See the 2025 Des Moines Register Essential Restaurants
What are the best restaurants in Des Moines? These entries from the Des Moines Register’s Essential Restaurants list won’t let you down.
Des Moines’ Italian dining scene is woven into the city’s cultural fabric, shaped by immigrant families who brought Old World recipes — and a fierce commitment to hospitality — to Iowa’s capital throughout the mid‑20th century. Long before the metro’s culinary boom, these neighborhood trattorias and supper-club-style institutions became anchors of their communities, serving generous plates of pasta, hearty red-sauce classics and the kind of warm service that made every diner feel like family.
Many began humbly: as groceries, diners or family bars that evolved into full-service restaurants as the city grew. Decades later, they remain beloved landmarks, each carrying its own chapter of Des Moines history. From the homey comfort of Baratta’s to the refined Italian‑American tradition at The Latin King, these five restaurants endure not just because of their menus, but because they’ve fed generations — body, memory and tradition alike.
Baratta’s
What started as a South Side grocery in the 1950s became a beloved trattoria. Today, Baratta’s remains a go-to for hearty Italian-American fare. The ambiance feels like dining in a family home, with warm wood accents and cozy booths. Owners Joe Gatto and Lisa Kruger have preserved its heritage since 1993. Order the lasagna al forno, layered with rich meat sauce and baked, or the steak DeBurgo, a tender cut bathed in garlic-basil butter. For poultry lovers, the chicken Amaggio, sautéed with white wine and herbs, is a standout. Pair your meal with a glass of Chianti for a truly authentic experience.
Details: 2320 S. Union St., Des Moines, 515-243-4516, barattas.com
Price: $20 to $30
Christopher’s
A Beaverdale landmark since 1963, Christopher’s is rooted in tradition and family recipes. The dining room offers a classic experience, while the lounge provides a casual setting with happy hour specials. The chicken Parmigiana, hand-breaded and smothered in marinara and mozzarella, is the signature dish. For starters, try the escargot, baked in garlic butter and served with crisp toast, or the bruschetta with Boursin, topped with tomato, basil and creamy cheese. On Mondays, prime rib takes center stage, served with salad and your choice of potato. Still operated by the Giudicessi family, Christopher’s delivers comfort and continuity in every bite.
Details: 2816 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, 515-274-3694, christophersdsm.com
Price: $20 to $30
Chuck’s Restaurant
Since 1956, Chuck’s has been the Highland Park neighborhood’s pizza king. Its thin-crust pizza, topped with house-made sausage, is legendary. Start with the award-winning onion rings — crispy, golden and addictive — or the fried cheese logs, a nostalgic favorite. The vibe is old-school Italian-American, complete with live music nights and a full bar pouring classics like whiskey sours. Emily Andersen now runs the show, keeping Chuck’s a community staple.
Details: 3610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, 515-381-3118, chucksdsm.com
Price: $10-$20
The Latin King
Founded in 1947, The Latin King blends elegance with tradition. Its signature chicken spiedini — breaded, skewered and charbroiled with lemon-herb butter — is a must. For steak lovers, the 15-ounce steak DeBurgo delivers indulgence, while the cappellini alla Sassi offers a spicy tomato kick with melted mozzarella. The dining rooms exude charm, and the wine cellar and patio make it ideal for celebrations. Sip a robust Barolo alongside your spiedini for a perfect pairing.
Details: 2200 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, 515-266-4466, latinkingdsm.com
Price: $30
Noah’s Ark
Opened on New Year’s Eve 1946, Noah’s Ark is Des Moines’ oldest Italian restaurant, operated by the Lacona family. Its Calabrese-style lasagna — thick, cheesy and deeply comforting — is a classic. The veal alla mozzarella, baked under a blanket of cheese, and the chicken Parmigiana casserole round out the Italian entrees, but don’t overlook the pizzas — classic, old-school Neapolitan style with a thin, crispy crust, homemade sauce, and generous toppings. The atmosphere is casual and nostalgic, with a downstairs bar ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail. Still family-run, Noah’s Ark offers a taste of history with every bite. Look for the stained glass and mural.
Details: 2400 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-288-2246, noahsarkdesmoines.com
Price: $20 to $30
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
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