Hello dear
Welcome To Olympic Flame Restaurant
Olympic Flame Restaurant, a cherished gem in Des Moines, Iowa, has been serving authentic Greek cuisine for 38 years. Nestled on E Grand Ave, this inviting eatery offers a casual atmosphere enriched by friendly service. Guests rave about the delicious Souvlaki platter and the moist baklava, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. The menu features a variety of options, including vegetarian dishes, alongside a selection of domestic and Greek wines. With outdoor seating and a focus on comfort, Olympic Flame creates a welcoming dining experience perfect for families, groups, and anyone seeking a taste of Greece in a relaxed setting.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Greek Fries
Deep Fried Cheesesticks
Cherry Coke
Coca-Cola
Kadaife
Baklava
Homemade Soup (Avgolemeno)
Deep Fried Mushrooms
Deep Fried Onion Rings
About
Olympic Flame Restaurant
Welcome to Olympic Flame Restaurant, a gem of Greek cuisine nestled in the heart of Des Moines at 514 E Grand Ave. With a legacy spanning over 38 years, this culinary haven has become a cherished destination for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Greece.
When you step inside Olympic Flame, the warm, inviting atmosphere instantly envelops you. The decor, thoughtfully curated by a friend of the owners, creates a festive ambiance that enhances the dining experience. With around a dozen tables, the restaurant fosters a sense of intimacy, ensuring that every guest feels like family. The moderate noise levels allow for easy conversation, making it ideal for groups, casual dinners, or family outings.
One of the standout features of Olympic Flame is its extensive menu, showcasing a variety of vegetarian options and house specialties. Let me highlight some dishes that truly embody the spirit of Greek cuisine:
- Greek Fries: Deep-fried potato slices, seasoned with the finest Greek spices and topped with feta cheese.
- Saganaki: A thrilling appetizer of kasseri cheese, fried to perfection and served flaming at your table—definitely a must-try!
- Vegetarian Dolmathes: Hand-rolled grape leaves stuffed with a delectable mix, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors.
- Grilled Gyro and Souvlaki: Tender slices of meat served with fresh vegetables and flavorful tzatziki—perfect for meat lovers.
- Baklava: A classic dessert that's perfectly moist, making it a delightful end to any meal.
Many patrons praise the exceptional service provided by the staff, with personal touches that make you feel at home, whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning customer. Mary Anne T. described her experience as one with "flavorful everything," while April Gaea G. highlighted the staff's hospitality as a key component of her meal.
Additionally, Olympic Flame offers a range of conveniences, including takeout and delivery options, outdoor seating, and various payment methods like Android and Apple Pay. This restaurant is not just about eating; it's about creating memories. Whether you’re having lunch on a busy day or a leisurely dinner, Olympic Flame is the perfect place to indulge in Greek culinary delights.
So, if you find yourself in downtown Des Moines, make a point to visit Olympic Flame Restaurant. With its inviting atmosphere, exceptional food, and warm service, it promises an experience that will linger in your heart—and your taste buds—long after your meal is over!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I visited Olympic Flame while in a business trip to Des Moines and was impressed by my experience. Mimi is the perfect hostess, and welcomed me in, finding me a great spot to sit and people watch. She pointed out the house specialties, and when I prompted her to share her recommendations, she led me to choose the Souvlaki platter with one chicken shish kebab and one pork shish kebab which was incredible. My dinner came with a lemon chicken noodle soup, greek salad and pita bread in addition to the extras listed on the menu for the plate. Every thing was flavorful from the Greek fries to the orzo. The baklava was perfectly moist and the perfect ending to an excellent meal. The decor was done by a friend of the owners, and makes the place feel even more festive. If I find myself in downtown Des Moines and needing a meal, Olympic Flame would be my choice for friendly service and excellent food. ”
“ It was an honor to go to this place. I was welcomed by the lady in the front and that makes me feel like I'm at home. The food was delicious. The service was great and I was told that they've been open for 38 years. I recommended in the sandwich I had it was awesome. If anyone know what the grape leaves are, they are real because any time if they have only Rice that mean it out of a can but if they add meat that mean it homemade and that's what this place have so I highly recommend it. ”
“ I was here on a layover. My crew members and I were walking around downtown and this was recommended by the concierge of our hotel so I decided to stop by and eat before we continue on exploring. The food was great but the staff's service was amazing and made everything above and beyond. Thank you for your hospitality and good food. ”
“ Our 2nd visit here and it was as wonderful as the 1st! Going to Greece this fall and wanted to try some good Greek food, it's not good, it's amazing! I love the atmosphere, only about a dozen tables, no TV's on the walls and just the quiet background music along with the hum of people chatting over their delicious meals. Tried a couple of wines which were tasty, then came the lemony soup with tender chicken & vegetables. The warm pita bread - the best! Greek salads did not disappoint nor did the flaming appetizer or our dinners. Finished off with the best baklava I've ever had! The courses aren't hurried which I love, it was a relaxing 2-hour dinner. I like going out once in a while when dinner is the main event, not a rushed bite before something else. Olympic Flame - THANK YOU! We will be back! ”
“ A small place, which keeps noise to easy conversational levels. Service was good and non intrusive. Food portions were reasonable, not the typical "American" size servings. We all finished our meals, with just enough room for dessert. Food was wonderful, especially the chicken soup starter and the baklava. Will definitely be back. ”
“ Great food, nice people who work there... We usually get the Mezethaki Platter, a gyro and some greek fries. We've gone about once a month over the past year, and it's always delicious. ”
“ Went for lunch on a day off after Christmas. Staff was friendly and attentive. I believe 1 waitress and 1 cook running the restaurant. Food came out fairly quick and had good flavors. This is a smaller place and filled up quickly after we arrived. Furnishings are dated, but not shabby. Gyro does not come with fries, I added them as a side. ”
“ Ditto everything like a year ago! We do enjoy the chicken gyros & steak de burgo! Good place to eat. We got the last table. ”
