Centro is one of the best restaurants in Des Moines. The service is very good, and they bring out new plates for each round of food, which makes the experience feel thoughtful. You also get complimentary fresh bread and the portions are quite generous! My only feedback on service is that we were asked about dessert while still eating dinner, which felt a bit rushed. The ricotta gnocchi has a lot of flavor and is clearly made with fresh ingredients. I also recommend trying the vegan sausage. We created our own pizza and added it, and the fake meat had a unique flavor with the same emphasis on freshness. The best appetizer is the portobello mushroom fries. The sauces they come with are so delicious and really make the dish. For dessert, we had the pistachio tiramisu. It was very good, but I would not call it a traditional tiramisu. It tasted more like a crème brûlée style lemon mascarpone with pistachios. Still really good, just different than expected. Overall, this is definitely one of the best Italian restaurants around and well worth visiting with a more formal, date night vibe. read more

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We were visiting the city for a conference and came here for dinner and had a great time! We shared many different items and it was all delicious. The restaurant was nice and had a good atmosphere. read more

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Service was excellent, we got our food quickly and she checked in on us the right amount. I really enjoyed the portobello fries. The salmon was a bit salty. The tofu gnocchi was good. read more

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Always consistently delicious. They have THE BEST tomato basil soup!! I also enjoyed the breaded chicken on a bed of fresh greens with Parmesan dressing. This is my favorite restaurant in downtown Des Moines. read more

Elevated Italian dining. Would definitely recommend the calzone. You get a lot of food for the price. The ambiance is great for a special dinner (date, bday dinner, etc.). The staff was really friendly and provided speedy service. 1 of our calzones took a bit to come out but that's my only complaint. read more

Centro - Calzone - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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This place is WORTH a visit! First off, the place is super nice inside and service was pretty good. They were fairly busy on a Tuesday night but we were able to grab a couple tables in the bar area without waiting. Their Caesar salad as a starter was really good too (highly recommend trying that)!! Their pizzas were the main attraction though, WOW! The calzone was the topper and best in class. The crust was cooked to perfection, but not overbearing. Then, it was bursting with flavors of cheese and it was served with a side of marinara! All their food was so good and it made for an excellent meal. They also serve specialty cocktails and a wide arrange of beers as well. The one downer was there was no sweet tea or Coke Zero or Diet Dr Pepper. But, that is just personal preference and I never dock a place for that. read more

Centro - The Centro Calzone (Large) - BEST Calzone EVER!!!! - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Centro was the perfect spot for our group dinner. The food is so delicious, and the service was very friendly and polite. The flourless chocolate cake was a group hit read more

Centro - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Great restaurant in Des Moines. Upscale and clean environment. Great food options and friendly servers. Very fatty food but very good. Big portions and everything was well seasoned. Will definitely come back and try their pizzas. read more

We recently visited for a date night. Our service was good. However we were seated at the world's smallest table for two- sandwiched between two large parties. That were loud. It definitely wasn't the quiet date night experience. The food was just ok for us. The portions are huge however. I'd give this place another try for sure but our first experience wasn't a "wow!" The prices were decent compared to other Italian restaurants in the metro. read more

This place is so damn amazing...if I could eat here at least 1 time a week I would be soooo happy but I just don't live close enuf..place is spot on read more

Everything we ordered was fantastic. We got calamari, fried Brussels sprouts, bruschetta, and onion rings as appetizers, and they were all great. I got the Kill Bill sandwich, and I am still talking about it.! Someone needs to make that here in Dallas read more

Food delicious Service perfect Ambiance also perfect We had reservations, we found parking directly across the street. We will definitely be back! read more

We don't eat out often but went here to celebrate hubby's birthday before going to a show. We tried to make same day reservations on their website for 5 pm and received a message no tables were available. Surprised, I called and it was no problem to reserve (don't always trust your computer!). We were seated immediately and Grace, our server, came over right away. She immediately asked us two key questions: if we were celebrating anything and if we were on a timeline for a show. We very much appreciated this! We split a small Centro salad (greens with toasted pecans and Gorgonzola cheese) and it was plenty big enough for the two of us (there are two sizes). The bread was soft and fresh. Hubby had the chicken piccata and it was very good and a generous portion. Adding pasta (optional) would be too much in his opinion. I had the tofu gnocchi. Served in a vodka sauce with cashew cream broccoli pesto and Calabrian chili and vegan Feta. While not pillowy soft like traditional gnocchi, if I didn't know there was tofu in it, I never would have known. The chilis added a nice bite but if ordering again, I would opt not to have the vegan Feta - it didn't add anything IMO. Dessert was complimentary for my husband's birthday and he had the New York cheesecake and I had the Budino. Both were a delicious way to finish dinner. Grace was a friendly and attentive server and she had many tables to take care of on a busy Friday night. The ceilings are high and when full, there is quite a bit of ambient noise but not so much to detract from a pleasant dinner before a show. read more

Centro - Chicken Piccata - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Delicious food for the price, attentive service, and a fancy vibe! I will definitely be back! read more

Centro - Salmon (dinner) - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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This place has everything you could ever want and then some! Every time I come to Austin I make it a point to come here for lunch at least one time. One experience the best food market ever!!! read more

Centro - a pizza on a silver platter on a table - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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The food is very good. It can get a little loud in there depending on where you are sitting. The booths are the best. But the food is amazing! read more

The food was amazing , we got a pizza and split a desert. The service was fast and accommodating getting us in with no reservations. Best pizza I've had in Iowa. read more

Centro - Large Pepperoni (Large) - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We went on a Saturday night around 8pm & it was still quite busy as there were a lot of shows going on in the area. We sat in the bar area at a high top bc that's what was available without a wait. Server was busy & didn't check on us much but still was great when she did & made sure we had everything correct in our meals. We both tried the same dish & it was as good if not better than I remember! I hadn't been in years & both the rings & pasta were very tasty! Chipotle ketchup with the rings. Pasta dish comes with tomatoes however I got it without. I would definitely recommend this place & a reservation as well! Mondays they have half off pizza & wine! That's such a good deal!! read more

Centro - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I ordered a pepperoni pizza. I still am trying to figure out what I got. Sure it was pizza of some sort, but not any kind that I've ever had or would ever want again. Not traditional in any manner. The cheese, the sauce, the crust, and the pepperoni ALL tasted like the worst versions of themselves. Just really awful to my taste buds. The texture of the ingredients were all also just not appetizing. read more

Yea, I mean it's alright. It's definitely over-hyped. My calzone was just okay - DEFINITELY not worth the price. I like the specialty cocktails, except they ran out of the Des Moines sour. I read reviews and see that other people love it, but for the price there are 20 other places I'd go first. The best part was our server. She was amazing! Give her a raise, because she made the experience way better - wish i would've caught her name. Everything was slow. 2-1/2 hours there. read more

Centro - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This Italian restaurant was an absolute gem right in the middle of downtown Des Moines. The service & greeting couldn't have been better from the start. Even with a semi full restaurant for a Thursday night. The red headed hostess was incredibly accommodating & didn't mind when I asked if I could wait in the bar for one of the outside patio tables to open up. The weather was so nice I was happy to wait to have that experience. One of the servers covering the bar tables area spent some time recommending her favorite cocktails and different foods on the menu she really liked. I ended up ordering the Raspberry Limoncello Martini, shown below and it was delicious. I didn't wait more than 10 minutes before a table opened on the patio. The ambiance on the patio was perfect. A little Frank Sinatra playing in the background, vines covering parts of the roof and around the outside for some additional privacy. I was promptly greeted by my server and after a quick couple questions I had recommended the Spicy Sausage Rigatoni. (Pic below) After placing my order a couple pieces of fresh homemade bread with olive oil, black & red pepper and parmigiana cheese for dipping was dropped off. My meal arrived quickly and I asked the server for a red wine pairing recommendation which was perfect. Once again the portions were pretty hardy so a to go box was needed again. All in all a great experience & when I want to enjoy a good night filled with carbs I'd definitely go there again. I'll just have to plan for some lighter meals before and after. read more

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Hubby & I easily got in on a Wednesday night. The tables are fairly close together. We started with the tasty portobello fries! A 1/2 order was just right for two of us. Hubby had a sausage & shrimp noodle dish & thought it was good. I had sausage cavatelli & liked it. We both brought home enough for lunch. The waiter was good. It was a bit noisy. read more

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We arrived at Centro at 2:00. Their website states lunch is served until 3:00. We were disappointed that they were no longer serving lunch, but a midday menu of soup/salad and pizza instead. We ordered the Italian Sausage Fonduta for an appetizer and it was delicious! I ordered a small Greek Salad. It was very filling and tasted wonderful. Due to the midday time we were only allowed to sit in a cramped front section. We could see the remainder of the restaurant and it looked beautiful! I would highly recommend eating here, just not midday. read more

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We just celebrated our mom's 60th birthday here! Reservations were easy, they customized the menu with her name and reason for celebrating, servers were nice and on top of everything and gave her a delicious free dessert! On top of that, the food was good and priced well for the big portions! We will be back! read more

Always good. Even had Centro brought to the hospital room after having a baby long ago. Haven't been since, cause downtown parking is brutal, but would go back if someone else drives. read more

I thought it was pretty good pasta, walking distance from our hotel, enjoyable place to eat with old friends and chat. Service was commendable, prices in line with both downtown and the quality of the food. Yelp is so useful when one is visiting from out of state, I don't know that we would have found this place on our own. It's an Italian-American place so stick to the pasta choices. read more

Centro - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Great location downtown with nice decor and a wonderful and friendly staff. The food was very good (albeit a little expensive). The Mrs. and I shared a chicken Caesar salad and a small build your own calzone. The salad was very tasty and the chicken was grilled perfectly. The calzone had fresh ingredients and IS NOT SMALL. Ha! Glad we went with the small. read more

Centro - Calzone - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Centro never disappoints us! The pizza is fresh and delicious! The atmosphere is great, especially the patio!

I liked it. Service was good and interesting menu, not like a traditional Italian restaurant but unique. Actually ordered the strip steak, was outstanding and unlike any steak I have had. Pesto sauce and crunchy onions! Calamari was great, light and crispy. Seemed to be a DSM hit spot read more

Centro - Steak Centro - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We have been coming to Centro for years. Consistently good service and good food. Pizza is some of my favorite in Des Moines. Tonight had the steak centro and it was wonderful. Very disappointed tonight that they changed our favorite desert- Georges sundae. Shrinkflation perhaps, but it is half the size. I wish they would have just changed the price. read more

Centro - George's sundae is much smaller now - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I was in town for work and wanted a nice dinner. Centro got rave reviews from co-workers. I sat at the bar and was promptly greeted by bar staff. I ordered a glass of Malbec and perused the menu. I selected the Insalata Mista and Salmon entree (with potatoes and broccolini and lemon sauce). Although my salad arrived with my entree (minor annoyance), the presentation was beautiful and the food tasted amazing. For dessert, I chose the Creme Brulee and a House Blend boozy coffee. Wonderful end to my meal. Centro is warm & cozy on a cold night. I would return. read more

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I was super excited to go here for a special occasion, however was let down. The dining area was very cramped (although I had a 3 weeks reservation, we were shoved into a table completely surrounded by others- was not easy to get in and out of), service was slow/water was not refilled even when asked, and the food was just ok... definitely bummed. read more

Centro - Rigatoni with Sausage - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I have eaten here on each of my 4 visits to Des Moines. The reason being the food is excellent! I've tried the steak, pizza and pork chops. All were excellent! Pizza is a thin crust, crispy bottom, with a deliciously flavored crust. Service has been spotty. From long waits for drinks to infrequent check-ins at the table, it seems they may need more staff. But, the food will bring me back. read more

Centro - Carmel Tiramisu - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Joined coworkers at Centro for dinner and once again had a great experience. Everyone stuck with pizza options and what was great is that despite some of us at the table being Vegan they had those folks covered with Vegan pies. Myself and another coworker split one of the mozzarella and sausage pies and found it delicious. Server was attentive without being too pushy. The bartender made a perfect gin martini. While we were there the restaurant wasn't too crowded so we found the noise level good. I have had experiences there where when crowded the sound can be loud. This is one of my go to places whenever in Des Moines for work. read more

I was in town for an event and just landed in Iowa and wanted something simple but still a staple. I searched up great places in Des Moines on ChatGPT... that's what I get for trusting ai I guess... Anyways we spent way too much money and the BBQ pizza wasn't that great and way too heavy. But maybe I'm just not a big cheese or crust fan. The pasta was good though! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also the fried calamari was good! Our waitress was super nice and skilled but she did hype up the restaurant a lot. I think it's just in a prime location, has good interior design and decent food. It's a good fancy meet-up or date place but don't order too much And don't take her advice when she said the large pizza was gonna be the best sizing for a group of three (we were stuffed after the first slice before even eating pasta...). read more

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Sold out last night but plenty of seating for lunch. Nice music and decor festive. Wait staff was helpful with suggestions. I ordered the steak salad and my husband order the filled salmon with broccolini. Focaccia bread was brought out with our beverages. A very nice lunch. The food was delicious! read more

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Great service and fantastic food. Will be trying the pizza next visit as it looks wonderful.

My wife and I had some drinks and dinner tonight. Had a pizza had an amazing time most friendliest staff, and can't wait to go back for myself. I just wanted my pizza done just a little bit more which I will ask next time, but it was a wonderful taste in pizza of course the Portobello fries I mean, I've had them there and at liberty Street my God read more

Great spot in downtown Des Moines with great specials. Tons of variety on the menu - something for everyone ranging from light salads to heavy pastas, risottos, and pizza. Our service was a little on the rough side, waiting for awhile and frazzled waitress but the food and ambiance made up for that! read more

Of course used Yelp to find a nice restaurant to try before flying out. The reviews delivered! I started with the bruschetta as the appetizer! Probably the best and freshest bruschetta I've had. As my main entree, I ordered their rigatoni and sausage. Wow, it was full of flavor and had a nice surprise of melted mozzarella under the pasta. I ended this great experience with their Italian sorbet: mango, blood orange and raspberry. Service at the bar was two thumbs up. Lastly, the ambiance for a Sunday early afternoon was chill. The music throughout the restaurant was upbeat jazz. Of your looking for a nice restaurant with great food and service, Centro is it. read more