Harbinger

We’re been here as a date night at least 6 times and easily our #1 spot in central Iowa for a cozy romantic place to retreat for a culinary meal. Portions are perfect and their tenured staff knows the menu well. The bar offers some exceptional talent and craft cocktails and also a nice selection of not old world wines. Not better place in DSM to celebrate a special night or even a “just because” treat at the end of a hard week

It was my first time visiting after having heard really good reviews. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was amazing. The waitress was phenomenal. We got the Chef's choice and enjoyed every course. It was a great experience and we will definitely be back.

Do the chef's meal with the wine pairing. The experience is well worth the price of admission. Dishes you've never had before, wine tasting that will blow your mind. Des Moines needs to keep this place!!! This is officially the best meal I've had!

Stopped here while traveling for work and it did not disappoint! There was street parking available up front and though we did not have reservations we were seated fairly quickly at the bar. We almost ordered one of everything to share. Each dish had unique flavors that tied perfectly together. The staff knew their food well and gave excellent recommendations. If you are going to get dinner in downtown Des Moines, you have to come here.

I've been to Harbinger 5-6 times and I can confidently say it's my favorite restaurant in the world. It's hard to overstate how good everything is. The food is creative and delicious without relying on overdone tropes, the atmosphere is cozy and warm, and the service is always above and beyond. Every time I come here I leave feeling like I got even more out of the experience than I expected, so the bar keeps getting raised. You need to eat here ASAP, and be prepared to order basically everything on the menu.

Best food I’ve ever had! Great menu, excellent service (thank you Grace!), great atmosphere! Can’t wait to come again. Thank you for making our anniversary so special!

Note: the comparison here is the *local offer* in *Iowa*, not a general "this is a five star food restaurant" overall. This is always tricky. I finally managed to eat at the Harbinger (it was my third attempt, after a long weekend extra day off in which they were closed, and a private party). It was actually good, but it prices medium/high for the quantity/ingredients/location so, I'm not 100% that the standard Midwestern would be very pleased with the dollar balance. That said, the place was pretty packed for a random Monday evening, so I guess they have a target. And I have definitely no problem with the small plates concept. Also, to be honest, if Michelin would rate the Midwest too (it doesn't, as the majority of the US) they would probably have a mention of sort. Not a Bib Gourmand, no. But their menu, mostly plant based, is trying very hard to impress. Very. Hard. I got the salt crusted kohlrabi (with grilled and glazed wild black raspberry vin, compressed beets, lemon thyme) and the lamb loin (with roasted berry sambal glaze, chickpea panisse, pickled black raspberry). I tried also their signature 割包, the late spring snap pea cake (with calamansi buttercream, toasted pistachio), the cocktail of the day and a French press. The lamb was very good but not like "my soul was touched by how this lamb is cooked" kind of way. But I added a "very" on that "good", so, I guess I shouldn't lie. I was impressed especially by the chickpea panisses, almost like tiny, extremely soft falafels, more than the usual French snack. The kohlrabi was good, but the raspberry sauce was too vinegary and too powerful, killing it a little. Also I have a theory about a very subtle secondary flowery note (not necessarily planned), but I don't have way to test it, so whatever. The 割包 was good. Not the original recipe (I understand I'm spoiled in that sense), but the pork was *REALLY* well cooked. And I totally understand that the classic 酸菜 with the peanuts and sugar powder is maybe not for the local taste. The pea cake was extremely creative. I don't think I ever ate a pea cake before. The texture and type was like a slightly heavier carrot cake. I loved it. Unfortunately for me the buttercream was overwhelmingly sweet. I know I cannot really judge American taste in sweets, but the lovely citrus note from the calamansi was just a nuance. The place is well decorated, but kind of without a "true character", and the service was lovely, but I hate when I'm alone and right away I'm offered the bar. If I could give 4.5 stars to all the categories I would.

We have been a couple times and enjoyed both. Once ordering from the normal menu and once recently for the wine pairing menu. We always enjoy the bao buns, and enjoy trying lots off the menu from starters, mains, and desserts. Cocktails are also good. Service has always been very attentive as well.

Harbinger never disappoints! We came here for their tasting menu 3 months ago and it really impressed us. We had Ben as our bartender and server as we ate at the bar and he provided incredible customer service. So, we came back recently to celebrate our 9 year wedding anniversary and guess who was our bartender/server once again? Ben! He ensured that we enjoyed our celebration by serving us a wonderful tasting menu along with his recommendation of wine pairings. Every pairing that he introduced to us with the dishes complimented the flavors so well! We especially loved the Habanada Peppers, Marinated Scallops, & Korean Pear, and the Bulgogi Steak with Scallion Aioli Potatoes. Mouth-watering deliciousness! What keeps bringing us back to Harbinger is not only the creatively curated dishes that fuse various cuisines together thoughtfully, but the warm hospitality and service. Ben went above and beyond to make our celebration one to remember. Thank you, Ben!! We loved every moment of our delicious meal and atmosphere that surrounded our celebration. We will definitely be back :)

Out of all the places in Des Moines to dine at, I choose to come here. Why? I saw a lot of Japanese inspired dishes on the happy hour menu and I love Japanese food. The waitress informed us that their menu was Southeast Asia inspired though, which I did see reflected on the dinner menu. I also had high hopes for the food here as the chef has been nominated for a James Beard several times. We ordered one of everything on the happy hour menu- $8 snacks. Most to least favorite: -Shishito peppers- I enjoyed the crispy tempura fried peppers. The tama miso (egg miso) it came with was too thick and I went without it. -Steamed buns- This was most value for your money as it came with three buns. There was pork belly, tempura fried butternut squash, and fried chicken. I favored the squash one. -Sweet potato okonomiyaki- It was presented in a slice. The flavors of okonomiyaki came through. -Milkbread toast- The flavor of the caramelized leeks was quite pungent. -Shiitake mushroom yakitori- Mushroom, as in one, cut up into several pieces and skewered. -Ginger roasted beet gyoza- The flavors didn't work for me. I appreciate the fact that the dishes were vegetable focused. Nothing off the happy hour menu really stood out though. We did order dessert too as I saw one of them contained matcha. I loved it, but wished it was a bigger portion. The interior is nice- dimly lit with wooden tables/ chairs. The kitchen is open and there is a bar. Service was friendly and water was constantly refilled. It seems like a nice place for date night or maybe special occasion as the table next to us was celebrating a birthday. The place is not for me though.

We decided last minute to go for restaurant week after reading the menu online. We called ahead to make sure there was open seating at the bar and we could eat there and they said no problem. It was busy and pretty loud which is what I would expect for this week when they were fully booked until 8:30 for a table. We had not been since before the pandemic and I know we will not be waiting that long to return. We enjoyed an amazing meal with some of the best things I have tasted in Des Moines. The sweet corn pasta (course three) is the best dish I have had in Des Moines ever. I had mahi mahi and my spouse had Waygu beef for the main course. Both were very good, cooked to perfection and good sized portions. The Staff was attentive and friendly even with us sitting at the bar on a busy night. Wine pairing selections were unique and went well with our food.

Pretty good date spot. Brought the family along. Read a lot of great things about it and was curious. "Unfortunately," it was some wine prix fixe menu week, so was not able to try things that I had my eyes on when looking at the online menu. The set menu was nevertheless pretty good. Service was good and attentive. They gave my daughter a complimentary fancy lemonade. If I'm in the area again, I'd return to try out the rest of their menu.

This is the quintessential example of lower quality photos, but higher quality food. I have been waiting/wanting to go to harbinger for years! Ever since I had basic bird as a pop-up to go out of this location in 2020 I have wanted to return for their curated menu. Their happy hour menu was pretty exciting because it definitely opens up more affordable options to try a number of different things. However, I found myself truly wanting to try all of the entrées! They sounded so good. The bao buns were some of my favorite. I appreciated that they had three different varieties with three very distinct flavor profiles. This delicata squash was super unique and very flavorful. I loved the crisp texture with the bold sauce. The cocktails that I tried were interesting and good, but I wish I would have opted for the old-fashioned special they were running. FYI, the entrées, while delicious, are not super filling. Therefore, if you're looking for ridiculous American portions that will have you stuffed and still taking a to-go box, don't look here. This is elevated food with delicate intentional flavors. Finally, whether it's a special occasion or something, I will definitely be back to try their seven course chef's menu. That night it was $125, but I am certain it would be well worth it.

A surprisingly upscale Des Moines restaurant that (at least to this California native) is very affordable. Nothing stood out, but the happy hour small bites menu is a great deal that allows for a fun exploration of the entire menu. The menu changes frequently, but highlights for me included the beet gyoza and a perfectly cooked heirloom tomato.

We met friends for a special wine pairing menu this week and had a great time. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Our babysitter canceled last minute so our 3 year old was dragged along, and they were very polite about it even after a water spill which we really appreciated. The food was delicious - very unique and fresh. The white fish had some kind of scallop puree that was very interesting; the sweet potato sounded so simple but ended up having a lot of depth and complexity. We also ordered one of each bag for our child who absolutely devoured them. We have been here twice before and it's been a truly stellar experience every time. The vibes and ambiance are lovely and there just seems to be a lot of warmth and heart in the restaurant, so it's extra enjoyable to come have delicious food here.

Hello, Des Moines! This dining experience was excellent. I am not sure what I thought Iowa had to offer but this exceeded expectations. A mix of Asian fusion plates with brilliant execution. This was veggie forward but in the best way! The stuffed cabbage rolls surprised me. The celery root was more than a puree and truly exceptional. Finally dessert(s) are not to be missed! We ordered each one :) This is a rotating menu based ingredients so speak with your server who will be knowledgeable and kind! Oh Iowa... you surprise me!

Small restaurant with fabulous staff and a great dining experience. This is a perfect date night spot. If you go during happy hour they have good values. The server is Mmmm great at explaining the unique dishes. The carrots have a great sauce on them. Loved the pork skewers. Also tempura fried Romain.

My wife and I had a wonderful dining experience here. This was a wonder dining experience with exceptional dishes. The chef is a true talent for Asian fusion dining. Will definitely be back for this experience again.

My friend and I were in town for one night on a road trip and decided to do dinner at Harbinger. I was totally floored by this experience and it really exceeded my expectations. The cocktails we tried were all really nice: fresh, bright, creative flavor combinations and very well made. Food wise, we enjoyed everything. My favorites included the chicken special, the tart, the pork skewer starter which was SO FLAVORFUL! Everything was extremely fresh and bright. Lots of tangy flavors giving Thai and Vietnamese vibes. Service was great, very attentive. The space is also fun and clean, and was very comfortable. I really hope to be back again and if I'm in town I'll definitely plan to come here. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun dinner experience.

It's a small place but we lucked out with seats at the bar. Dishes are small and expensive but delicious. Two of the three meat dishes seem to have the same sauce but it was still very tasty.

We had a family dinner here on 9/6/2024 the night before my mother's Celebration of Life. This is a very special for me. I live in San francisco and wish Harbinger had a restaurant there. The creativity, thoughtfulness in preparation/presentation and mind blowing food and service is such a treat! Greg handled our table of 12 flawlessly. Residents of Des Moines or visitors.....soak this restaurant up!!!!

Overall: 4.6/5 (dine in) We made a reservation for Friday night at 8:45 PM through Resy. The restaurant closes at 9:00 PM but they were still packed when we came and I think they sat one more couple after us as well. Even though they closed, they didn't rush any of their guests. The seating is a bit tight though. The service is amazing, & the food/drinks came out quickly. Definitely worth the price + great food quality. Street Noodles ($15): This was a very unique cocktail that we both love. You can taste all the flavors, especially the Thai peanut orgeat. Genuinely surprised how they took flavors from a food dish (inspired by pad thai) and turned it into a drink! It didn't have any overwhelming or clashing flavors and the drink didn't feel heavy like how sometimes a dessert cocktail might. Highly recommend trying! Featured Cocktail ($14): This is an off menu cocktail which I only remember having lotus and tea. You get to choose either a vodka or gin spirit base. We went with vodka. The cocktail was pretty strong and had an aftertaste I'm assuming is the lotus. I didn't really taste the tea but it's a solid & balanced cocktail. Singapore Style Chili Crab ($18): Oh my goodness, this was heavenly So much flavor in the crab that can be eaten by itself or with the mantou. The squid ink mantou looked like stone rocks but tasted so fresh & delicious. The mantou was slightly salted which gave it flavor, is soft on the inside, and has a nice crispy outside. I'm pretty picky with my seafood since it's not my favorite type of food to eat but this was so amazing! Highly recommend :) Crispy Mandu ($10): I saw a lot of pictures on Yelp so I thought it was a specialty. The presentation was nice. There were 3 pieces total that were shaped more like egg rolls than dumplings. In terms of taste, the mandus were just okay. You can skip this one. Steamed Buns ($4 for 1 bun or $11 for 3 buns): We got all 3 buns to try. The white buns were nice & soft. The pork belly was actually my least favorite since it wasn't as umami as expected and the meat part was a bit dry. Maybe braising the pork belly instead of grilling it would fix this issue. The lil birdie double dunk is essentially a fried chicken which was also just okay. I'm surprised to say the butternut squash & seaweed beignet was my favorite.

Fantastic food selection and service. Specialty drinks to perfection. Highly recommended. Will be coming here every time I am back in town.

Tried harbinger last night for the first time. My husband was skeptical about the menu but after trying several dishes everything lived up to the reviews. We would go back and probably not get the beet salad and the one squash dish. We both took a bite out of the beet salad and thought it was way too bitter. The waiter knew we didn't like it too so I was surprised it was still on our bill at the end of the night but we paid for it anyway. Our favorites were the potato appetizer dish, the pepper/fennel sausage app, and beef cheeks. The steamed buns were good too! Overall, service was good and on point and food was delicious.

I was in Des Moines for a few days on a business trip. Harbinger appeared to have an eclectic menu. I was not disappointed. The atmosphere is hip and happening. Our server was prompt and attentive. The dishes are small, so I recommend ordering several and sharing. We wish they had a more extensive dessert offering. Overall, it was a very good experience.

A true Culinary Experience right off of Ingersoll! We have been by here so many times and tonight we finally decided to try it. From start to finish we enjoyed every single bite! We love shareable plates and tapas so everything on this menu was very appealing. Excellent service; the staff are all very friendly and know the menu insanely well. We started our meal with some dishes off of the happy hour menu: crispy pork mandu dumplings, prawn & chili bahn xeo, Thai peanut pork satay, and we also ordered 3 steamed buns (pork belly, vegetable with mushroom tare, and chicken kimchi). We then ordered two medium sized plates: the Indian flatbread with green chickpea sauce (This was my favorite) and the duck egg omelet with dungeness crab - Wow!!! Lastly, we ended our savory culinary journey with the halibut cheek, which was in a yellow curry and sitting on top of root vegetables. As you may be able to tell from the photos this wasn't an overwhelming amount of food, but the absolute perfect amount for two. For desert we tried both the Lotus flower cookie that was flavored with cardamom, and a bread pudding which was in a caramel / Thai peanut sauce served with spicy chili ice cream... I can't even begin to describe all the complex flavors coming out of these desserts. Both were very, very good! Happy Hour was a huge hit, and we plan on coming back for a lot more of this!

You have to splurge and get the chef tasting menu. It's food on an elevated level. No food will ever be the same again. Everything tasted just out of this world. The spin on things and recipes. The place is smaller than most so be sure to call ahead for a reservation.

Feeling straight lucky to have experienced the pure perfectionism of Harbinger. The staff, the culinary experience, the drinks were absolutely 11/10. You must go. I did the chef's tasting -- 7 courses for $120, more than worth it. Would've paid $200. Each bite was a flavor bomb from outer space. Go in and go hard at Harbinger. Cheers!

We snuck in at opening without a reservation and the hostess was very accommodating. We honestly would have tried the whole menu if our stomachs could have handled it. Everything we had was absolutely exceptional. The dishes had attention to detail with precision and sophistication. Definitely a tapas style restaurant where sharing is ideal!

Parking: They have a small lot in back otherwise anywhere you can find along Ingersoll. Service: Phenomenal. Super attentive, helpful suggesting items, constantly filling up waters. Top notch. Atmosphere: Perfectly matched the food with a touch of organic/natural elements meets more modern. Very nice and clean too. Seating: low top tables, bar, and some half booth/half tables. Food: delicious and warm with tons of flavor. Small, shareable plates which is great because you can try a variety of dishes. 10/10 must-try this place if you haven't.

If you are considering restaurants in Des Moines, GO HERE. This was absolutely one of the best meals I have ever had. The decor is very bright and inviting and immediately when you walk in, you're greeted by a server ready to take you to your table. The restaurant is small, but the natural light makes it feel spacious and comfortable. Our server warned us that he was new when we first sat down, but we never would have known. He was helpful and knowledgeable about the menu, and never rushed us as we thought through our courses. We started with the milkbread, beet tarts, and corn skewers, all of which were fantastic, then shared the mahi mahi, the carrots, and finished with peaches and sweet corn ice cream. EVERYTHING was delicious, and had a unique flavor pallet that made us want to keep trying new things! Seriously, you will not regret it!

Great ambience and service. Only ordered from the desert menu so I can't speak much for the food itself. However I feel the need to point out that the menu listed online is incorrect and has been for months according to my waitor. The 2 deserts I had looked forward to trying were both replaced months ago with no warning before my arrival.

This is a lovely place with great staff. We knew we were in for a treat from the moment we were greeted. It was smaller inside that I would've expected but not in a bad way. It felt very comfortable. The menu is a small plate type of setup. Looks like the menu changes often as many of the dishes I'd seen on Yelp weren't on the current menu. I enjoy that in a local restaurant. Shows the creativity of the chef and kitchen. We explored the menu and treated ourselves. There was nothing we tried which we didn't enjoy but I would say that in general, I would've liked stronger flavors. The green curry dish was good but could've been better. My favorite flavors were the lamb and the steamed buns. This place is certainly worth a visit to see for yourself. This is a very talented kitchen.

This place it is a GEM ! I was suggested that I come to this restaurant and it was an amazing choice! The service was out of this world and from the start to finish. When you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted with a big smile. When we sat down we were greeted by a big smile and took the time to go over the menu and let us know what had lactose so we could avoid it. The waiter even made a list of the only items that we could order. That was just amazing! We ordered a French white wine and it was very smooth, crisp and refreshing. This was suggested by the waiter and was a great choice. We had the Chef's Selection and it was the best decision ever! "Like ever!" The restaurant even provided rhubarb sorbet so we could enjoy some dessert and ensure that there was no dairy. Water was always full, the team ensured that we were always taken care of. The overall experience was amazing and and this is by far one of the best restaurants that I have been here in Des Moines. The food was out of this world, the presentation was amazing with all the details, the flavor had a WOW factor with every bite and every plate. If you are looking for a great dinner, great experience and a great meal, look no further than this restaurant. You won't be disappointed! If I could, I give this restaurant 10 stars but the max is 5 stars so that will have to suffice. I will definitely be back!

OMG!!!! A-MAZ-ING!!!! We did the takeout Korean Fried Chicken (1/2 and 1/2, dark and sweet) with sides of kimchi, potato salad and cucumber salad! Wow!!!!!!!! Equally refreshing was the fantastic service! I was promptly and warmly greeted by 2 servers, and was able to watch the kitchen prepare the food. It is incredibly refreshing to be treated like they actually cared about me being there!!! 5 stars, we will definitely be back!!!!

Most pleasant experience for dinner in Des Moines! Great service and food! Every dish was prepared with great care. Each dish and drink had its own unique flavors that truly shined! Enjoyed discussing the unique cocktails with the mixologist and hearing about the dishes that came out! Thanks for a great finning experience!

Got out of work Early while in town here and decided to hit up happy hour. The bartender and the rest of the service was a breath of fresh air - you can tell in their enthusiasm the passion they have for their craft and the food. The interior is warm with a calm cornflower blue and weathered wood detail throughout. The plating is artistic and portions the perfect size, not overwhelming. Every bite full of flavor and leaving you satisfied. All the ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully paired. I had the potato pave which was a great start. The trio of steam buns were filling and to finish the foraged nettle dumplings were spot on. The parmesan dashi broth luxurious and silky on the tongue with just the right amount of salinity to brighten the fresh green of the dish. If you haven't been make it a point to go.

Absolutely amazing selection of small plates, craft cocktails, and wine. Four of us had a reservation near the end of happy hour, and our server made sure to get our happy hour apps order in promptly. Everything from fine cuts of beef to humble cheese curds were done imaginatively and deliciously! If they offer pork secreto, order it in any form! Our server suggested halibut in a fermented pineapple sauce. I hesitated about fish in Iowa (I'm a Pacific Northwesterner seafood snob), but she found out where it was from and how it was handled. It was delicious! And the extra sauce was so good I used it with pork from another dish. Desserts were wonderful too. Go here! Try everything!

This is certainly one of THE date night spots in Des Moines. We went there with another couple for dinner and it was a very pleasant experience. Its small plate style, with 4 of us we tried pretty much everything on the menu and I do not think you could go wrong with any dishes. Everyones pallets are different and I an confident there is something for everybody. The menu does change which is also nice. The staff is very knowledgeable as well and the cherry on top is the happy hour

Food is great, service excellent and we sat outside on a lovely patio this spring! Prices are reasonable

What an amazing flavor rollercoaster! The small plate experience is intimate and the food was exquisite. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and friendly. Ambience is big city meets Iowa nice and the kitchen is in full view. Reservations recommended

We had an amazing experience at Harbinger! Our server, Gregg, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He was a tour guide for the menu, from cocktails to dessert, and it was clear that he enjoys not only his job, but also the beautiful food he serves. We were a party of eight, and several people at our table were new to fine dining. Gregg talked us all through the menu, and explained the options. The top of the menu included lighter fare, and dishes became heavier the further down you read. He recommended choosing 1-2 dishes if choosing from the bottom portion of the menu, or 3-4 if choosing lighter plates. We all chose differently and shared tastes. Crispy potatoes were texturally wonderful, with a perfect thin layer of crunch around a delightful dungeness crab lump. The Wild Ramps were outstanding, with the most memorable feature being the 90 minute egg yolk, sous vide, and then cooked at 64 degrees. It added a creaminess to the ramps, grits and broth that was otherworldly. The Nettles dish that included morrell mushrooms and English pea agnolotti (unfortunately I've forgotten the name and didn't get a picture) started with an earthy flavor and finished with the perfect amount of salinity. Gregg said that the Late Harvest Carrots is the only dish that has been with them since day one, and I completely understand why. The depth of flavor was amazing! The sweetness of the carrots, the brightness of the cilantro, the zestiness of the lemongrass sausage--all shone due to the citrusy tone of the sauce. It may have been one of the most incredible dishes I've ever eaten. Others at the table had an equally enjoyable experience with the steamed buns, Kampachi, Cornish Game Hen, Tempura Asparagus, Spinach Tart, and Pork Secreto. Everyone enjoyed everything! We finished our meal with two of each available desserts and eight sharing plates. The compressed pineapple, crepe cake, and white chocolate mousse each had distinct characteristics that made them uniquely delicious. We enjoyed ourselves immensely from start to finish. The staff was attentive and friendly, and the food was amazing. I haven't had many other dining experiences that were as enjoyable as this one, and I highly recommend Harbinger to all!

Amazing meal with awesome attentive service! I have ate at impressive restaurants all over the globe and this spot in Des Moines surprised me as one of the best I've ever had! Appreciate the suggestions by Mustafa. The milk bread, mushrooms with parmigiana crème, and lamb loin were all fantastic as was the lovely Spanish white wine. Wish I could have tried more. If I'm ever in Des Moines I will be back here! 5 STARS

Easily one of the best restaurants in Des Moines. Get the Chef's tasting menu. We are always blown away by the creativity in all areas - food, pastry and bartending. The service is always top notch too. The servers are consistently kind, enjoyable and thoughtful and know the menu well. The timing of the meal is always well done. It's all such a great experience - worth every penny. Most DSM restaurants don't prioritize service like they do. It's so well done - Nice work Chef Joe and team. ;)

Portions ridiculously tiny for amount paid. They claim the price and serving sizes are their "vision" but it seems more like gentrifying traditional Asian dishes that cost a fraction of what they are charging to make, and rebranding it as "new American fine dining". The portions were so tiny that my food was cold by the time it was walked 30 feet over from the kitchen. Furthermore, the service was incredibly fake and it seemed like our waitress was only being nice for the tip. My family and I were the only customers of color that I saw there and we definitely weren't being treated the same as the other patrons there. I looked over a few times to see our waitress talking to other workers while looking in our tables direction, and it did not give out the right kind of vibes. You'd think that with the prices they are charging, they'd pay their workers better so that they wouldn't have to brown nose for tips. I am not exaggerating when I say you can honestly go to a hole-in-the-wall Chinese place and get better quality authentic food for a portion AT LEAST 5x bigger and 5x less expensive (and I'm sure it would be served to you HOT). I'm saying this as someone who is of Asian decent and has grown up with the types of food they serve here.

The food, ambiance, and service was all beyond exceptional. I've been here multiple times and I'm always impressed that the quality remains the same. Cocktails are always on point. Always love that they change up their specials so we try a bit of something new every time!

My boyfriend and I went there for the first time. And we did the chefs special. The service was wonderful and the energy and ambiance was amazing but I gotta say the food was extremely mid I wanted to like it so bad but I'm sorry the food wasn't great.

What a pleasant surprise! We saw Harbingers on Yelp and decided to give it a try. The food and drinks were amazing. What a talented staff. The flavors and presentation were outstanding, and Carly was a really top-quality server. Harbingers is one well run restaurant!

The photo does it no justice. The Basic Bird takeout from Harbinger is no slouch on texture and flavor. I made my order and picked it up two minutes before scheduled time. It was done exactly when they said it would be. I hightailed it home (22 minutes). I quickly unboxed and distributed the 18 pieces and 3 sides to the 6 of us. It fed us pretty well, but the littlest two snack all day long so they are light eaters. I was very happy with how well it held up after the drive. It was still hot! On this small plate, I have spicy chicken and sweet chicken. The boneless nuggets had a nice crunch to the breading. The spicy was pretty mild, so don't let that scare you off. It was my preference of the two flavors. For sides, I have fragrant chicken rice, Korean cheesy corn, braised chick peas. The cheese! So good. Get over there because this treat may be gone when coronacation ends here soon.

I finally made it here for a happy hour, but holy smokes I'll be back. I got home and already wished I had more steam buns. That's what I had been craving for several years and to my knowledge this is the only place in Des Moines that offers those sweet, cushy, warm, deliciously doughy things. We got the ribs and steam buns. I wanted so desperately to get the squash fritter but chef didn't like how they were turning out yesterday. I will be back for that, because who doesn't like squash when you put Prairie Breeze and brown butter on it? The cocktail of the night was AMAZING! The ribs were great, but my friend enjoyed them more. I dug the chicken steam bun and the fried eggplant. They were so good! Happy Hour is 4-6 and has some good deals! Highly recommend!

Great flavorful menu. Love the ambiance too. Perfect for dates and big groups. Staff are very friendly and music is good. Definitely some good Asian vibes in Iowa :)

Amazing food and service! Loved all of the small plates and the Asian-inspired dishes were all so wonderful and flavorful. The chef's tasting is so worth it-surprising and all excellent dishes. This was the best dinner out we've had in Des Moines in the past 2 years!

Such a fun experience full of thoughtfully made food. Got quite a few different things and loved every single one. Every dish is so unique and flavorful. It was very exciting wondering which of our dishes was coming up next. Expensive, yes, but a great treat to taste so many different creations.

Harbinger is one of the best meals you'll have in Des Moines. The small plates are always creative, inventive, and seasonally driven. Go with a few people and order as many dishes as you can--you won't be disappointed. It's also fairly affordable as far as high-end restaurants go.

We were visiting Des Moines from KC for a long weekend. We honestly weren't expecting much but we were blown away. The service, vibe and food were all amazing. I wanted to try everything on the menu. We're already planning a day trip up just to eat here again.

Chef's menu all day every day. The staff own their jobs. They know the menu and experience from head to toe. Such a great visit. The decor is top notch.

My favorite restaurant in Des Moines. If you are visiting or even passing through and want a nice dining experience, Harbinger is a must. Brilliant dishes with local ingredients. Staff is friendly and always knowledgeable about the ever changing menu. Steamed buns are a must try!!