Des Moines, IA + Add a trip

Sage or Bistro Montage, both chefs use fresh local ingredients and do an excellent job.

If you have a local friend, have them take you up to the top of the tallest building in town (801 Grand) to the Des Moines Embassy Club. The food is good club food and you can get a 360 degree view of Central Iowa to get your bearings.

d'Jango is a wonderful "French without the attitude" restaurant. Centro is an Italian Bistro that is also very good. The food at both locations is wonderful and the price is very reasonable for an excellent experience.

Both are located very close to one another. d'Jango can be found in the Hotel Fort Des Moines at 10th and Walnut. Centro is located just North on Locust St.

Another, much more pricey, option is 801 Steak & Chop House. The food is excellent and to some it is "The" place to eat in Des Moines.

One more option is The Flying Mango. It's an interesting combination of barbecue and Caribbean food. Prices are reasonable. Very tasty food. It was near my hotel, too.