New Restaurants

An Upcoming Restaurant I’m Actually Excited About

It seems every time you blink, there’s a new restaurant opening up (and, sadly, another one closing). This one fills a downtown gap we’ve been missing.

Jul 23 • Wini Moranville

Say Hello to Vietnamese Snack Culture at This New Bakery-Café

Fascinating sweet-savory pastries, sublime iced coffee, colorful boba tea, and overall, an exceedingly good-natured place to hang. Plus, you’ll never…

Jun 30 • 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

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

My one-word review of Istanbul Grill: Go. Read on for the deets.

(And if there's a better $25 appetizer in DSM, I want to hear about it.)

Apr 21, 2025

Review of Tom Archer's Poor Man's Country Club

They've nailed the atmosphere. The rest needs work.

Apr 17, 2025 • Wini Moranville

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