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BEST RATED DES MOINES, IA SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS

3 Best Seafood Restaurants in Des Moines, IA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Seafood Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa. All of our seafood restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill - Des Moines, IA Seafood Restaurants - Food Image
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10+ YEARS IN TBR
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SPLASH SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL

(4.9 Score)
303 Locust Street,
Des Moines, IA 50309 Directions

Since 1998

Specialities:

✓Norwegian Salmon ✓Chilean Seabass ✓Colossal Gulf Shrimp ✓Hawaiian Yellow Fin Tuna ✓Prince Edward Island Sea Scallops ✓Key West Swordfish ✓Alaskan King Crab ✓Splash Crab Cake ✓Calamari and Shrimp ✓Bbq Shrimp ✓Lobster Wontons ✓Ahi Poke Tuna Tacos ✓Charcuterie ✓Lobster Roll Sliders ✓Splash Salad ✓Louis Wedge Salad ✓Caesar Salad ✓Garden Salad ✓Bowl Lobster Bisque ✓New England Clam Chowder

"Splash Seafood Bar & Grill is an upscale seafood restaurant that features an oyster bar & wine tastings in a colorful, modern space. The restaurant is located at Homestead Building Ltd. The restaurant has the largest selection of cold-water oysters in Iowa. Their award-winning wine list paired to complement with their seafood selections. Splash Seafood Bar & Grill serves only fresh, live oysters from the cold, clean waters of the Pacific Northwest and the coastal bays of New England. Their jet-fresh seafood is flown daily from coast to coast, including seaports in Seattle, Boston, Key Largo, and Honolulu. Splash Seafood Bar & Grill offers happy hour food.

2026 Highlights: The restaurant's signature dishes include Lobster Wontons, Oysters Rockefeller, Chilean sea bass, and Lobster Mac n' Cheese."

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Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2018
License #734052

Menu:

ICED SHELLFISH PLATTERS:
Shellfish Platter $156.00
Colossal Gulf Shrimp Cocktail Platter $31.20
Alaskan King Crab Platter $89.70
Maine Lobster Platter $42.90
JET FRESH SEAFOOD:
Norwegian Salmon $50.70
Chilean Seabass $72.80
Colossal Gulf Shrimp $50.70
Hawaiian Yellow Fin Tuna $54.60
Prince Edward Island Sea Scallops $85.80
Key West Swordfish $49.40
Alaskan King Crab $69.00
STARTERS:
Splash Crab Cake $31.20
Calamari & Shrimp $28.60
Bbq Shrimp $28.60
Lobster Wontons $31.20
Ahi Poke Tuna Tacos $23.40
Charcuterie $31.20
Lobster Roll Sliders $36.40
SALAD:
Splash Salad $19.50
Louis Wedge Salad $29.90
Caesar Salad $19.50
Garden Salad $16.90
SOUP:
Bowl Lobster Bisque $28.60
New England Clam Chowder $11.70

Contact:

(515) 244-5686

Tue-Thu: 4:30pm - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 4:30pm - 10pm
Sun & Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Red Lobster Des Moines - Des Moines, IA Seafood Restaurants - Food Image
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5+ YEARS IN TBR
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RED LOBSTER DES MOINES

(4.9 Score)
3838 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines,
Des Moines, IA 50266 Directions

Since 1968

Specialities:

✓Garlic Shrimp Scampi ✓Seaside Shrimp Trio ✓Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp ✓Grilled Shrimp ✓Walt's Favorite Shrimp ✓Crab-Topped Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms ✓Popcorn Shrimp ✓Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops ✓Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms ✓Crispy Dragon Shrimp ✓Hand-Breaded Calamari ✓Shrimp Cocktail ✓Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp Appetizer ✓Lobster Dip ✓Mozzarella Cheesesticks ✓Lobster Flatbread ✓Crab Queso ✓Crab-topped Mashed Potatoes ✓Crab-topped Asparagus ✓Lobster Bisque ✓Roasted Asparagus ✓Hush Puppies

"Red Lobster Des Moines serves American seafood standards amid New England-themed decor. The restaurant is located 9.8 miles from downtown Des Moines, IA. You can Create Your Family Feast with a choice of three seafood favorites and two family-style sides, including 8 Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Their daily special is Ultimate Endless Shrimp Mix and matches from their delicious options served with a choice of side. Red Lobster has a kid's menu that includes popcorn shrimp, petite Maine lobster tail, golden fried fish, and garlic-grilled shrimp. Red Lobster Des Moines offers online orders, vegetarian dishes, and a kid's menu.

2026 Highlights: Red Lobster Des Moines features a family-friendly, casual dining atmosphere with a full bar."

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License #475719

Menu:

SHRIMP CLASSICS:
Garlic Shrimp Scampi $16.99
Seaside Shrimp Trio $23.99
Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp $18.99
Grilled Shrimp $17.99
Walt'S Favorite Shrimp $17.99
STARTERS:
Crab-Topped Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms $17.99
Popcorn Shrimp $13.99
Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops $17.49
Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms $12.99
Crispy Dragon Shrimp® $13.99
Hand-Breaded Calamari $15.99
Shrimp Cocktail $13.99
Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp Appetizer $12.99
Lobster Dip $15.99
Mozzarella Cheesesticks $9.99
Lobster Flatbread $17.99
Crab Queso $15.99
Soups & Sides:
Crab-Topped Mashed Potatoes $7.99
Crab-Topped Asparagus $10.99
Lobster Bisque - Cup $6.99
Lobster Bisque - Bowl $8.99
New England Clam Chowder - Cup $6.99
New England Clam Chowder - Bowl $8.99
Roasted Asparagus $5.99
Hush Puppies $3.99

Discount:

Get a $5 on Cocktails, Beer, Wine and $2 on Select Starters

Contact:

(515) 226-2150

Mon-Thu & Sun: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Waterfront Seafood - Des Moines, IA Seafood Restaurants - Food Image
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10+ YEARS IN TBR
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WATERFRONT SEAFOOD

(4.8 Score)
2900 University Avenue, West Des Moines,
Des Moines, IA 50266 Directions

Since 1984

Specialities:

✓Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops ✓Shrimp Key Largo ✓Oysters Rockefeller ✓Fried Oysters ✓Crab Cakes ✓Fried Rock Shrimp ✓Coconut Shrimp ✓Fried Calamari Strips ✓New England Clam Chowder ✓Creole Seafood Gumbo Cup ✓Creole Seafood Gumbo ✓Oyster Stew ✓Entree Garden Salad ✓Add Shrimp ✓Add Salmon ✓Add Chicken ✓Cold Shrimp Salad ✓Gulf Shrimp ✓Crab Cake Sliders ✓Seafood Supreme ✓Salmon Pasta Salad and Tuna Salad

"Waterfront Seafood Market is a family-owned restaurant that serves sushi and other seafood dishes. The restaurant is located 9.8 miles from downtown Des Moines, IA. The restaurant staff is friendly, and the atmosphere gives you the impression of being on the coast. Their staff provides information about cooking techniques and seasonings. They have a wide range of fresh fish entrees, salads, sandwiches, and seafood appetizers. They offer a variety of low-saturated-fat and low-cholesterol preparations that contribute to heart-healthy and weight-watching dining. Waterfront Seafood Market offers a kids' menu.

2026 Highlights: The restaurant features a full bar with local specialties, craft beers, and a variety of cocktails."

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Hall of Iowa Culinary Excellence (CHOICE) Awards in 2026
Metro’s Best Community's Choice Awards
License #90772

Menu:

COLD APPETIZERS:
Oysters On The Half Shell Each $3.95
Oysters On The Half Shell ½ Dozen $18.95
Smoked Salmon $16.95
Peel And Eat Shrimp ¼ Lb $7.95
Peel And Eat Shrimp ½ Lb $14.95
Peel And Eat Shrimp 1 Lb $25.95
Shrimp Cocktail $11.95
Herring In Wine Sauce $8.95
HOT APPETIZERS:
Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops $24.95
Shrimp Key Largo $16.95
Oysters Rockefeller (4) $16.95
Fried Oysters $19.95
Crab Cakes (2) $14.95
Fried Rock Shrimp $13.95
Coconut Shrimp $15.95
Fried Calamari Strips $7.95
SOUPS:
New England Clam Chowder Cup $6.95
New England Clam Chowder Bowl $7.95
Creole Seafood Gumbo Cup $6.95
Creole Seafood Gumbo Bowl $7.95
Oyster Stew Bowl $21.95
SALADS:
Entree Garden Salad $9.95
Add Shrimp $11.95
Add Salmon $9.00
Add Chicken $9.95
Cold Shrimp Salad $12.95

Contact:

(515) 223-5106

Mon-Thu: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm
Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

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SPLASH SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL REVIEWS

We had a fantastic dining experience at Splash last night. The food was top-notch, from the salads and the incredible bacon-wrapped barbecue shrimp to the delicious entrees. A major highlight was the exceptional service from our server, Monte. He was particularly impressive in his care and attention to my partner's serious gluten allergy, making us feel completely comfortable and well-cared for. Thank you, Monte! The cocktails were exceptional, and the overall ambiance was delightful. We'll definitely recommend this brasserie to our friends and family. We look forward to returning and hope Monte will be our server again, though we're confident any server will provide equally excellent service.

I had an amazing and delicious food at this place. I ordered the anniversary special red snapper.I had red snapper in other restaurants in the past but the portions that I ordered here was specialty ones. They mixed lightly breaded red snapper with fried saffron, stirred mushrooms and lettuce, and fried noodles with their seasoning. It was a great combination over the rice. Hope you also enjoy this cozy historical and spacious place with their remarkable foods. I recommend reservations ahead of your visit even during weekdays.

Splash was amazing! We went to celebrate a special occasion and they had a wide variety of seafood and non seafood items. The food was excellent quality and the atmosphere and service was also great. They had specialized congratulations menus. I highly recommended.

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RED LOBSTER DES MOINES REVIEWS

Let me preface this by saying I use to be a trainer at this restaurant so my expectations were high.....and they did not disappoint! My wife wanted to go here to celebrate our anniversary. Had a fantastic dinner. Food was on point, and service by Journey was top notch. Most impressed that she pre bussed so actively and engaged with us often. Even had a manager stop by and check on us. I am still a restaurant manager so it is always nice to see a store who gets being obsessed with the guest experience. Heavily recommend now, and if you're lucky enough to get Journey as your server, she won't disappoint! Kudos to your whole team.

Decided to make the hour drive for a date night, let me tell you, NO regrets! From the ladies who greeted us, the gentleman who seated us and our waiter Mustafa everyone was friendly and kind. Mustafa was super sweet, and joked around with us as well. The food was amazing, we were stuffed when we left and took lots of leftovers home. The Dragon shrimp was delicious, my husband had the Bar Harbor Bake which he loved! Of course you can’t forget the delicious Cheddar Bay biscuits! He had mango lemonade and I had watermelon lemonade which were both delicious and refreshing! All in all an amazing date night! Definitely recommend this location.

Excellent service paired with a cozy atmosphere. Food is decent for a casual restaurant of this price bracket. Lobsters were cooked well but seasoning was a slight miss. Though the cheddar bay biscuits are to die for. The drinks were subpar. Do recommend coming here during lobsterfest.

WATERFRONT SEAFOOD REVIEWS

Amazing Fish, called Waterfront on a Friday afternoon asking for 10-15lbs of walleye for a fish fry. Without hesitation they reserved 12 fillets of freshly caught walleye and told me they would be ready for pickup that night. The quality and freshness of this fresh caught walleye from Lake Erie was hands down some of the best fish I have ever tasted. Highly recommend the fresh market fish.

We tried all 3 raw oyster varieties. Incredibly fresh and delish!!! My husband had the blackened salmon and that was amazing! I had the clam chowder and the crab cakes. Chowder was great but I'd pass on the crab cakes next time. The service was great!!! Great value for such a wonderful seafood experience.

So delicious. The best sushi we've ever had. The dinner was great too and the staff was very attentive. Our waitress Jennifer was wonderful.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

SPLASH SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Business Hours: 8
Acknowledgments: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Table Reservation: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

RED LOBSTER DES MOINES Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Location Proximity: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

WATERFRONT SEAFOOD Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Business Hours: 9
Current Evaluation: 9
Location Proximity: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10