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.
Italian dining in the Des Moines metro delivers far more than comforting plates of pasta — it offers a taste of the region’s rich culinary roots, shaped by family traditions, longtime neighborhood favorites and menus that balance nostalgia with signature twists. From Clive to the city’s south side, these beloved restaurants have spent decades perfecting the dishes that keep locals coming back.
Whether it’s a bubbling baked pasta layered with sausage, a boldly spiced Diablo sauce tossed with al dente noodles or a house‑made red sauce that loyal diners swear by, each spot brings its own personality to the table. Cozy dining rooms, warm service and recipes passed through generations make these eateries standouts for anyone craving classic Italian comfort.
Here are three can’t‑miss Italian restaurants across the metro — each with its own story, signature dishes and loyal following — that deserve a place on your dining list.
Cosi Cucina
Since 1993, Cosi Cucina has been a West Des Moines favorite for classic Italian fare in a cozy, welcoming setting. The signature Ziti Cucina combines Graziano’s Italian sausage and sundried tomatoes in a rich tomato cream sauce tossed with penne pasta. For the ultimate house special, add meatballs and Diana sauce, the restaurant’s beloved red sauce. Customers can also enjoy happy hour Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m.
Price: $20 to $30
Details: 1975 N.W. 86th St., Clive, 515-278-8148, cosicucina.com.
Marino’s Italian Restaurant
Serving the metro since 1997, this casual Italian spot has called Johnston home for the past six years. The extensive menu features hearty baked pastas, with the cavatelli and sausage standing out as a guest favorite. Three varieties of rollatini — lasagna, eggplant, and chicken — offer nostalgic flavors reminiscent of Gino’s, the beloved north-side dining staple that closed in 2015. Italian sandwiches are baked to order in fresh dough, layered with marinara and melted mozzarella for a comforting classic. Marino’s pizza stands out for its scratch-made thin crust and sweet, flavorful sauce.
Price: $10 to $20
Details: 5775 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, 515-255-3931, marinosdsm.com.
Tumea & Sons Restaurant & Lounge
Since 1998, Tumea & Sons has served hearty Italian favorites in a cozy, family-friendly setting. The fiery pasta Diablo, tossed in a spicy tomato sauce, is the star. Don’t miss the Wisconsin cheese soup, creamy and comforting, or the chicken Asiago, layered with melted cheese and rich flavors. Vinyl tablecloths and family photos set the tone for a relaxed meal. Tumea & Sons’ lasagna is a hearty, comforting classic with rich layers, bubbling cheese and bold red sauce.
Price: $20 to $30
Details: 1501 S.E. First St., Des Moines, 515-282-7976, tumeaandsons.net.
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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.
Dining and Cooking