The restaurant and bar landscape in the Des Moines metro changes as the seasons turn from spring to summer. Some restaurants plan to expand with second locations. Others expand the cuisines in the metro with a Mexican bakery, tapas, Chinese, Indian, and Italian cuisines on the way. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all covered, as are cocktails, with two new bars opening. In this look at some of the most anticipated openings for summer 2025, we sifted through social media posts, city construction, and liquor license permits, and chef interviews to compile a list of projects that should open this summer, depending on construction, of course. Check out these 10 new restaurants and bars opening in the Des Moines metro this summer.
Did we miss a restaurant or bar opening in the Des Moines metro this summer? Send us some details at sstapleton@gannett.com.
Bamboo House
The restaurant that specializes in Asian fusion cuisine at 3701 E.P. True Pkwy. in West Des Moines expands to Des Moines on Merle Hay Road across from Merle Hall Mall. The restaurant is known for mi goreng — a stir-fried noodles dish with veggies and a choice of chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp, garnished with cilantro — fried barbecue buns with pork, sesame chicken, and a fried chicken dish with a sweet and tangy sauce. The restaurant also carries pho and ramen, as well as vermicelli dishes.
Location: 3801-3809 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
Contact: bamboohouseiowa.com
Bar Martinez
Travis Oler brings Bar Martinez to 515 Euclid Ave. in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines. Oler partnered with Amner Martinez, who gets partial credit for the Bar Martinez name. A Martinez is also a classic cocktail, a precursor to the martini made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. The cocktail dates back to the late 1800s. The 650-square-foot main floor will have room for 29 to 35 patrons, with a small patio in the back. In the basement, Oler has room to carve large-format ice, prepare cocktail ingredients, and create elevated snacks and desserts.
Location: 515 Euclid Ave., Des Moines
Contact: instagram.com/barmartinez.dsm
Highland Underground
Cocktails served in a room with a 1970s vibe come to Highland Park when Highland Underground opens in the basement of the old Klein’s Department Store. One wall features shadowboxes with mannequins dressed in vintage clothes, while the wall behind the small stage showcases old speakers, both perfect for selfies. The space, outfitted with mid-century modern furnishings and decorations, including wallpaper and wood paneling, will be moody and under-lit. Modern interpretations of classic cocktails are served, as well as fondue. The project is from Orvis Horatio Group, locally owned by brothers Alec and Evan Davis; Dr. Austin Baeth, who has served as a Democrat in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2023; and Sam Hoyle. Alec and Evan Davis have a decade of experience working in restaurant operations. Hoyle owns the marketing agency New Tribe Media. The group also operates Dough Co. Pizza and Des Moines Biergarten.
Location: 3614 Sixth Ave., Des Moines
Contact: highlandunderground.com
Mee Mochi Donuts & Soft Serve
This dessert shop plans to specialize in mochi doughnuts and soft serve ice cream. The chewy mochi doughnuts are made with rice flour and topped with fun, rotating flavors. The shop plans to open in Waukee in August.
Location: 772 W. Hickman Road, Waukee
Contact: mee-mochi.com
Saffron Indian Cuisine
South Indian food heads to Johnston. Ravi and Girija Menneni, who previously owned India Market at 8044 Douglas Ave. in Urbandale, plan to open the new restaurant. Saffron Indian Cuisine takes over the former Mandarin Noodle House space.
Location: 8769 North Park Court, Johnston
San Miguel Eatery
This modern Mexican eatery from Carla San Miguel and Blanca Plascencia — who co-owns El Fogón with two locations in West Des Moines and El Guacamole Patio & Cantina in Waukee — opens in the former Howard Johnson space on Grand Avenue. The entire property is getting an $18.3 million remodel, and the restaurant plans to focus on chilaquiles, charcuterie, pancakes, tapas, lattes, tres leches cakes from the bakery, and craft cocktails.
Location: 2525 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: instagram.com/sanmiguel.eatery
Taste of New York
Consider this a short move. The West Des Moines location of Taste of New York moves into the former Scratch Cupcakery space a few doors down from its home west of Jordan Creek Town Center. Lou and Joy Savelli move the restaurant into a larger space and add new pasta dishes, a separate service counter and bar for customers, and liquor. TONY keeps its original space for something new.
Location: 7450 Bridgewood Blvd., Suite 215, West Des Moines
Contact: tasteofnypizza.com
Tous les Jours
This French-Asian bakery out of Korea brings more than 300 pastries, breads, and cloud cakes to West Des Moines north of Jordan Creek Town Center. The bakery also offers sandwiches, coffee options, and smoothies. This is the first location for Tous les Jours in Iowa.
Location: 6880 E.P. True Parkway, West Des Moines
Contact: tljus.com
Tribute Eatery & Bar
Tribute Eatery & Bar, a sister restaurant to 30hop, moves into the former 30hop space at The District at Prairie Trail. Diners can expect a more sophisticated experience without the white tablecloths. Some of the menu items to start include an ahi stack, black and blue potato chips with a Buffalo seasoning and blue cheese fondue, or General Tso’s broccoli. A roasted red pepper hummus with goat cheese comes with toasted naan, while sundried tomato spinach artichoke dip comes topped with smoked Gouda.
Location: 1615 S.W. Main St., Suite 105, Ankeny
Contact: tributebar.com
Triple B’s
This newcomer combines a bakery, soda shop, and steakhouse in a former Jethro’s BBQ space in Johnston. Triple B’s plans to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menu items such as burnt ends, a hot brisket sandwich, filet mignon, jumbo sea scallops, stuffed berry French toast, and breakfast nachos. The restaurant also promises over-the-top shakes, splits, sundaes, and toppings such as Pop Tart crumbles, gummy bears, and chocolate dips, and diners can build their own, picking flavors and toppings. Triple B’s also plans to offer a cereal bar with 29 cereal choices, topping options, and milk choices.
Location: 5950 86th St., Johnston
Contact: bubbyb.com
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If you see a new restaurant opening or a beloved place closing, send me some details at sstapleton@gannett.com.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 10 exciting restaurant and bar openings to anticipate in the Des Moines metro this summer
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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