Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Des Moines | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Des Moines | Upscale Italian Food

• Main Street Cafe & Bakery — American · rated 5/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood hub hums with the comforting aroma of griddled hashes and golden waffles, inviting guests to settle into a space where farm-fresh scrambles meet the cozy charm of a local bakery. The kitchen masterfully balances sweet and savory, stacking artisan melts with gooey cheeses and topping charred, whiskey-glazed burgers with crisp applewood bacon. Whether diving into a bowl of velvety brisket mac or zesty Cajun pasta, diners find a warm retreat where every bite celebrates the soulful, hearty flavors of the heartland.
• Dough Co Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: The air at this lively neighborhood haunt is thick with the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese and Graziano’s meatballs simmering in savory sauce. Friends gather over overflowing specialty pizza packages and baskets of pillowy breadstick bites, while a thoughtful balance of crispy wings and inventive vegan grinders ensures every guest finds a slice of comfort in the bustling, welcoming space.
• Coach's Pizza — Italian · rated 3/5: This lively neighborhood hub hums with the energy of a game-day celebration, where the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and golden, hand-tossed crust draws guests into a space filled with nostalgic charm. Families and fans gather around communal tables to share towering, hearth-baked pies and crisp appetizers, creating a spirited atmosphere where every meal feels like a home-team victory.
• Michael's Pizza — Italian: Michael's Pizza serves as a warm neighborhood anchor where the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and bubbling cheese draws guests into a space buzzing with casual energy. The kitchen masters the art of the shared table, turning out crispy, golden-fried favorites and savory, molten dips alongside bright, garden-fresh salads that burst with Mediterranean flavors.
• Parlor — American: Parlor pulses with a convivial energy, inviting guests to settle in and indulge in the satisfying crunch of Detroit-style pizzas defined by their thick, airy crusts and lacy, caramelized cheese edges. The atmosphere hums with the clinking of glasses as vibrant signature cocktails and frosty draft beers flow freely, perfectly complementing towering, shareable plates of nachos for the ultimate social feast.
• Big Tomato Pizza Company — Italian: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and zesty, herb-infused tomato sauce fills the air. Artisanal pies emerge from the oven with perfectly charred, chewy crusts, topped with a signature sauce that celebrates the bright, sun-ripened sweetness of its namesake fruit. Whether sharing a classic slice or a creative specialty creation, guests find a welcoming retreat that turns a simple pizza night into a flavorful celebration of community and craft.
• Latin King Italian Dining — Italian: Stepping into Latin King Italian Dining feels like entering a cherished local landmark where the comforting aroma of simmering minestrone and golden-fried calamari fills the air. Guests gather over overflowing platters of crispy toasted ravioli and tender chicken spiedini, enjoying a timeless atmosphere that celebrates the heart and soul of classic Italian-American hospitality.
• Mad Meatball — Italian: This vibrant social hub buzzes with energy as plates of golden-fried ravioli and zesty buffalo chicken poppers travel from the kitchen to tables filled with laughter. The air carries the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and molten cheese, setting the stage for a feast of indulgent comfort food anchored by their signature, savory meatballs. It is a place where every bite—from the satisfying crunch of Idaho nachos to the earthy richness of stuffed portabellos—invites guests to linger and share in a truly spirited dining experience.
• Truman's KC Pizza Tavern — Italian: This spirited Kansas City haunt reimagines the morning ritual, where the savory aroma of sizzling chorizo and fresh-baked dough fills a warm, tavern-style space. Guests linger over hearty, soul-warming creations like the signature biscuits-and-gravy pizza or golden chicken fried steak, enjoying a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly bridges the gap between a cozy neighborhood pub and a destination brunch.
• Alba Restaurant — Italian: Alba Restaurant glows with a sophisticated yet soulful energy, where the botanical notes of a Violet Beauregard cocktail and the convivial hum of a lively happy hour invite guests to settle in and linger. The kitchen masters the art of elevated comfort, pairing tender, wine-braised lamb shanks and crisp pan-roasted halibut with playful starters like creamy deviled eggs and jewel-toned beet salads. From the refined elegance of a marinated hanger steak to the communal joy of a signature Monday night burger, every meal is a masterclass in balanced flavors and polished neighborhood hospitality.
• Aposto — Italian: Tucked inside a grand 1880 Victorian mansion, this intimate sanctuary transports diners to a bygone era with its flickering candlelight, ornate woodwork, and a warm, residential charm. The kitchen breathes life into classic Italian traditions, crafting soulful, seasonal dishes where the snap of fresh produce and the richness of hand-rolled pasta celebrate the art of slow, deliberate dining.
• The Tavern Pizza & Pasta — Italian: This lively neighborhood haunt invites guests into a warm, unpretentious space where the sizzle of the fryer and the scent of bubbling cheese create an immediate sense of comfort. Golden-fried appetizers like crispy green peppers and hand-battered onion rings set the stage for indulgent mains, from gooey baked cavatelli to inventive pizzas topped with sweet-and-spicy hot honey or savory Italian roast beef. Whether stopping in for a bustling midday lunch special or a relaxed evening feast, diners find a soulful celebration of classic tavern fare that feels both familiar and excitingly bold.
• Fong's Pizza — Chinese: This vibrant fusion destination pulses with energy, where the nostalgic charm of a neighborhood pizza parlor meets the bold, aromatic spirit of a classic Chinese kitchen. Guests are greeted by the irresistible scent of golden-fried crab rangoons and spicy dragon wings, while tables overflow with pillowy bang bang bao and crispy Thai sticks designed for spirited sharing. It is a playful culinary crossroads where every bite offers a surprising harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a setting that feels both familiar and thrillingly unique.
• Sonny's Pizza Bistro — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood bistro hums with the warmth of a glowing oven, casting a golden light over diners as the aroma of toasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella fills the air. Artisanal pizzas take center stage with their perfectly charred, blistered crusts and imaginative toppings, while a curated selection of small plates invites guests to linger over every flavorful bite. It is a welcoming retreat where casual comfort meets culinary craft, making every meal feel like a soulful celebration of simple, honest ingredients.
• Mema's Italian Grinders — Italian: The air at Mema’s is thick with the irresistible aroma of toasted artisan rolls and slow-simmered marinara, drawing guests into a space that feels like a warm embrace from the past. Towering grinders are crafted with rhythmic precision, layering ribbons of salty prosciutto and spicy capicola with crisp, garden-fresh toppings and a signature drizzle of zesty vinaigrette. This is where the humble sandwich is elevated to a soulful art form, inviting you to slow down and savor the bold, sun-drenched flavors of a true Italian-American treasure.
• Felix & Oscar's — Italian: Felix & Oscar’s invites diners into a warm, convivial atmosphere where the air is thick with the savory aroma of melted cheese and golden, crisped appetizers. The kitchen excels at indulgent comfort, crafting everything from earthy Graziano’s sausage-stuffed mushrooms to decadent piles of specialty fries that turn a casual meal into a shared celebration of bold, hearty flavors.
• Old Chicago — Italian: Old Chicago hums with the vibrant energy of a classic neighborhood gathering spot, where the comforting scent of hearth-baked dough and zesty spices drifts through a warm, inviting atmosphere. The kitchen crafts a landscape of shareable indulgence, serving up everything from golden-brown Sicilian pepperoni rolls and crispy Italian nachos to bubbling dips and tender, sauce-slicked wings that are perfect for a lively night out.
• Chuck E. Cheese — Italian: This high-energy destination pulses with the neon glow of arcade cabinets and the joyous symphony of bells and whistles, offering a sensory playground where childhood imagination runs wild. Golden, cheese-laden pizzas emerge hot from the oven to fuel afternoons of play, while the thrill of winning tickets and the presence of a beloved cast of characters turn every visit into a vibrant celebration of family fun.
• Centro — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of industrial-chic lighting, Centro serves as a vibrant urban sanctuary where the rhythmic clinking of cocktail shakers harmonizes with the hum of spirited conversation. The kitchen turns out bold, seasonally-inspired plates that celebrate the beauty of fresh ingredients, creating a sophisticated yet high-energy atmosphere that perfectly captures the pulse of the city.
• South Union Bread Cafe — American: South Union Bread Cafe serves as a sun-drenched sanctuary for those seeking a fresh, nourishing escape, where the air is thick with the scent of artisanal loaves and the vibrant colors of seasonal produce. Here, the humble salad is elevated to a centerpiece, with crisp greens tossed in a global array of flavors—from zesty Cuban inspirations to classic, savory Italian medleys—offering a bright and satisfying dining experience in a bustling, friendly atmosphere.
• Johnny's Italian Steakhouse — Steakhouse: Stepping into this sophisticated retreat feels like a journey back to the golden age of dining, where velvet booths and soft lighting set the stage for an evening of timeless indulgence. The air carries the savory perfume of sizzling Italian sausage and garlic-rubbed bruschetta, while the kitchen turns out decadent treasures ranging from golden-brown toasted ravioli to buttery mini beef Wellingtons. This polished destination seamlessly blends the soulful warmth of a traditional Italian kitchen with the refined elegance of a classic steakhouse, inviting guests to linger over chilled shrimp cocktails and perfectly seared scallops.
• Red Rossa — Italian: The warm glow of a wood-fired hearth anchors this vibrant eatery, where the aroma of charred crust and simmering sauces creates an immediate sense of rustic comfort. Guests gather in a polished yet relaxed setting to savor artisan pizzas topped with premium ingredients and hearty, flame-kissed dishes that bring a modern spark to traditional Italian-inspired flavors.
• Godfather's Pizza — Italian (Pizza is the core: This vibrant neighborhood haunt welcomes guests with the irresistible aroma of thick, golden crusts baking under a blanket of molten cheese and savory toppings. The kitchen crafts hearty, mountain-high creations where bold flavors collide, from the zesty crunch of a taco-inspired pie to the smoky, indulgent layers of a bacon cheeseburger masterpiece. It is a place of generous spirit and unpretentious charm, perfect for sharing massive, flavor-packed feasts that celebrate the classic American pizza parlor experience.
• Godfather's Pizza — Italian: This iconic pizza parlor invites guests into a world of hearty indulgence, where the air is thick with the savory scent of golden-baked crusts and bubbling mozzarella. From the zesty, lettuce-topped crunch of the signature Taco Pie to the towering layers of the All-Meat Combo, each slice delivers a bold, nostalgic feast designed for sharing around a crowded family table.
• Dino's — Italian: Dino’s captures the heart of the neighborhood with its bustling energy and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that makes every guest feel like a long-awaited regular. The space hums with the vibrant symphony of a busy kitchen and the rhythmic clink of glasses, offering a soulful dining experience where bold, comforting flavors meet the timeless charm of genuine hospitality.
• Michelangelo's — Italian: Stepping into Michelangelo’s feels like entering a sun-drenched villa, where the rhythmic toss of fresh pasta and the fragrant steam of herb-infused oils create a vibrant symphony for the senses. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into culinary masterpieces that balance rustic tradition with modern elegance, offering a soulful dining experience where time slows down over lingering pours of wine and plates meant for sharing.
• Dough Mama's Pizzeria — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the intoxicating aroma of slow-fermented dough define this vibrant neighborhood hub, where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched crusts sets a lively tempo. Each pie emerges from the blistering heat with a perfect, airy char, draped in molten cheese and garden-bright toppings that sing with artisanal freshness. It is a welcoming retreat where the golden glow of the oven and the hum of happy conversation invite guests to linger over a slice and savor the simple, soulful art of the pizzeria.
• Paul Revere's Pizza — Italian: The aroma of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough fills the air at Paul Revere's Pizza, a neighborhood staple where the warmth of the ovens creates an instantly welcoming atmosphere. From personal-sized rounds to massive twenty-inch feasts, each pizza boasts a golden-brown crust that pairs perfectly with zesty jalapeños and the signature, satisfying crunch of a savory, crust-folded Wedgie.
• Johnny's Italian Steakhouse — Steakhouse: This sophisticated retreat channels the timeless glamour of a classic supper club, where soft lighting and a lively atmosphere set the stage for an evening of refined indulgence. The kitchen balances the bold spirit of a premier steakhouse with soulful Italian artistry, serving up everything from golden-crusted sausage bread and tender mini beef Wellingtons to pan-seared scallops that glisten under the dining room’s warm glow. Every visit feels like a celebration, blending the comfort of traditional flavors with the polished elegance and vibrant energy of a premier modern destination.
• Grimaldi's Pizzeria — Italian: The scent of smoky, coal-fired dough wafts through the air as guests settle into a bustling space defined by its iconic red-and-white checkered charm and the warm glow of a massive brick oven. Crispy, thin-crust pizzas emerge with a signature char, topped with hand-sliced mozzarella and vibrant tomato sauce that pays homage to old-world Brooklyn traditions. It is a lively destination where the rhythmic toss of dough and the clinking of glasses create a timeless atmosphere perfect for sharing a slice of authentic New York heritage.