PortoVino Italian Restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, intimate setting. Since opening in April 2025, it’s quickly become a favorite of locals, who rave about the quality of the dishes, attentive service, and thoughtfully renovated space, complete with a full bar, fireplace lounge, and outdoor patio for sunny days. Whether you’re craving a romantic night out or a cozy gathering with friends, PortoVino invites you to sip, savor, and stay awhile.      

Need to Know:      
*	Authentic Italian Dishes: Find comforting Italian classics like pollo al marsala, linguini de mare piccata, and carbonara, as well as a melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon. Guests also can’t get enough of the perfectly balanced spinach salad and the tiramisu that ""melts like velvet"" in your mouth.    
*	Cozy, Sultry Atmosphere: The ambiance leans toward dark and intimate. Soft lighting, a crackling fireplace, and tasteful décor create a moody, romantic setting ideal for lingering meals.    
*	Thoughtful Service and Presentation: The owner's attention to detail shines through not just in the renovation of the space, but in the service and food presentation. Staff are described as wonderfully attentive, welcoming, and stylish, enhancing the full experience.    
*	A Patio with a View: On warm evenings, enjoy outdoor seating with a view of Puget Sound.      

The Vibe    PortoVino exudes a romantic sophistication with a welcoming soul. Ideal for date nights and celebrations, this Marina District treasure wraps guests in a rich sensory experience that feels both timeless and fresh.

PortoVino Ristorante Italiano

Arturo's Mexican Restaurant in Des Moines offers authentic Mexican flavors in a laid-back, welcoming setting. Founded in 2011 by Arturo and his brothers Joel and Salvador, this family-owned gem brings the rich culinary traditions of their hometown, Zamora, Michoacán, right to your table.    

Hearty Mexican Comfort Food: Many of the dishes on the menu were inspired by Arturo’s mother's passion for cooking on their family farm. Enjoy a wide range of choices including street tacos, “two shell” crunchy tacos, and a savory tortilla soup filled with hearty chunks of tender chicken breast.    

Cheeseburgers and Sandwiches: The menu includes several burger options, including a vegan mushroom one.    Full Bar: The bar includes a wide variety of spirits, wine, and beer, but its centered around a wide selection of tequila. Fittingly, the menu features all kinds of flavored margaritas in flavors like mango, kiwi, and pomegranate.     

Happy Hour: Arturo’s is on our Happy Hour Trail<https://www.seattlesouthside.com/happy-hour-trail/?gad_source=1>! Get $10 specials like the Seven Layer Dip, which is loaded with beans, guacamole, and other ingredients and served in a festive, cactus-shaped glass. Sign up for the app, then check in when you’re at Arturo's and start earning prizes.    

The Vibe:  The warm hospitality and care put into this family business shines through in every dish.

Arturo's Mexican Restaurant

The Des Moines Field House is the only full-log cabin in Washington State.  It was completed in 1939 as part of a Depression-era recovery program and received designation as a King County Historic Landmark in 1984.  The park itself features Tennis Courts (also lined for Pickleball), Ball Fields, a Concrete Skate Park, Picnic Shelter with Barbeque, Port-A-Potty Restrooms, and a large playground that was completely remodeled and upgraded in 2024.

Des Moines Field House Parks

Located just a few blocks from the scenic Des Moines Marina, Teacup offers a refreshing stop for boba and bites. This family-owned spot offers healthy, high-quality drinks and dishes that leave you smiling. As one of the only boba shops in the area serving 100% organic teas and cane sugar-based drinks, Teacup sets itself apart with a commitment to real ingredients and feel-good flavors. Whether you’re craving a handcrafted bubble tea or a satisfying Vietnamese meal, this café has something thoughtfully made for you.    

NEED TO KNOW    
-Certified Organic Teas: All drinks are brewed from organic black, jasmine green, matcha, and green teas, setting Teacup apart. No artificial powders—just real tea.    
-Cane Sugar, Always Included: Instead of high-fructose corn syrup, Teacup sweetens every drink with natural cane sugar at no extra charge, offering a cleaner, healthier way to enjoy your favorite beverages.    
-Fully Customizable Drinks: Choose from more than a dozen boba tea flavors, over ten smoothie blends, and countless topping combos. Guests can mix flavors freely to create a one-of-a-kind drink every time.  
-Fresh, Flavorful Vietnamese Cuisine: Teacup serves a full Vietnamese menu featuring Banh Mi sandwiches, fresh salad spring rolls, egg rolls, vermicelli bowls, and hot soups—always made fresh to order.    

The Vibe: Wholesome, Welcoming, and Made with Care    

Teacup Des Moines radiates the kind of warmth you only find in a family-owned café. With a calm, cozy setting just minutes from the marina, it’s a perfect place to recharge with something fresh.

TeaCup

Uncover the Mystery: The Maury Island Incident Mural  Tucked away in the Seattle Southside area, the Maury Island Incident Mural in Des Moines, Washington, commemorates one of the most mysterious and debated UFO sightings in American history. This striking mural tells the story of the infamous 1947 Maury Island Incident, a tale involving flying saucers, strange debris, and government agents. Located on the side of a shipping container outside a local building, the mural brings this intriguing piece of Pacific Northwest folklore to life, capturing the imagination of passersby and inviting them to delve into the mystery that still lingers today.    

Key Features to Explore      
*	Historical Significance: The mural depicts key elements of the 1947 Maury Island UFO sighting, which occurred just days before the famous Roswell incident. The case involved Harold Dahl, a local man who claimed to have witnessed six flying saucers near Maury Island in Puget Sound, and later reported falling debris and other strange occurrences.  
*	Artistic Depiction of the UFO Encounter: The mural, commissioned by John White and created by Nancy and Zach Pahl, features vibrant, detailed imagery of flying saucers, the Puget Sound, and the boats that were involved in the incident. Its dynamic design is both visually captivating and rich in narrative, sparking curiosity about the long-standing mystery.  
*	Cultural and Local Relevance: The Maury Island Incident is a part of local lore, and the mural pays homage to the Pacific Northwest’s fascination with UFOs and the unknown. It connects visitors to the region's history of aviation, conspiracy theories, and government involvement in UFO investigations.  
*	Local Landmark: The mural has become a beloved piece of public art in Des Moines, drawing both UFO enthusiasts and casual observers. It’s an ideal stop for those interested in exploring the more unusual aspects of local history.  

Maury Island mural

Birrieria mi Tierra is a Mexican food truck with a popular location in Des Moines, Washington. Serving birria tracos and other authentic Mexican food, it’s a great place to stop for a quick, satisfying bite.     

NEED TO KNOW:    
-Birria Specialties: People rave about the birria tacos and birria ramen, a fusion dish made with rich birria broth, tender meat and delicate, wavy ramen noodles. You can even get “Pizza de Birria,” a large, layered dish combining shredded birria beef with melted cheese, consomé, and lots of toppings and sides.
-Tacos for Days: Choose from soft or crunchy tacos and all kinds of fillings, including carne asada, chicken, pork, chorizo, birria, beef tripe, pastor, shrimp, or veggie, or beef tongue. All come enveloped in gooey melted cheese.    
-Savory Sope: This traditional Mexican dish consists of a thick, corn masa base topped with beans, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and your choice of protein (including options like chicken, pork, shrimp, or veggie beef tongue).    

THE VIBE:  The bright, festive truck is hard to miss. There’s also a larger-than-life menu to make ordering easy.

Birrieria mi tierra (Food Truck)

Sweet D'licias offers a taste of Mexico in the heart of downtown Des Moines, combining an eatery selling fresh desserts and snacks with a small Mexican grocery. Try a frozen dessert or salty, spicy snack, then explore the aisles to sample imported chips in extra spicy flavors and candy you can’t find at typical stores. Whether you already love Mexican street food or you're an adventurous foodie who wants to venture off the beaten path, you will leave this place happy.    

Highlights:    
- Frozen Desserts: Cool off with a cone of homemade nieves de garrafa, a frozen dessert very similar to ice cream that’s blended with fruit flavors like mango, guava, and mamay (a pumpkin-like fruit with mildly sweet flavor). Punch up the flavor with a drizzle of chamoy, a popular condiment that’s ​​sweet, sour, salty, and spicy all at once. Or, try a raspado (Mexican shaved ice). Either way, you can’t go wrong.    
- Fresh Fruit: Try healthy treats like flower-shaped fresh mango on a stick, whole tropical fruits like nance, a bite-sized tropical fruit common in Latin America, or fresh strawberries in coconut cream.     
- Savory Snacks: The esquites (Mexican street corn) is creamy, salty, and super satisfying. You can even get it sprinkled with a dusting off Hot Cheetos for extra kick!     
- The Vibe:  Sweet D’licias offers an authentic slice of Mexican street food in a festive, colorful atmosphere.

Sweet D'Licias

Pizzas Locas in Des Moines stretches the boundaries of what pizza can be. Known for its bold fusion of Mexican flavors and classic pizzeria vibes, this family-run gem delivers more than just delicious food. It serves up a celebration of culture, creativity, and community in every box. It’s no surprise The Seattle Times spotlighted Pizzas Locas as one of the top fusion pizza spots south of Seattle.     

Need to Know:    
-Mexican-Inspired Fusion Pizzas: Expect familiar street food favorites like carne asada, chorizo, and al pastor—but served on pizza dough instead of a tortilla. Fan favorites include the Mexican Corn Pizza, which has a creamy mayo base topped with flavorful Mexican Street corn, spicy mayo, crumbled cotija cheese, and a crunchy layer of hot Cheetos, and the Carne Asada Pizza, which features bits of juicy steak with home-style salsa verde base. Customize your experience with freshly chopped onions and cilantro, allowing each bite to be uniquely yours. Note: they do not serve pizzas by the slice, but you'll want a whole pie anyway.    
-Family-Run and Community-Driven: Started by a pair of brothers, the business has a welcoming feel.     

The Vibe:  While Pizzas Locas does not have indoor seating and primarily serves takeout and delivery, there is a small outdoor seating area in front of the pizzeria stand. The owners are friendly and welcoming to newcomers.

Pizzas Locas (Food Truck)

Step Into a Historic Landscape at the Robert Morris Earthwork  Nestled in a hillside overlooking the Kent Valley, the Robert Morris Earthwork stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and environmental rehabilitation. Born from the visionary collaboration led by 4Culture (formerly the King County Arts Commission) in 1979, this 4-acre public artwork was conceived to breathe new life into an abandoned gravel pit.     

Artist Robert Morris meticulously sculpted the terrain, removing undergrowth and terracing the earth, before sowing it with rye grass to rejuvenate the land. Today, Johnson Pit #30, as it is formally known, has evolved into a gathering place and an international beacon for scholars, students, urban planners, curators, and art enthusiasts, celebrated for its pioneering role in land reclamation through art.       

Need to Know:  
*	Public Hours: Open from dawn to dusk, every day, inviting visitors to experience its serene beauty and historic significance.  
*	Location's Legacy: Recognized for its innovative approach to public art and land reclamation, the Earthwork has been a pivotal site for engagement, recently earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places in October 2021.  
*	Cultural Significance: Hailed as the first publicly funded project to reclaim an industrially-abused site with art, the Earthwork reflects a groundbreaking merger of ecological restoration and artistic expression       
The Vibe:  As you step into the Robert Morris Earthwork, you're not just entering a piece of land but stepping into a piece of history. The site offers an extraordinary view over the Kent Valley below, providing a contemplative open space that resonates with the quiet power of nature reimagined. It's a place where the past and present converge, offering a unique perspective on the role of art in environmental stewardship.       

Good to Know: 
*	Artistic Marvel: The Earthwork is a living sculpture, offering an immersive experience that blends

Earthwork Robert Morris

Rain or shine, Quarterdeck is the perfect place to savor a drink with a waterfront view. This quaint, locally owned cafe and bar is right near the beach at the Des Moines Marina and has ample outdoor seating. On a warm day, you can soak up the sun while taking in breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. During cooler months, you can stay cozy in a heated outdoor tent, or at one of the tables inside. Even better, it stays open until mid-evening, making it a great place to gather with friends for drinks, or to post up by yourself with a book and a glass of wine.     

It’s dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and you can even bring in outside food if you’d like. Basically, it’s like going to your most hospitable friend’s waterfront home!    

NEED TO KNOW:    
-Community Events: Quarterdeck was founded with the intention to be a community hub where everyone feels at home. It regularly hosts fun, welcoming events, like trivia and bingo nights, wine tastings, and live music. Check their website for upcoming dates.     
-Not Your Average Cup of Jo: Quarterdeck serves organic coffee from Anchor House Roasting, a premium roastery in Buckley, Washington. Enjoy drip, espresso, cold brew, and specialty drinks. Pair your drink with a fresh, flaky pastry from Macrina Bakery.    
-Premium Alcoholic Beverages: Choose from local craft beer and cider on tap and wines from the PNW and around the world, available in bottles or by the glass.    
-Snacks to Savor: Nibble on a charcuterie plate filled with artisanal cheeses and meats, or fill up with warm or cold sandwiches, wraps, or salads. There are also breakfast options, including a mouthwatering sausage omelette melt made with cage-free eggs. You can also bring in outside food if you’d like!      

THE VIBE:    Quarterdeck is warm, welcoming, and casual. The deck and outdoor seating area are beautifully maintained, and the view is unbeatable.

Quarterdeck

A 22,917 square foot gymnasium, Highline College Pavilion in Des Moines seats 1,300 spectators and is equipped to be configured for up to two full basketball courts or six volleyball courts. An ideal destination for track and field teams and meets, the pavilion also features an eight-lane, all-weather running track. Further facilities at the pavilion include a soccer field, softball field, four outdoor tennis courts, a multi-purpose room, locker rooms and showers.


Highline College Pavilion

Business Type

Has Promotions Available

Special Features