22 Best Italian Restaurants in Des Moines

“We ate here for our anniversary during restaurant week and it was a great experience. We felt celebrated and appreciated the complimentary wine. The food was phenomenal- especially the arugula was and the pork and polenta. The only downside: the 70 year olds next to us who were very shouty- but perhaps their hearing aids could not accommodate. Will definitely be back!“

“Amazing food. Everything fresh“

“It had been a few years since we’d been to Lucca and I can’t for the life of me understand why. We had an absolutely fantastic experience there last Friday and are already planning our return.

We’d decided to do a fancy night on the town with friends (the kind where you dress up for no good reason) and liked the look of Lucca’s prix fixe menu. We arrived at 8pm sharp but our table wasn’t quite ready so the wonderful hostess got us drinks and made us comfortable in the seats near the door. She checked on us several times and we’d honestly have been fine waiting there all night. But they soon seated us and we had an amazing dinner. Four courses, including dessert, for $57 per person. The NY strip alone might cost that at another restaurant. All dishes were delicious and we were impressed at just how wide the selection was.

Once again, the service took dinner to another level and we loved the ambience. Plus, you step out into the East Village and have a million options for the rest of the night.

Exceptional job, Steve Logsdon and crew; it’s no wonder you’re still making national lists after so many years in business. We will absolutely return soon. Highly recommended.“

“Staff was great in helping the family celebrate my moms 50th! I have never had a poor experience in the times I have been there.“

“If I didn't know I was in Des Moines, I'd believe Allora was in Milan, Italy. The food was fresh and delicious, and the coffee was perfection. The service was great, both unobtrusive and attentive (a balance not a lot of American restaurants at this price point seem to understand. Centro also does a great job balancing the two!)“

“We went through the drive up window, and Shelby took such good care of us. Very kind and courteous. The most pleasant drive thru experience I have had in a very long time.“

“I drove through Fazolis for a quick meal. Not only was the food delicious and piping hot but the lady that helped me was fantastic. Victoria was the very epitome of friendliness and great service. I will definitely be going back, please give Victoria the recognition she deserves.“

“So far I’ve only had the sugar cookies and I’m in love. I guess that’s why they are called Love Drops 😍😂 Great customer service as well! 10/10 would recommend 👍🏼👍🏼“

“So we saw that Dave Portnoy had posted a review of CentroDSM. Couldn’t believe we had not tried it yet as we are always looking for good pizza and we only live 5 minutes away. Well we ordered online and it said it would be ready at 8pm tonight. I got there at 8pm. Got home and I could already tell on the car ride home the pizza was cold. Now the flavor was all the way there. But the pizza was cold and chewy. This is disappointing as I’m sure if it was hot it would not be so chewy. They need to give accurate times so the pizza is still hot. I have also messaged them with no response.“

“Valerie made the breakfast 5 stars. She was so nice and accommodating, can't say enough nice things about her and the experience we had because of her. Breakfast buffet was good, nothing out of the ordinary. Valerie made the difference between 4 and 5 stars.“

“Calzones are the best! Super friendly staff, I love their Pizzas too.“

“My husband and I are from out of town and went to Christopher’s tonight for dinner. What a pleasant surprise! Our food was amazing and the service was great! We will definitely be back when we visit DesMoines again.“

“This Olive Garden looked the same as the rest but what made it stand out was the staff. We were seated right away and our waitress very knowledgeable about the menu and food. We had the build your own pasta which makes possibilities endless. The creamy mushroom sauce on rigatoni with added Italian sausage was great. We will return again.“

“My family loves Scornovacca’s. Been going there for years. Great food and great friendly service. One of the best pizzas in town!“

“First I feel like I have to say there is no where to park and the wait is long even on a Wednesday night. Inside is dark and loud and cramped. My ham and bean soup was very good! Stuffed mushroom appetizer was ok but not worth the $10.50 price. My steak was ok-I’ve had way better. Waitress said I should ask for it well done since the cook usually undercooked the steak and it turned out more done than I would have liked it but the waitress never came over to ask… The asparagus had that woody flavor. Potatoes were good. My bf let me try his onion rings and meatball sandwich and both were very good! Cake tasted old… the staff is very nice but looked a little overwhelmed.“

“Amazing food, service and style.“

“Best staff and amazing execution!!“

“5 star family classic eatery.“

“We recently moved to Ankeny & drive by every day. Parking lot is always full, so we finally made it in. Wow! So good! Sat outside and we had chicken deburgo, chicken Romano and a grinder. All amazing and the young man who was our server was spot on!! Will definitely be back!“

“Simple stated, Incredible“

“We wish you a merry Christmas miss you we enjoy being with are children in Arizona but miss all you and your kindness want to say merry Christmas blessings to you and your family“

“Service, food. Ambiance is great.“