There’s no need to save your favorite meals for nights and weekends when some of Des Moines’ best restaurants offer incredible lunch specials! On those days that packing lunch is too much to ask, check out these suggestions for lunch options that are sure to leave you satisfied during all your afternoon meetings.
Written by Cheltzie Miller-Bailey
BEST FOR A QUICK GRAB & GO
When you only have a few minutes to snag some food and make it back to your desk, we recommend one of these options. Bonus: you can order ahead to save some extra time!
South Union Bread Cafe
- 1007 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm
This Des Moines staple has been serving up some of the metro’s best soups, salads, and sandwiches for more than 25 years. We recommend anything on their infamous, made-in-house bread; once you try it you’ll understand why! Pro tip: get there early, as lines are regularly pretty long.
Check out their menu & order online
Dough Co. Pizza
- 2330 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA OR 2405 SW Birch Drive, Suite 100 Ankeny, IA
- Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm
One of Des Moines’ newest pizzerias is already a town favorite. Aside from also offering GF and vegan options, their ‘za is just plain good. Stop by this Drake neightborhood restaurant on a weekday, when you can snag a two-topping slice, breadstick or salad, and a drink for only $8! Ankeny locals are in luck, too – they just opened a location there this summer!
Place an order from the Drake location
Cheese Bar
- 2925 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Lunch Hours: Open at 11am
Call us kids at heart, but there are few things better than the gooey cheese pull on a perfect grilled cheese, which is why we’re grateful for the genius that is Cheese Bar. Stop by their place on Ingersoll during the week and snag half a grilled cheese and side for $12.
Explore the options & order online
Hansen’s Manhattan Deli
- 3705 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lines are long, but the sandwiches are worth it! Under new management this year, Hansen’s Manhattan Deli is still serving up the same awesome sandwiches that have come out of this 40-year Ingersoll mainstay for lunch. A new online ordering system is coming soon!
Peruse the menu + weekday deals
Gateway Market & Cafe
- 2002 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. every day
You might know of Gateway for it’s grocery store or catering offerings, but their cafe also serves as a great grab and go lunch spots. Whether it’s soups, salads, sandwiches, or full entrees, Gateway has options to fulfill any lunchtime craving. You can place a carryout order or use DoorDash if you don’t want to stand in line!
Explore the options & order online
Gursha Ethiopian Grill
- 2316 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Next time you are in Dogtown, be sure to stop by and give these customer favorites a try. Whether you eat meat or are a vegetarian, there is something for everyone on the menu. I tried a little bit of everything, and can promise you will want seconds before your firsts are gone.
Explore the options & order online
BEST LUNCH DEALS
Some of the metro’s best restaurants serve up the same dishes for cheaper prices throughout the week. When you want to save some money but don’t want to limit the flavor, these are great options! You’re welcome in advance.
Lua Brewing
- 1525 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, starting at 11am (I can’t find their lunch hours specifically online; could make a call)
This Sherman Hill spot has a food menu as impressive as their brews! They focus on fresh ingredients and dietary friendly options (GF, Vegan, and DF folks, check them out!), making them a standout option for a lunchtime bite suitable for all needs. If you visit during the week, you can snag one of their main sandwiches with two sides for a fraction of their normal price. Get the smush burger and thank us later.
Lucca
- 420 E Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Lunch Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11am-2pm
We love Lucca for a local date night spot, but if you haven’t been able to talk yourself into an evening splurge at this East Village restaurant, we recommend treating yourself to one of their mid-day lunch options, all between $11-15. They offer everything from salads, to sandwiches, to their unbelievable pasta dishes. Trust us on this one and add it to your schedule pronto!
Thai Flavors
- 2301 Ingersoll Avenue – Suite 500, Des Moines, IA 50312 OR 1254 E 14th Street Des Moines, IA 50316
- Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm
With two locations in Des Moines, there’s literally no excuse to not stop by one of our best Asian cuisine options. They easily offer the most extensive lunch menu on our list, with a variety of options available from curry to rice dishes and even Chinese cuisine. If you’re a fan of sushi, you can get 3 rolls for $12! We’ll see you there.
Take a look at their full lunch menu
BEST FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH
Looking for a place to take your team or to impress a client? We’ve got you covered with some options that are great for a dressed up (or dressed down!) sit-down lunch.
Allora Cafe
- 1459 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-1:30pm
Located in the Krause Gateway Center, right across from the Sculpture Park, this cool cafe offers coffee, lunch, and a great place to meet with colleagues or clients. The menus change seasonally, which makes a great excuse to add this to your quarterly rotation.
Trellis Cafe
- 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Lunch Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-2pm
Located inside of the Des Moines Botanical Garden, you can impress your clients with a two-for-one special of great food and great views of DSM’s most beloved indoor plant oasis. Their food is locally sourced and primarily plant-based, making this a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Menus change monthly, so there’s always something new to try!
Fresko
- 909 Locust Street – Suite 103, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm
This perfect-for-any-occasion spot is always one of our top recommendations! We love that they use locally sourced ingredients and offer an array of options from more casual wings and flatbreads to elevated seafood and more! They offer daily specials on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays plus a weekly Happy Hour from 3-6pm, which arguably offers even better deals.
Check our their menu and plan your next visit
Out West
If you find yourself closer to West Des Moines or Waukee, here are two options along University to try for lunch!
Fresh Mediterranean Express
- 15 NE Carefree Lane, Waukee, Iowa 50263
- Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
If you want something fresh and on the healthier side, Fresh Med Express does a great job landing it a spot on one of our favorite locally owned lunch options in the western suburbs. Whether you go with kabobs, gyros, or salad bowls, the options are customizable and delicious. Locally owned and operated by husband and wife team: Hassan Atarmal & Jeni Betts. Gluten Sensitivity and Dairy Sensitivity Menu Items Available.
Check our their menu and order online
Need to stick within walking distance of the skywalk?
We’ve got a guide for that too! Our skywalk lunch guide lists everything you can find – new and old – just a short walk away from the office. Check out these skywalk eats whether you want to stay within it, can venture just outside, or want to go on a midday rich mom walk. Check out the suggestions and let us know if you have more.
