Welcome to the heart of downtown Des Moines, where historic charm meets culinary creativity. This walking food tour along Court Avenue, stretching from Second Avenue to Fifth Avenue and bordered by Walnut Street to the north and MLK Parkway to the south, invites you to explore a vibrant mix of flavors, atmospheres, and local gems — all within a few blocks.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover the district or a visitor eager to taste the best of Des Moines, this curated experience offers a perfect progression: bold appetizers, inventive entrees, indulgent desserts, and craft cocktails. Each stop is handpicked for its standout dishes, unique ambiance, and walkable convenience.
Lace up your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor the sights, sounds, and tastes of one of Des Moines’ most iconic streets.
Start with appetizers at Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Step into a vibrant and modern restaurant with a lively patio, colorful decor, and a social vibe perfect for groups or date nights at Blue Sushi Sake Grill. The restaurant blends sustainability with bold flavors and a fun, upbeat atmosphere. For appetizers, try the crispy Brussels sprouts that are flash-fried and tossed in a creamy lemon miso sauce with toasted cashews. The mango crab Rangoon offers a tropical twist on a classic dish. A vegan tuna tower features a plant-based showstopper (it can also come with bigeye tuna).
Pro tip: Stop by the themed tiki bar Revival House for a cocktail before or after.
Location: 316 Court Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-379-6800 or bluesushisakegrill.com
Stop by RōCA for entrees
Shared plates and inventive entrees that blend comfort with culinary creativity at the calling cards of RōCA, short for the Restaurant on Court Avenue. The casual upscale restaurant features warm lighting, exposed brick, and a modern vibe perfect for date nights or group dinners. Try the pan-seared scallops with a red pepper coulis, deconstructed ribeye nachos, or seared yellowfin tuna with an edamame wasabi aioli and soy caramel. Feel free to order several dishes.
Pro tip: Stop by Shorty’s Somewhat Fancy Bar, RōCA’s speakeasy, for a casual drink before or after dinner.
Location: 208 Court Ave., Des Moines
Contact: rocadsm.com or 515-282-3663
Drink dessert at The Stuffed Olive
This upscale lounge offers plush seating, moody lighting, and a martini-focused vibe, so turn to a dessert martini to cap off the night. Try a German chocolate martini with Tippy Cow Chocolate, Frangelico, Malibu Rum, Dr. McGillicuddy’s Vanilla, coconut cream, and cream. It comes garnished with a toasted coconut rim.
Pro tip: The Stuffed Olive, one of the Des Moines Register’s Essential Restaurants, also has a robust list of globally inspired tapas and a patio for nicer days.
Location: 208 Third St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-4456 or thestuffedolive.com
Cocktails at The Royal Mile
Cap off the night with cocktails at a British-style pub with wood-paneled walls, cozy booths, and a laid-back vibe. You could order a pint or a curated flight of scotches or whiskeys, but try the classic Pimm’s Cup, a British cocktail with cucumber and lemon muddled with Pimm’s and topped with lemonade and Sprite, or a Vesper martini made with Beefeater gin, Tito’s vodka, and Lillet shaken and strained.
Pro tip: The Royal Mile offers a late-night menu on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to midnight, along with breakfast daily.
Location: 210 Fourth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-282-2012 or royalmilebar.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: Go on a walking food tour from sushi to scotch on Des Moines’ historic Court Avenue
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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