Recent Blog Posts

restaurant
September 2, 2026
Are you looking for a local restaurant? To learn why it's great to eat local, read on or visit the team at RoCA for great food!
August 31, 2026
A local restaurant offers fresh, customized catering, seasonal menus, and dedicated service to make any corporate or private event a success.

RoCA Restaurant 

Des Moines, IA

Shared Plates and Shared Experiences 

Reservations Available 

Catering Available

Hours:

Exceptional Dining Experiences in Downtown Des Moines

RoCA has been delighting guests in Downtown Des Moines for more than a decade with exceptional cuisine, attentive service, and experiences worth sharing. As a locally owned and operated restaurant founded in 2015, we're proud to be part of the vibrant local dining community and a member of the Iowa Restaurant Association. Guided by the philosophy of “Ladies and Gentlemen, serving Ladies and Gentlemen,” our team is dedicated to creating memorable moments through thoughtfully prepared dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and genuine hospitality.


Guided by the philosophy of “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen,” RoCA is committed to delivering exceptional hospitality, personalized service, and memorable experiences for every guest. Our menu encourages connection through shared plates and shared experiences, while our welcoming atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for celebratory toasts, special occasions, and everyday dining. Whether you're joining us in the restaurant or taking advantage of our drop-off and full-service catering options, RoCA is committed to making every event unforgettable. Reserve your table today or reach our team to start planning your next dining experience or special event. We also provide catering services. Contact our team today to discuss your event and menu options.

Why Choose Us

Checkmark inside a circle icon

Locally Owned

Black checkmark inside an outlined circle icon on a white background

Catering Available

Black checkmark inside a circle icon

10+ Years in Business

Black checkmark inside an open circle icon

Event Rental Venue Available

Black checkmark inside a circle icon

Reservations Available

Black checkmark inside a circle, indicating approval or completion.

Celebratory Toasts

Brick-walled wine cellar with a large wooden wine rack filled with bottles

Reservations

Secure your table by calling us for a reservation, or enjoy the convenience of in-store pickup for takeout orders.

Menus

Explore our carefully curated menus featuring dishes designed for sharing, paired perfectly with selections from our wine list.
Plated tuna sashimi with greens and vegetables on a white dish, drizzled with sauce
Flatbread topped with cheese and arugula on a wooden cutting board

Catering

Let us bring our culinary expertise to your next gathering with catering services that showcase our signature shared plates.
Two plated salads on a round patterned table, with a person’s lower legs visible at the top.

Private Party Inquiries

Host memorable celebrations in our semi-private dining spaces, complete with celebratory toasts for those special moments that deserve recognition.
Black speech bubble icon with two white horizontal lines inside

Here's what our satisfied customers are saying...

At RoCA, we take pride in providing exceptional dining and catering services to our customers. We would be grateful if you could share your thoughts about our restaurant with others. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others make informed decisions. Please take a moment to leave a review of RoCA and let others know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What type of culinary experience does RoCA offer its guests?

    RoCA has been proudly serving guests since our establishment in 2015, focusing on a unique dining adventure centered around shared plates and handcrafted cocktails. Our curated menu encourages connection, featuring delicious boards, artisanal flatbreads, fresh salads, and delectable entrees. We provide exceptional hospitality guided by the philosophy of ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen. Whether seeking a casual evening out or a celebratory toast, our welcoming atmosphere makes us a standout choice among restaurants in Des Moines, IA. We also offer a fantastic selection of fine wine.

  • Do I need to make a reservation before visiting the dining room?

    While walk-in guests are always welcome, we highly recommend securing your table in advance, especially during busy weekend evenings or special holidays. We want to ensure that every guest enjoys a seamless and memorable dining experience without a lengthy wait. Securing a table is as simple as calling our dedicated team directly at (515) 200-2987. By booking ahead, you guarantee your spot at one of the finest dining destinations in the area. We appreciate our patrons and strive to be one of the most accommodating restaurants in Des Moines, IA.

  • Do you offer professional catering services for off-site events and parties?

    Yes, we provide comprehensive catering solutions designed to bring our culinary expertise directly to your next gathering. Our catering team is delighted to offer both convenient drop-off options and elaborate full-service experiences to suit your event requirements. We showcase our signature shared plates and can customize the menu to match your celebration's theme and your guests' dietary preferences. From corporate luncheons to elegant wedding receptions, our staff ensures your event is unforgettable. 

  • Can I host a private event or special celebration at your venue?

    We are thrilled to offer semi-private dining spaces that are perfect for hosting memorable celebrations, corporate gatherings, and intimate family events. Our welcoming atmosphere provides the ideal backdrop for celebratory toasts and special occasions that deserve dedicated recognition. Our team works closely with you to curate a personalized menu featuring our renowned shared plates and extensive wine selections. We handle all the details so you can relax with your guests. When searching for exceptional venues to host private events, we are one of the most versatile restaurants in Des Moines, IA.

  • Where exactly is the restaurant located within the downtown metropolitan area?

    We are conveniently situated in the heart of the vibrant downtown district at 208 Court Avenue. Our central location makes us an easily accessible destination for both local residents and out-of-town visitors exploring the city's lively cultural scene. Whether you are strolling through the downtown area after work or attending a weekend event, our doors are open to welcome you in. Our prime spot places us right in the middle of the entertainment district. Because of our fantastic location, we are a premier choice for anyone seeking great restaurants in Des Moines, IA.

  • Are you able to accommodate guests with specific food allergies and dietary restrictions?

    Our culinary team is committed to ensuring every guest enjoys a safe and spectacular meal, regardless of their specific dietary needs. We offer a variety of menu items that can be customized to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences. Because our menu heavily features versatile shared plates, boards, and fresh salads, finding delicious options tailored to your requirements is easy. Please inform your server about any allergies or dietary restrictions upon arrival. 

  • Do you provide takeout options and online ordering for your food menu?

    Yes, we offer convenient online ordering and in-store pickup for guests who prefer to enjoy our exceptional cuisine from the absolute comfort of their own homes. You can easily browse our curated menus online, select your favorite shared plates, flatbreads, and entrees, and schedule a pickup time that works best for your schedule. We meticulously package all takeout orders to ensure the food maintains its high quality and beautiful presentation during transit. We love bringing our culinary excellence to your table, helping us stand out among restaurants in Des Moines, IA.

  • What are your standard business hours for the dining room and bar?

    Our establishment is open six days a week for your evening dining and entertainment pleasure. From Monday through Thursday, we welcome guests between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, we extend our evening hours, operating from 4:00 PM until 10:00 PM to accommodate your late-night weekend celebrations. Please note that our restaurant is closed on Sundays to allow our dedicated team members time to rest and recharge. 

  • Where is the best place to park when visiting the restaurant downtown?

    Guests visiting our location on Court Avenue have several convenient parking options available within a short walking distance. Metered street parking is frequently available directly outside our front doors and along the surrounding downtown blocks. Additionally, there are secure public parking garages located just a few streets over, providing ample space during busy weekends or large downtown events. We recommend arriving slightly early to secure a favorable spot before your reservation time. 

  • What type of atmosphere and dress code should I expect when visiting?

    We proudly maintain a relaxed and casually elegant atmosphere designed to encourage genuine connection through shared experiences. Our beautiful rustic interior features exposed brick walls and warm lighting, providing the perfect backdrop for casual weeknight dinners or special celebratory toasts. We do not enforce a strict dress code; instead, we encourage guests to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and ready to enjoy a fantastic meal. When comparing restaurants in Des Moines, IA, you will notice our unique rustic charm and commitment to creating genuinely memorable dining moments for every single guest.

Recent Blog Posts

restaurant
September 2, 2026
Are you looking for a local restaurant? To learn why it's great to eat local, read on or visit the team at RoCA for great food!
August 31, 2026
A local restaurant offers fresh, customized catering, seasonal menus, and dedicated service to make any corporate or private event a success.