The Best Lunch Spots in West Des Moines
West Des Moines has quietly become one of the most exciting dining destinations in the Des Moines metro area. What was once primarily known as a suburban bedroom community has grown into a culinary hub with restaurants that rival anything you will find in the city center. Whether you are a local looking for a new favorite or a visitor exploring Iowa for the first time, the lunch options here are impressive in both variety and quality.
From family-owned Italian restaurants that have served the community for decades to modern Asian fusion spots pushing creative boundaries, West Des Moines offers something for every taste and budget. The restaurants on this list have been selected for their consistently excellent food, welcoming atmosphere, and strong local reputation.
Below you will find our curated guide to the six best lunch spots in West Des Moines. Each restaurant brings something unique to the table, and together they represent the full spectrum of what this growing community has to offer hungry diners at midday.
Baratta's Italian Restaurant
A beloved Italian-American institution serving generous portions of classic pasta, hand-tossed pizza, and homestyle Italian dishes in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Read full review →Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio
Creative American pub fare with a modern twist, featuring craft cocktails, an expansive patio, and a menu that goes far beyond typical bar food.
Read full review →Greenbriar Restaurant & Bar
An upscale yet approachable dining destination known for refined American cuisine, seasonal menus, and one of the best lunch experiences in the metro.
Read full review →High Life Lounge
A retro-styled lounge serving outstanding burgers, Midwestern comfort food, and cold drinks in a laid-back atmosphere that feels like a step back in time.
Read full review →The Machine Shed Restaurant
A farm-themed dining experience offering oversized portions of hearty country cooking, from skillets and pot roast to homemade cinnamon rolls.
Read full review →Wasabi Chi
Fresh and flavorful Asian fusion cuisine featuring sushi, poke bowls, and creative Japanese-inspired dishes made with quality ingredients.
Read full review →Why West Des Moines for Lunch?
West Des Moines benefits from its position along major corridors like Jordan Creek Parkway and University Avenue, which have attracted a diverse mix of restaurants and retail. The area around Valley West Mall and Jordan Creek Town Center in particular has seen a boom in dining options that cater to the growing professional workforce in nearby office parks.
The lunch crowd here is a mix of business professionals, families, and shoppers, which means restaurants compete hard to deliver quality food at fair prices with efficient service. That competition benefits diners, who enjoy a higher standard of lunch options than you might expect in a city of this size.
Tips for Getting the Best Lunch Experience
Timing matters when dining out in West Des Moines. The peak lunch rush typically hits between 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays. Arriving before 11:30 or after 1:15 usually means shorter wait times and more attentive service. Many restaurants also offer lunch specials that are only available during specific hours, so check menus online or call ahead to confirm.
Reservations are not always necessary for lunch, but they are recommended at Greenbriar and Gilroy's on Fridays. Most of these restaurants offer ample parking, and several are located within walking distance of each other along the main commercial corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
West Des Moines has a thriving lunch scene with options for every palate. Baratta's Italian Restaurant is a longtime favorite for pasta and pizza lovers. Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio draws crowds with its creative pub menu and outdoor seating.
For heartier appetites, the Machine Shed Restaurant serves farm-style Midwestern meals in generous portions. Wasabi Chi is the top choice for sushi and Asian fusion, while Greenbriar offers a more refined dining experience.
Several of these restaurants are excellent for business lunches. Greenbriar Restaurant & Bar provides an upscale atmosphere with attentive service, making it ideal for client meetings. Gilroy's Kitchen offers a polished yet relaxed environment with private seating options.
Baratta's also works well for business dining, with its spacious layout and consistent service. All three restaurants can accommodate reservations during weekday lunch hours.
High Life Lounge offers some of the best value in the area, with burgers and sandwiches at very reasonable prices. Wasabi Chi provides quality Asian cuisine at mid-range prices, with lunch specials that offer excellent value for the portion sizes.
Baratta's Italian also delivers strong value with generous pasta portions that often provide enough food for two meals. Most lunch spots in West Des Moines fall in the $10 to $20 per person range.
Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio is best known for its outdoor dining area, which is one of the largest patios in the West Des Moines area. It is a popular spot during spring and summer months.
Greenbriar and several other restaurants on this list also offer seasonal patio seating. High Life Lounge has a casual outdoor area as well. During warm weather, calling ahead to reserve patio seating is recommended.
West Des Moines lunch options span a wide range of cuisines. Italian food is well represented by Baratta's, while Wasabi Chi covers Japanese and Asian fusion. The Machine Shed specializes in traditional American farm-style cooking with a Midwestern twist.
Gilroy's and Greenbriar offer contemporary American menus, and High Life Lounge provides classic American comfort food. Between these six restaurants, you can find everything from sushi rolls to country skillets.