Cosi Cucina was recommended by a guest at the hotel I was staying at when I asked for a good dinner…read morespot. It turned out to be an excellent suggestion. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the service was attentive, and the food exceeded our expectations. When we mentioned to our waiter that it was our first visit, he surprised us with a complimentary butternut squash dish--a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the evening. My friend and I both ordered the mushroom lasagna, which was every bit as rich and flavorful as we hoped. We also enjoyed a caprese salad and a couple of drinks, all of which rounded out the meal perfectly. By the end of the night, we found ourselves wishing we had more time in Des Moines so we could return and try the pizza selections. Cosi Cucina was a highlight of the trip. We both thought it was one of the best Italian restaurants we have ever dined at.

This is one of our favorite restaurants, hands down. You can tell they take great pride in…read moreeverything they do--it really shows in every detail. We've tried most of the menu, and everything has been consistently delicious, with generous portions every time. One of the things I love most is that the family is there working. It speaks to the level of care and standard they hold for their guests' experience. It just feels genuine, and that makes it even more special.

We stopped in here on a Saturday night and it was busy, but we easily got food and had a place to…read moreseat. My boyfriend and I both ordered a slice of pizza. You get to choose from several options that are in their display case. We also ordered garlic knots. We enjoyed everything we ordered. The pizza was delicious and I can't wait to try other toppings. I love that you can just get a slice, so when it's a small group everyone can get what they want without having to order whole pizzas. My favorite part about this place is the staff. All the employees are so kind and so helpful. We sat at the bar, so we were able to chat a little bit more with the people working and I am so happy we did. They are all willing to go the extra mile to make sure the food and experience is up to your standards. Nonna's is a new staple dinner stop for my boyfriend and I.

It wasn't good and it wasn't bad. Just Meh! The pizza was flavorless. I tried the pepperoni and…read moreNonna's Specialty pizza slices. Nothing remarkable The menu is big. Probably too big to do anything well. Service is was below par. I walked in said hi. This is my first time. What do you recommend. He just pointed at the pre-made pies. I made my selections paid and sat down. They brought over my slices after reheating them in the oven on too small paper plates. No follow-up. Only 1 other table with customers.

Valentine's Day at Biaggi's turned out to be one of the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday dining…read moreexperiences I've had in a long time. I made our reservation in advance at 11:30 AM. Since Biaggi's was operating reservation-only for Valentine's Day, I didn't want to risk it. Smart move. When we arrived for our early lunch reservation, the place was almost completely empty - quiet, calm, and beautifully set up for what would clearly become a packed evening later. There was something really special about being there early. The white tablecloths were perfectly pressed, the fireplace was glowing, soft lighting filled the room, and the entire space felt intimate and relaxed. No noise. No crowd. Just that upscale Italian ambiance without the rush. We were seated immediately, and the service was attentive from the start. Water glasses filled. Warm bread delivered. Friendly but professional tone. There was zero stress in the air - which is rare for February 14th. Now let's talk about the Chicken Marsala. The presentation was elegant and clean. Golden-brown chicken cutlets layered in a rich Marsala wine sauce, surrounded by earthy mushrooms and caramelized onions. On the side were creamy mashed potatoes with a bright lemon wedge and fresh herbs sprinkled over top. Vibrant sautéed greens added color and balance to the plate. The chicken was tender and perfectly cooked - juicy inside with a light crust that held up beautifully in the sauce. The Marsala sauce itself was outstanding. Deep, slightly sweet, earthy, and glossy. Not too thick. Not too salty. Just balanced and layered with flavor. The mushrooms were plentiful and meaty, adding real substance rather than just garnish. The mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery, and they soaked up that sauce perfectly. A little squeeze of lemon brightened the whole dish and kept it from feeling heavy. The sautéed greens were fresh and lightly dressed - a perfect contrast to the richness of the Marsala. What impressed me most was the execution. Even though it was early and the restaurant was still quiet, the dish felt like it was prepared with full care and attention - not rushed, not pre-staged, not sitting under heat lamps. By the time we were finishing, you could tell they were preparing for the evening rush. Reservations were coming in, tables were being set with precision, and the staff clearly had a well-organized plan for the night. Choosing the early reservation at 11:30 AM turned out to be a hidden advantage. It felt like a private Valentine's lunch in a beautifully prepared restaurant before the evening energy took over. Biaggi's delivered not just good food, but a calm, elegant experience on a day when many places feel chaotic. The Chicken Marsala alone is worth returning for. We'll absolutely be back - maybe next time for dinner when the room is glowing with full Valentine's energy.

Baggie's in West Des Moines is always a good call…read more The food was great ,simple, well done, and exactly what you want when you're looking for something comforting but still fresh. The fish was cooked perfectly, flaky and flavorful, and the sides were just as solid. Even the soup hit the spot, hearty and full of flavor, not an afterthought. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, and the service is friendly without trying too hard. It's the kind of place you can come for a relaxed dinner and know you'll leave satisfied. Reliable, consistent, and worth coming back to.

Driving though town and found this amazing spot. Great service, drinks and food were amazing…read more Highly recommend if you are nearby .

Hubby and I decided to stop by for lunch since we saw that it wasn't busy yet. Usually, whenever we…read moredrive by any time of day it's busy. The service was great. Really felt like a mom and pop, part of the family vibe. Service was also quick even when the tables started getting filled up. Food: Lunch portion Chicken Parm- 4/5 huge amount and delicious Lunch portion Chicken Piccata- 4/5 delicious and light Garlic knots- 5/5 yum! Would definitely go back again!

Destination Grille has a lot going for it, but the pricing is undeniably steep--especially for…read moreadult beverages. It's the kind of menu that makes you pause and wonder whether the experience will justify the cost. Another ongoing concern is the dinner rush: wait times can be long, and a call‑ahead or online waitlist option would make a huge difference. I highly recommend making a reservation if you plan to visit during peak hours. What consistently brings us back, though, is the service and the food. Our server, Brody--who we've actually had on every visit--has been exceptional each time. He's attentive, friendly, and always on top of everything. The dishes are consistently impeccable, and Brody's professionalism truly elevates the entire experience. Thank you to Destination Grille and the staff for making each visit enjoyable. We love the seasonal menu and the creative changes. This would easily be a five‑star review if the pricing, noise level, and wait times were more manageable.

I've eaten there twice and after my last experience I am not sure I will return. My lunch…read morecompanion ordered pasta and was pleased with the presentation and flavor. I ordered a club salad and after two bites an insect crawled out of the lettuce. The waiter apologized and ask if I wanted another salad which struck me as an odd question give the current experience. He said that the buy the lettuce from a supplier. I was concerned that lettuce from the same container would be used for a replacement salad and declined as who knows how much bug poop was on the lettuce. He did offer other choices but by that time I was unsure about any replacement. I was not charged for the salad and I did pay for my companion's lunch. I left a tip as it was not the waiter's fault. On my first visit I order a fish sandwich which was quite good. I did notice that the decor could use a good dusting. Again, not the wait staff's fault. The food is ok, a bit over priced, but given that a drive through hamburger, fries and a drink will shoot the best part of $15.00 it would not out of line for the menu and venue.

Went about a week ago because I had been craving a meatball sub and this place was the highest…read morerated. They're not open Sundays so I had to wait a day but oh well, they deserve a day off too. Everyone inside was very nice and I was greeted as soon as I stepped foot in. It's a very small place so it's not really possible to get confused about where to order or pay or anything. My did not come out instantly, which is good because that means to me that I got something fresh and not something sitting there for a while. Much better use of $10 than getting fast food.

service was good and the sandwich was tasty. It just wasn't a Chicago Italian beef. Cannolis were a…read moredefinite miss. Flavorless and the shell was mushy. Frozen and thawed.

I've driven by here on a near-daily basis on my commute. I've been to the taqueria next door…read moreseveral times--thought I would finally give Marino's a try. The lady who answered the phone was very polite. She quoted me a time of 30-35 minutes for the food. I thought that was quite awhile, but decided to proceed with the order anyhow. When I walked in, the restaurant was nearly empty. One room off to the side was dark; it looks like this was a party room in a former life. I saw a solo diner in the main dining room. It was eerily quiet in there. An older lady (whom I believe also answered the phone) was very polite and seemed like she appreciated the business. I wish I could speak more highly of the food. The portions were all very generous, but most all seemed to be lacking in flavor. The breadsticks appear to have been brushed on top with some kind of butter, but no garlic flavor was present and the bottoms had gone untouched. Just bland. The salads I saw online appeared to have had croutons on them but mine did not. The dressing itself had good flavor--likely homemade. The salad was a basic side salad otherwise. The cavatelli was off in several different ways. The pasta appeared to be actual cavatelli, but lacked the firmness I'm used to. The sauce all seemed to have been on one side of the dish. The sausage was Italian sausage. Will probably try again at some point--other reviews seem to indicate better experiences.

This place doesn't pretend to be anything other than a very good local Italian restaurant…read more Our server was friendly and helpful and guided us to a simple margarita pizza with a sweet sauce that grows on you with each bite (crust was thin and delicious).

It's been an Italian week I guess. Just like Friday found us at Latin King... This past Saturday…read morewe made our way over to Tumea & Sons. Once again a later night dinner. There's a large parking lot adjacent to Tumea & Sons. The place was packed. We were greeted right away as we walked in and were told it would be a 30-40 min wait. We knew there were some smaller parties already waiting and at least a party of eight in front of us. There was a very outspoken stereotypical Nonna representing the party of eight...and who was really giving the host the business... Lol We found standing room at the bar where we decided to wait. The bartenders were doing a good job. There were a few people seated and we weren't the only ones waiting for a table... The decor inside is WAY more old school casual than Latin King. It's a little dated. I'd say it has a blue collar working man's feel to it... That works for me! I guess I'm still a little rough around the edges sometimes... Opened in 1998... Their family history is proudly displayed on their walls! Seating is a combination of booths and low top tables and chairs in the main dining area. Standard bar seating. booths, and a couple high tops in the bar area. I think we were right about at our estimated wait time when we were called over to go to a table. 2x Bud Light bottles 2x Cranberry and vodka 2x Mixed drinks (Malibu, pineapple juice, and grenadine) 2x Fountain drinks (Coke products) 1x Onion Rings (half order) - Thinly sliced & hand-breaded 1x Steak De Burgo. Side salad (house creamy garlic dressing) - Two five ounce beef medallions served in a rich garlic herbed cream sauce 1x Fried Shrimp with fries and a side salad (house creamy garlic dressing) - Seven double breaded, deep fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce 1x Pasta Diablo. Add chicken. Side salad (house creamy garlic dressing) - Penne rigate served with a spicy tomato cream sauce 1x Raspberry tiramisu Standard table service. Drink orders first and then on to the food. Our server did a great job and the food was fantastic! The wait wasn't long after ordering before food started to hit the table. Rolls and salads first. I don't normally like thin onion rings, but I really liked these. Crispy. Drained properly. Not the soggy greasy limp mess I've come to associate with thin onion rings... Lol The pasta diablo wasn't near as spicy as I thought it might be from what I've heard from others. Pretty mild... Great flavor though! The raspberry tiramisu was pretty good. I'm more of a traditional tiramisu guy, but one of my friends doesn't care for the taste of coffee... Made in a very similar style but cream and raspberry sauce. Staff was friendly and personable even though you could tell they were nearing the end of a hectic Saturday dinner service. All three of us were pleased with our food! No one walked away hungry...! I can definitely recommend Tumea & Sons! Already looking forward to going back...!

Family and I went here before a Iowa Cubs game for the first time a few weeks ago. We made a…read morereservation a couple hours ahead of time. Our server was very nice but she was a little busy. The service was still pretty good though. The food was awesome. Love the soup of the day which was potato pepper jack the bread was good as well. I got the chicken de Burgo. I would get it again, but I would also like to try something else, the star of the show was the peach shortbread dessert. It was very unique and unlike anything that we've had before. My boyfriend got the hot Italian sub and he absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back to get another one as well as another dessert. Ambience is very nice and family like very welcoming and casual.

Food was amazing, service was great! Love the patio. Was on the patio last year and the live music…read morewas so good. Felt like Frank Sinatra was singing

Anna Dolce great service, great drinks, and great food. Everyone should come here. Ask for Alaina!read more

Had a really great dinner at Opa Italian Restaurant. Everything just hit…read more The shrimp pasta was the standout -- perfectly cooked shrimp, great seasoning, and a light, flavorful sauce that didn't overpower the dish. Simple, fresh, and done right. You can tell they care about the food. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, and the service was friendly and attentive without being too much. Just an easy, enjoyable meal from start to finish. Definitely a spot I'd come back to when I'm in the mood for solid Italian food.

Opa! Italian & Greek How I wanted you to be the best dinner night, but you came up short…read more We needed a place to grab dinner and they didn't have a wait on Saturday night. We were running a tight schedule which is our fault. I ordered the Creamy Steak de Burgo with Rosemary Potatoes. I ordered it medium and chose the beef tenderloin. Well it didn't come out medium or rare, but raw. I mean raw. The server agreed and took it back. It took a while to come back and by that time we needed to go to catch the show. We also barely made it to the show. I had to take it to go. The server didn't say anything to the manager or apologize or anything. Again I know I was in a tight schedule, but it is your responsibility to ensure the food is correct and cooked to order. I am not giving up on Opa! because the food is solid, The service could be better. The beef tenderloin was very good with the creamy garlic, wine, & basil sauce. Tossed and topped with mushrooms. The rosemary potatoes were fire, especially with the creamy sauce from the tenderloin. I would ask for more sauce next time. I did the upgrade and it's definitely worth it. They need to work on getting the rare, medium, medium well, and that's not good correct. What I got back was a very well done tenderloin. This is a solid meal and I will be back to give it a shot. We never said we were in a hurry or anything. Just want it cooked correctly. The salad and bread were good. I would get the salad dressing on the side. My gorgeous wife got the lasagna and I got a bite. It was amazing as well. She loved it and would get it again. We hadn't planned on going to Opa! but we did and I absolutely love the atmosphere and feel this is a solid place, just wasn't a great experience. I was so damned hungry through the entire show at the Civic Center and may have been hangry.