Important Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.Centro
Italian Restaurant, Breakfast Spot, and Pizzeria$$$$
Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines
"And check out the Bloody Mary bar on Sundays!"(5 Tips)
"Dale was right... fried ravioli was awesome!"(4 Tips)
"Mondays: pizza and peroni 🍺🍕... Do it 😄"(3 Tips)
"Basil & Tortellini soup"(3 Tips)
97 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- Italian food
- good for dates
- portobello fries
- marshmallow sundae
- peroni
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Centro's bar area has one of the best street views of Downtown Des Moines. My favorite dish is the hand-rolled Caviatelli. The Sunday morning Bloody Mary bar is also a can't miss.
Sarah CJanuary 27, 2012Adored by locals and famous visitors, Centro has been #1 on MetroMix's list of best restaurants in Des Moines. Start any delicious Italian dish with their deliciously unique Fried Ravioli.
berrybeansMarch 14, 2019Although I don’t know much about the eat-out trend in Des Moines, this is by far the best restaurant in Downtown. Better to book a table before you go.
Dr Kendra StrangeAugust 4, 2018So after a year in Des Moines I finally had to break my “no seafood” in the Midwest rule! A girl can only eat the Iowa pork tenderloin so many times! Centro delivered- flying in fresh seafood daily- Maddie M.July 21, 2013Absolutely my new favorite place! Gorgonzola burger is delicious and has the portobello fries on top (which are so good). Pizza crust is thin & crisp. And check out the Bloody Mary bar on Sundays!
La-Tica BraggDecember 5, 2016Italian food is superb here! Excellent service and great for catching up with friends over a delicious meal!
Stacie MillerJune 1, 2015Their calzone is amazing .. Their breakfast if amazing an getting fresh bread with the oil is very good too 😄
Brett SiksniusJuly 6, 2019Local sausage completes the delicious sauces on the homemade pasta dishes here. Delicious meal.
Ricky SherrillFebruary 1, 2016Good food and a great experience from start to finish. Excellent desserts too.
Jonathan SmithDecember 27, 2015Get the bone in pork chops. They are excellent and wonderful and the best! Trust me. Get the bone in pork chops.
DonovanAugust 15, 2018Ribeye is a must along with portobello fries. Sit at the bar if there is a wait. Great service.
IrmaZandl ZandlSlantAugust 13, 2017Everyone raves about this place. I found it good but not knock your socks off.
Mascarpone stuffed French toast is amazing, and you will never find a better Bloody Mary bar anywhere (weekends only).
- Who goes to an Italian restaurant to order a veggie burger? I do, because it's one of the best I've ever had. The coal-fired pizza is pretty amazing too.
Ben J. DITZELJanuary 11, 2013Went here in 2007 with my best friend. We enjoyed the cuisine and the service. A nice little Des Moines jewel.
Katie MartinApril 7, 2013Stuffed chicken is to die for. Add a vodka soda to the mix and you'll be head over heals with this Italian hot spot.- Sarah BishopMarch 11, 2014If you are asking yourself if you should try the Tomato, Basil & Tortellini soup, the answer is YES!
The marshmallow sundae is amazing! It's filled with ice cream, chocolate peanuts, brownie bites and a giant marshmallow on the top.
Big portions. The meals are good however it's far from Des Moines finer dining. It is big and nice looking and a safe place to eat for those who aren't adventurous.
Desarae VeitApril 24, 2012The prosecco is good it's sweet but dry like seven up. I personally love mascoto, although $30 is over priced for this bottle. But pair it with the cheese and meat platter and you're set.
Ashley Martin-LordFebruary 2, 2013Centro Steak was amazing! Swap out the broccoli for sautéed green beans. Trust me. The beans were fantastic!!
Chris MitchellFebruary 26, 2013Quite possibly the best meal I have ever eaten......in Iowa. That said, I have eaten many many meals in Iowa. Gotta eat here!
Outdoor seating, wine selection, brussel sprout appetizer is great
Has an awesome lunch special! A salad and a "personal pizza" (enough for 2) for only $10.50.
Brandon NattressFebruary 8, 2012Top of many best Des Moines restaurant lists. Everything I have had here is good, friends rave about their pizza.
Fernando FigueroaMarch 29, 2013Chicken Saltimbocca! The Marsala wine sauce give it a very particular, good touch.
eryn oMarch 3, 2012Ask to see the gluten-free menu! Server was helpful and noted GF on the ticket for CC issues. Good experience all around.
Amber PowellJanuary 30, 2012Very, very good! First time trying salmon, and they did not let me down! Will definitely go again.
Marcela EstradaAugust 26, 2013Rain water martini. Light, crisp, and delicious! Husband likes the Moscow mule.
Juice MagazineSeptember 13, 2011Voted #1 in the Top 100 Restaurants in central Iowa. Read why the Italian restaurant tops the list: http://dmreg.com/khZNPe Read more
Christina TellesSeptember 11, 2011as an out-of-town vegetarian, veggie burger is thumbs up! Great bar scene with vintage poster art.
George's pizza is great! The atmosphere was excellent as was the service. Such a great place in downtown Des Moines.
Nicole AlessandraJuly 6, 2011try the green gnocchi, and check out the hot host (who happens to be the mayor) while you're there!- Juice MagazineFebruary 29, 2012Centro’s Bloody Mary bar is reason enough to stop by the downtown spot for brunch. http://dmreg.co/weNg9z Read more
BrandieOctober 10We really thought this place was not great. The food was not Italian, but more like American versions you make up at home. The design felt like a jail and we had gnats all over us and the food.- Desarae VeitApril 24, 2012Bland platter to fill up 2 people. It acts expensive lacking zest. Cheese leaves something to be desired. Love Centro meat but this is lunch meat & grapes. Pair it with wine as a filling snack.
214 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Conveniently located in downtown Des Moines lives one of the city’s most popular restaurants, CENTRO.
Closed until 10:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
- 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Fri
- 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
- 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Sat
- 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Sun
- 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
- 4:30 PM–9:00 PM
(515) 248-1780
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
You might also like
- 7.7
"Fantastic lunch, amazing dinner. One of the best in DSM."
Kristen W - 8.1
"Salads, soups, pastas. Everything is good here and a great wait staff."
Fred McIntosh - 7.9
"Noah's crusty rolls and Love Knots are available to order for your special family meals. Super reasonable, too! Ask your waiter!"
Domestica http://ilovedomestica.com
Places people like to go after Centro
Appears on 121 lists
A State-by-State Guide to America's Best Pasta
Created by Foursquare City Guide
51 items • 221 followers
Created by Matt H
165 items • 47 followers
Created by Juice Magazine
100 items • 658 followers