Dining Well in DSM by Wini Moranville | Substack

Highs and Lows on the DSM Dining Scene of Late

The monthly feature where readers dish. Of course, I weigh in, too.

Jan 13 • Wini Moranville

The Five Best Restaurants within a Two-Hour Drive of Des Moines.

All are standouts and worth the drive—or at least a detour.

Jan 7 • Wini Moranville

European Taste Bakery Returns Tuesday, 1/6/2026

Plus: I’d love to hear where you’ve been eating lately.

Jan 2 • Wini Moranville

The 10 Best Restaurants in Des Moines—2025 Edition

The ones that mattered most.

Dec 30, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Your Favorite. My Favorite. And More.

Plus a fine-dining spot that's open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Dec 23, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Get my weekly news delivered to your inbox.

Reviews

Highs and Lows on the DSM Dining Scene of Late

The monthly feature where readers dish. Of course, I weigh in, too.

Jan 13 • Wini Moranville

The Five Best Restaurants within a Two-Hour Drive of Des Moines.

All are standouts and worth the drive—or at least a detour.

Jan 7 • Wini Moranville

The 10 Best Restaurants in Des Moines—2025 Edition

The ones that mattered most.

Dec 30, 2025 • Wini Moranville

The New York Times Just Named One Iowa Dish Among the 23 Best in America

I’ve been telling you something special was happening here. Now, the New York Times agrees.

Dec 9, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Highs and Lows on the DSM Dining Scene of Late

Readers dish. And I weigh in, too.

Dec 8, 2025 • Wini Moranville

A Breakfast Spot You Won’t Want To Miss

Yes to Faustino's. Plus, final chance to RSVP to our Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday Party.

Dec 5, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Recommendations

Ice Cube Press: Publishing, Writing, and Smart Life Secrets

Ice Cube Press: Publishing, Writing, and Smart Life Secrets

Ice Cube Press, LLC

Des Moines Gems, Guides, and Goodies (DSM G3)

Des Moines Gems, Guides, and Goodies (DSM G3)

Professional Contrarian

Reporting from Quiltropolis

Reporting from Quiltropolis

Marianne Fons

Iowa Writers Collaborative Roundup

Iowa Writers Collaborative Roundup

Julie Gammack

My Integrated Life

My Integrated Life

Dartanyan L. Brown

New Restaurants

European Taste Bakery Returns Tuesday, 1/6/2026

Plus: I’d love to hear where you’ve been eating lately.

Jan 2 • Wini Moranville

Curious about Ethiopian Food? Let This Inviting Spot Lead the Way

The welcome sets the tone, and the flavors do the rest.

Nov 17, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Get Ready for a Gush-Fest—I’ve Found Two Winners!

Finally, some great things to report on!

Oct 31, 2025 • Wini Moranville

I Don’t Just Want to Drink Here. I Want to Live Here.

The new Highland Underground bar and lounge opened yesterday. Here’s why, in spite of a very limited food menu, it’s my kind of place.

Oct 16, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Surprise! It’s Open.

Bill the Informant gives us a sneak peek of Tous Les Jours, which opened yesterday.

Jul 5, 2025 • Wini Moranville

A New Restaurant I Should Wait to Tell You About—But Can't

I usually give a new place six weeks before reporting on a visit...but for paid subscribers, I'm giving you a first peek.

Jun 30, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Two Dinners—One Worth Repeating

Plus, The Good Butcher Takes Over the Biergarten on Saturday.

Jun 27, 2025 • Wini Moranville

A New Des Moines Restaurant Worth Any Food ❤️’s Attention

Mongolian Beef! Banh Mi! Vermicelli Salad! And oh yes, the Pho.

May 27, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Food Finds

Your Favorite. My Favorite. And More.

Plus a fine-dining spot that's open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Dec 23, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Des Moines’s Best Artisanal Foods, 2025

Thanks to pros like these, dining in gets more rewarding by the year.

Dec 18, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Thanksgiving Mains and Sides from Trusted Sources

And you can even taste-test some TODAY if you get on the stick!

Nov 11, 2025 • Wini Moranville

How to Get Holiday Pies from Local Microbakers: Who, What, When, and Where.

Ordering deadlines are coming up very soon!

Nov 10, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Waukee This Way! Five Food-Focused Reasons to Head Way Out West.

These food artisans make it worth the gas money.

Sep 11, 2025 • Wini Moranville

“What Is Wrong with the Chicken in This Country?”

Why do restaurants serve such boring chicken? And where can you get chicken that actually has some flavor? You know I’ll tell you, right?

Aug 25, 2025 • Wini Moranville

A Slew of Cool Things on the DSM Food & Dining Scene

Before the door slams shut on summer, here are some great things to enjoy right now.

Aug 18, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Quick Bites on the Des Moines Dining Scene

Including my recent visit to the city's most non-frenzied farmers' market.

Jun 2, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Nearby Travel

The Five Best Restaurants within a Two-Hour Drive of Des Moines.

All are standouts and worth the drive—or at least a detour.

Jan 7 • Wini Moranville

Headed Decorah-Way? Here Are Two Recommended Restaurants + an Also-Ran

If you're headed up this way, I've got your top dining choices right here. Plus, news of a farm-to-table event on November 1.

Oct 11, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Three New Reasons to Go to Decorah + Where to Eat

Plus, the five enduring draws that have long made this Bluff Country hub a perfect long-weekend getaway.

Oct 7, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Is Sioux Falls Worth a Trip from DSM?

With two James Beard-nominated venues, a beautiful downtown, and captivating waterfalls—there's plenty to enjoy here. Is it worth a stand-alone trip…

Sep 5, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Is This Paris? No, It's Omaha.

Yes, I exaggerate, but great pleasures await in this utterly transformed city—perfect for an autumn getaway. While you're at it, take in the Loess Hills…

Sep 3, 2025 • Wini Moranville

One of the Best Day Trips from DSM. And It's Only 40 Minutes Away

Have you been to Winterset lately? Honestly, I can't think of a better day trip this close to DSM. And yes, I'll tell you where to eat. Here's a great…

Aug 4, 2025 • Wini Moranville

I Tried Iowa's Only Restaurant to Receive a James Beard “Best Chef” Nomination This Year. Here’s What I Thought.

Did it measure up? I’ll tell you.

Jun 9, 2025 • Wini Moranville

Could this be Iowa's most genuine getaway? It may have my vote!

Have you been to Keosauqua’s Hotel Manning lately? This 1899 riverfront inn has been restored, but with its rugged charm intact. Step into its history…

Apr 28, 2025 • Wini Moranville

#nojs-banner { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left: 0; padding: 16px 16px 16px 32px; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; background: red; color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; } #nojs-banner a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; } This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts