Vietnamese cuisine has woven itself deeply into the Des Moines dining landscape, bringing with it the comforting aromas of simmering broths, vibrant herbs, and the unmistakable sizzle of wok-fried noodles. Across the metro, a new generation of restaurants joins long-time favorites to showcase the breadth of Vietnam’s culinary traditions — whether through pho crafted with patient care, sandwiches layered with pâté and pickled vegetables or modern takes that blend regional flavors with contemporary flair. From family-run institutions that have served the community for decades to bold newcomers adding creative twists, these kitchens share a through‑line of warmth, generosity and obsessive attention to flavor. Together, they tell a story of food that is both deeply rooted and endlessly evolving, inviting diners to slurp, crunch, dip, sip and savor their way through one of the metro’s most beloved and quietly dynamic culinary scenes.
A Dong Restaurant
A Dong Restaurant has long been one of Des Moines’ most beloved Vietnamese institutions, cherished for its traditional cooking, deep flavors and impressive range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Family‑owned and welcoming, the restaurant offers a modest interior that keeps the focus where it belongs: on steaming bowls of pho and beautifully prepared plates of classic Vietnamese fare. Start with the bo bia, delicate shrimp and pork spring rolls paired with a sweet plum dipping sauce, before diving into the signature pho A Dong, a richly layered beef broth filled with tender noodles and aromatic herbs. For something more unexpected, the banh tam bi xiu mai brings together udon noodles, pork meatballs and a tangy coconut‑lemon sauce. With approachable pricing, attentive table service, and a menu that rewards both first‑timers and seasoned regulars, A Dong remains a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine in Des Moines.
Service style: Table service with full menu; casual sit-down.
Price: $10 to $20
Details: 1511 High St., Des Moines, 515-284‑5632, adongdesmoines.com
Pho All Seasons
Pho All Seasons is one of Des Moines’ most consistently beloved Vietnamese restaurants, praised for its deep, aromatic broths, generous portions and the warm, family‑run atmosphere that keeps regulars returning week after week. The restaurant sits unassumingly along East Euclid Avenue, but inside, customers find a bright, bustling space known for fast, friendly service and a menu that balances comfort classics with unexpected delights. Favorites include the richly layered combination pho, the signature fried rice and the salmon spring rolls, all prepared with fresh ingredients and careful attention to flavor.
Service style: Dine‑in, takeout and delivery, using a casual counter‑service style where guests order at the counter and food is brought out quickly. Full bar.
Price: $10 to $20
Details: 1311 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines, 515-330‑1840, phoallseason.com
Pho Real Kitchen & Bar
Pho Real Kitchen & Bar adds a vibrant, late‑night energy to Vietnamese dining in downtown Des Moines, blending traditional flavors with subtle Korean and Thai influences. With its warm lighting, modern décor and lively bar atmosphere, it’s a favorite stop after evenings out. The pho special is the signature dish — a generous bowl filled with aromatic broth and tender cuts of beef. The bánh mì offers a crisp balance of savory meats and pickled vegetables, while the spring rolls deliver freshness and bright herb flavors. Offering both table and counter service, Pho Real is flexible enough for group dinners, solo meals or a quick stop before hitting the town.
Service style: Table and counter service with dine-in and takeout options; open late, especially on weekends. Full bar.
Price: $10 to $20
Details: 200 Fourth St., Des Moines, 515-630‑3552, phorealkitchenandbar.com
TNT Vietnamese Restaurant
A northside favorite, TNT Vietnamese Restaurant offers comforting, homestyle dishes in an unpretentious, cozy setting. Known for its friendly counter service and wallet‑friendly pricing, TNT excels at the kind of everyday Vietnamese cooking that satisfies on both quick lunch breaks and slower weekend afternoons. The pan‑fried flat noodles with tofu and vegetables deliver a perfect balance of crisp edges and savory seasoning, while the phở áp chảo chay provides a unique twist on pho — stir‑fried and served with meatball and flank steak for added richness. The grilled pork hash is another standout: tender, marinated pork served over warm rice, simple but deeply flavorful. TNT feels like the sort of neighborhood spot everyone wishes they lived next to, built on consistent quality, familiar flavors and genuine hospitality.
Service style: Counter service with take‑out available.
Price: $10 to $20
Details: 3452 MLK Jr. Pkwy., Des Moines, 515-277‑7790, tntrestaurant.com
Zavy Kitchen
Zavy Kitchen brings a fresh, modern energy to Vietnamese dining with a menu rooted in family recipes and bold flavors. Bright, colorful and inviting, the restaurant offers a casual counter‑order experience while serving dishes with the finesse of a sit‑down spot. The pork belly bowl — slow‑cooked, tender and deeply savory — showcases the kitchen’s commitment to quality ingredients. Go for the hearty pho special, a fragrant beef broth stocked with multiple cuts for maximum depth, or Vietnamese classics such as broken rice, shaking beef or vermicelli noodles. The space leans contemporary, with a lively atmosphere that suits everything from quick lunches downtown to relaxed evening meals.
Service style: Sit-down restaurant. Full bar.
Price point: $20 to $30
Details: 111 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, 515-515‑9289, zavykitchendsm.com
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where to find some of the best Vietnamese food in Des Moines right now
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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