu with real patience. The food? Absolutely crazy. I ordered the Pork Steamed Buns and they were on my table in under 10 minutes. The aroma alone was incredible, and the flavor was next level. Fresh greens, perfectly prepared pork it just works. If you want amazing service and food that actually lives up to the hype, this is the spot. I'm officially a fan

A must-visit Des Moines restaurant that pulls off a unique menu in a cozy interior with elite…read morecustomer service. Grace, our server, was amazing, adding so much to the entire visit. Thankful! They serve tapas style, and we grazed all night! We literally tried as much as we could, and loved the entire experience. Among my favorites were the Black Pepper Pork Noodles, Halibut Cheeks, Pea Pasta, and the Beef Fat Potstoes. But I also loved the Farm Carrots and HH Onigari. Seriously, amazing growth food, bolstered by an incredible level of customer service. Finished a great meal with terrific Dark Chocolate Gateau and Strawberry Shortcake. This is a superb place...GO!

Drinks before and after the show at RŌCA…read more The drinks were all fantastic. The Pig & Fig Manhattan was fantastic with Bacon Fat Washed Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and house bitters. Excellent start. She got the smoked margarita which was really cool and smoky. Don Julio Blanco, lime, Cointreau, Agave, and Apple-Wood Smole. Very decadent. After the show we got: The Polar Express O with Diplomatico Rum, Sweetened Condensed Milk, coffee topped with cold foam, and grated chocolate. Very boozy and strong. Didn't look very good in the glass, but tasted ok. Very strong. She choose the Cold Brew Martini and it was excellent with Ketel One Vodka, Averna Amaro, Madagascar Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup, and House Cold Brew Coffee. The service was great. Will be back for more drinks.

4.6* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $46 06/28/2025 Enjoyed our latest visit to RoCA with friends after Mass Saturday evening. My wife started with a Smoked Margarita (see picture) and I opted for the El Chapo (see picture) - both were delicious. The great thing about a small plates restaurant, especially with 4 people, is that you can try a bunch of different things...and that we did! We each chose one small plate and I'll say up front that all of them were wonderful and I wouldn't hesitate to order any of them again. We started with a BBQ, Pork & Apple Flatbread (see picture), followed by the Deconstructed Ribeye Nachos (see picture), Fondue (see picture) and Graziano Sausage & Pepperoni Flatbread (see picture). Of all of these, our favorite was the Fondue and Deconstructed Ribeye Nachos...but both Flatbreads were also very good. The only negatives to the atmosphere were having to go downstairs for the restroom and a bachelorette party next to us that got a little loud. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

Got stuck here with weather and flight issues. Food was amazing, drinks were great, service and…read moreatmosphere so nice for a bad travel day.

Stopped by Wednesday night. Sat at the bar, looked around,…read moreno one around. Several servers walked by, not even eye contact. Three servers huddled near the end of the bar, appeared to be strategizing about who was covering what table. We both looked at all three of them, no eye contact or recognition we were alive. We stood up and walked out. It was clear to us that no one was going to acknowledge us, much less hand us a menu. Won't return anytime soon.

My how I have missed my favorite restaurant in the Midwest! This was my first time at their new…read morelocation and it did not disappoint. Chef Lynn greeted me when I walked in and took time to chat with me. Everyone and everything here is fabulous and I will be back as often as possible. The food, service and ambiance are fabulous!

Train wreck-in every way. We flew into Des Moines from AZ and a friend suggested this restaurant…read more We arrived at 8pm for our 8:15pm reservation. There were two other tables in the whole restaurant so needless to say it was quiet. Our server was sweet but obviously not trained on efficient and fast service but was probably encouraged to run like a bunny when things go sideways. We ordered two glasses of wine and an old fashioned. Figured I just got off of a plane so why not get the evening going with some bourbon and have a Plan B with the glass of wine when I am ready. Two glasses of wine were delivered but no old fashioned. Who does this? Anyhow, old fashioned came out next. We ordered a cup of soup and a small salad to start with and then ordered a burger, medium, with fries and the pasta bolognese. The soup and salad came out but there was a long stretch of time before entrees came out. When they finally arrived the burger was very rare inside so my wife let the server know and she apologized and scurried off. I tried to wait but it was getting cold so I slowly nibbled. After 20 minutes, I flagged down our server and asked if the burger was coming out and she said "oh, do you want another one"? It was now 9pm and they were closing but we were not leaving until we enjoyed a medium burger. When the new burger came out, she said the "owner made it himself. We cut it in half to check the temperature it was still pink. How can an owner of a restaurant not know how to make a medium-medium well burger? And why didn't he walk out and deliver it himself and apologize? Not a word! My dish was finished and plate was gone while my wife finally had her burger. We had planned to eat together that was not going to happen tonite. She ate half and we took the rest of it to go. With wine, an old fashioned and the worst dinner experience, we spent $174 with tip. Huge mistake. Here is my tip: train your servers on how to take care of customers. To the cooks, invest in a thermometer if you can't tell when a burger is medium. To the owner, step out and make sure your customers are happy and enjoying your food.

I just absolutely love this place. I don't live in Pella but whenever I visit my mother here I…read morealways try to make it by the Wijn House. The ladies are always so nice and it's just lovely to have a nice stop and chat. Last weekend there was a free wine tasting and I was so surprised by what I ended up liking! I wish I had a place like the Wijn House where I live!

Excellent service and we really enjoyed the selection of reserve wines. You choose 4 for $7. So…read moreworth it! Loved the cheese and grapes as well as the flatbread with prosciutto and feta. Yum.

4.8* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $50 05/15/2026 My wife is fond of her Lebanese heritage, so when we saw Open Sesame on the Des Moines Register's Must Go List in East Village last month, we knew we needed to check it out. Last night was our opportunity and boy was it ever a memorable experience! Their website speaks of it being a colorful decor - and that is true both inside and out (see pictures)! We were warmly greeted and promptly seated - and asked if he could take our picture under the billowing, colorful ceiling (see picture). We started with a a round of drinks - my wife ordered the Ishtar's Revenge (see picture) and I went with the Yazmina (see picture). All of the cocktails are quite unique and we enjoyed both of these. As we started talking with our server, MJ - he looked familiar and his story sounded familiar. We asked and he confirmed that he used to own Gazali's in Clive, IA - a restaurant closer to our home that we enjoyed several times. MJ recommended the the Vegetarian Sampler Plate (see picture) for an appetizer and we loved it - offering the opportunity to sample several different Lebanese menu items on one plate. For our main courses, my wife ordered the Shawarma Chicken Pita Wrap (see picture) and I opted for the Combo Rice Plate (see picture), done spicy per MJ's suggestion. As we always do, we shared tastes of each of our dishes and loved them both! Lastly, the Jalab (rose and date infused water - see picture) caught my eye - so I ordered one of those to enjoy with my meal. Again, it is highly recommended! What visit to a Lebanese restaurant would be complete without Baklava (see picture), which MJ recommended that we enjoy with Turkish Coffees (see picture and video of pouring). We even got an education on how best to each the Baklava - pick it up with your fingers, take a bite, then keep that bite in your mouth while you take a sip of the Turkish Coffee - then enjoy! While it is hard not to enjoy Bakalava, it was even better when paired with the Turkish Coffee. If you found this review helpful, please Share, Follow & Like.

It's just wonderful to find a taste of the Middle East in the heart of Des Moines! The Lebanese…read morecafé specializes in many handheld's delicacies that include falafel, Shawarma, and gyros. Sides accompany most sandwiches that includes salads or soup. At the base of the state capital, you'll find metered street parking available and easy access. The restaurant is open for lunch hours and then closes for a few hours mid afternoon reopening in the evening. We were there for lunchtime and there was a nice bit of dining and takeout traffic going on while we were at the restaurant. Soft drinks, wines, and a nicely stocked bar is available with specialty cocktails. The food was freshly prepared and nicely seasoned. It's been years since I had falafel and I found theirs to be absolutely delicious! Pricing was very reasonable and service was pleasant and attentive. I would definitely come back to this restaurant to try some of the other specialties offered as the menu is extensive.

Food was honestly so good. Quiet and chill. Waitress was so sweet and kept our drinks topped. I had…read morethe seared chicken and the strawberry bitch cocktail 10/10

Food was delicious! Tried the crab Rangoon dip, the crab…read morecakes, the tomahawk pork chop and the Cesar salad. All were very good. Served hot and fresh.

We rolled in with a party of six (reservation on point, confirmations and updates included), and…read morethey were ready for us like pros. Wood-fire kiln? It made the whole place smell delicious! Daily specials? Absolutely. A menu with a little something for everyone--bowls, pizzas, sandwiches--but make it high-end. Add in cocktails and lattes (because choices matter), a really nice space where you can actually sit, relax, and visit without shouting across the table, and you have a win. Service was solid and smooth, and the automatic gratuity for our group made checkout easy and drama-free. Though I will say I don't understand this philosophy, but okay! You would have gotten more out of me. If you are looking for a spot that delivers good food, good vibes, and room to enjoy the people you are with, St Kilda's delivered.

As you drive through the junction stop in at St. Kilda's on 5 th for brunch and order from their…read morecreative menu - Salmon. The salmon was fresh served with two poached eggs that increased the scrumptious taste as the small steamed sliced finger potatoes, sliced cherry tomatoes and leaves of baby spinach circled the plate illuminating an eye appealing dish that was Flavor-town worthy. The side salad tossed in ranch was fabulous, but the red velvet cake was dry in the center needing a little tender loving care as it related to the mixing, baking temperature or more oil to improve the center moisture. Menu had some creative brunch options with moderate pricing, The super friendly wait staff (Isabella) seated you within minutes based on your preference-- parking on the street was good and close to the front. The decor was very upscale mod suitable for casual dining making it a perfect place for social gatherings. Another small business in the Junction to try and support.