Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Open since 1947, Tursi's is a Des Moines institution located on the city's eastern side. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu includes daily specials, Italian favorites and featured items like the chicken spiedini, penne regine and pollo alla sorrentina. Tursi's also provides a party style dinner menu that gives guests the option of ordering larger portions to share family-style.
Tursi's Latin King
2200 Hubbell Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50317
515-266-4466
tursislatinking.com
Baratta's serves Italian and American cuisine in its south side Des Moines location and at the State Historical Building. The south side location is a full service restaurant open for lunch and dinner. It includes a full bar, local delivery and carry out service. The menu features traditional Italian favorites made with fresh ingredients like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan and lasagna. Cafe Baratta's in the State Historical Building offers indoor and outdoor seating to complement its classic bistro menu. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch.
Baratta's
2320 South Union
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-243-4516
barattas.com
Cafe Baratta's
State Historical Museum
600 E. Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-3294
barattas.com
Basil Prosperi's Lucca Restaurant & Bar celebrates the flavors of Tuscany and other classic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is located in Des Moines' east village and is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. During lunch the restaurant serves pasta, sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. Dinner guests are treated to a fixed-price, two-course menu on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and a fixed-price, three-course menu on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests can also enjoy live jazz music on Saturday nights.
Basil Prosperi's Lucca Restaurant & Bar
420 East Locust
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-243-1115
http://www.luccarestaurant.net/home.php
Cafe di Scala offers contemporary Italian cuisine near downtown Des Moines. Housed in an historic Victorian mansion, the restaurant is considered to be one of the most romantic in the city. Cafe di Scala's menu changes with the seasons and is inspired by the tiny village of Scala Coeli in Italy. The menu includes handmade pastas, soup, salad, pizza and more made with fresh and local ingredients. The cafe is open Thursday through Saturday for dinner. Luncheons and multi-course dinners can be arranged during the off hours.
Cafe di Scala
644 18th St.
Des Moines, IA 50314
515-244-1353
cafediscala.com