3 Best Italian Restaurants in Des Moines, IA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Italian Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa. All of our italian restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Centro - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants - Food Image
Centro - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
Centro - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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CENTRO

1003 Locust Street,
Des Moines, IA 50309 Directions

Since 2002

Specialities:

BBQ Chicken Pizza Bianco Pizza Capricciosa Cheese Garlic Pizza George's Favorite Margherita Pizza Napoletana The New Yorker Pepperoni Gorgonzola Piccante Quattro Formaggi Red Quattro Formaggi Graziano Sausage Pizza Siciliana Quattro Stagioni The Centro Calzone Cyo Pizza Rosa Grande Pepperoni Pizza Vegan Cheese Pizza Joygrow Mushroom Bolognese Handmade Cavatelli Chicken and Prosciutto Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi Rigatoni With Sausage

"Centro is a High-ceiling ex-Masonic temple turned contemporary Italian wining and dining destination. The restaurant is located in the Temple Theater. Centro has a casual and elegant eatery specializing in Italian-inspired food from chef George Formaro. The restaurant is a perfect place for dining with friends, family, clients, and business associates. The Centro team has produced some of the most incredible food and service in Des Moines for over 20 years. Savor their Chicken and Prosciutto, which features lumache pasta tossed with grilled chicken, prosciutto, Roma tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Centro provides a private dining area and outdoor seating options.

2026 Highlights: Centro offers half-price pizza and select beers every Monday from 4 PM until close for guests dining in at the restaurant or on the Centro patio (Dine-in only)."

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License #266041

Menu:

LUNCH:
PASTAS:
Joygrow Mushroom Bolognese $19.50
Handmade Cavatelli $19.50
Chicken And Prosciutto $19.50
Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi $19.50
Rigatoni With Sausage $19.50
Sausage And Shrimp $19.50
Tofu Gnocchi $19.50
Peppercorn Mac $19.50
Truffle Mac And Cheese $19.50
12 Cavatelli Combo $19.50
12 Chicken & Prosciutto Combo $19.50
12 Ricotta Gnocchi Combo $19.50
12 Rigatoni Combo $19.50
12 Sausage And Shrimp Fettuccine Combo $19.50
12 Tofu Gnocchi Combo $19.50
12 Truffle Mac Combo $19.50
12 Chx Fett Alf Combo $19.50
12 Penne Meat Combo $19.50
12 Mac 4 Chz $19.50
12 Peppercorn Mac $19.50
PIZZAS:
Bbq Chicken $19.50
Pizza Bianco $17.50
Pizza Capricciosa $19.50
Cheese $17.50
Garlic Pizza $17.50
George's Favorite $19.50
Margherita $17.50
Pizza Napoletana $17.50

Contact:

(515) 248-1780 (052) 481780

Mon: 4pm - 9pm
Tue-Thu & Sun: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm

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BIAGGI RISTORANTE ITALIANO

5990 University Avenue, West Des Moines,
Des Moines, IA 50266 Directions

Since 1999

Specialities:

Ravioli Quattro Formaggi Cajun Alfredo Rigatoni Braised Short Rib Ravioli Shrimp and Crab Cannelloni Lasagna Bolognese Spaghetti and Meatballs Rigatoni Bolognese Butternut Squash Ravioli Spaghetti Marinara Fettuccini Alfredo Pepperoni or Sausage Sausage and Mushroom Margherita Supreme Meat Lover’s BBQ Chicken Roasted Turkey and Avocado Chicken Parmesan Pastrami Reuben Cheesesteak Chicken Milanese

"Biaggi Ristorante Italiano is a chain Italian restaurant serving a wide variety of Italian dishes and specialty cocktails in a laid-back setting. The managing partner of the restaurant is Jeff Duncan. The restaurant offers a wide selection of menu items using fresh, sourced ingredients. You can enjoy their Monthly Chef’s Features, which are a collaborative effort of their culinary team, featuring new and seasonal dishes designed to delight the palate. Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano provides Pronto Packs, which are perfect for 4 to 5 people and include two pizzas,one pasta or one entrée with your choice of a house or Caesar salad and freshly baked bread with Biaggi’s butter. The restaurant also features thoughtfully curated gluten-free menu options.

2026 Highlights: They provide a unique Italian dining experience across their locations in Illinois, Colorado, Indiana, and more. Their menu features delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients, along with gluten-friendly options that allow guests to enjoy a wide varieties of flavors."

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License #335659

Menu:

SIGNATURE PASTA:
Fettuccini With Lobster $23.75
Farfalle Alfredo $21.25
Baked Ziti Al Forno $22.25
Ravioli Quattro Formaggi $21.25
Cajun Alfredo Rigatoni $21.25
Braised Short Rib Ravioli $22.25
Shrimp & Crab Cannelloni $21.75
CLASSIC PASTA:
Lasagna Bolognese $19.50
Spaghetti & Meatballs $19.50
Rigatoni Bolognese $20.00
Butternut Squash Ravioli $19.50
Spaghetti Marinara $16.50
Fettuccini Alfredo $16.75
PIZZA:
Pepperoni Or Sausage $17.50
Sausage & Mushroom $19.75
Margherita $17.50
Supreme $19.50
Meat Lover's $19.75
BBQ Chicken $17.75
July Chef'S Features:
Brussels Sprouts Bruschetta $14.50
Italian Riviera Burger $18.00
Stella Artois Beer-Battered Walleye $22.00
Braised Short Ribs $27.00
Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata $9.75
Classic Italian EntréEs:
Lasagna & Chicken Parmesan $27

Contact:

(515) 221-9900

Sun: 11am - 8pm
Mon-Sat: 11am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE LATIN KING

2200 Hubbell Avenue,
Des Moines, IA 50317 Directions

Since 1947

Specialities:

Toasted Raviolis Cheese Sticks Calamari Fritti Crispy Onion Rings Shrimp Angela Italian Meatballs Italian Fried Mozzarella Chicken Livers Bruschetta Classico Chicken Spiedini Salad Chef Salad Pepper Steak Salad Cappellini Alla Sassi Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina Manicotti Al Forno Penne Regine Toasted Raviolis Baked Lasagna Spaghetti Alla Carbonara Lobster Ravioli Pasta Trio Gamberi Diavlo Salmone Alla Riviera Gamberi All’angelo Walleye

"The Latin King is an authentic Italian spot featuring a classic Italian menu and an extensive wine list in a country-villa setting. The founders of the restaurant are Rose and Jim Pigneri, who immigrated from Terravecchia, Italy, to Des Moines. For more than 75 years, Tursi's Latin King Restaurant has been the flagship of Des Moines' classic Italian fine dining. The Latin King provides a variety of menus to ensure the flavor of Italian style. The restaurant offers specials such as steak night, a happy hour menu, family packs, wine Wednesday, and live music. Takeout and catering services are available.

2026 Highlights: The Latin King expanded its menu and completed two major renovations, including the current entry vestibule, temperature-controlled wine cellar, and main dining room, during Bob Tursi’s 38 years of management."

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Restaurateur of The Year Award by Iowa Hospitality Association

Menu:

GREAT TASTES OF ITALY:
Cappellini Alla Sassi $22
Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina $21
Manicotti Al Forno $22
Penne Regine $22
Toasted Raviolis $23
Baked Lasagna $21
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara $21
Lobster Ravioli $38
Pasta Trio $22
POLLO:
Pollo Alla Primavera $24
Pollo Alla Sorrentina $24
Pollo Alla Marsala $24
Pollo Alla Piccata $25
Pollo Alla Scarpara $24
Fried Chicken $18
HOUSE SPECIALTIES:
Chicken Spiedini $24
Pollo Sorrentino And Filet Mignon Marsala $37
Livers Caruso $24
PESCES:
Gamberi Diavlo $26
Salmone Alla Riviera $28
Gamberi All' Angelo $26
Walleye $32
Gamberi Fritti $26
APPETIZERS:
Combo Platter $21
Toasted Raviolis $12
Cheese Sticks $14
Calamari Fritti $13
Crispy Onion Rings $10
Shrimp Angela $15
Italian Meatballs $16
Italian Fried Mozzarella $15

Discount:

Get 1/2 Off on Selected Wine Bottles on Every Wednesday

Contact:

(515) 266-4466

Lunch:
Tue-Sat: 11am - 2pm
Dinner:
Tue-Thu: 4pm - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 4pm - 10pm
Happy Hour:
Fri & Sat: 4pm - 6pm
Sun & Mon: Cloesd

TBR® Inspection Report: