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BEST RATED DES MOINES, IA ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

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
Centro - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants
Centro - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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CENTRO

(4.9 Score)
1003 Locust Street,
Des Moines, IA 50309 Directions

Since 2002

Specialty:

✓ Ricotta Gnocchi ✓ Chicken and Prosciutto ✓ Handmade Cavatelli ✓ Spicy Sausage Rigatoni ✓ Tofu Gnocchi ✓ Peppercorn Mac ✓ Sausage and Shrimp Fettuccine ✓ Salmon ✓ Sea Scallops ✓ Chicken Francese ✓ Chicken Saltimbocca ✓ Roasted Chicken ✓ Chicken Piccata

“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.”

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Price:

APPETIZERS
Bruschetta $10.99
Hummus Plate $13.99
Italian Sausage Fonduta $17.99
Steamed Mussels $23.99
Mama’s Meatballs $14.99
Fried Brussels Sprouts $9.99
Centro Onion Rings $10.99
Portobello Fries $10.99
Fried Calamari $17.99
Centro Crab Cakes $19.99
Grilled Pancetta Wrapped Shrimp $19.99
Antipasti Plate $22.99
SALADS
Centro Salad $13.99
Insalata Mista $12.99
Classic Caesar Salad $12.99
Spinach Salad $14.99
Greek Salad $14.99
Grilled Steak Salad $19.99
Centro Cobb Salad $19.99
Fried Chicken Salad $19.99
PIZZAS AND CALZONES
Cheese $18.50
Margherita $19.50
Garlic Pizza $19.50
Pizza Bianco $20.50
Pizza Napoletana $20.50
Quattro Formaggi $21.50
Quattro Formaggi Red $21.50
Pizza Siciliana $22.50
the New Yorker $23.50
George's Favorite $22.50
Gorgonzola Piccante $22.50
Pizza Capricciosa $25.50
Quattro Stagioni $26.50

Contact:

(515) 248-1780

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

TBR® Inspection Report:

The Latin King - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants
The Latin King - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants
The Latin King - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE LATIN KING

(4.9 Score)
2200 Hubbell Avenue,
Des Moines, IA 50317 Directions

Since 1947

Specialty:

✓ Spaghetti ✓ Mostaccioli ✓ Cavatelli ✓ Zesty Red Sauce ✓ Meatballs ✓ Meat Sauce ✓ Sausage ✓ Cappellini Alla Sassi ✓ Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina ✓ Manicotti Al Forno ✓ Penne Regine ✓ Toasted Raviolis ✓ Baked Lasagna ✓ Spaghetti Alla Carbonara ✓ Spaghettini Scarpara ✓ Pasta Trio ✓ Walleye ✓ Salmon ✓ Battered Shrimp ✓ New Zealand Cold Water Lobster ✓ Steak and Lobster

“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.”

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Price:

APPETIZERS
Combo Platter $19
Antipasti $16
Cheese Sticks $10
Toasted Raviolis $9
Bruschetta $12
Calamari Fritti $13
Crispy Onion Rings $9
Shrimp Angela $15
Italian Meatballs $12
Italian Fried Mozzarella $12
Crispy Fried Zucchini $11
SALADS AND SOUPS
Chicken Spiedini Salad $19
Chef Salad $17
Pepper Steak Salad $17
Kale & Spinach Caesar Salad $15
SANDWICHES
Italian Meatball $13
Hamburger $13
Graziano Italian Hot Sausage $13
GREAT TASTES OF ITALY
Cappellini Alla Sassi $20
Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina $21
Manicotti Al Forno $20
Penne Regine $20
Toasted Raviolis $20
Baked Lasagna $19
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara $19
Spaghettini Scarpara $18
Pasta Trio $19
Pollo Sorrentina & Filet Mignon Marsala $36
POLLO
Pollo Alla Primavera $22
Pollo Alla Sorrentina $22
Pollo Alla Marsala $22
Pollo Alla Piccata $22

Contact:

(515) 266-4466

Lunch:
Tue-Fri: 11am - 2pm
Dinner:
Tue-Thu: 4pm - 9pm
Fri: 4pm - 10pm
Sat: 12pm - 10pm
Happy Hour:
Fri & Sat: 4pm - 6pm Sun: 3pm - 5pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano - Des Moines, IA Italian Restaurants
Best Italian Restaurants in Des Moines IA - Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano video
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BIAGGI'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

(4.8 Score)
5990 University Avenue, West Des Moines,
Des Moines, IA 50266 Directions

Since 1999

Specialty:

✓ Fettuccini with Lobster ✓ Farfalle Alfredo ✓ Baked Ziti Al Forno ✓ 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 ✓ Eggplant Parmesan

“Biaggi's 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 to excite the palate. Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano provides Pronto Packs, which are perfect for 4 to 5 people and include 2 pizzas, 1 pasta or 1 entrée with your choice of a house or Caesar salad and freshly baked bread with Biaggi’s butter. The restaurant also offers gluten-free menus.”

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Price:

PIZZA
Pepperoni or Sausage $16.25
Chicken Piccante $16.75
Sausage & Mushroom $18.25
Margherita $16.25
Supreme $18.00
Meat Lover’s $18.25
Fig & Prosciutto $17.50
BBQ Chicken $16.50
STARTER SALADS
Biaggi’s House $6.50
Caesar $7.50
Wedge $9.75
Honey Roasted Beet & Arugula $12.75
Spinach $10.00
Mediterranean $10.00
SOUPS
French Onion $10.25
Minestrone $4.50
Lobster Corn Chowder $6.50
ENTRÉE SALADS
Chopped Chicken $17.50
Seared Salmon $21.50

Contact:

(515) 221-9900

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

TBR® Inspection Report:

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CENTRO REVIEWS

My experience at Centro Restaurant in downtown Des Moines was absolutely fantastic! This Italian-inspired gem, led by Chef George Formaro, delivers fresh, flavorful dishes in a lively yet upscale atmosphere. The coal-fired oven pizzas are a standout—perfectly crisp with high-quality toppings like Graziano sausage and fresh mozzarella. I also loved the cavatelli with sausage, which was perfectly balanced with herbs and a rich, spicy tomato sauce. The service was attentive, and the portions were generous, leaving us eager to return for more. Whether you're grabbing a drink and pizza or enjoying a multi-course meal, Centro is a must-visit for anyone in Des Moines.

A favorite in Des Moines!! Had a miscommunication with a pick up order, but they were able to crank it out in 20 min on a busy night. The bartender Nate made a fabulous cocktail while I waited and we were good to go.

Centro in Downtown Des Moines offers an excellent dining experience with a vibrant atmosphere. The food is delicious, the ambiance is lively and inviting, and it’s a great place to enjoy a fun time out. Highly recommend for a memorable outing.

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THE LATIN KING REVIEWS

Came here for the first time with some friends for my birthday. The staff was very warm and friendly. Our server took the time to answer questions about the menu and wine list. The food was served fairly quickly and at a proper temperature. I had their Trio and found it to be bursting with flavor but not over powering. For what we ordered, including wine and appetizers, the total bill was reasonable. The biggest surprise came when we were leaving. As I came around the corner, the staff sang happy birthday to me.

Went to Latin King for Valentine's Day. It was very busy, understandably, but we were able to sit in the lounge while waiting. Pro tip, get reservations over a week in advance or do call ahead seating to get in quicker. Delicious food and great service!.

Came in town for vacation and saw a YouTube video about the Beef De Burgo, not only did it live up to expectations, it superseded them. We enjoyed the steak so much, we decided to come back before we left town to try the pasta and it was excellent too. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves steak or Italian food! Id give it 10 stars if I could.

BIAGGI'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO REVIEWS

Food was excellent. As sometimes happens as a single diner, the entree was brought too quickly after the appetizer. But my server Natalie saw this and offered to keep the entree warm for a few extra minutes. This is above and beyond excellent service. Highly recommended.

We started with the crispy, delicious fried ravioli on cream sauce. For our main, we had Butternut Squash Ravioli with Mediterranean salad and Cajun Alfredo Rigatoni with chicken and shrimp, which was creamy and slightly spicy. The fresh, complimentary bread was a nice touch. Our waitress Tiffany was fantastic, making sure we were comfortable and well-served. Highly recommend.

One of the best restaurants I have ever visited. Great lunch prices with 5 star service.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

CENTRO Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Complete Info: 9
Experience: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Study: 10
Table Reservation: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE LATIN KING Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Complete Info: 9
Current Evaluation: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Table Reservation: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

BIAGGI'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Current Evaluation: 8
Reviews Study: 8
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Pricing: 10
Video: 10
Table Reservation: 10