Des Moines' Italian Restaurants Earn National Acclaim

From Victorian elegance to urban buzz, these award-winning eateries are elevating the city's dining scene.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:51am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a single iconic Italian restaurant item, such as a wine glass or pasta dish, in a grid of bright, neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the diverse and creative Italian dining experiences found in Des Moines.Des Moines' Italian restaurants blend history, innovation, and community to create a vibrant culinary scene that is drawing national attention.Des Moines Today

Des Moines, Iowa is experiencing a culinary renaissance, with its Italian restaurants garnering national attention from the James Beard Foundation. Establishments like Aposto, Centro, Lucca, and Simon's are blending historical charm, innovative cuisine, and a deep-rooted sense of hospitality to create unique dining experiences that are drawing visitors to the heart of the city.

Why it matters

The success of these Italian restaurants highlights Des Moines' growing reputation as a culinary destination. By combining historical elements, modern flair, and a focus on hospitality, these establishments have elevated the city's dining scene and attracted national recognition, showcasing the power of food to unite people and create lasting memories.

The details

Aposto, housed in a Victorian mansion, offers a romantic escape with its candlelit parlors and seasonal dishes. Centro, a downtown staple, exudes urban sophistication with its bustling open kitchen and coal-fired pizzas. Lucca combines modernist minimalism with the warmth of old bricks, showcasing house pastas and seasonal entrées. Simon's, a neighborhood gem, exudes warmth and hospitality with its classic Italian comfort food.

  • Aposto, formerly known as Café di Scala, has historical ties to the James Beard Foundation dating back years.
  • Centro was recently recognized as a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality.
  • Lucca owner Steve Logsdon has been a four-time James Beard semifinalist.

The players

Aposto

A restaurant located in a Victorian mansion, offering a romantic dining experience with seasonal dishes.

Centro

A downtown Des Moines staple known for its urban sophistication, bustling open kitchen, and coal-fired pizzas.

Lucca

A restaurant that combines modernist minimalism with the warmth of old bricks, showcasing house pastas and seasonal entrées.

Simon's

A neighborhood gem that exudes warmth and hospitality, known for its classic Italian comfort food.

Cole Gruis

The chef at Aposto, continuing the restaurant's tradition of exceptional cuisine.

George Formaro

The chef at Centro, a James Beard-nominated talent.

Steve Logsdon

The owner of Lucca, a four-time James Beard semifinalist.

Simon Goheen

The owner of Simon's, known for his personal touch and the restaurant's classic Italian comfort food.

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What’s next

The continued success and recognition of these Italian restaurants is expected to further solidify Des Moines' reputation as a culinary destination, attracting more visitors and foodies to the city.

The takeaway

Des Moines' Italian restaurants have elevated the city's dining scene by blending historical charm, innovative cuisine, and a deep-rooted sense of hospitality. These establishments have not only attracted national attention but also created unique dining experiences that are drawing people to the heart of the city, showcasing the power of food to unite and create lasting memories.