HoQ Restaurant, Des Moines IA

I'm surprised this place isn't more busy. I've been here 3x, months apart, at different times of the day, different days of the week, and it always blows me away. I've been here with friends, for a business dinner, and on date night. The service is always impeccable, the food is always exquisite, and the cocktails/wine/beer list is impressive. We were served complimentary amuse-bouches (hor d'œrves) when we came for dinner. That was a very nice surprise. It reminded me of restaurants in Europe. The restaurant itself is very well-manicured.

They make hefty breakfast wraps/burritos on Saturdays between 10am and noon. They're so big that I can get two meals out of one.

I was with my boyfriend and his VP during my most recent visit. One of the steaks did not come out as expected and the server promptly had another one made while the Maître D came over and apologized. The entire staff handled the issue professionally and swiftly. Because of this, they gained another fan.

I cannot say enough good things about this place. If you haven't been here. Do yourself a favor and visit.

Absolutely great place for a lunch or dinner. Casual or formal night out all fit in. Farm to table food that is fresh, and flavorful the way food is intended.
Great service, very friendly and welcoming staff. Can’t say enough about this place.

Giving this 2 stars because of the food and service. My food was delicious, but my sister has vegan dietary restrictions and we had a huge issue with that and the service we received all night. Our waiter argued with us that vegan does not mean "no meat" but actually means "no dairy. " He said if my sister didn't want meat she should've asked for vegetarian options. So she only got 2 actual vegan meals. And the waiter forgot to bring out her wine pairings with each dish. He also forgot silverware and we had to ask for our check after being there for over 3 hours. It's sad because it's such a nice atmosphere, and some of the courses were very good. The service was just not great, so we won't be going back.

Food was average at best. Staff was nice. Unfortunately, much like dumpling darling, this is an example of good food ideas with an inability to perform. It could be great but it just isn’t. Food was dry, lacked flavor. The home made tots and ketchup were terrible and flavorless. For the Roxie point- this was not a great deal.

Went here last night on a date. The atmosphere was very nice and elegant, the service was top notch and the food was AMAZING! Will definitely be back! We had the braised brisket, purple potatoes, spaghetti squash, and shrimp. I’m not a huge spaghetti squash person but it was awesome!

Food was amazing, small portion sizes.
The server was an absolute sweetie but she was stretched thin.
If I nitpicked they forgot a few requests.
I didn't pay so not sure the cost.
Lovely atmosphere.

I’m giving it 5 stars because the service and food is truly phenomenal every time but I would like to put out that on our last visit here, I ordered the Scallops & Gulf Shrimp special and I was truly disappointed with the protein portion. It was $28 and I got ONE scallop and TWO shrimp. I’ve eaten at michelin star restaurants and have received way more protein than this at a very similar price point.

If you’re going to eat here, pass on the special but I highly recommend the Lamb or Salmon options.

My husband and I celebrated his birthday with the NYE 4 course meal. The food was fantastic! I can't say enough good things about the meal. Our server forgot to bring a drink we ordered, but she was so sweet that we didn't even say anything. We weren't charged for it, so no big deal. I do wish you sold a better N/A beer than O'Doul's. With all the great options out there (Athletic, Brew Dog, Exile Ruthie N/A, etc.it would be great if you updated that choice for those of us who don't drink, but would like something better than O'Doul's.

Really really good food, from Iowa sources.
The menu is seasonal and the drinks are too. It's all made to the highest standard of taste and presentation and quality.
Potatoes and carrots and kale are delicious when done right. HoQ does them right.

I ate dinner here with my wife, who is vegetarian. She had the vegetarian entree, which was crepes with various vegetables. We also had the acorn squash soup, and I had the beef steak. She loved her entree, but my steak was pretty disappointing. It was rather bland. I'm not sure they seasoned it at all. They served some naan complimentary bread, which was quite good.

Service was great and the atmosphere was pleasant, but overall the food didn't seem worth the price.

This was our first visit back to HoQ since 2020 (we used to live downtown and HoQ was a staple in our dining experiences) and we were immediately reminded why this is such an exceptional restaurant!

Our waiter, David, was nothing short of outstanding. He was personable and conversational, anticipated our needs, and made wonderful cocktail and wine recs for our meal. We love that HoQ works with so many local food suppliers (Early Morning Harvest, etc.)

A few highlights (included in the photos) were the fried green tomatoes (heirloom and the local Milton cheese were to die for!), chef’s soup and the tenderloin…OMG the TENDERLOIN!

If you haven’t been back to HoQ or have never been, make this your next lunch or dinner stop in the East Village - you won’t regret it!

My sister and I ordered Naanza to start things off, followed by the vegetarian crepe and wild salmon entrées and ended with the cheese platter, apple crisp and coffee. Zero complaints and everything tasted fresh from the farm. The cheese platter was served in autumn fashion with apples and an apple spread. All was very delicious and service was attentive even with a crowded dinner service.

I appreciate the farm to table approach, but the flavors and execution do not come close to matching the prices. Service was overall good.

Awesome restaurant! Service was amazing and food was delicious! Plus ingredients are sourced locally so everything tasted super fresh! If you are looking for a nice dinner I’d highly recommend!

Fantastic experience. Food was as fresh as you could ever want. And it all tasted amazing. The soup was wonderful. The mediterranean bowl was delicious. Their spicy sauce was perfect. And Anne, our server, was the best. I live in AZ but would return anytime I'm in Des Moines. Cheers!

I was in town for a work conference and we had dinner here one of our nights. This place was phenomenal. The staff had great customer service and the food was fresh and wonderful. All the food is farm to table and made from scratch. I had a steak and it was one of the most tender steaks I ever had. Went out on a limb and tried the bread pudding and basil ice cream for dessert and I was really surprised with the ice cream.

We have been to HoQ several times and never disappointed. On the upper end of the price range, but definitely well worth it. They treat you right. A fine dining experience.

HoQ is absolutely gorgeous and the food and drinks were great. We were happy with the price point and really appreciated the tranquil dining room and farm-to-table choices for lunch. Our server was on point as well with just the right amount of attention.

Limited menu because it is farm to table but that did not impact the great food and service we had. Best squash soup and grass fed burger I have ever had! Support local! Keep it going for a healthy option in the Des Moines area!