Best Italian Restaurants in West Des Moines
West Des Moines has quietly become the metro's Italian food destination, with everything from red-sauce classics to modern coastal cuisine. Whether you're craving handmade pasta near Jordan Creek Town Center or wood-fired pizza in Valley Junction, this sprawling suburb delivers authentic flavors without the downtown parking hassle. Here's where locals actually go when they want Italian done right.
Top Italian Restaurants in West Des Moines
Lucca
This upscale Italian spot on Grand Avenue brings Northern Italian sophistication to West Des Moines with house-made pastas and an impressive wine list. The seasonal menu changes regularly, but the ricotta gnocchi and osso buco are perennial favorites. The intimate dining room fills quickly on weekends, making reservations essential.
Consistently the most refined Italian dining experience in West Des Moines, with attention to detail that rivals anything downtown.
Ask to sit at the chef's counter if available—you'll get a front-row view of the pasta-making process and occasional off-menu tastings.
Family-Style Red Sauce Restaurants
West Des Moines has several traditional Italian-American spots along Grand Avenue and near EP True Parkway that specialize in generous portions of classics like chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, and baked mostaccioli. These are the places where three generations gather for Sunday dinner, complete with bottomless breadsticks and salad. Expect hearty portions, reasonable prices, and a casual atmosphere.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or introducing kids to Italian food without breaking the bank or worrying about noise levels.
Most of these spots offer family-style portions that serve 3-4 people for about the price of two entrees—always ask about this option.
Wood-Fired Pizza Spots
Several pizzerias in West Des Moines feature authentic Neapolitan-style ovens imported from Italy, turning out blistered, chewy crusts in under two minutes. Look for locations near Jordan Creek and in Valley Junction that focus on simple, high-quality ingredients—San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and creative seasonal toppings. The casual counter-service format makes these ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
These represent the best pizza-to-dollar ratio in the metro, with quality that rivals much pricier options downtown.
Order a white pizza with ricotta and hot honey—it's become a local favorite that most places now keep on the regular menu.
Modern Italian Bistros
A newer wave of Italian restaurants in West Des Moines blends traditional techniques with contemporary presentations and local ingredients. These spots typically feature smaller, shareable plates alongside classic entrees, craft cocktails with Italian spirits, and a more design-forward aesthetic. You'll find them in the newer developments along Mills Civic Parkway and near Westown Parkway.
The perfect middle ground between casual and fine dining, ideal for business dinners or special occasions that don't require downtown formality.
Happy hour at these places often includes half-price appetizers and wine, making it an excellent time to sample multiple dishes affordably.
Italian Delis and Markets
Don't overlook the Italian specialty markets in West Des Moines that offer prepared foods, imported ingredients, and made-to-order sandwiches. These are treasure troves for authentic Italian products you won't find at regular grocery stores—proper Parmigiano-Reggiano, imported olive oils, fresh pasta, and house-made sauces. Many also serve hot lunch specials and weekend brunch.
The most authentic Italian flavors often come from these family-run operations, plus you can stock up on ingredients to cook at home.
Visit on Saturday mornings when many make fresh arancini and porchetta sandwiches—they typically sell out by early afternoon.
Valley Junction Italian Dining
Historic Valley Junction hosts a couple of Italian restaurants in converted storefronts along Fifth Street, offering a charming small-town atmosphere just minutes from the Jordan Creek area. These spots emphasize seasonal Iowa ingredients in Italian preparations and often feature local wines alongside Italian imports. The walkable district makes it easy to grab gelato or browse antique shops after dinner.
The neighborhood charm and easier parking make this a more relaxed alternative to downtown dining with comparable food quality.
Park in the free lot behind the shops on Railroad Avenue—it's a short walk and you'll avoid circling Fifth Street looking for spots.
Italian Chain Restaurants Done Right
West Des Moines has several locations of regional and national Italian chains near Jordan Creek Town Center that consistently outperform expectations. While not locally owned, these spots offer reliable quality, extensive gluten-free and vegetarian options, and the convenience of online ordering and curbside pickup. They're particularly useful for large groups or when you need predictable timing.
Sometimes you want familiar comfort food without surprises, and these deliver exactly what you expect every single time.
Join the loyalty programs—most offer a free appetizer or dessert after your first visit, plus birthday rewards that actually have value.
Italian Catering and Takeout Specialists
Several West Des Moines Italian operations focus primarily on catering and takeout, operating from commercial kitchens with minimal dine-in space. These often provide the best value for feeding groups, with family-style trays of pasta, salads, and proteins at wholesale-like prices. Quality varies, but the best ones are beloved by locals for office lunches and family gatherings.
When you need to feed 10+ people Italian food without cooking or spending a fortune, these are your secret weapon.
Order 24 hours ahead for best selection and ask about their 'family meal deals'—usually a protein, pasta, salad, and bread for a flat rate.
Insider Tips for Italian Dining in West Des Moines
Parking is generally easier than downtown Des Moines, but Jordan Creek area restaurants get slammed Friday and Saturday evenings—arrive before 6pm or after 8pm to avoid waits. Valley Junction has free street parking and a public lot behind Fifth Street that most visitors miss.
Many West Des Moines Italian restaurants offer 'early bird' specials before 6pm on weekdays, typically 15-20% off entrees or complimentary appetizers. This is especially common at the family-style spots along Grand Avenue and near EP True Parkway.
Spring is prime patio season in West Des Moines—several Italian restaurants have excellent outdoor spaces that open in late March. Call ahead to reserve patio tables, as they book up quickly on pleasant evenings and aren't always available for walk-ins.
The Italian restaurants near Jordan Creek Town Center often validate parking in the mall garages if you ask for a stamp—this can save you from circling the lots during busy shopping weekends.
For the best selection of Italian wines by the glass, visit on Wednesdays when many West Des Moines restaurants run wine specials. Some rotate featured regions weekly, offering half-price pours from specific Italian wine areas.
If you're picking up takeout, most West Des Moines Italian spots have dedicated curbside parking now—look for marked spots near the entrance and call when you arrive. This is much faster than going inside during dinner rush.
Common Questions About Italian Food in West Des Moines
About Dining in West Des Moines
West Des Moines stretches from historic Valley Junction in the east to the sprawling Jordan Creek development in the west, creating distinct dining districts with different characters. The area around Jordan Creek Town Center offers convenient chain and upscale options with ample parking, while Valley Junction provides walkable charm in converted historic storefronts. Grand Avenue serves as the main commercial corridor, lined with strip malls housing everything from family restaurants to hidden gems. Unlike downtown Des Moines, West Des Moines is decidedly car-dependent—you'll drive between restaurants rather than walk—but parking is abundant and free almost everywhere. The suburb's Italian restaurant scene has matured significantly over the past decade, moving beyond basic red-sauce joints to include sophisticated dining that rivals anything in the metro. Spring brings outdoor dining to numerous patios, and the generally newer construction means most restaurants have modern amenities, accessible entrances, and spacious layouts that accommodate large groups comfortably.