Des Moines’ plant-based scene is blooming with delicious vegan options that prove Midwestern cuisine can be both hearty and compassionate. From creative comfort foods to inventive global flavors, local vegan restaurants are transforming how central Iowans think about meat-free dining.
Spots like Cinnaholic, Dough Co., and Veggie Thumper showcase the city’s growing commitment to plant-based cuisine, offering everything from indulgent bakery treats to satisfying meals that celebrate local ingredients and culinary creativity.
Discover Des Moines’ best vegan dining adventures now!
Featured Vegan Restaurants in Des Moines
A Dong
What to Expect
Extensive 140-item Vietnamese menu with vegetarian options
Description
A family-owned Vietnamese restaurant offering an extensive menu of over 140 items, featuring fresh, authentic dishes like spring rolls, pho, and vegetarian options. Known for its clean atmosphere and flavorful cuisine, A Dong delivers traditional Vietnamese flavors with multiple vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: A Dong
Cinnaholic
What to Expect
Fully customizable vegan cinnamon rolls with unlimited frosting and topping combinations
Description
Cinnaholic crafts premium vegan cinnamon rolls with completely customizable toppings and frostings. Their gourmet rolls feature plant-based ingredients and creative flavor combinations, allowing guests to design their own unique dessert experience with dairy-free, egg-free options.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Cinnaholic
Dough Co.
What to Expect
Customizable pizza with vegan and gluten-free dough options
Description
New York-style thin crust pizza shop offering hand-tossed pizzas with creative topping combinations. Provides gluten-free and vegan dough options alongside specialty pies. Features craft beer on tap and wings tossed in buffalo, honey sriracha, or garlic parmesan sauce.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Dough Co.
El Michoacano Taquería
What to Expect
Comprehensive vegan Mexican street food menu
Description
El Michoacano Taquería serves authentic Mexican street food with a robust vegan menu featuring plant-based tacos, tortas, and quesadillas. Their diverse menu includes traditional Mexican dishes alongside innovative vegan alternatives, making it an inclusive dining destination for both meat-eaters and plant-based diners.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: El Michoacano Taquería
Gursha Ethiopian Grill
What to Expect
Homemade injera and fresh sambusa
Description
Traditional Ethiopian restaurant serving authentic dishes featuring homemade injera and sambusa. Offers a diverse menu with hearty wat and vegetarian options, prepared using fresh ingredients. Located in the Drake University area, Gursha provides traditional Ethiopian cuisine with warm hospitality.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Gursha Ethiopian Grill
Lucky Lotus
What to Expect
Customizable protein options across menu
Description
Southeast Asian eatery serving vibrant street food-inspired dishes with flexible protein options. Their Bing Bing Wraps and Crispy Rice Wraps showcase creative vegan and omnivore-friendly preparations. Standout dishes include lemongrass soy curls and yellow curry with potatoes.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Lucky Lotus
Veggie Thumper
What to Expect
Mobile organic vegan food truck with farm-to-street philosophy
Description
Veggie Thumper is a vegan food truck serving organic, locally-sourced plant-based cuisine across Des Moines. Their menu features creative dishes like Cauliflower Chickpea Cacciatore and Sweet Life Cornbread, highlighting seasonal, consciously prepared vegan ingredients with an emphasis on vegetable-forward cooking.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Veggie Thumper