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

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

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

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food, service and atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Prices are fair for the experience. Owner goes above and beyond to connect with the diners. read more

TL:DR - after lots of confusion from us (guess I should have read recent reviews before going), we got seated, had fantastic food, and all was great. The owner is very welcoming. For years I've heard Simon's is the best and also how hard it is to get into. For years I've wanted to come here. It finally happened on a Tuesday night for a night out with a good friend. We arrived right around 6:00pm and we got the last spot in the parking lot. We walked into the building and stood only a moment before a man approached us with a smile and asked how many we had in our party. We answered and asked how long the wait was. He said around 6:30pm. Great! We'll wait! He then asked if we'd like a drink while we waited and directed us to a lounge at the end of the building. I admit I was confused. So many questions, 1) we go to another spot to wait? 2) how will we know when our table is ready? 3) how will we get the drinks in that lounge? My friend asked about her drink before he left us and he said he'd bring it to the lounge for her. I wanted to look at the drinks menu and he said there was one in the lounge. Ok...we left and headed to the lounge. The lounge had couches, chairs, and stools. They were all full and plenty of people were standing. We joined in the standing. Within, probably, ten minutes my friend had her drink delivered by the same man from before. I had looked at the drinks menu and decided on a Peach Mule and gave him my order when he asked. We then asked how we'd know when our table was ready and he said he'd come and tell us. We waited another ten minutes or so and eventually got a couple of stools to sit on. None of the waiting was a big deal. But the space was cramped and tight. And this was a Tuesday! The man came back and moved through the room and eventually stopped at us asking how many were in our group. After saying two, he said the bar seating was open. We accepted and left the lounge for the restaurant. We made our way to the bar and took a couple chairs. Alise was behind the bar and she provided praise for everything on the menu and went through the soup options. She said every entrée came with a salad or soup. She asked if I needed a drink and I said I had one coming. She looked around the bar for it then asked who took my order. I pointed to the man. She made sure I got my drink by making it right then. She then allowed us ample time to look through the menu. My friend and I both ordered the Steak DeBurgo, medium. I went with the Seafood Bisque and she chose the other soup Tomato Basil (I think). The soups came out quickly, along with homemade bread. My Seafood Bisque was soooo delicious! The seasoning was just right and I had lots of seafood in mine. Probably 90% of my bites had seafood. A great start! The man stopped by at one point and asked what we'd ordered for our entrées. We told him and he seemed disappointed. I really wanted to know why that was his reaction but he left to tend to others as they were busy. Our entrées came out and looked great. My steak was so tender and juicy! The asparagus was cooked perfectly and the potatoes were delicious. Absolutely perfect food. I stopped eating half way through my steak and potatoes and asked if I could see a dessert menu to decide if I was having dessert or continuing with my entrée. Alise informed us there isn't a dessert menu but a slice of red velvet cake is complimentary. Oh, awesome! What we didn't know is it's one slice to share. Probably a good thing but, wow, it was good! Dense yet moist and just tasty. Our check was presented and we were told no rush. We got boxes for our remaining food, paid the bill, and got up to leave. The man opened the door for us and followed us out. He asked what brought us in and our names. Then he introduced himself as Simon. Huge lightbulb moment for me. He's the owner! Everything suddenly made sense. And now I REALLY want to know what he'd suggest we order. Next time. There will be a next time! read more

Simon's - Steak DeBurgo (6 oz) - Italian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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We have heard so many good things about this place and finally got a chance to go there for dinner. Arrival was a little awkward, as there isn't a hostess and no indications of who to see to get on the wait list. We worked out way to the bar in the back corner and finally interrupted one of the workers to ask what to do. They referred us to the owner (working behind the bar) who told us it would be about an hour wait and asked if we're wanted a drink. He never wrote anything down or asked for a credit card, just told us we could wait in his new suite a couple of doors down. It was neatly decorated, had lots of seating, games and had a rest room...and the owner would occasionally show up to get the next party (all by memory, nothing written down). Following the waitress'recommendation, we started with an order of Mushroom Crostini (see picture) and boy was that good...so rich, creamy and flavorful! For our dinner, my wife ordered the Lamb Chop (see picture) and I ordered the Pork Deburgo (see picture). We exchanged samples (as we always do) and really liked both dishes - presentation, juiciness and flavor were all to our liking. Finally, it was topped off with the famous complimentary Red Velvet Cake. Admittedly, it wasn't quite everything I had hoped for (I like it a bit more moist with a bit more frosting) but it was still very good and just the right size for the two of us. You won't go wrong stopping here for dinner! Food: 5 Atmosphere: 4 Value: 4 Service: 5 If you found this review helpful, please click to show your support. For a list of great Happy Hour food and drink specials in the Des Moines area, visit: www.happyhourdesmoines.com read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very quaint & friendly atmosphere with Simon himself stopping at each table to check in[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Delicious food and great ambiance every time we go to Simon's.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend for date night or small group celebration. read more

Food is amazing! Staff makes you feel at home and takes good care of you! One of my favorite food spots in Des Moines hands down!

Absolutely incredible!!!! They nail it every visit. The cuisine and service is impeccable. The best restaurant within the Des Moines district by miles!!! read more

Great food and outstanding service. Started with the mushroom dip with Crostini, baked artichoke dip and full order of onion rings. Then for mains mac n cheese add chicken, steak deburgo and Italian hoagie. Everything was seasoned really well and cooked perfect. 3rd time here and they get it right every single time. read more

We got to the restaurant before 5:0p to get in line. They told us that we would be seated around 7:15pm. We went to the waiting storefront to wait for a table. 7:15pm came and went and we didn't get seated until 8pm. I know what you are thinking how could we wait this long... it is always this way so if you want to eat there you have to endure the wait however this time it was just excessive. When we got seated the service was quick and stuff was dropped and they ran to the next table. The appetizer was artichoke dip was exceptional, the side salad was wonderful and the complimentary dessert was moist and flavorful! The main course was mixed. My partner got the NY NY strip, it was cooked perfectly and the mashed potato's and asparagus was wonderful. My steak deburgo which I might mention is a house speciality was In eatable. The steak was so salty it burned your mouth when you tried a bite and the potatoes were cold. I wanted to make sure it wasn't just me so I gave a piece to my partner and he thought it was also so so salty and not able to be eaten. I mentioned it to the server when she finally returned to ask if I wanted a to-box and I said oh no it was eatable. Then she asked if they could recook it or bring me something else. At this point I was just exhausted and declined. They took it off the bill which was kind. It was an off night at Simon's and that happens to everyone. It was just disappointing after waiting 3 hours and then to have a meal that I couldn't eat. A bummer for sure... read more

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I wanted to make a statement, [[HIGHLIGHT]]I found the Food & Ambiance amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However, our server was kind and friendly but he did rush me while I was finishing my food. We went to Simon's as a family of 8, this was to celebrate two special occasions. I was eating my pasta, which was delicious, but by the time I was half way through, the server asked if I was done with my meal. I had my fork in the food and it was obvious I was Not done. Ten minutes later, he came back to my table, again while I was still eating, and took my plate away while I had my fork in my mouth. Keep in mind, our family was there to celebrate family events & sharing in conversations. I am also a slow eater & had half of my food still on the plate and I would have liked to finish the food or taking it home. I felt like for the price, I would have liked to been give choice, once I was finished. I am not sure, but I feel they are coached to rush people off, usually because other people are waiting for a table. However, at 8:00 at night, there was no one waiting, yet we were still rushed away. A bit disappointing to say the least. read more

Good food! Great owner, he makes his rounds and greats all customers. Great homemade cake.

I cannot get over what an amazing place this is. We were staying in Winterset (traveling through from Kentucky) and wanted to have a nice dinner in Des Moines. After some searching, we decided to try Simon's. They opened at 5, and when we arrived at 5:30, they were already full. I knew this had to be a good sign. Simon himself took our names down for a table and walked us over to a very chill waiting area and brought us drinks. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The waiting area had tons of comfortable seating, good music, and an impeccable vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We didn't mind waiting there at all. Once we got our table, we were impressed with the food and service! The complimentary bread was delicious, mushroom crostini appetizer was delightful. We both had a cup of delicious potato soup. I had beef tenderloin with mushroom onion cream sauce, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. Every bit of it was amazing. My partner had the beef stroganoff and said that he had never had such tender stroganoff before. Complimentary red velvet cake for dessert was the cherry on top! My partner had some wine and a cocktail (Rusty Nail). He commented that he had never had such a perfectly made Rusty Nail before. Simon came over and greeted us and we saw him assisting a disabled patron to her car. The hospitality was amazing. read more

Absolutely love this place! So much that I'm reluctant to share a good review because I'm afraid everyone will know about this hidden gem and it will be harder for me to get a table. You can't make a reservation unless you have a party of 6+, and the wait time will be very long. We've waited as long as 90 minutes. I PROMISE it's worth the wait. They have an overflow lounge for customers waiting for a table, and attentively serve drinks while you wait. I have not ordered a single thing from their menu that I didn't absolutely love. Filet de burgo - best in Des Moines, hands down. Seafood chowder - best I've ever had anywhere. Lasagna - local Graziano's sausage and lots of cheese. They've been out of scallops every time I've been there, so they must be pretty great. Seriously, even the salad is fantastic with their house dressing. Complimentary (!!) slice of homemade red velvet cake for dessert, which is also absolutely delicious. I cannot say enough good things about this place. The owner (and head chef) regularly pops out to check on the diners and make sure everything is perfect. Servers always friendly and attentive. Don't miss it! read more

5 stars from top to bottom. Exquisite food and drink combined with stellar service! What more could you ask for? We had such an incredible time last night. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great dinner and ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Just spectacular. Thank you Simon's! Next time I'm in town I'll be back for sure!! read more

Went with my Wife & two friends. Arrived around 5 was told about 90 minutes. Not surprised it's a smaller space but 1000% worth it. We hung out in their lounge next door & got some drinks. The atmosphere was wonderful and you could smell the food coming through. Got our table sooner than expected. Waitress was friendly and top of everything. Had some slices of bread for the table. We also had the Spinach Artichoke dip as an appetizer which was perfect size for the four of us. I got the Steak Deburgo MR which came with mashed potatoes & asparagus. Steak was cooked wonderfully and cut quite easily. Potatoes and asparagus were fantastic as well. Wife got the fettuccini Alfredo. "Chicken was seasoned well and wasn't tough" exact quote. Waitress brought both parties a slice of cake at the end. I'm not much of a sweet tooth but the wife was pretty stoked and said it was quite moist. As a whole definitely worth the wait and would easily go back a second time. Just show up prior to 5PM if you are wanting to eat right away. read more

We have been told about Simons for years, and on my 28th birthday we finally went! Atmosphere: We got there exactly at 5 (went it opened) and there was already a line to get in. We were greeted by the owner and immediately sat at a booth. The service was quick and attentive. The owner stopped by and told me happy birthday and asked how we were doing. Felt like a caring, family establishment. Food: not at great as the atmosphere. The seafood bisque was delicious. Loved it. The mushroom appetizer was a little salty for my taste, but not bad. I ordered the chicken Alfredo. The Alfredo was very runny and had little taste to it. My fiancé ordered the chicken parm. His chicken tasted like it had been cooked via boiling (which is okay with some, but was not his taste). The winner: THE RED VELVET CAKE. This was complimentary at the end of the meal (I believe they do this for everyone). IM STILL HAVING DREAMS ABOUT IT. It was SO good. read more

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We arrived 15 minutes before opening and the line was down the side of the building. We waiting till people were inside and then got in line. Once inside, put in our name and headed to the bar for a cocktail. Got drinks and moved next door to their waiting lounge. We were told the wait would be 2-2.5 hours. It was closer to 3. Waiting lounge was nice, comfortable seats and lots of hungry people to chat with also had trivial pursuit, Uno, and battleship games to play. We were seated and the service was amazing. Water glass was never empty, seating was comfortable, wait staff was very friendly and attentive. App was the artichoke dip and it was phenomenal, followed by dinner salad with the house ranch dressing which was delicious. I ordered the 12oz New York New York with was a strip steak with a mushroom sauce over the top. Steak was a perfect rare, the sauce could make anything taste good, mashed potatoes and asparagus were also very good. She got the steak de burgo with mashed potatoes and asparagus. The de burgo sauce was wonderful. The steak was way too salty and was sent back and removed from the order. We will return for sure but will make sure to have a reservation next time. read more

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

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My husband and I went to Simon's for the first time & it did not disappoint! We ordered the Bruschetta, Seafood Bisque Soup, Beef Stroganoff, and Vodka Pasta w/ Grazianos and they were all amazing!! The service was also wonderful! I was beyond impressed with their efficiency. And of course, the Red Velvet cake for our dessert was delicious. We will definitely be back! read more

This is the best restaurant in Des Moines. The decor is awesome, the service is impeccable and the food is the best you can ask for.

The venue is small but cozy. No reservations unless party of six+ which is disappointing. But the food, the service and management is outstanding. A definite must especially for gluten sensitivity! read more

Best restaurant in DM. Moderate prices for excellent food and you always leave with a smile.

Loved this place. Just here for the one night or I might have tried to go back the next day, just to eat it again. Got the steak deburgo! Melts in your mouth. The garlic roasted on top makes it even better. The wait time was long but totally worth it! Husband got the stroganoff and it was also amazing. read more

Tired of waiting in line starting 1/2 hour before opening and not getting in. The place is not worth wasting your time over. In fairness to everyone, reservations should be taken in a courtesy to not waste customers time. Very inconsiderate of them. Won't try again. read more

Just went to Simon's in Des Moines. It was recommended by a co worker. We got there ahead and waited outside until they opened and it paid off. Appetizer was spinach and artichoke dip. It was great! I got the beef tenderloin 6oz with the mushroom and onion sauce, med well, cooked perfect. It was a so good. My husband got the beef stroganoff and it was so good! The sauce was delicious and the beef was great. Three Moscow mules, blueberry was sweet and tasted like a bomb pop. The salads were with their house dressing, YUM. Bread was great too. Complimentary cake at the end. This experience was 10/10!!!!! read more

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Small, elegant yet casual for anyone to be comfortable. Superb food and atmosphere! Definitely 5 stars!

The absolute best. Phenomenal food and service. Simon, the owner, and his wife are heavily involved and wonderful people. It's a taste of the old world where the owner truly cares about his business. You just don't get that anymore. It's so refreshing. They accommodated a reservation for an engagement celebration when they didn't have to. Comped a whole ticket. Totally unexpected and unnecessary, but so very much appreciated. A personal touch to an incredible experience. I will rave to anyone who will listen and absolutely be back read more

Just as amazing as all the reviews are saying! We got there at 7:30 on a Wednesday night, wait was about 45 minutes. We both loved the cozy vibe and Simon was welcoming. The food was amazing! My partner had the New York strip, I had the chicken cordon bleu. The chicken cut through like butter. Only thing is the free bread left something to be desired- but then again it's free. Regardless, Simon's is officially my favorite restaurant in the dsm metro! read more

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Every time we come to Simon's it's delicious. Steak DeBurgo is spot on! Our son had the Spaghetti with Vodka Sauce. That was tasty. Just the right amount of kick. Mark had the filet. Done to perfection. All topped off with a complimentary piece of red velvet cake. Yum!This is the only place I will wait in line longer than 15 minutes but is definitely worth the wait. The atmosphere is charged with the energy of the patrons who also waited in line and really want to eat there. Makes a difference. Go and see. The staff are all friendly and attentive and the food is always very good. I think it's moderately priced and worth every cent. Can't say enough good as this is my second review. read more

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

What a neighborhood gem. Great food, nice wine, excellent service, excellent value. Simon welcomed us personally and made sure we got seated as soon as possible. Our server checked back regularly and even brought us a free dessert! read more

Absolutely delish! All pictured dishes were incredible but really couldn't go wrong with anything on the menu. Owner greeted everyone who came to eat. Wine was served while waiting. 10/10 highly recommend this local spot!!! read more

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Every visit to Simon's quaint restaurant is exceptional. From the staff to the food, it is on point night after night. There is a reason people are lined up at the entrance every night when they open, just waiting to get in and enjoy the finest Des Moines has to offer. read more

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

A true hidden gem. Everything was prepared to perfection, from simple staples to more complex flavors. I especially felt the lamb chops I ordered were a work of art. Simon stopped at our table to check that everything was to our liking. A welcoming atmosphere in an unlikely place. We will definitely be back! read more

I've been to Simon's a total of four times over the last four months. I'm from St. Louis but was frequently traveling to Des Moines for work. My coworkers and I absolutely love Simon's! The Steak DeBurgos was my go-to entree, and i loved the house dressing, and stuffed mushrooms. The last time I came, which was on Wednesday night for dinner, I had the seafood bisque at the suggestion of my coworkers, and I LOVED it! The food here is consistently good and the staff is always really friendly, especially Simon, the owner. There was live music there on Wednesday night that was wonderful and certainly helped set the mood. Although the restaurant is small, the staff does their best to accommodate. The food and drinks are definitely worth the wait! I highly recommend Simon's to anyone visiting or living in Des Moines. It's truly a hidden gem! read more

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We were very excited looking forward to our visit to Simons and made our reservations a month in advance but when we were seated at our table we were advised that we had a limited amount of time to eat there due to other people's reservations behind us. It most certainly made our visit less than welcoming. One of our party ordered something different than what was served and our wait staff argued that that was definitely what was ordered but it was not true. I must say we will not be returning again. I can't remember ever being treated like this anywhere I've ever been. The food was good but the service made it less than enjoyable. The restaurant is very small and feels very cramped and wait lines can be very long. read more

Great food and service. Owner greats you at the table along with staff continually checking on you to make sure everything is good.

I can comfortably say this is one of my favorite restaurants, maybe my favorite. We arrived early and waited outside in the 10 degree weather until the doors opened and still got some of the last seats at the bar- totally worth it. No corkage fee on your first bottle of wine that we will remember next time. Friendly, hard working staff. We started with drinks- my wife got a mixed red blend wine that was really good. I got a house vodka/water with a lime that was mixed well. My wife ordered the chicken parm with half white/half red sauce with mixed salad and I got the vodka sauce graziano sausage pasta (highly recommend!if you don't like spicy you can tell them mild because it's got a kick to it but soo good!) with a seafood bisque for the side (also amazing!) the seafood bisque was a smaller portion but totally worth it. The salad my wife ordered was also really good. The house dressing was like some sort of garlic parm dressing- whatever it was, was really good. The complimentary bread and butter is nothing too crazy but goes perfect with everything. The chicken parm was really good- slightly breaded with linguini noodles. Both sauces were really good-I'm more of a Alfredo kinda guy. My vodka sauce graziano sausage pasta was maybe the best dish I've had. Perfect al dente bow tie, penne, and she'll noodles. Along with graziano, vodka sauce,peppers, onions, tomatoes and garlic. We will definitely be back very soon for the delicious food and not to mention the complimentary red velvet cake! read more

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Food was elaborate and served in a way that made it feel it was made especially for you. Service was spectacular! It was crowded but the owner took us to the bar and made us drinks himself and made us feel at home. We were far from home and wanted a local experience which we got and more. It was a loud but yet oddly a cozy atmosphere. We loved it! From upstate NY. It did not disappoint! read more