“Eat” listings
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Americana Restaurant & Lounge
This new, multi-level restaurant claims to “celebrate the swagger of the cocktail culture” with classics like the Sidecar and Singapore Sling. While the vibe may be Mad Men-esque, the cuisine is contemporary. The kitchen turns out American and continental dishes, including creative small plates such as pulled pork crostini and seared artichoke hearts. $$ (09/2011)
1312 Locust St
515- 283-1312
americanadsm.com -
Kirkwood Lounge
This high-energy restaurant is downtown’s newest hotspot. The Southern-inspired menu takes casual dining to a more creative, refined level. Try egg rolls with smoked chicken and braised greens, a salmon BLT burger or the roasted beet pizza. $$ (08/2011)
400 Locust St.
515-288-9606 -
Open Sesame
Since its opening in January, this casual Lebanese café has drawn raves for its authentic and flavorful renderings of Mediterranean dishes, such as falafel, kafta (spiced ground sirloin patties) and baba ghanoush. $$ (08/2011)
313 E Locust St
515-288-3151 -
Centro
Buzzing with visiting VIPs and locals alike, this popular restaurant, housed in a restored historic building downtown, is the place to see and be seen. The Italian-inspired menu features thin-crust pizza made in coal-fired brick ovens, plus updated pasta, seafood, beef, pork and chicken dishes. $$$ (06/2011)
1007 Locust St
515-248-1780
centrodining.com -
Café di Scala
Housed in a renovated Victorian mansion just west of downtown, this Italian bistro is one of the city’s most date-worthy spots. The kitchen turns out contemporary takes on traditional Italian-American favorites; try the prosciuttowrapped stuffed chicken. Open for dinner Thursday through Saturday. $$$ (04/2011)
644 18th St
515-244-1353
cafediscala.com -
Dos Rios
Latin American cuisine jumps to a new level of refinement at this casual yet cosmopolitan hotspot in downtown’s entertainment district. Traditional favorites are given a contemporary twist; try the duck chorizo turnovers and meatball tacos. The margaritas, mixed with housemade sour mix and organic agave nectar, are the best in town. $$ (03/2011)
316 Court Ave
515-282-2995
dosriosrestaurant.com -
Miyabi 9
Expertly prepared and artistically presented sushi stars at this stellar 40-seat Japanese restaurant, located in a brick building in downtown’s Historic East Village district. Other standouts at this authentic, informal eatery include tempura vegetables and steamed shrimp dumplings. $$ (03/2011)
512 E. Grand Ave
515-288-8885 -
The Continental
This bustling bar and restaurant in the Historic East Village occupies a narrow space with exposed brick walls, giving it a trendy yet comfortable look. The creative cocktails and inventive tapas menu draw crowds, as does the live blues and jazz music on Friday and Saturday nights. (03/2011)
428 E. Locust St
515-244-5845
continental-lounge.com -
Waterfront Seafood Market
Central Iowa’s go-to seafood spot may be a thousand or more miles from the seashore, but the seafood is still fresh. Diners can choose from fish, an oyster bar and sushi bar. Reliably good entrées include orange roughy, Alaskan king crab and potato-encrusted halibut. $$ (02/2011)
At Clocktower Square 2900 University Ave, West Des Moines
515-223-5106
waterfronts...dmarket.com -
RIVERWALK CAFÉ
After taking in the beauty of 15,000 exotic plants, retreat to the in-house café, where healthy and green describes much of the menu. Order a grilled sandwich or wrap or choose from a variety of garden salads. $ (01/2011)
909 Robert D. Ray Dr
515-323-6289
botanicalcenter.com -
FONG’S PIZZA
Patrons sit surrounded by Chinese décor and enjoy make-your-own pizzas as well as standards like egg rolls and crab rangoon. Specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama and Bonzai Buck-a-roo are served in distinct, tikithemed mugs. $ (11/2010)
223 Fourth St
515-323-3333
fongspizza.com -
CAFE BARATTA’S
Perfect for a light breakfast or lunch. This cafe—located on the third floor of the State Historical Museum—offers a bistro dining experience. Take advantage of the outdoor seating that overlooks the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol, and be sure to try the grilled chicken panini with red dipping sauce. $ (10/2010)
600 E Locust St
515-281-3294
barattas.com/museum
