Reviews of Waterfront Seafood Market (Fish Shop)

Nathan Chandler

Years ago I had great sushi here. Last night we went for the fried catfish and a scallop po boy. Sadly, the catfish was soggy and tasted like dishwater. The scallop sandwich was light on scallops but heavy on an overpowering sauce that turned the whole thing into a sloppy mess. It was so bad we probably won't be back. Service was friendly and attentive but didn't make up for the poor meal.

Mac McNamara

After living in Florida for over 20 years this IS fresh seafood at its best. From the oysters to amazing clam chowder to lobster. Definitely a must try.

Uyen Phan-Green

We stop here for the clam chowder. It is so delicious.

Douglas Needham

We were a party of 5 and called for a reservation. The friendly voice that answered informed me that 6 were required for a reservation but there should be no problem being seated. Upon our arrival we were greeted with a smile and friendly hello and when I told the hostess that we were a party of 5, she replied that she was expecting us and had a table for 5 all ready. When we were seated, Mike, our waiter, immediately came to us, introduced himself and explained the menu specials and answered all of our questions. The orders were placed and a short while later our dinners arrived and all 5 commented that each dish was excellent. Mike ensured that water glasses were filled and all courses were explained. We all enjoyed our experience and will definitely return!

Hattie Moyer

Always expect a great meal and friendly service!

aakash M

Decent seafood - in the middle of Iowa! - was a pleasant surprise to thos visitor from the east coast. Waitstaff were friendly and had no objections to separate checks for each of a group of 5 people!

Susan Whalen

Excellent seafood. Service was great. A bit pricey though.

Jeff Kovach

The catfish, shrimp, and chicken had no flavor. Ordered soup and it never came. Only good thing was the sushi. The server was ok.

Kray Shivers

Great food, Great Staff. Tables are a bit small but overall great experiences

Gretchen Schwartz

Looking for delicious seafood in Iowa, well look no further. The staff are extremely friendly and the food was scrumptious. They offer numerous types of fish and seafood, plus steaks and even sushi - all cooked and created to perfection. Within walking distance of many hotels. Looking forward to my next visit when in the area.

Peter Joyce

Sit at the sushi bar for a great experience

Jeff Kerr

Excellent food and excellent service, Jessica was our server and with a party of 14 was very attentive, food took a little bit but it was extremely busy on a Friday night.

Zeroy 042

Food was great. Service was great except we waited forever for a lobster tail. They kept telling us after cooking them, they were "bad". Not something you want to hear at a seafood restaurant.

Nick Cairns

One of my favorite stops halfway to the Ozarks. I've had lots of different things on the menu and never been disappointed. I'm always in a hurry and the Bartender gets me in and out in a flash.

John Nelson

Amazing place. Wait time was roughly 5 mins cause there was 6 people in front of me. My waiter was really helpful with suggestions on sushi and help me make my decision. I couldn't decide between the chuck Norris and the Godzilla. He then informed me that I can go half and half and get the baby Godzilla and the mini chuckNorris. Must say the sushi tasted very fresh and had the perfect amount of spices. I will definitely have to visit this place again!

Judi Pfantz

Excellent food and service

Amanda Jones

Great sushi

linda forst

Good food,atmosphere and wait help excellent

Ashley Nehman

I love love Love Waterfront, I have eaten there for lunch and dinner a handful of times and it's always amazing. Great drinks. Great apps. Great entree's, and AMAZING sushi. Get the sushi poppers, Chuck Norris and Girlfriend roll. You won't be disappointed. Sushi not your thing? They have everything from amazing fish and chips to scallops and shrimp. One of my favorite restaurants.

Teri ODonnell

Food was good,just not very hot.Small portions on fish/salmon.

Edd King

The service and quality can't be beat. The sushi is always fresh and delicious.

Jake Reilly

One of my favorite stops in Des Moines! Exceptional seafood and I love supporting local when given the option. No, this may not have the Ceddar Bay biscuits you would find at your chain seafood stops. However, this is so much more. Swing in if you're free as it's not too expensive. You will be happy you did!

Anthony Pettigrew

Always good food

Mike Klinker

Sushi was good... Decor could be updated

Conor Keiderling

Always great service and great sushi

brandon bogue

My wife and I stopped in for our usual sushi. A young man named Logan was our waiter and he was fantastic! I tried the seafood gumbo for the first time and loved it!!! Always enjoy each trip here

B K

Very disappointed in my service today. The man with the Santa hat should be very ashamed of his behavior and attitude. If you are not happy with what you are doing please find another job. He was very rude!! We come here all the time and never have I ever felt this way.

Jackie Powell

My SO and I shared the Godzilla Roll and the lunch special (Yellowfin Tuna Sandwich with Soup) I always get a side salad with the house Creamy Parm. Waterfront has never disappointed me.

Razan Qaraeen

I had sushi and it wasnt good at all

Inger Hozl

Great sushi bar, friendly staff will help you select from a big menu.

Jen Shee

Went in for seafood to grill. Ended up eating there twice this week.

Billie Logan

I ordered the Trout Amandine and it was delicious. Server provided the right level of service.

Hosey OGradey

This place used to be better. I've been ther 15 times at least.. Sushi rolls are not what they were. I had what they said was Wild Caught Salmon and I paid a premium for it. 1- It was over cooked after I asked to have it done medium. it was Dry and flavorless. 2- it was NOT wild caught. It had very thin flakes and the portion was about 4oz. Rip Off. Waitress was cool and the wine was good but I wont be back.

Ryan Heckman

Go-to destination for sushi in Ankeny. Their daily specials always have amazing soups to accompany.

doug Zehr

Large selection of seafood, sushi, and drinks. The staff is first rate and very professional. There is plenty of parking available but if you have not been there before you may want to use Google maps to locate it. It is a very busy establishment so keep that in mind when you visit it. They also sell seafood to go and cook at home.

Natalie Kelling

My fries were cold when they brought my food to me. Catfish tasted watery jus wasnt the best. But the shrimp appetizer was AMAZING. Will try again. But its very spendy.

Na Y

Our waiter Logan was very nice and did a spectacular job but the food here overall is pretty bland. Gave it 3 tries and was not satisfied all 3 times. Scallop was alright, steak was alright, fish fry and po'boy was bland. At least we can say we gave it a shot. I don't recommend it if you like your food packed with lots of flavors.

Kamal Machareka

Food is not bad. Friendly people, but overall a low quality experience.

Jim Bembenek

Fantastic clam chowder and CHUCK NORRIS roll! Excellent and quick service, high quality seafood, and pleasant atmosphere.

Traci Lee

Best seafood in the Midwest. I have loved this place for 18 years. Excellent service.

Carol Jones

We had the best waitress who handled all of our requests with no problem!! The food and drinks were fantastic!!

Conrad Law

The food here is great. But not only can you eat here, but there's a market type atmosphere where not only can you dine in, but you can actually buy fresh seafood and take it home to prepare it if you prefer. Hence, the name, "Waterfron Seafood Market". The service is good and the people friendly, making the entire experience upbeat and pleasant. If you love seafood this is one place you should definately try. I've tried others but I keep coming back here.

Britt Tripp

What can you say about this place besides amazing

linda sabic

Best Sushi in town & the service at the Sushi bar is incredible. My son who is 11 years old is his go to place when he's craving to eat Sushi.

Dylan Verhoef

Had a great lunch at Waterfront. I hadn't been in a couple years and had forgotten how good their food is. The ambience of the restaurant feels relaxed and like a good place for a bite with friends or coworkers. Food was good overall and the sushi tasted fresh ie not fishy tasting. Service was quick and efficient without being intrusive. It does seem like pricing is higher than you'd expect for the envrionment but the quality of food and service easily make it worth it. We had a couple rolls, and some potato battered shrimp which are delicious.

Beans Angerstein

We love the Chuck Norris roll! It has got to be the best roll in DM. Never had anything we didn't like. Staff has always been friendly! Gumbo is delicious also.

K3N1977

This place has consistently served great seafood for years.

Margaret Higgins

Wonderful food. Will go back again

Julie Spowart

Great food wonderfully prepared. Great sushi and fresh.

Steffan Friest

Love this place, great service and great Shushi. Always a treat!!

Kristin Murphy

I'm never disappointed. The food, staff and atmosphere are fantastic.

Joe Hartwick

Order for 3 consisted of blackened salmon...baked salmon...half oysters..broiled scallops...grilled shrimp and others sides as steamed vegetables and asparagus.....everything was very good EXCEPT. the 10 oz lobster tail. The tail was so tuff it couldn't be chewed into and eaten...it was rubbery and tuff. Very over cooked and disgusting....so other than the lobster tail everything was really good. Manager even discounted the tail off the bill.. Overall the food was good and service was good as well.

Wowza Glasses

Got the sushi, the rice tasted stale and it took an hour during slow hours to get for 3 people. Probably wont go back.

Sta Ima

I had a hard time choosing between all of the options, and I can't wait to go back to try what I missed. Great sushi!

Pretti Jb Burton

Delicious and extra great customer service

Greg Nelson

Great place to eat seafood, been there often-never disappointed!

S R

Staff was a little snooty and aloof. Food was decent but nothing special. I ordered fish and chips. I've had fish and chips in London and Iceland and am searching for a comparable dish in the US. The fish was decent, white and good flake. The chips / fries were terrible. They were dry, bland and starchy. Honestly I think applebee's does a better job of it.

Cam Hart

Usually excellent place to eat. Only real problem was my sushi came out much later that my two friends lunches did. Jalapeno poppers and Philadelphia roll were great, but my dragon roll had a gritty texture to it and very little flavor.

Mya Chantel

My husband and I LOVE this place, the food is exceptional, and the last time we went, our waiter was so friendly and personable. Having a personable waiter is so important. Unfortunately, tonight our waitress was far from that. Hillary did not treat us with genuine kindness, she did not promptly fill up our drinks, and seemed very annoyed most of the time. It seemed like we were judged and treated differently because of how young we 'looked'. I would rate the food FIVE stars, but the service tonight was a two star. Due to the consistent tastiness and previous good service, though, I will rate this place 4 stars.

Kyle Robberts

Fresh seafood, and great service. Hard to go wrong

Courtney B

Fresh seafood and sushi, great service- our drinks were never empty

Molly Moeller

Always great food! Went on Sushi Tuesday and ate for a decent price. I recommend the Godzilla sushi roll.

John Sechser

Best seafood in the Midwest with terrific service

Joe Sinnwell

Always the freshest seafood, friendly atmosphere. I just wish the setting was remodeled to portray the service and quality of food. I think it drives younger customers away.

Eric Smith

The food has always been awesome and still is. Did takout this time. Their attitude on the phone and in the store was not pleasant. This isn't the first time I've felt this way and have always eaten in before. It will probably be a while before we go back again to see if they've just gotten too big for their britches.

Sharon Rodriguez

First impression, huh? The employees didn't give me a chance to try and get an order in. The place clearly shows that it closes at 10:30pm I call a 9:58 (last min hunger attack) to place an order. I ask for a couple of things and 2 shrimp tempuras rolls. The employee said that he would check the menu because he didn't think that they were on it, puts me on hold. Come back on the phone saying "nope we don't do those" so I say "thank you, please cancel my order" and apologized. I check their menu and under their "Rolls" it clearly says: Waterfront Roll Shrimp Tempura, Cucumber, Avocado Well what do know, it has their name on it. (He waited 15mins of my time.) I call back and say that I had just called to place a pickup order and was told that shrimp tempura wasn't on the menu, when they have it as a "Waterfront Roll", this person said "Well, now we're closed because we're empty". No apology or anything, just all out rude and empty of what?! It's not like I was asking for Steak, baby back ribs or a quarter pounder. Come on now it says "Seafood Market", did they run completely out of stock? And if it "were true" and they were "empty" wouldn't I have been told that 2mins prior, on the first call? First impression are a big thing and they were pretty good for making a *Terrible one. If that was just over phone, I don't want their services in person. X - on my suchi list. -No thank...Next!!

Randy Simonton

Very fresh seafood.

Billie Logan

Ordered the Trout Amandine which was perfectly done. Our waitress was attentive and courteous. I would recommend this restaurant if you want delicious seafood.

Gerry Rowland

excellent halibut sandwich

Tif Payton

Love love love waterfront I'm never ever disappointed my little family of 4 loves waterfront. Best clam chowder in town. Everything is phenomenal I would reccomend waterfront to anyone and everyone.

Ethan Anderson

Even though the specific date was marked as a special sale for lobster who did not have to wait to be seated. Although we arrived shortly after 7 p.m. it was still busy. The wait staff was ampli equipped to handle the business and we're friendly and timely with our Beverages and food. The food was excellent and prepared just as ordered. There were no major surprises with the bill seeing that we knew what to expect being that it is a higher scale restaurant. If you've got a few bucks to spare I would recommend trying them out if nothing else grab a quick lunch.

Kyle Beach

Great place for lunch. Freshest seafood in the Des Moines area. Stay were very attentive and helps us wrangle our toddler.

James Russell

Very good seafood and great service. Bit expensive. Disappointed that they are apparently no longer providing complementary warm sourdough bread. It used to be a highlight of their meals.

Bryan Beckman

Everything I had was cooked to perfection. They did a great job! I will go back. Not cheap. If you bring the family bring coupons. A great treat though if that is what you're looking for!

Glen Emary

Awesome food and awesome service. Would definitely recommend to others!

Brian Jones

Casual place for quality seafood. Pricing is normal for fresh seafood. I had the 4oz lobster tail, shrimp, and scallops combo platter for $35, and a half pound King Crab leg add-on for $25. The scallops we're slightly under cooked, but I prefer that to over cooked any day. Typical service and maybe a slightly long wait period for your food than normal. Just seemed to be missing something to give that wow factor for a fifth star. I would definitely return if in the area, I'm from Chicago land. Recommend you try it for a casual date night, good friend gathering, or a minor business meeting. But for an anniversary, special date, or deal closer, you might want to seek that fifth star.

Marla Sandve

I gave it 5 stars last time, down to 3 now. Waited quiet a while for a server to stop. by our booth. Others that came in after us had drinks before our server stopped by. To the sushi chefs. When making the same specialty rools one shouldn't be twice as big as the other.

mohamed Selim

It was my first time there and it will never be the last time. I enjoyed having my dinner there. I paid around $100 for 3 people and we was all full by the end. They have coconut shrimp which in the beginning I thought it gonna be weird but i like it very much and I ordered it again. Over all 5 stars

Mary Vandorn

Excellent food, nice restaurant

Nellija Watertor

Loved their Heaven sushi

Joseph Perez

Decent selection of seafood that's good quality for a land locked state. Great service. If you come with someone who doesn't enjoy seafood, they have about four options. Three beef one chicken selection but then again, simply look at the name of the restaurant :)

Maggie Voy

Food, atmosphere, service, was all excellent! Julie is our favorite wait person. I enjoy the fresh salmon, grilled (wild caught) with steamed vegetables.

Jon Hadler

Fish and shrimp was overcooked for this meal. Kind of pricey for what you get.

Twenty Second Street Barbell

Quality Food, Great Staff

William Hamilton

VERY GOOD LUNCH & MENUE GOOD SERVICE TOO.

Brandy Whitney

So very good. The only thing I didn't like was the bones in my fish. The flavors were amazing though.

Hector Quiroz

Great food and great service

Christopher Steuart

Especially impressed with the walleye and the mussels we're also very good.

Nick Grossman

Fantastic food, really good service and atmosphere in general without all the hassle of downtown Des Moines. We'll definitely be coming back here again.

Todd Franzen

My company had a business dinner here and although I personally am allergic to seafood, I had an excellent steak dinner... My co-workers couldn't stop talking about how wonderful all of their seafood choices were, so this place over all is a great choice even if there are some food restrictions in your group.

Ivan Guerra

Very dissatisfied with the VERY salty Chilean Sea bass. Fountain soda was phenomenal. I will not return. Ambiance was okay. Wait staff was okay.. Nothing to write home about. I left most my fish on my plate. Shouldn't the staff notice something was wrong? Not my kind of place.

Kim Knafla

Not great... scallops weren't very good the breading was tasteless and soggy and fell off the scallops. The Waterfront in Clive was better

Leo M

Super delicious food, thoroughly enjoyed the stuffed salmon. Spacious booths and eating areas, clean restrooms, excellent view Of a water way from The patio. Music at a respectful volume, very friendly and knowledgeable wait staff.

Zach Cretsinger

Excellent sushi and my guest has a shellfish allergy that we relayed to our itamae, and he prepared 2 of his own creations of sushi rolls to accommodate the allergen and they were phenomenal!

Cory Waters

Great food.

Kat Gillum

Food was great as always, but the service left a lot to be desired. It wasn't the server's fault, it was poor management. One server taking care of inside and outside patrons. One couple went to pay up front and was told by the hostess they needed to be at their table and the server would be their cashier. The couple had to set and wait for the server to come in from outside and take their money. Come on Waterfront you are to nice of an establishment to have this happening.

Kevin Hallman

Came in from out of town and ate here both nights. Food is excellent, both from the main menu and sushi menu.

Marcia Derby

Clam chowder very good. I had the salmon sandwich. Who puts mushrooms and onions on a piece of salmon, and I asked them to leave off the provolone? It was such a small piece of salmon that I mainly had bread with a spread and a very skimpy slice of a tasteless tomato. I've ordered that sandwich before and used to love it, but its not very good the way they make it now. Plus that sandwich didn't come with as much as a pickle. Quite disappointed in it. My husb had catfish basket and his review was, " its ok". Wish I would of thought to take a picture of the itty bitty salmon.

Joanne Krajcir

We had a party of 6 for dinner tonight at the Waterfront Seafood restaurant in Ankeny. This restaurant should do everyone a favor & close. It's obvious they don't hire competent chefs, or offer training of any kind for their staff. In fact, if I was the Waterfront restaurant management in Clive, I would demand they close so their poor performance in Ankeny couldn't smear their stellar reputation in Clive. How can 2 restaurants, with the same name & menu be such polar opposites! Our food tonight was overcooked, & not ordered or delivered by our waiter properly. We've tried this restaurant several times, with the same results. Never again.

Max Porter

The Tuna main course was great.

deb Hall

Great food, great prices, great service

Shana Hernandez

This reastraunt came highly recommended by a friend of the family. We really enjoyed the delicious food, customer service and atmosphere. My husband was sceptical about trying something new.. My husband was very satisfied! We had great service and a wonderful dinner! We will be back soon!

Larry White

Good sushi and seafood. Fast service. Reasonable prices.

Steven Rindsig

High quality seafood at reasonable prices. I definitely will return when I am in the area again.

Cephus Wright

Great sushi and staff

Rebecca Johnson

We waited 30 minutes just to know who our waiter was and another hour or more to get our food. The sushi was decent, but the main dishes we ordered were horrible, I wouldn't even feed it to my dog. The waiter was nice and apologetic, but the amount of time it took to produce low quality, bad tasting food was ridiculous.

Richard Stocker

Very good food, service, and atmosphere.

Kevin Willingham

I travel along I-35 several times a year and waterfront has become a regular dinner stop on that drive. If this place was in Chicago or Dallas it would be a one star spot, but this is Iowa a state where I have had some of the worst dining experiences in the country. The staff here is consistent, I see the same employees year after year and they have always been great. The food is a real step up for this area, it's always good. The chain restaurants in this area are so bad that just being "good" is all it takes to be the 5 star spot in the area. Between Kansas City and Minneapolis the waterfront is as good as it gets.

Shelley Brandon

I had the fried oysters (IN IOWA) the peel and eat shrimp and a cup of clam chowder (which true New Englanders may scoff at BUT the soup tastes wonderful, regardless! Waitstaff in the bar was perfectly superior! Thank you!

Rob Morrison

Best seafood in town.

Bill Rowland

Love this facility. This is our sushi go-to place. Always great. Had a regular seafood meal last time. Very good! Nice selection of seafood considering that we are in the center of the country!

Aaron Wentz

Different but not disappointing

Jon Paul Bubendorfer

Very nice staff. Food is great, you won't be disappointed.

ALICIA Gutierrez Hall

As always, the clam chowder is outstanding! You can taste freshness. The handmade crab cakes are out of this world! Hubby had a cod sandwich. Very tasty with the paired fresh tarter sauce. Service was great. Only one issue ..the fries weren't crispy and very bland. Usually they are good.

Varun Rajasekaran

Nice friendly staff

Nancy Schmitt

Great food!!! Had clam chowder and TK special sushi. Our server Samantha was the best

Carol Richter

Great food. Great service. The best calm chowder in the area!

Shelby Long

Really fantastic fish. It smells like the ocean in there and everything I've eaten is delicious.

Craig Dobkin

Wonderful sushi and wonderful service.

Benjamin Wagner

All food was delicious. They made our four year old feel welcome and he LOVED it.

Summer Franklin

Was hardly greeted at the door, instead the young lady just looked at me blankly. Thankful for the other host that was prompt about greeting and seating. Blackened wild salmon was bland, sweet potato fries are the “frozen from a bag” kind, then deep fried, which was super disappointing. I realize this is a fish place but didn’t expect the kids Alfredo to taste like a mouthful of fish.

Behnam Sadeghi

The food and service are both excellent. I can't believe that you can fresh seafood that good in IA.

Andrew Henriksen

Went for lunch and was not disappointed. Had the oyster, yellowfin nigiri and the shrimp poboy and they were all better then I expected

Bianca Patel

Lots of options! Love that you can eat and buy seafood here. Loved my meal. Good service with knowledgeable servers.

Morrigan Faye Haney

Food is ok the staff is wonderful though

Dawn

Didnt know what to expect but we are glad we went. Great chowder. Quick and smart service. Good portions. We loved it. Kinda confused with two entryways and mall setting was a bit offputting as was proverbial Cape Cod type decor. But food and service will bring us back.

Kent Altemeier

Decent fresh seafood. Bring your own wine and pay the corkage.

Karol D. Lightner

Great seafood selection, good service.

Susan Williams

Clean, reasonable prices. Seafood taste fresh. The sushi is wonderful. My favorite dish is the fish and chip basket. I adore their clam chowder too.

Amber Tew

Fun funky spot to grab some wonderful sushi. We loved the atmosphere.

Amelia Lobo

Pretty old school seafood place. Great service and large dining room. Always good lunch specials.

Nancy Patterson

My husband and myself frequent that particular Ocean Front eating establishment about twice a month. Great food, clean, and quick to bring food out.

Tashaia Bedminister

It was the best.

Fatima Khalil

Originally from the Great Northwest, I have been in search for great seafood in the Midwest and I found it! My home away from home. I literally teared up as I was eating the freshness of my Poke bowl. The Tuna and Salmon melted in my mouth the mango and avocado were the perfect ripeness. It didn't even need the sauce. It was perfect! I LOVE THIS PLACE! I came with my children and I am so excited to bring my friends and my husband! COME AND EAT! THIS IS LOVE AT FIRST BITE!

Leo Hart

Fresher seafood for the midwest. Good combination of flavors. Have never been disappointed.

Lindsey Brinker

Great food every visit. We went during the week for lunch and I was surprised at how limited the menu was compared to nights and weekends. That is my only issue, otherwise great food and great service.

Eric Rice

We love the sushi. The regular menu is also excellent.

Matt Vatter

Probably one of the most friendly and engaging servers I've met in a long time. The food was good, and as expected for a sea food restaurant in the middle of the country. Great selection and reasonable prices.

Ron Pierce

Waterfront Seafood is the place to go for seafood of any kind in Des Moines, IA. Nice sea shanty environment and friendly staff. The fish is prepared just as it should be the way you like it. You might want to visit their market next door for a take home delight.

Lanina Aguirre

Love oysters and great price

Dennis Snyder

They always have an attitude of talking down to you.

Diane McCool

Fabulous food and service time after time. Freshest seafood I can find in Des Moines. Highly recommended.

Ciro Shetta

This place is the BOMB! I'm usually sensitive to foods, so I usually can't go out to eat, but I NEVER have any problems when I eat here. Granted, I opt out of certain foods because I know they don't respond well with me, but what I do eat, usually sushi [no soy / wasabi / ginger]), I can handle just fine!! Digests well, no headaches, and I'm always full <3 Waterfront has been in my life since I was a toddler, over 20 years, and these folks really take care of you!! Good food, good people, REAL people <3 Today we were in a car accident, just around the corner from them, and decided to walk on over and just sit and have some R&R to overcome the stress <3 They were so accommodating!! My favorite place to get a meal!

Michelle Hosteter

Very quaint and small restaurant with excellent Seafood, only downfall very difficult to hear conversation as very busy.

Alix Guillaume

Food is always so good and the service has always been great as well!

B Dobbs

Owner of the place was there and accessible, the halibut was amazing even though it's not in season right now.

JASON COLBY

Me and the wife came to see what it's all about. We enjoyed it! Little pricey, but for good seafood in Iowa we expect that. We will be back for dinner time to check out the seafood market side. Tables, booths, bar, sushi bar, and outside porch. Thank you!

Justice Lesperance

The food was good but there wasn't too much special about it. Decent sushi especially for a land locked state.

John Held

Excellent chowder and salmon salad. Great service.

Jeromy Brooks

Great seafood every time. The service is always nice and very attentive. I highly suggest trying the Lobster Bisque. It is amazing. Overall excellent experience. One star away for the portion size. The last time I was there the fish fillet was thicker. It seemed a little skinny but the sides definitely filled in the gaps.

Lindsey Schwartz

Sushi is superb! Wait staff was wonderful. We wish we could come here more often.

Jason Clary

Great service..great food

Cierra Hall

I loved the different selections of dishes. You can never go wrong with a couple rolls of sushi from this place.

Lisa Bittle

Very slow service. Took 2 hours to eat lunch and they were not even busy. Food was ok but not great.

ASHLEY DORRIS

Fantastic fresh fish. Amazing & quick service.

Ryan Otto

Some of the best oyster I have ever had.

Nathan Grasmick

We had a reservation for 12:00 arrived at 11:40 and we were not seated till 12:50. And it just followed suit from there incredibly long wait for everything; drinks, food ect. Our poor server was overwhelmed by the lack of support from the management. It was just not a good day for this restaurant. Food was nothing special.

Wendy Robbins

We have never been there before but will stop again when we visit Ankeny. Delicious and great service!

Janice Grill

Fabulous seafood in Ankeny Iowa!!! Go figure! Mussels for appetizer, tuna app & fried oyster app paired with side salads. Yum! Great food, drinks & service. Highly recommend.

Aaron Jackson

Really good fresh seafood in the Midwest. Reasonably priced for the quality of food you get. Very fresh seafood. Highly recommended.

David Brose

Great place, friendly staff. One of my favorites in DM. Im not very "creative" I find a place and a dish that I like I often stick with it. Have had sushi but was a bit spendy, it was definitely good. I believe they have a happy hour but did not take advantage of it. I have a go to for sushi. Favorite is the grilled salamon salad and not on menu but ahi on salad. They make their own Italian dressing which is awesome. Favorite dessert is theri carrot cake.

Carol Eyanson

Had large fried shrimp were light and crisp.

Teresa Kline

Fresh is always best, especially when it comes to seafood. The Sushi Bar is amazing, several favorites. Specials daily that prepare your fish from fried to sautéed. Full bar and specialty drinks. Sour dough bread is warm and delicious. Lots of variety and great knowledgeable staff and service!! We always are happy and love to invite friends to join us when dining either inside or outside where we enjoy the pond and geese. Highly recommend for anything from a romantic date night to a business meeting or group event. They have a large private room for large parties.

Kevin Shannon

Disappointing service, but delicious fish. It was Mother's day, so I should cut them some slack. We were quoted 30 minutes from putting our name on the list, but it ended up being about 45 minutes. Our sushi (pictured) was inconsistent, seaweed was chewy/stringy not fresh, some pieces didn't have any crab. Waitresses were confused about whose table was whose and rushed us out after paying the bill. Manager like person who was helping out was wearing a faded camo t-shirt. Fish is the star, as it should be. Our entrees were very quickly prepared and well cooked. The salmon alfredo was well cooked, just heavy. I'll probably order something different next time. My dad's salmon and mom's fish both were delicious. I can see why this restaurant is so popular for take out.

Colleen S

I've been here twice. Super friendly and attentive service! Really good food. Outdoor seating in the shade for dinner overlooking the pond is nice!

Jim Roscovius

Great seafood selection!! I had pan-fried rainbow trout, and my coworker had Alaskan king crab legs. They had orange roughy, catfish, tilapia, Mahi mahi, and all sorts of others, including sushi. If you love seafood, this is the place to go!!

Phuc Hoang

The sushi is phenomenal!

Blake Andrews

One of the few places in Iowa I recommend for fresh seafood. Always a great experience. I'm fond of their coconut shrimp, clam chowder, and scallops.

Bruce Sullivan

Thought we would try the waterfront. I am a retired fish boat captain and know seafood. The seafood appeared to be fine. Though we both have been up most of the night after eating there. Something we eat made us sick. I am not one to normally complain, but seafood can really make you sick. Though we both had different dishes, we both became ill. Cannot pin point what made us sick, but something did. Needless to say we will not be eating there again.

Derek Sellars

Great Food

Sharleen Agee

Super tasty seafood right here in Ankeny!

Mike Savits

Best seafood restaurant in central Iowa. They have stuff flown in fresh, they have a sushi bar, and an oyster bar. A well stocked bar as well. Prices are fair to high. Portions can be on the small side. Think high quality Red Lobster.

Deb Patterson

Absolutely delicious service was spectacular, the fish was the freshest. Took a friend an he was totally impressed we will return im sure.

Linda Kay Brauer

Food & service was all good. We had clam chowder, rock shrimp & deep-fried shrimp & scallops. Sweet potato fries brought to table hot & crispy in a basket. Sourdough bread was served hot with butter. Waitress was friendly, helpful & efficient. We will be back!

brandi myers

Born and raised in cajun country I wasn't expecting to much on being impressed with the seafood. I was in for a big surprise. I had the best shrimp and scallops ever. Also sushi was great as well as the Moscow Mules. This place was great! Also the service was top notch.

Lynda Smith

If you can't serve a decent size scallop dont serve it.

Mark Nielson

Halibut basket with sweet potato fries was prepared perfectly! Julie is one of the nicest and most efficient waitresses in the Des Moines area. Appreciated her service and hospitality! Definitely coming back for more seafood.

Jeff McFarlin

Great seafood with excellent service. Very friendly and professional.

jerry klaas

Very nice place. A little pricy but, Food was good. Staff was excellent. Would go back again.

Rene Shipman Hammett

Loved the oysters Rockefeller!

Gary

Service was good food was not. Had walleye and my wife had clams for lunch. First time I ever left walleye on a plate. Wife only at two or three clams. Overcooked and tasteless.

John Shaw

Good food GREAT SERVICE

Mike and Laura Pearson

Delicious food and good service. Prices are a little high, but one is paying for fresh seafood. It's worth it.

James Goes

Good food, reasonable prices.

Hello Kitty

Quick and friendly service. Sushi is to die for! I was skeptical being so far from the ocean, but this seafood is delicious!

Nigel Hibbert

Seafood at it's best. Loved the grilled salmon

john lannom

My absolute favorite restaurant in the Des Moines area. The next best place is six hours away by car in Chicago. I insist you try their clam chowder. It is a staple and the best I’ve had anywhere, ever. It feels weird to admit that. Being in Iowa. If I could give six stars I would!

Samuel Reber

Best seafood in Des Moines. Always fresh and market prices can be great depending on when you go.

Tim Kastelein

Yum. Great Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee roll. Awesome spicy octopus salad. Fresh and tasty. Kani salad could be a little fresher but overall 4 out of 5.

Nicholas A

Incredible seafood. Oysters great quality

Sara McDaniel

Best Sushi in Des Moines! Sushi bar staff is top notch

Joe Andrews

I have in the post supported this place but this was it. The place smelled as soon as I walked in at 245 on Saturday afternoon. There was also a wait to be seated because the host was no where to be found. While I waited a couple walked out. Once seated I ordered a drink and appetizer. I received my drink and didnt see my waiter again (to take my lunch order) until my App was recieved and other tables seated after me were cared for. Got my check and went to Red Lobster!!

Kirk Kraklio

Best chowder in the Midwest!

Andrew Sullivan

I love the Rock shrimp! And the chowder is the best in town!

Miss

It was mediocre at best. I paid $43 for 1 Alaskan king crab leg. It was overcooked and overpriced. Our waiter was new, and although everyone has a learning curve, it was not our best experience. Had to send two drinks back. They were fair and didn't charge us for them. The rib eye steak you get is NOT worth $35. Waaay overpriced. I don't know if I'll be going back. At least I didn't get food poisoning...

Khole Cupp

Service was good, our server wasn't as knowledgeable about the menu as we would have liked, she had to go back and ask questions about pricing and what was in certain dishes. She was very personable and prompt, though. Food was good, but a tad pricey. The garlic bread (with cheese) and chocolate cake were very good, but a tad underportioned. Not a big seafood guy, so I got the steak. The seasoning was mild (not a bad thing.) And the steak was very tender. The rice pilaf was unexpectedly really good, the fries were also very good, did not seem like they were frozen. Overall a good experience, probably wont go back, though.

Sarah Cade

Always a great experience! We ordered drinks and appetizers, mussels, edamame and clam strips, first - quick service and delicious. We ordered some sushi rolls, grilled salmon dinner, shrimp basket, and a fish basket. No one had any complaints and we only needed one box for bread because everyone had eaten their meals! Will be returning soon...

Pamella Henderson

Always pleasant and helpful. Food is great. Love it.

Tim Plimmer

The food was excellent, had bowl of gumbo and crab cakes. Really enjoyed it.

Steve Mitchell

Great food anything sea food you could want try the poboy sandwiches fantastic

Gerrick Bivins

Pretty down to earth sunshine with good sushi and friendly staff.

Michael Brooks

Great find while in Des Moines! Food was fresh and delicious. Makes me feel like I was actually at a waterfront restaurant on the East Coast. Just add water! :)

Chris Brown

The service is awesome, and the seafood is always fresh

Debbie Kroeger

Always great specials and love the fresh seafood!

jane patterson

Always great food & great service!

Linda Depue

Fantastic! Fast friendly service. Catfish was awesome!

Joerge Baack

Had a bunch of sushi rolls. Best in Des Moines by far. Been searching and tried near all of them and this will be the only one I go to from now on.

Lisa

Always great food and service.

Deann Kluss

Simply the best place to get seafood in the Des Moines area

Missy Stull

The food was scrumptious, I was so happy, I sat in my seat and did a happy dance, that is how much I enjoyed it!

George & Linda Preeter

The food here was great! The sushi was delicious, it did take a while to get our meal. My husband got the salmon and it was delicious. There is variety of food so the kids can get kid friendly meal. Planning to come back, the atmosphere is nice and want too busy. Good place to get seafood in the Des Moines area!

Carol Ragland Jones

It was my first time there. It was after lunch, so it wasn't too many people but it still was a nice atomsphere. We didn't have to wait to be seated and our waitress was courteous and attentive. Oh, and the food was delicious, I had their cajun catfish and fried shrimp. I left there content!!

Rebecca Dunn

Asked what the lady recommend and she said the chuck norris roll. Was absolutely the BEST sushi roll I've ever had. Excellent customer service and incredibly clean! Every time I'm in the area, y'all know where to find me!

allan jones

Excellent Oysters Rockefeller and raw oysters

Tom Gullion

Great food and good service

Michael Barron

Iowa. Seafood?? This place is real deal. Wide variety. Fresh or fresh frozen. Been traveling to Des Moines for over 20 years to see family. Never miss a chance. Reasonably priced. Staff has always been attentive, knowledgeable. Good choice beer&spirits (haven't had wine there). There is also a fresh market. Don't miss soups. Oyster stew is made fresh when you order it!

Hardy Whiteman

Awesome service, hope we get we Charlotte as server, loved the andoulle po boy

Kimberly Smith

Awesome food & the staff was great

Steve Rivera

Haven't been in awhile food was good.

Jerry Peckumn

Service and food were excellent.

Mark E.

We choose Waterfront for all our seafood and sushi whenever we dine out. They have the freshest seafood and they're always coming out with different dishes to keep us guessing. That's not to say they abandon the traditional items. We have our house favorites still that we usually get!

James McCarville

This was a treat. Excellent Seafood and the service was great! Best Crab Leg around.

Carolyn Niemantsverdriet

One of my all-time favorites. The lobster bisque is wonderful!

bernice yeoh

Absolutely tasty and fresh seafood! The lobster bisque, grilled scallop entree and fried soft shell crab was my favorite

Carlene Gray

The grilled swordfish was amazing my boyfriend had the blackened tilapia he said it was the best he has ever eaten. We will be coming back again

Jerry McCauley

Best fresh fish in Des Moines. Variety of seafood and ways to prepare. Sushi and fish market part of the restaurant.

Matt Jackson

A bit over priced for what you get.

Wil Q

Very beautiful facility. Food looked a tad pricy. Great variety, ranging from fish to burgers. Would definetly take someone here on a date, or for a small party.

Deb Powers

Good sushi. Very crowded tonight ( first Friday of Lent). The restaurant is due for an update and cleaning. It's dark, dreary and run down.

walter Hyde

The Waterfront restaurant in Ankeny, Iowa has great food, wonderful ambience and folks who tend to your needs like they know you and care! My wife and I love the outdoor patio in nice weather and the fireside table in the cozy bar when outdoors is not an option. I absolutely love their lightly breaded-fried rock shrimp appetizer and they have the best calamari I have ever had! Infequently they have green lipped mussels which are out-of-this-world wonderful...you have to ask as they are not on the menu. When I am in the area, this is my go-to seafood place!

Misz Parker

Rock shrimp is my favorite from here

Cory Ernst

Went at 5pm on a Saturday. Service was quick, food was good. We had the sushi and sushimi.

Cassidy Fletcher

Service is terrible. Food is bland and overpriced for what what you get, Red Lobster blows the doors off this place. I would not recommend.

Craig Shipley

Very good every time we go the service is great

Rod Richardson

This was my first trip to this restaurant and it did not disappoint! The service is fast and friendly and the food is outstanding. The portions are generous and the prices are right.

T Studyvin

Food was fantastic. Staff and atmosphere are great

Sandi Hier

Each appetizer we tried was better than the next!! Next time, we'll try dinner for sure. Great service also!

James Kilmer

Had another great meal at the Waterfront. Great service, good quality, fun atmosphere, friendly staff. Wish we were in town more often!

D. L. Redman

Excellent service and awesome food!

Kate Haverland

Staff was friendly and helpful. Food was excellent

Amy Blaess

Love their fresh sushi and coconut shrimp. Bar area with fireplace is favorite seating area. Serive is generally ok but can sometimes be slow. If not in a rush no big deal.

caleb krumel

Sushi is great. Seafood is good also but better be from a name like this. Drinks also had a great taste. Cozy spot. Tables and a bar

Henry Schuerer

Long running local restaurant with fresh seafood and daily specials

stu gersi

Food was tasty and prompt. Nice environment.

sharon b feeley

Always the best seafood and service!

Mary Jo McCleary

Delicious food and great service!

LaDonna Kranz

Great food, overlooks small lake, cook seafood at home or eat there. Excellent

caitlin faulkner

WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER! We have been going here for many years but now no one in our party will ever go back. We asked our waiter to slow the service down, that we did not want our dinners until we were done with our salads. Half way through the salad out came our food. We restated we did not want our food before we finished our salads, so she took it back. A minute later the manager came over and yelled...yes yelled at us demanding to know exactly when they could bring the food? We told her after the salads. She “yelled” that it would be cold and what was she suppose to do about that. I asked her why she was so hostile? She said she just didn’t want us eating cold food so my husband said Maybe she could make it over, we had asked not to have it before the salads were finished. She blew up again, yelled she wasn’t going to do that and said the owners would allow her to do anything (and apparently she’s their daughter-in-law) so we told her maybe we should just leave (this was too uncomfortable). We went to the car, and then my husband went back in and told her we weren’t looking for conflict that we had been coming there for many years, she told him how upset we had made HER and that we should have just asked the waiter not to bring the dinner before the salads were finished. He said we had and she yelled “well that’s the way we train them!” With no resolution he gave her his business card and requested the owners call him. They didn’t...so we wrote them an email about the incident, and said we needed a call in order for us return to the restaurant. WE HAVE NEVER HEARD BACK. I don’t understand why they just didn’t put our food under the warming lights and bring it to us when we’d asked, there was no need for the manager to have come over. We hadn’t been mad at the waiter. We had actually been there the week before and well after we’d eaten our salads and the meal should have been served the waiter came out to tell us they were out of salmon, but they had wild caught salmon so if we wanted that there would be an up charge. I said but you’re the one that ran out why do we have to pay more? The manager, a different young lady, came over was very apologetic and said the owners would not allow her to do anything. We weren’t thrilled but ordered anyway because she was so nice. It’s not hard to be nice and should be a requirement for managers even if the owners decide not to fix their mistakes, which seems very short sighted on their part. They lost 8 long time customers because of it.

Rita Gooden

Disappointed in clam chowder. Had to send it back twice to get it more than just luke warm. It had no broth. Not at all what we've enjoyed over the years as a loyal customer.

Troy Frericks

No better seafood in Ankeny!

Mario Harris

Real Good Small portions

Brynna Whitney

It was so good and very filling would recommend.

Bill Harris

Went to celebrate our son's 18th birthday on 12/18/2018 with the family. The fish was served cold, the steak was overcooked, we only had a party of 6 and the service was slow, and it was not even busy! our drinks were not refilled, they sat us by the cooks door which was cold and had no atmosphere. Very disappointing since we were celebrating a mile marker birthday. We will not return Ever!

Michelle Carlson

Best was crab soup. Cod boil was blan. No cutini.

Timothy Mitchell

First time visiting Waterfront Seafood. Had the Tropic Roll and Baked Monkfish. If you never had Monkfish if you are ever at Waterfront you will not be disappointed if you try it. Great experience, will definitely be going again.

James Baures

This place is great. The sushi bar is very good!

April Sharpnack

Best Sushi in town! Great and friendly staff.

Mike Carlson

My fav seafood restaurant in Ankeny so far

Rick O'Hara

It's supposedly fresh seafood hundreds of miles from the nearest sea, so I don't expect it to be cheap. But for premium pricing, I expect a better than average dining experience. Nearly everything about my experience was less than average. Service was slow and inattentive, albeit fairly pleasant. The decor is only memorable for being so dated, though it was clean. Our shrimp appetizer, and my lobster, shrimp, and scallop entree were all overcooked, while my fries were undercooked. The appetizer was at least served hot, but all of our entrees and sides were served lukewarm. The one bright spot: my garden salad and particularly the croutons (which I usually leave) and house dressing were delicious.

Kim Walker

Great lunch menu!! Try the octopus salad.

Ray Yori

Outstanding sushi poppers, calamari and sushi. My favorite was the Tokyo Bomb. Nice selection of beer. Server was friendly and knowledgeable.

roberta gilbert

Great seafood restaurant. Staff is always friendly.

Allison Lukehart

Service was great, sushi was great, wonderful 1st experience and will def be back!

Mindia Dennis

Delicious. We have sushi here twice a month. Go Chuck Norris Roll!!!!!

JohnDana Custis

Great fresh seafood. We generally eat at the bar and enjoy their bar tenders. Very friendly and personable. This seafood is flown in daily. Always fresh. Preparations tend to be rather boring but that let's the freshness shine through. The restaurant feels more like a cafeteria than a "nice place". It is definitely not fancy. But I think that also let's the freshness be the focus. If you want good seafood in Des Moines, this is THE place. I would like to see them install big screens with a live feed of the coasts, including sound. It would lend credibility to the claim of Waterfront (at the highest elevation in the metro).

Peter Chanthanakone

Fun atmosphere but the rice in the sushi was too warm, making the fish too warm too.

Nicholas Ryan

Best seafood in Des Moines by far

Todd Lewis

I have eaten here many times and never had a bad meal. This is an outstanding restaurant.

Sherry Meyer

Amazing food, excellent service

Martin Becker

Lobster Bisque and Crab Cakes. Happy Birthday to me!

Don Wolf

It's awesome food and excellent service. Thanks for a great dinning experience.

Courtney Hamilton

Best lunch place in town! The broccoli salmon soup is the best!

Toby Simmons

Best food ever, definitely will return again.

Jeni Grimmius

Great seafood. The monkfish was divine.

Kate Haverland

My favorite place to eat out service was wonderful, and as always so was the food.

Dan Skemp

Flat out best seafood in the midwest. Whenever I travel to Des Moines for business I ALWAYS plan my trip with a stop at Waterfront. The clam chowder is the best I have had from Portland Maine to Boston to Seattle. The rock shrimp (if you can get them) are worth the trip from however far away you are.

Mark Bates

Great fresh seafood

Ted Phillips

Had a great lunch of Sea Scallops. Cooked to perfection. Good service, clean and not too busy at lunch.

Brad Putney

What a wonderful surprise in WDM. We all had seafood entrees and they were outstanding. We started with a dozen raw oysters and they were the biggest I have ever seen.

Betty Morgan

Food was excellent and our waiter was great.

Amanda Hupton

Loved all the d drinks and food. We had a great time there. The fish baskets were so good and hot! Felt so glutinous but loved all we ate!

Pat Lutz

Saturday 2/17/18 we met friends for dinner at the Waterfront. It was packed with people waiting, but we didn't mind the wait, the food and service is excellent and worth the time to get a table. Our server Randy was the best server ever. Humor, wit, smile, personable, joker, very experienced, knows his craft, no rushing us, joined in on our fun, very helpful with his knowledge of the menu. We will ask for one of his table every time from now on. Don, Pat, Ron and Sally-Thank your Randy!

Jeffery kell

Delicious food and great service.

Jim Gardner

Always excellent food. One of my favorite places for seafood. The one thing they can improve on is to stop using styrofoam for their to go containers.

Alicia Andrews

This was not my 1st visit, but it sure will be my last. Today as we walked in it smelled like... Yuck. Best word. Not mold & not fish but old dirty yuck that makes you start to feel sick & really question anything from the kitchen. We eat the oyaters & booked it. It did not help matters that the service is always slow & bad if your not a regular. Today it was worse! Our water decided it more pertinent to grab his cell yo show off photos to a regular than to take an order or check on customers. Payed the check & headed 5min down the road to a restaurant that appreciates their customers. Dont waste your time & risk your health

Danae' herman

My family and I have been coming here for many years and we have never been disappointed. We are always very happy with the service and the quality of the food. This is the best place to get fresh seafood in the Des Moines area hands down!