Don't settle. Demand Proof.

Rated Best Restaurant in Iowa by Time Magazine

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Proof pushes the envelope of Des Moines cuisine. Taking its influences from the Mediterranean and Northern Africa, Proof blends the old world with the new by using local ingredients in all of its dishes. Proof believes heavily in the experience – we want you to come and feel comfortable enough to let our staff provide you with the evening you were looking for.

HOURS & LOCATION

1301 Locust St. Suite C
Des Moines, IA 50309

Tues-Sat: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays

CONTACT

515 244-0655
proofdsm@gmail.com

RESERVATIONS & DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

We offer reservations from 5pm through 10pm Tuesday through Saturday. As a small restaurant, we fill quickly and would recommend reserving a table in advance. If you have a showtime you're trying to make, please let us know at the time of the reservation so we can best accommodate you.

Our regularly rotating menu can be adjusted to avoid certain allergens, and we can best accommodate if notified in advance. Feeling adventurous? Call at least a week in advance to set up a five or ten course Chef's Submit menu to fit your vegan, gluten-free, nut allergy needs!

Reservations

The Proof is in the Hospitality

Our goal is that you don’t need a menu. Because we know you so well, you can come in, sit down, look up at us and ask “What am I eating, what am I drinking?” We don’t want you to make any decisions; simply come, relax, be surprised and enjoy.

Make a Reservation

Taking its influences from Chef Sean Wilson's travels among the Mediterranean and North Africa, Proof blends flavors of the regions with modern techniques. We believe heavily in the experience - a guided tour through the menu and a knowledgeable staff equipped with great recommendations and a few surprises up their sleeves. A passion for hospitality, compelling food and drink, and the anecdotes behind it all is the fuel that drives us.

We love good cocktails. Good wine. Good food. Good service. We offer the most unique food in town with a passion for great wine, housemade cocktails and top-notch service.

Come in, ask questions, check out our offering, or trust us to take the reins and build a menu specifically for you! All we need to know is how hungry you are, what you can't eat and how adventurous you're feeling.

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The Crew

Masters at the helm of Sean Wilson's Pirate Ship, otherwise known as the Restaurant Proof

Sean Wilson

Chef, Owner

Years at Proof 6
Current Favorite Dish Spanish Scotch Eggs
Favorite Adult Beverage Basil Haydens with Pebbles or Cynar & Soda
Favorite Dessert Whoopie Pies
Loves Haley (wife), Vera (daughter), Reggae, Food

Megan Snyder

AM Sous Chef

Years at Proof 5
Current Favorite Dish Octopus
Favorite Adult Beverage Rosé, White wine
Favorite Dessert Chess Pie ❤️
Loves Quinn (daughter), tacos

Diego Rodriguez-Negrete

PM Sous Chef

Years at Proof 1.5
Current Favorite Dish Iberico Presa
Favorite Adult Beverage Riesling
Favorite Dessert Nestle Drumsticks 🤤
Loves House Music

Jared Giunta

Beverage Director

Years at Proof 3
Current Favorite Dish Salt Roasted Potatoes
Favorite Adult Beverage Old Fashioned
Favorite Dessert Chocolate
Best Pairing Oysters & Riesling
Loves Cheese, Dogs, Whiskey, Wine, Rebecca (girlfriend)

Karli Sandos

Bartender, Communications Director

Years at Proof 1.5
Current Favorite Dish Vegetarian Tagine
Favorite Adult Bev Just give me some mescal
Favorite Dessert Whatever is available, I’d like two
Best Pairing Corn dogs & Lambrusco
Loves Design, Mescal, Teaching, Annoying Jared

Beau Fodor

Experience Coordinator

Years at Proof 6
Current Favorite Dish Sea Scallops
Favorite Adult Beverage Malbec, Dark Red Wines
Favorite Dessert Passion Fruit Sorbet
Loves Farm-to-Table dinners, dessert tastings, outdoor entertaining