Simon's
A cozy bistro and bar in Des Moines serving American and Italian classics, known for its personal service and beloved dishes like Steak de Burgo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Simon's
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy bistro and bar in Des Moines serving American and Italian classics, known for its personal service and beloved dishes like Steak de Burgo.
"Simon's never misses; it's a consistently incredible dining experience with rich flavors and warm hospitality."
Arrive Early or Be Prepared to Wait
The popular spot often has lines. Arrive before opening or consider reservations for larger groups.
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the Beef Stroganoff, Steak de Burgo, Seafood Bisque, and the complimentary Red Velvet Cake.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Signature Steak de Burgo
A Des Moines classic, this steak is prepared with fresh herbs, garlic, spices, and butter, cooked to perfection.
Beloved Red Velvet Cake
Famously complimentary, this moist red velvet cake is a sweet ending to any meal, often made by the owner's father.
Personalized Service from Owner Simon
Owner Simon Boheen makes every guest feel like family, greeting tables and ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early or Be Prepared to Wait
The popular spot often has lines. Arrive before opening or consider reservations for larger groups.
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the Beef Stroganoff, Steak de Burgo, Seafood Bisque, and the complimentary Red Velvet Cake.
Check Your Bill Carefully
If dining with multiple tickets, double-check your bill for accuracy, as items can sometimes be misassigned.
Engage with Owner Simon
The owner personally greets guests and is happy to offer recommendations or chat about the dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early or Be Prepared to Wait
The popular spot often has lines. Arrive before opening or consider reservations for larger groups.
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the Beef Stroganoff, Steak de Burgo, Seafood Bisque, and the complimentary Red Velvet Cake.
Check Your Bill Carefully
If dining with multiple tickets, double-check your bill for accuracy, as items can sometimes be misassigned.
Engage with Owner Simon
The owner personally greets guests and is happy to offer recommendations or chat about the dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Simon's is a beloved Des Moines spot praised for its consistently exceptional food and the owner's personal touch. Diners rave about signature dishes like Steak de Burgo and the complimentary red velvet cake, along with the warm, family-like atmosphere. However, some find the intimate space can feel cramped and warm, and there are occasional issues with billing accuracy and wait times, though many feel it's worth the wait for the overall experience.
"Best Des Moines dining experience, an elite combination of great food, outstanding customer service, and a superb overall vibe. Owner Simon Boheen has a gem, and his table-to-table kindness is genuine and appreciated. Server Nick was excellent. Loved the lasagna, my partner's Beef Stroganoff, onion rings and baked artichoke hearts. Get there at least 20 minutes before their 5 PM open to ensure a seat! Great red velvet cake for dessert, Spectacular dining experience in the Metro!"
Dan Evans
"We’ve always loved this place.
If you’re looking for a consistently incredible Italian dining experience, Simon’s is a must-visit. I’ve been here multiple times, and every single entrée I’ve had has been absolutely phenomenal. From classic pastas to their unique house specialties, the flavors are rich, the ingredients always fresh, and the portions generous.
What truly sets Simon’s apart, though, is the personal touch and hospitality. You can genuinely feel the care that goes into not only the food but also the entire experience—from the warm greeting at the door to the attentive service throughout the night. It feels more like being welcomed into someone’s home than just going out to eat.
Highly recommend this spot to anyone in Des Moines or just passing through. Simon’s never misses."
Michael Delagardelle
"I enjoyed Simon's. Owner treats everyone like family. Quaint place with a sitting room next door to wait for a table. Drinks are reasonable and bartender is attentive and quick. Onion rings were amazing! Had Graziano sausage with vodka sauce. Spicy and delicious. Wife had chicken Alfredo. She was not a fan but I know it is a go to for my future daughter n law. Red cake after appeased wife."
Jeff Hummel (Gadget)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Simon's is famous for its Steak de Burgo, Beef Stroganoff, and complimentary Red Velvet Cake. Many other Italian classics and American dishes are also highly recommended.
Reservations are accepted for groups of 6 or more. For smaller parties, arriving early is advised due to high demand.
The restaurant opens at 5 PM and lines can form well before opening. Arriving 20-30 minutes before opening is recommended for a better chance of seating.
Simon's has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, often described as a date night destination. It can feel a bit cramped due to its size.
Yes, they are well-known for their delicious, complimentary Red Velvet Cake. Other dessert options may be available.
Yes, owner Simon Boheen is known for greeting guests and interacting with diners, adding a personal touch to the experience.
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Benjamin's, is a polished bistro and bar that serves a seasonal menu of American and Italian classics and an extensive list of libations in a casual and intimate ambiance. The highly revered, well-kept secret dining destination has a cozy interior with contemporary décor and romantic booths and offers a menu of classics such as spaghetti and meatballs, prime steaks, homestyle Italian lasagne, and Chicken Florentine. The cuisine is accompanied by local and global wines, signature cocktails, and craft beers and brews on tap, and live jazz music is performed on Wednesdays and Fridays.
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That could be the motto at Simon’s, the unfussy local favorite and Des Moines date night destination. It’s legions of local fans line up outside this quaint bistro before it even opens to enjoy one of the most consistent dining experiences in town, with Simon himself walking around the dining room to ensure you’re having an optimal experience. And with comfort food like stuffed chicken, shrimp scampi, Steak de Burgo, and that complimentary slice of moist red velvet cake at the end of dinner, optimal comes easy.
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Whether you’re planning a date night or want to enjoy a cozy night with friends, Simon’s is the place. Tucked into a residential neighborhood, part of the charm of Simon’s is the process of waiting for a table crammed amongst other diners. In addition to potentially long lines, this iconic eatery is known for its onion rings, house salad dressing, Italian pasta dishes and—a Des Moines classic—steak de burgo.
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It serves homestyle Italian cuisine like steak de Burgo made with beef tenderloin in 6- or 8-ounce sizes with fresh herbs, garlic, spices and butter; and lasagna with Graziano Italian sausage, ricotta, basil and marinara with melted mozzarella. Try an order of the Mediterranean baked feta with black olives, tomatoes and toast points. Look for Simon to come by with dessert.
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This is the eighth year in a row that Simon’s has been voted the Best-Kept Secret on the Local Restaurant Scene — and for good reason. The cozy space features one bar, nine booths, a couple three-top tables and a fish aquarium that pack plenty of flavor into the decor. 5800 Franklin Ave., Des Moines, 515-255-3725; www.simonsdsm.com.
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This is a great place to celebrate a birthday – we were welcomed with such friendliness and amazing service. The restaurant itself is small and intimate, so it creates the perfect setting for cozy romantic date nights. They have $5 glasses of house wine (my go-to option) and cocktails that my boyfriend approved of.
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Customers will wait for hours for a spot in the small dining room of this neighborhood Italian-American restaurant featuring pasta dinners, pizza, Steak DeBurgo and cioppino. Start with an order of the baked artichoke dip or Mediterranean baked feta. And if you're lucky, Simon himself will bring you dessert.
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- Rating: 4.7/5 (292 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 5800 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, Iowa - Categories: Italian- Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kiersten Hickman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 299 metros.
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Expect warm hospitality and a personal touch from the owner, who’ll even share local tips for your visit. We visited Iowa from Missouri. After looking for a restaurant that offers gluten free options, we decided to dine here.
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Benjamin’s, is a respected chain of Italian Restaurants in Des Moines, a must-visit. The food is delicious and worth every penny you pay. And the beautiful ambiance creates a friendly and homely atmosphere.
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5800 Franklin AveDes Moines, IA 50322(515) 255-3725 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Simon’s, also known as J. Benjamin’s, is an American and Italian dining establishment.
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It originally opened in 1952, and while it has changed hands several times, it remains a neighborhood favorite. Family, quality and fun are said to be traditions here.
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5800 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50322Phone: 515-255-3725 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by EatwithTee (thefoodieodiowa) (@thefoodieofiowa)
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Even though three different people have owned it, Simon’s maintains its tradition of making their customers feel like family in a fun-filled atmosphere.
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