Whether you’re craving a classic New York-style fold or a gourmet Neapolitan masterpiece, Des Moines offers a selection of pizza spots that promise to satisfy every palate.
From crispy thin crusts adorned with local produce to hearty deep-dish wonders that ooze with molten cheese, Des Moines’s pizza scene offers something to satiate every palate. This guide curates the city’s standout pizzerias, each offering a unique slice of culinary heaven.
Fong’s Pizza
9/10 (3673 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-323-3333
Unique specialty pizzasGluten-free and vegan optionsLively atmosphere
Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines is a must-visit spot for those looking for a twist on traditional pizza. With a wide array of unique and creative specialty pizzas, such as the Orange Chicken and Crab Rangoon, Fong’s offers a dining experience like no other. The restaurant also caters to those with dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free and vegan options. The atmosphere is lively and the service is fast and friendly, making it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
Blaze Pizza
8.8/10 (1445 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-518-1393
CustomizableFresh ingredientsEfficient service
Blaze Pizza offers a unique customizable pizza experience, allowing you to create your perfect pie from a wide array of fresh ingredients. The online ordering system is seamless and offers great deals, making it a convenient choice for a quick and tasty meal. The staff is efficient and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience whether you’re dining in or getting delivery. The crust is consistently well-done, and the toppings are flavorful, making Blaze Pizza a standout option for pizza lovers.
F&O’s / Felix and Oscars
8.6/10 (1237 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-278-8887
Crispy deep dishFlavorful parmesanExcellent service
F&O’s, more commonly known as Felix and Oscars, offers a delightful dining experience with their crispy deep dish pizza and flavorful creamy parmesan dressing. The service is top-notch, ensuring a pleasant visit. While the ambiance could use a bit of sprucing up, the overall experience is satisfying, making it a must-try spot in town.
Michael’s Pizza
8.8/10 (158 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-255-5959
Unique specialty pizzasHigh-quality ingredientsAddicting thin onion rings
Michael’s Pizza is a hidden gem in Beaverdale, offering unique specialty pizzas in personal sizes that cater to every member of the family. The sweet and salty pizza and the incredible Pizza Blanco stand out for their high-quality ingredients. The ranch is a standout, described as the best ever, and the thin and crispy onion rings are addicting. The cozy atmosphere and great service make it a must-visit spot for delicious and affordable pizza that never disappoints.
Dough Co. Pizza | Drake
9/10 (482 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-630-0796
Vegan optionsUnique pizza dipping experienceHuge brownies
Located in Drake, Dough Co. Pizza offers a unique and satisfying pizza experience. The variety of vegan options stand out, with recommendations for the taco pizza, vegan cheese bread, and grinder sandwich. The lack of an excessive amount of sauce allows for a delightful pizza dipping experience. The brownies, a perfect ending, are huge and hopefully will stay that way. The jalapeno popper pizza may not have hit the mark for one customer, but the staff’s friendliness, game offerings for kids, and selection of beer on tap make Dough Co. a place to revisit. The option to buy pizza by the slice is convenient, and the delicious breadsticks come at a decent price. The welcoming atmosphere and fantastic crust make Dough Co. Pizza a must-visit spot for a satisfying meal.
Sonny’s Pizza Bistro
9.4/10 (641 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-289-2555
Delicious pizzaCozy Italian atmosphereVariety of menu options
Sonny’s Pizza Bistro continues to impress with their delicious pizza and Italian grinders. The thin and crispy crust of their pizzas cooked to perfection has locals raving about the flavor. The Chicken Romano dish is also a standout, showcasing the chef’s skill and attention to detail. The inviting Italian atmosphere adds to the overall experience, making it a must-visit spot for those looking for a great meal in Ankeny or Des Moines. The enclosed patio with heaters provides a cozy outdoor dining option, perfect for enjoying a delightful meal with friends and family. The menu offers a great variety of choices, making it easy for everyone to find something they’ll love. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or looking to try something new, Sonny’s Pizza Bistro is a top choice for a memorable dining experience.
Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern
9/10 (1206 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-214-2759
Flavorful PizzasWelcoming AtmosphereCasual Vibes
Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern is a welcoming spot with a fun vibe, perfect for enjoying a tasty pizza. Customers rave about the flavorful pizzas loaded with sauce and toppings. The casual atmosphere, complete with live music, is a draw for many, making it a great place to kick back and relax. While some mention slow service, the friendly staff and overall enjoyable experience keep patrons coming back for more delicious food and good times.
Taste of New York Pizza
9.4/10 (718 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-223-8669
Authentic NY pizzaMassive slicesWelcoming staff
Taste of New York Pizza brings a slice of the Big Apple to Des Moines with its authentic and delicious offerings. The pizza here is the real deal, with massive slices that are perfectly thin and crispy, just like you’d find in New York City. From the Sicilian to the Margherita, each pie is flavorful and satisfying. The garlic knots with cheese are a must-try, soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere add to the overall experience, making you feel right at home. It’s no wonder why customers keep coming back for more.
Scornovacca’s Ristorante
8.6/10 (902 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-244-5779
Diverse menuFriendly staffCozy atmosphere
Scornovacca’s Ristorante offers a casual Italian dining experience with a diverse menu and friendly staff. Customers rave about the combination pizza and the Sunday special of a large single topping pizza for just $12. The house-made creamy Romano dressing and lasagna with house-made sauce are also standout dishes. The restaurant has been a beloved staple on the Southside for decades, with clean facilities and a cozy, old-school atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience. Despite some mixed reviews regarding service and the quality of certain dishes, Scornovacca’s Ristorante remains a popular choice for those seeking classic Italian comfort food.
7 Stone Pizzeria
9/10 (517 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-987-7768
Fresh ingredientsCrispy crustLocal beer
7 Stone Pizzeria is a local gem that offers delicious and high-quality pizza options. The House 7 pizza is a standout choice with fresh and flavorful ingredients that are generously loaded onto the crispy crust. The dining area is clean and spacious, providing a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy your meal. The cheese bread is also a hit, being both enormous and tasty. Additionally, the restaurant offers fantastic local beer on tap and friendly owners, making it a must-visit spot for pizza lovers.
Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant
9/10 (1039 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-265-2746
Thin crust pizzaCrispy onion ringsFlavorful Italian egg rolls
Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant has been a staple in the community for decades, and after sampling their menu, it’s easy to see why. The thin crust pizza, loaded with flavorful Italian sausage, mushrooms, and banana peppers, is a true standout. The crispy onion rings are also a must-try, with a crunchy coating that will have you craving more. The Italian egg rolls, stuffed with sausage and cheese, perfectly complemented by a marinara sauce, are a unique and tasty option. The variety of menu options ensures that there is something for everyone, and the attentive staff adds to the overall dining experience.
Eatery A
9/10 (1971 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-282-8085
Flavorful wood-fired pizzasVariety of healthy and delicious optionsWarm and cozy atmosphere
Eatery A is a gem in the metro, offering amazing wood-fired pizzas like the Moroccan Kofta that will leave your taste buds dancing. The diverse menu includes lemon ricotta pancakes and shakshouka, along with a perfectly grilled toast. The chefs here put in a lot of effort to create flavorful dishes with high-quality ingredients, making it a go-to spot for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Basil Prosperi
9.4/10 (190 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-244-2070
Pizza-by-the-sliceDelicious daily specialsFriendly staff
Basil Prosperi is a lunchtime gem in Capital Square with a pizza-by-the-slice option and delicious daily specials. The Margherita pizza is a must-try with its chewy crust and high-quality toppings. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable, making it a top choice for a satisfying meal in Des Moines.
Chuck Celsi’s Tavern Restaurant
8.6/10 (768 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-255-9827
Delicious cheese sticksFlavorful pizzaFriendly staff
Chuck Celsi’s Tavern Restaurant is a hidden gem with a no-nonsense interior but delicious food at reasonable prices. The lunch special is a steal – pizza, salad, and a pop for $11.50, with the creamy parmesan dressing being a standout. The onion rings and pizza are served quickly and are both flavorful, especially the cheese sticks with ranch dressing. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home.
Northern Lights Pizza (104)
9.2/10 (447 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-224-4444
Delicious pizzasGreat customer serviceQuality ingredients
Northern Lights Pizza (104) may not have a sit-down option, but it makes up for it in the deliciousness of their food. From loaded pizzas to perfectly cooked breadsticks, the quality here is top-notch. The taco pizza was a surprising hit, and the crust is a standout feature – crispy yet chewy. The staff is friendly and goes the extra mile for customer service, making sure you have everything you need for a great meal experience. With a variety of tasty options and great service, Northern Lights Pizza (104) is a must-try for any pizza lover in Des Moines.
Noah’s Ark Ristorante
8.8/10 (1268 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-288-2246
House-made sausageClassic chicken AlfredoAttentive waitstaff
Noah’s Ark Ristorante is a lively Italian eatery with a delectable menu that won’t disappoint. The house-made sausage is definitely a standout, bursting with flavor and perfectly paired with the meat sauce. The classic chicken Alfredo is also a winner, pleasing even the pickiest of eaters. The waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience. And don’t forget to save room for a cannoli, a sweet ending to a satisfying meal. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, Noah’s Ark Ristorante is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Centro
9.2/10 (2155 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-248-1780
Fantastic flavorsGenerous portionsGluten-free options
Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Centro offers a delectable dining experience that is sure to satisfy any food lover. The Bianca pizza and ricotta gnocchi are standout dishes that are not to be missed. The generous portions ensure that no one leaves hungry, and the option for gluten-free items is a thoughtful touch. While the service may be a bit slow at times, the quality of the food and drinks more than make up for it. Whether you’re looking for a casual evening out or a special date night, Centro is a must-visit destination for anyone in search of delicious Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
Godfather’s Pizza
8.6/10 (333 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-226-8880
Fresh thick crustWide variety ingredientsWelcoming atmosphere
Review: Godfather’s Pizza is a hidden gem for pizza enthusiasts looking for a hearty and satisfying meal. The thick crust pizzas are loaded with specialty ingredients that make each bite a flavorful experience. The Manager at the location we visited was welcoming and shared interesting insights about the franchise. The restaurant’s clean and organized setup added to the overall charm of enjoying some delicious pizza pie.
Bordenaro’s Pizza & Pasta
9/10 (866 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-287-1607
Homemade crustIn-house saucesWarm, attentive staff
Nestled on the south side of Des Moines lies Bordenaro’s Pizza & Pasta, a hidden gem that has locals flocking in droves. The homemade crust on their pizzas is a revelation, complemented perfectly by the carefully crafted sauces that are made in-house. The double-dipped onion rings are a standout, with the second dip taking them to another level. The staff here may be stretched thin at times, but they are always warm, welcoming, and attentive, making you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal that hits the spot, Bordenaro’s is the place to be.
Lucca
9.4/10 (383 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 515-243-1115