Unearth The Voyage
If you’re chasing beef tenderloin that practically melts and onion rings you’ll be thinking about tomorrow, Simon’s in Des Moines needs to be on your radar. It’s a cozy American Italian spot where dinner feels personal, from the comfy waiting lounge to Simon himself popping in to say hello.
The vibe is warm, the food hits that perfect comfort with a little polish, and the hospitality makes you feel like a regular on your first visit. Show up early, come hungry, and save room for the red velvet cake because you’re going to want it.
1. Beef Tenderloin With Portabella Onion Sauce
You know that moment when the steak knife just glides through a perfect tenderloin. That is the feeling here.
The portabella and onion sauce clings to every slice, adding earthy depth and a gentle sweetness that makes each bite feel like the main event.
Order it medium or medium rare for peak juiciness. The sear is confident, the seasoning is balanced, and the aroma draws curious glances from nearby tables.
Pair it with a glass of red or bring your own bottle if you like the corkage setup.
The plate arrives hot and generous, so you can share a piece and still guard your favorite cut. If you are a sauce person, ask for a little extra to drag bites through until the last taste.
It is the steak you will talk about on the ride home.
2. Signature Onion Rings Tower
If onion rings are your weakness, this tower will test your willpower in the best way. Each ring is shatter crisp outside and sweet within, with that perfect golden ripple that snaps then melts.
A sprinkle of salt and a creamy dip make them an instant crowd pleaser.
They land at the table piping hot, so do not hesitate. You will reach for another while telling yourself to slow down.
The batter is light enough to keep things snappy without turning greasy, and the onion stays tender without slipping out.
Share them across the table or hoard the middle stack for yourself. These are the rings people bring up when recommending Simon’s, and for good reason.
Start here and you set the tone for a fun, indulgent night.
3. Steak De Burgo Classic
There are De Burgo debates all over town, and Simon’s holds its ground with confidence. The medallions are tender and bathed in a velvety garlic herb sauce that tastes nostalgic yet polished.
You can smell the butter and basil before the plate hits the table.
It is a dish that loves a simple side and a piece of warm bread for swiping. Ask your server for guidance on doneness and pacing, because the kitchen leans toward generosity.
The sauce balances richness with a bright note that keeps you going back.
If you came for beef, this is another path to happiness. It is especially good for sharing if someone else ordered tenderloin.
Swap bites and find your favorite style, then plan your next visit accordingly.
4. Red Velvet Cake On The House
There is a moment at Simon’s that always feels like a surprise even when you know it is coming. The complimentary red velvet cake arrives and the table goes quiet.
The crumb is plush, the frosting is tangy and smooth, and somehow it tastes like a thank you.
It is a signature gesture that matches the room’s hospitality. You may swear you do not want dessert, then watch the last forkful vanish.
People bring first timers just to see their face when it appears.
Share a slice, tell stories, and realize you are already planning your return. The cake becomes part of the memory, not just the meal.
It is simple, generous, and delightfully hard to resist.
5. Seafood Bisque Starter
If you are in a soup mood, the seafood bisque wraps you in warmth right away. It is creamy with a briny whisper that tastes like it has been simmered with care.
A touch of spice lifts the richness and keeps your spoon moving.
Pair it with the house bread or a crisp salad to balance the velvety texture. On chilly nights, it is an ideal prelude to steak or pasta.
The portion is generous without spoiling your appetite for the main course.
You can split it and still have enough to savor a few luxurious bites. It makes lingering over that first drink feel complete.
Start here when you want a comfortable landing before diving into the heavier dishes.
6. Mushroom Crostini With Cucumber
This shareable starter brings a woodsy vibe to the table. Sautéed mushrooms pile high on crisp toast points, glossed with butter and herbs.
The kitchen smartly adds sliced cucumbers so gluten free friends can join in without missing the flavor.
It is the kind of plate you nibble while catching up, the aroma leaning earthy and savory. A sprinkle of parmesan finishes each bite with salty lift.
Order a round for the table and you will watch hands reach in from every angle.
Pair it with a light cocktail or a crisp white and you have a relaxed opener before red sauce or steak. It is thoughtful, inclusive, and very easy to love.
Expect this to vanish fast, so do not be shy about a second order.
7. Lasagna Like Sunday Supper
When you want comfort in a casserole, the lasagna delivers with a smile. Layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce come together in that cozy, familiar way that tastes like Sunday.
The edges get a little caramelized while the center stays saucy and plush.
This is a shareable giant if you are also exploring appetizers. The flavors lean classic and satisfying rather than fussy.
It pairs beautifully with a house salad and a glass of red to cut the richness.
Leftovers make a happy lunch, though finishing at the table is common. It is generous, straightforward, and exactly what you hope it will be.
Order it when you want a no drama win that pleases everyone at the table.
8. Manicotti With Ricotta Love
Here is a dish that celebrates creamy ricotta and bright tomato sauce. The manicotti tubes arrive tucked under melted cheese with little browned spots you will chase.
Each forkful feels soft and indulgent without being heavy.
Ask for a side of extra marinara if you are sauce forward. It is a plate that invites slow bites and a little conversation.
You will notice how well it plays with a simple salad and a basket of warm bread.
If you love classic Italian comfort, this checks every box. It is also a smart pick for splitting so you can sample steaks across the table.
Expect clean plates and a contented sigh at the end.
9. Beef Stroganoff Trio Noodles
There is something charming about stroganoff with a trio of noodles. Penne, spirals, and shells catch the sauce in different ways, so each bite feels new.
The beef is tender, the mushrooms add savor, and the cream sauce carries gentle comfort.
It is hearty without feeling one note, especially with pepper and a squeeze of lemon if you like brightness. This bowl makes a great cold weather pick or a split dish with an extra salad.
It also travels well if you are grabbing takeout.
The portion runs generous, so come hungry. You will keep chasing the last sauce pooled at the bottom with a fork.
It is a sleeper favorite on a menu better known for steaks.
10. Chicken Florentine With A Kick
This chicken Florentine sneaks in a playful kick. The creamy spinach sauce glides over twirls of pasta while diced capicola adds a lightly spicy finish.
It is rich but balanced, especially with a squeeze of lemon or a sip of something crisp.
The chicken stays juicy and tender, so every bite feels intentional. It is a great alternative when half the table is going steak.
You will find yourself chasing the last ribbons of sauce with bread.
Order it if you want comfort plus a little personality. It satisfies without weighing you down.
By the time the cake arrives, you will still be ready for a sweet finish.
11. The Lounge Next Door Experience
Part of the fun at Simon’s happens before you sit down. The lounge next door turns waiting into a pregame with cocktails, board games, and relaxed seating.
It feels like a secret clubhouse that makes the line fly by.
Simon or a host will pop in and escort you when your table is ready. No buzzer, no clipboard mood, just hospitality and memory.
It sets the tone for an evening that feels personal and unrushed.
Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the vibe. It is a small touch with a big impact on the night.
By the time you sit, you feel like a welcomed regular.
12. House Salad
This is the reset button your night needs. Crisp greens, shaved onion, and tomato come tossed in a bright vinaigrette that wakes everything up without shouting.
Add blue cheese crumbles if you like a salty pop, or keep it clean and let the herbs do the talking.
The crunch of seasoned croutons plays nice with the tangy dressing, setting up every rich bite that follows. It is the perfect breather between sips and steaks.
Share it, or do not, because the portion quietly encourages either approach while staying light on its feet.
13. Sausage Chicken
This one lands like a Sunday supper with a slight wink. Juicy chicken meets snappy sausage, seared until the edges caramelize and the kitchen smells like home.
Roasted peppers and onions soften into the pan jus, giving each bite a sweet savory halo that begs for another forkful.
You get hearty without heavy, and it plays well with red wine or a cold lager. The seasoning leans peppery, not hot, so you taste the meat first.
Pair it with the house salad and you have a tidy little duet that keeps the table quiet for a moment.
14. Planning Your Visit
Go early if you can. Happy hour hums around the bar, and you will score a calm table before the dinner swell.
Aim for a booth near the wall, where servers glide by quickly and the kitchen’s timing feels spot on.
Reservations help on Fridays and Saturdays, especially if tenderloin is your mission. Split the onion rings to start, then share a salad to pace yourself.
Ask about nightly specials, because the kitchen slips in surprise sides that pair beautifully.
Parking is easiest on the east lot. Dress smart casual, and bring an appetite.
