My first visit here since moving to Iowa...it didn't disappoint. The wait time was an hour and a half so we enjoyed a drink in the waiting area next door-people watching and watching the bartender do his thing. Ladies-this bartender is a throwback to a lost era! The owner checked in with us often and when we got to our table the service and food were fantastic. We had chicken florentine and pork deburgo. And the cake! Reminded me of my ex husband's sweet grandmas red velvet cake! The BF has taken me to a few of his favorites since I joined him in Iowa-but this is the first truly impressive restaurant. We will return! Well done Simon's staff! read more

Simon's - Chicken florentine and pork deburgo. - Italian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We had a ridiculously long wait but the bar area was hopping and fun. The food was mediocre. Butter sat in a bowl in little foil packets. White bread. We weren't off to a great start. Stuffed mushrooms were bland with bacon and mozzarella cheese. Salads were dripping with more mozzarella cheese and ranch dressing. The mozzarella weighed everything down without adding any taste. But then the steaks, gorgeous filets crusted in salt and pepper and garlic. Delicious. Mashed potatoes and maybe three asparagus on the side. Again, it's the same problem with everything else. So much oil on the plate, making it a bit sloppy and fatty. The red velvet cake was too sweet. Disappointing. read more

I travel the country and I NEVER don't stop at Simon's the packed house is exactly why it's a must the quality of the food matches the personable close knit staff! I will say since they expanded the lobby such a cool ambiance for a drink but even better for quality food! There's NOTHING on the menu I don't recommend and if you're local not making this your date night destination you are missing out each entree is served with red velvet cake complimentary bread before meal I left off pictures of the spicy mushroom appetizer and artichoke dip helps with gluten free and sends out cucumbers to accommodate! Will always tell people about Simon's around the country and will forever take new people when in town. MUST TRY! read more

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Good morning! Good afternoon! Good evening! Whenever you are reading this...! Owned by and operated by Simon Goheen. I've eaten at Simon's before, but not in quite a while. The last time may have even been before I started writing reviews... And I don't know why. If I had to pick a metro restaurant to label as magical.... Akin to how a child sees Disney... Simon's would be that spot for me. Let's start with the basics. When you arrive at Simon's you will find a small parking lot to the West of the property. There is also some street parking available on adjacent streets and in front of the restaurant. At open there will often be a line waiting outside to get into Simon's as they unlock the doors. Reservations are available for groups of 6+. Seating inside the main restaurant is booths, low top tables, and chairs, and seats at the bar. There is a waiting area one door to the West of the main restaurant... If you like photo ops the furniture and art in the waiting area are going to be right up your alley...! I love the vibe in both the restaurant and the waiting area! Dimly lit and a very relaxed feel to both spaces. It's one of those spots where you feel comfortable in shorts and polo or in a three piece suit. This time at Simon's was with a party of nine with 530 PM reservations on a Thursday evening. I was greeted right away as I walked in and two of us were already seated. I took my seat and our server introduced herself and took drink orders as we waited for the rest of our group. Two of my friends were greeted with hugs and handshakes from Simon and our server. Say you're a regualr without saying you're a regular...! I'm not going to remember everything ordered, but here's what I can remember seeing at the table... 1x Old fashioned (mine) 1x Baked artichoke dip 2x Spicy three cheese stuffed mushrooms (I'd ordered one of these) 2x Mushroom crostini 1x Garlic cheese bread 1x Vodka pasta w/ Grazianos sausage (seafood bisque on the side) 1x Chicken parmesan 1x Pork DeBurgo 1x Cordon Bleu 1x Seafood Cioppino and side salad with the house dressing (mine) 1x Shrimp & scallops 3x I have no idea... Lol Complimentary Red Velvet Cake The appetizers hit the table. It didn't seem like much time had passed after ordering, but that's how it is when you're in great company. We'd all worked together for over a decade or more and still keep in touch. Everything was spot on! I was particularly impressed with the mushroom crostini. So savory and then the contrast of the textures between the mushroom spread itself and the toast points... So good! I enjoyed my salad with the house parmesan ranch too. Soon it was on to the main show. I can only speak to my meal and a couple of shared bites. Service throughout the meal was perfect. We couldn't have asked for better. Both our server and Simon checked on us regularly and other staff was dropping by with refills and whatever else may have been needed during the course of our meal. I hadn't had a good Seafood Cioppino since Irina's took it off their menu and I was hesitant to order it knowing how good some of the other available items are at Simon's... It didn't dissapoint. Not in the slightest... The noodles were cooked perfectly and so was the shrimp and scallops. The spicy white wine and red cream sauce had a little kick, my forehead may have glistened a little, but it wasn't overwhelming. I really enjoyed this dish. My friend seated next to me offered me a bit of his Pork DeBurgo. Served in three medallions. I could have sworn it was filet mignon... Melt in your mouth tender. I would have never expected that from a pork dish! And of course I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the red velvet cake. Offered as a complimentary end to our meal. I grew up with a great red velvet cake. My mom used to make it for every birthday in our house. Hers was moist (and yes I know some people hate that word...) and the frosting was sweet. She used more of a whipped marshmallow creme frosting instead of a traditional cream cheese base, but the idea is the same. So many people dry out red velvet cake... One bite of this dessert done well brings back SO many memories. Simply said Simon's does it right. After as close to a perfect meal as I've ever had... Some of us said our goodbyes and a few of us reconvened in the waiting area to visit a little more before taking off. Simon stopped in and chatted with us. We talked about the meal, the art on the walls, the recent changes to the waiting area itself... He was the perfect host and is everything you want to see in a business owner! Personable, attentive, and someone who realizes that the key to a successful business is doing things the right way...consistently. read more

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Haven't been for a while but always excellent food! The service is great, wonderful staff. Feels crowded and lacks in ambience.

Our family of six made dinner reservations for 5 pm on a Thursday night. Coming from Chicago, 5 pm is considered an early dinner time and I originally planned on walking in. But I read a few reviews and realized the restaurant is relatively small. Fortunately I was able to make reservations three days prior to dining in. There was a line down the block when we arrived at 4:45 pm. Apparently people in Des Moines are early birds when it comes to dinner. We shared the baked artichoke dip, baked pasta with jalapeno and red peppers, beef stroganoff, and steak deburgo. The dip was served with toast points which we think were a complete miss. It resembled days-old bread that was semi-toasted. The entrees came with a soup or salad. We tried the seafood bisque which was incredibly salty and we could not bring ourselves to finish it. But otherwise, the entrees were all worthwhile and delicious. The stroganoff's beef was very tender and there was an abundance of mushrooms. Our girls loved this dish! Our 8 ounce steak deburgo was pan-seared and medium rare. It came with a garlicky butter sauce. Our server was attentive, kind, and generous. She served us two huge slices of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. The cake was plush and moist - a great way to end the meal. read more

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I have enjoyed the best overall Des Moines dining experience here, and it is an elite combination of exceptional customer service, a great venue vibe, and phenomenal food. Shoutout to owner and operator Simon Boheen for cultivating such an extraordinary feel from top to bottom. We had heard about Simon's from a friend who raved about it and planned a visit. They nailed it. When we arrived at 430PM for their 5 PM opening, I thought that we might have made a mistake, but minutes later, there were 40-50 in line. Parking is tight. If you're not among the first setting, they have a nice room adjacent to the restaurant to sit and enjoy. Casual attire. Pricing was moderate. Nick, our server, was terrific and improved the whole experience. Our party of four was served flawlessly. With Nick's help, I wandered from the usual favorites and selected the best darn lasagna (with sausage) that I can remember. Our side salads were yummy. Onion rings and baked artichoke dip appetizers were superb. My Way Better Half's Beef Stroganoff was terrific, as I tested it for purely quality control reasons. We were never rushed or pressed for time despite dozens of people waiting for tables in an adjacent room. Owner Simon visited our table and interacted as best he could in a packed venue. He also visited each nearby table, a level of service that certainly got our attention. Our night was capped off by an incredible complimentary slice of Red Velvet Cake. Bravo, Simon's. What a superb dining experience. read more

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Best restaurant in des moines. Bar next door is great as a "waiting room". Service is great + the owner is so casual and accommodating. Food is just flat great. Not an overpriced steak that's crap. This steak is cooked to perfection and for the right value. Seafood soup, stuffed mushrooms, onion rings. Just can't go wrong. read more

Simon's - Steak w mushroom sauce - Italian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Enjoy the feel of a neighborhood restaurant nestled on a side street with limited parking. At the opportune time I will order the seafood bisque, artichoke dip and Steak DeBurgo which seemed to be crowd favorites. My wait will be three and half hours where I will see if the exquisite entree and appetizers will deliver the relaxing experience to match the friendly hospitality of food served with a purpose. Ordered the Seafood Bisque which was a little salty for my test. The Steak DeBurgo was cooked perfectly, but the cut was somewhat chewy and not as tender as I desired. The side veggies were very good and Red Velvet Cake was absolutely delicious. read more

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Get the mushroom crostini for an app and the beef stroganoff. The BB Salad is amazing too. Don't eat too much cause there's complimentary red velvet cake coming your way at the end of your meal. I always come around 8pm and never have to wait for a table, but the waiting area is very large and nice if I had needed to. Dreaming about when I can go back. Yum! read more

Incredible!! My family and I went to celebrate a birthday and are so thankful we did. It was our first experience at Simon's and we will be back! We got the onion rings and they were wonderful. Our table had 3 steak de Burgos and chicken Parmesan. The salad, mashed potatoes and asparagus were great! The cake for dessert was such a nice surprise. Highly recommend visiting!! read more

Simon's - Steak DeBurgo - Italian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

A Worthwhile Experience -- But Be Prepared to Wait We recently dined at Simon'a and overall had a wonderful experience -- but there are a few things to be aware of before you go. They don't take reservations for parties under six, so we showed up shortly after they opened at 5:05 PM. We were told the next available table would be at 7:30 PM, which we expected based on other reviews, so no issue there. However, we were told we couldn't leave during the wait and needed to stay in the bar area next door (which is attached to the restaurant). That part felt a bit restrictive. Sitting in the bar for 2.5 hours without any appetizer options was honestly tough, especially if you're hungry. I think it would be more reasonable to allow guests to leave and return closer to their seating time -- or at least allow them to leave for a bit and then return to the bar an hour before being seated. It did feel like the policy might be in place just to keep you spending money at their bar. That's my only real complaint. That said, once we were seated at 7:30 on the dot, the experience improved drastically. Our server was incredibly kind and helpful with the menu, and the food was outstanding from start to finish. For appetizers, we had the onion rings (a full order easily fed four of us -- light, crispy, and delicious) and the artichoke dip, which far exceeded expectations. It was rich, flavorful, and clearly made with love -- not your basic, boring dip. For the main course, I had the 6 oz Steak De Burgo. It was cooked to perfection, beautifully seasoned, and served with mashed potatoes and asparagus -- all of which were excellent. My husband ordered the New York, New York, topped with a creamy mushroom sauce. He loved it -- said everything was delicious and expertly prepared. His only minor wish was that it came with a baked potato instead of mashed. The cherry on top? A complimentary slice of red velvet cake -- hands down the best I've ever had. Moist, rich, and absolutely delicious. A gentleman with a backwards hat (perhaps the chef or Simon himself?) came around to check on us, which was a nice touch and made the experience feel personal. Final thoughts: The food and service were exceptional, and it was definitely worth the wait -- just be prepared for that long wait and know you'll need to stay nearby. We'll absolutely be back! read more

As always, Simon's did not disappoint us this past weekend. While we got in line around 440 for the 5 pm opening, we were the first group to go to the waiting lounge. We had not been there since Simon was able to acquire the bay to the west of the restaurant for their lounge waiting area. Wha a treat. The drinks were amazing and the atmosphere very upscale with a somewhat classic feel. Very good ambience. Food was no less amazing. The pork deburgo was a creamy style and just so flavorful. My husband had the chicken parm and was equally as impressed. We'll be back sooner than this last time. A must go to in Des Moines. read more

We were very happy with Simon's. We went there for my Husband's birthday upon the recommendation of our cosmetologist. This is a restaurant that "goes all out" whether you are enjoying pizza or the most expensive item on the menu! Really liked the personal touch by the manager as well. Appreciate Simon's very much! read more

This has been in the Beaverdale neighborhood in different iterations since nineteen fifty four. It's current ownership has been there for fifteen years. I think it's a secret gem of Des Moines. Everyone is understaffed, so I always appreciate the service staff who are working. Remember they're busy because they're good. This restaurant still has that old time feel, it's a definite classic Italian neighborhood type vibe. Staff have always tried to make sure I am happy. It can be a busy place so depending on the time you may have to wait but they move.poeple through quickly without being intrusive. The owner has developed two waiting areas where you can have cocktails and talk to your friends while you're waiting.They're all in the same strip mall. They have excellent cocktails a nice wine list and a good beer list. I go every couple weeks with the right attitude of either going right at four thirty to wait and line to get in with the first group or to go later to get in with the second group around seven thirty. Car pooling is a good idea because parking can be limited so many people are coming. I've enjoyed appetizers like onion rings, mushrooms and Bruchetta main dishes like the lambchops, the scallops Different types of steaks including a steak de burgo, beef tenderloin, the fabulous portabella sauce they have lots of chicken dishes as well. Lots of fun Pasta too and they are i enjoy their lobster bisque! They also have great Italian sandwiches and pizzas for a family or group eating. The waiting is worth it and can be fun drinking relaxing and chatting, read more

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While I have enjoyed the food at Simon's, I've not had a visit where an order wasn't complicated by an item not being available at the time of pick up (available when i called in my order), or some similar experience killer. Most recently - and this, sadly, sums up my visits - I purchased two triple digit gifts cards after a long wait without any acknowledgment, and in the end without a thank you. While I have enjoyed my food (when I got it), the indifference to my patronage, and others with similar stories, makes it difficult to want to do business there. Maybe if I ever get an absolutely insatiable craving for beef stroganoff... read more

I was visiting from out of town for a tradeshow and learned of Simon's from a yelp review went in and had one of the best meals I've had on the road and returned the second visit and took two more additional meals for the road. The staff was excellent. The food was excellent And I hope someday to be able to return! Thanks, Simon & crew read more

Simon's - Italian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Food is bomb! Simon's has it going on and service is impeccable! Definitely will be back!

holy guacamole this place was amazing.i hate to wait long for food because im impatient... so i can't believe im saying this. even that SALAD was 10000% worth an hour and a half wait??? best salad ever. we will be back simon's.... oh yes we will. read more

Simon's - balsamic salad - Italian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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1st visit and was surprised to meet owner out front who guided me to their waiting bar that's a separate building from restaurant and an amazing cool scene with talented bartender. Owner returned to take next door for seating and fully enjoyed the social interaction with staff and genuine great service. Had the chicken parm in 2 sauces with balsamic drizzle which was the best I've had. Very busy place; get there early or enjoy the bar waiting area. Will return. read more

We arrived before they opened and waited a half hour for them to open. Based on their crappy food I don't know why people line up an hour to dine there. The shrimp scampi sucked. It had 4 overcooked shrimps that were like chewing on Sponge Bob. The noodles were sitting in boiling water so long that they were like the noodles drained from a chicken noodle can. The broth tasted like Real Lemon juice in water. There was no garlic taste because the garlic was added late and sat on the bottom. I had to add butter pats to give it some flavor. My wife's medium well 6 oz sirloin was served rare with blood coming out of it. It was red all the way through. She ended up leaving the last 2 oz in the middle because it was too raw. The asparagus was still raw and hard from being undercooked. The salad lettuce was wilty and brown with a bitter taste from being old. We haven't been there in 10 years and won't return again. read more

Omg I highly recommend this place. We had dinner reservations at 7 on a Saturday. Definitely a better option so you don't have to wait 45-1hr but even then the wait is worth it! They have a waiting area outside & you can take beverages. All the food we had was seriously amazing. Everyone loved what they ordered. My dish was the chicken Florentine & it had so much flavor but honestly every dish I tried did! Super small inside but also super intimate. Simon himself came out several times to each table to ask how everything was, so friendly & caring! We can't wait to go back. This was our first time! read more

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We got in line about 430 and there were probably 15 people ahead of me. Doors open promptly at 5 PM and we were seated in a booth. Service was friendly and efficient. We didn't take a picture of the red velvet cake that was complementary because we ate it too fast! We did not have the pleasure of seeing Simon. We will be back! read more

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First time visiting Simon's and it was a great experience! They have amazing customer service, and the owner is not only professional but also very personable, making sure each customer feels valued by greeting each one. There is limited space inside, so the owner has a separate suite where he invites customers to enjoy their wait. And to further minimize the stress that can come with waiting, he offers drinks to each customer. Our entrée came with a salad and it was one of the best salads I have had. The dressing and the cheese make for a delicious salad! For my entrée I tried the Steak Deburgo, and it was cooked perfectly as requested. I would have preferred more flavor though. Once the meal was finished, we received a complimentary slice of red velvet cake which was delicious. The cake brought out slightly warm, it was moist and had cream cheese frosting that tied all the flavors together. While we were eating the owner took the time out to sit and talk with us to inquire about our experience and to see if we needed anything. It's evident that he takes pride in creating a memorable dining experience. There is street parking and although not very big, there is a parking lot as well. What truly sets Simon's apart is the commitment to exceptional service. If you're looking for an amazing experience with excellent customer service, I recommend you stop by! read more

Simon's - House salad - Italian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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What sets Simon's apart isn't just the incredible food (which easily rivals any dining establishment), but the experience. This isn't a place that rushes to turn tables or relies on a gimmick. It's about engaging in good conversation, and savoring food that's clearly made with intention. Simon himself, hat on backwards and all, is a genuine host who makes the rounds and talks with every guest. It's not performative. It's who he is, and it's part of what makes this place so special. I'm already looking forward to my next visit. They've gained a loyal patron in me. read more

I absolutely love this little gem...but I had the meat lasagna tonight and I couldn't even eat it, it was SO salty. I will go back, but won't be ordering the lasagna! read more

This small restaurant may not be large in area but is huge in taste. Warm and cozy dinner place for family and friends. Exquisite menu and the food is as good as any you'll find. Pick an item on the menu and you can't go wrong. The Steak Deburgo melts in your mouth. Pasta, seafood, pizza or steaks are all great. Be sure and leave room for the Red Velvet cake that is their specialty. Service is top notch and the ambiance is warm and inviting. If you're looking for a special night out where the food matches the company, try Simon's on Franklin Ave. You won't regret it. read more

LOVED. The food was absolutely prodigious. *chef's kiss. To start we had the artichoke dip with cucumbers because my husband and I both have a gluten allergy (unfortunately... It's not fun but it is even worse when people don't understand). Both of us choose the seafood bisque as our first entreé and wow that was astonishing. I wanted to lick the plate clean. I am obsessed with seafood so it was a beautiful balance of creamy and seafood. I had the Steak Deburgo (medium rare) with mashed potatoes. It was everything and more. The steak melted in my mouth as I chewed it and it was in no way chewy like some people might expect medium rare to be. My husband had the beef tenderloin w/ portabella mushrooms onion sauce and was besotted with it. My son had a cheese pizza with mushrooms and some fries. Lucky guy got to eat their delicious red velvet cake. I was even tempted to get sick for it but I didn't. I wanted to though so bad. It looked scrumptious. All in all we really appreciated all of it. We enjoyed a bottle of their riesling and I ended the night with a strawberry fields martini. Our waitress Elise was a delight and was the best with our toddler. Definitely will recommend to all friends and family. Only thing is we did encounter a few rude workers there and myself coming from a family owned business it's just not acceptable. My husband called just to ask the wait because one we were bringing our toddler and just wanted to know what to expect. Who ever picked up said to him when he asked how long the wait was, "well it is a Saturday and it is 7pm so it will be a hour and a half wait". To whoever said that you are not the only one who worked on a Saturday and it's best to be kind and not assume we want special treatment. Just no way to respond to a simple question. We ended up waiting but because we read reviews and looked at Simon's website to be informed about the place before coming in. Plus had several recommendations telling us the food was a must try. It was worth it nonetheless just expected better customer service. Hope it improves. The food was the star of this show though. read more

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This swanky, newer restaurant is a new local favorite! We had an enjoyable wait sipping cocktails while we waited (less than 30min) on a busy Friday night. It is a smaller restaurant, but the food is outstanding and completely worth any inconvenience others mentioned with wait times, space, etc. True foodies will appreciate this establishment! Icing on the cake (literally) was ending the evening with a piece of their signature red velvet cake- hands down the best cake i've ever had. read more

It's difficult to rate the food when your party isn't allowed to enter. After standing outside in freezing weather for at least 45 minutes, we were turned away at the door ( as were others). No one was allowed to enter unless they were a party of six or more. Also this place only takes reservations for parties of six or more. I have NEVER had such deplorable treatment in any type of business. I cannot imagine why anyone would accept this behavior from the owner and/ or management. To add insult to injury, there's no parking and the location is far less than desirable. I certainly wouldn't recommend this place to visiting out-of-town guests unless you don't mind being embarrassed. read more

Always delicious. We went to celebrate a birthday. The place was packed...it was a Saturday night. Waitress was great. She delivered great service even with the place being packed. I don't remember what our 4th ordered. I had the small steak de burgo, the bday boy had the new york new york steak, and one had the stroganoff. The person that ordered the stroganoff had originally wanted the scallops but they were out. We were told they are usually sold out by thurs. She reluctantly ordered the stroganoff....she declared she "won" aafter trying her dish. We all tried it. It was amazing. The meat was so tender. I might have to order it next time read more

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Simon's is just what everybody needs - a neighborhood gem. No fuss dining, simple straightforward good food, a crazy hospitable owner, and a lovely and cozy little atmosphere. Get there early, be prepared to wait outside (enjoy it, order a drink while you're waiting), and order a steak or pizza. Don't expect it to be a slow moving service. They're trying to get the people what they came for and move to the next table. It's worth it! read more

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Excellent atmosphere and quality. Never had steak de cargo before and I'm having a hard time thinking it would be better anywhere else. read more

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I came her with my family on Saturday night. Since we had 7 people we were able to make a reservation and not have to wait in line like everyone else does here. I was excited to try this place and I've only heard such good things and am aware that people literally line up at the door before the place opens. We had the artichoke dip appetizer, which was very delicious and probably the favorite things that we ate. I also had the house salad and the filet with potatoes and asparagus. The food was very good, though nothing that wowed me. I felt my steak was a little overdone. I would not say that I enjoyed the experience there though. It is small and busy and thus also loud and chaotic and hard to talk to the people you are there with. It was also quite warm inside the night that we went. Dessert is complimentary red velvet cake. We were brought 3 pieces (for a party of 7). It would have been nice if they had least rounded up and brought us 4 pieces. I would definetly prefer the option to pay for dessert and get enough for everyone. read more

First time customer. As good as the reviews. Loved the ambiance m, service and food. Say at the bar and Simon was so much fun to chat with as was the terrific bar tender. Overdosed on the amazing onion rings. Hope to be regulars there. read more

Going to Simon's was a lovely experience. I was hearing rave reviews from my friends about this restaurant and I can say it truly does live up to the hype. Our party of two arrived at 4:30 PM on a Friday and we were fourth in line. When the doors opened at 5 PM there was a line down the street. Simon himself greeted us at the door and sat us. you immediately notice the warmth of the restaurant, the smell of good food, the upbeat music, and the art on the wall. It's a quaint and pleasant dining space. We each had a couple cocktails, which were flavorful and refreshing. We ordered the spinach and artichoke dip and it was scrumptious! It is now on my top 5 favorite appetizers of all time. I'm going to order it again soon to double check. We also ordered the steak dinner and the manicotti dinner and split both dishes. Everything was flavorful and really delicious. The meal came with a piece of red velvet cake... And oh my word!!! Yum! Kudos to the chef! When my friend and I left the restaurant and got in the car, Simon came out and personally thanked us both for coming to the restaurant and he hoped we enjoyed our meals. We did! 5 stars for excellent service, food, cocktails, art, music, staff, and hospitality. read more

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Great food, service and atmosphere. Prices are fair for the experience. Owner goes above and beyond to connect with the diners.

Fabulous food and service Simon is always around and makes a point on checking in on every table. Very impressive, I can't name another restaurant owner that does that. Busy never takes too long. read more

Seems like it's time for an update since my last review was over 6 years ago. We eat here 9-10 times a year; more if we can find an excuse to take someone who hasn't been here before. The food is always top-notch and our experience with service has been very good to excellent. The addition of the 'waiting parlor' at the end of the mall is a nice touch, as it would get a bit congested with everyone trying to crowd into the vestibule or around the tables close to the entry door. Between my wife and I we've had quite a few different entrees, but some of our favorites are the Beef Stroganoff, Vodka Pasta, Sherry Cream Pasta, Lamb Chops, BBQ Pork, and Chicken Philly. All of these are consistently amazing. The table bread is a simple Italian loaf, and the salads are a pretty pedestrian (but Iowa friendly) mix of greens and veggies. The house creamy dressing is NOT pedestrian, and VERY tasty! The red velvet cake (or carrot cake on nights when they run out) is homemade and excellent! Simon is almost always there, and there are often other staffers aside from the servers to help corral people, run drinks down to the waiting area, and help bus tables. The servers often are also bartending, so they tend to be on the run. Prices are very reasonable, and the menu was recently updated, but we dine out a couple of times a week and I think menu items range from bargains to reasonable. If you get in line outside before 5 you'll 'probably' be in the first wave to get in, but many nights arriving at 5 means you'll shuffle off to the waiting area, or hang out on the sidewalk to await the deliciousness. As should be obvious, I highly recommend going! read more

Very quaint & friendly atmosphere with Simon himself stopping at each table to check in Waitress was excellent & helped us with food choices We had 5 adults & we all loved our meals The red velvet cake at the end was a nice way to end the meal Definitely our favorite restaurant we've been to in Des Moines! read more