A pizza score can get my attention, but a place still has to earn the drive. Centro did that before the first slice even hit the table.
This Des Moines spot serves wood-fired pizza inside a former Masonic temple, so the setting already feels a little different.
Then there is the crust, which helped earn Centro Dave Portnoy’s highest Iowa rating.
I came for the pizza and quickly realized the menu gives you plenty of reasons to stay longer. Pasta, starters, and desserts all compete for table space once the first order arrives.
If you are planning a visit, come hungry and avoid treating this like a quick slice stop. Centro makes a much stronger case for turning pizza night into the whole outing.
A Pizza Story Worth Chasing Across Iowa
Some restaurants earn a reputation slowly, and this one did it one crisp crust at a time.
Centro sits in a former Masonic temple, and the Iowa pizza fame that follows it comes from a wood-fired oven and a kitchen that cares about ingredients.
The Google listing describes it as a spacious spot for modern Italian cooking, and that fits. The ceilings are high, the room feels open, and the whole place has a polished downtown mood.
With a 4.6 star rating from more than 2,400 reviews, the crowd clearly agrees. I like that the place feels serious about food without feeling stiff.
You can find Centro at 1003 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, right in the heart of downtown Iowa.
It is close to Hotel Fort Des Moines, which makes it handy for travelers, and a parking ramp on Locust Street is only about a block away.
Plan your trip around the hours, since Monday runs 4 to 9 PM, while Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday open at 11 AM and close at 9 PM. Friday and Saturday stay open until 10 PM.
The Crust That Gets All The Attention
Crisp edges, soft center, and a bottom with real char. That is the crust story at Centro, and it is the reason pizza fans keep showing up.
Guests describe the coal-fired pies as balanced, with toppings that stay light enough to let each flavor speak. Nothing turns into one heavy, blended bite.
The crust holds up well when you fold a slice, which matters more than people admit. A floppy slice is a sad slice, and this one stays sturdy.
Pizza Bianco keeps things simple with mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and garlic. If four cheeses sound better, Quattro Formaggi is a separate option with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and Provolone.
Pepperoni is available too, and recent guests continue to praise the crisp crust and char that come from the coal-fired oven.
Vegan mozzarella and vegan sausage are also available as pizza options, so there is room to build something beyond the traditional choices.
My advice is simple. Order one pizza for the table before anything else, then build the rest of the meal around it.
Monday Half-Price Pizza Night
Mark your calendar, because Monday has a reputation here. The half-price pizza deal is described by diners as a local institution, and it is worth planning around.
Centro opens at 4 PM on Mondays and closes at 9 PM, so the window is a little shorter than other days. Arrive early if you want a relaxed table.
I would treat the deal as a chance to try more than one style. Split a classic pie with a friend, then pick a white pizza for contrast.
Since the restaurant also runs a happy hour from 3 to 6 PM, with appetizers and pizza on the list, you can stretch your visit in a few smart ways. Guests say the happy hour is helpful because dinner prices can run on the higher side.
Do call ahead to confirm current deals, since specials can change. A quick call beats a surprise at the host stand.
Bring a crowd if you can. More people means more slices to compare, and comparing slices is my favorite kind of homework.
Starters Worth Saving Room For
Crab cakes show up in more reviews than almost anything else, with over twenty mentions. That is a strong hint about where to begin.
Onion rings also pop up often, and the calamari gets credit for being lightly fried instead of greasy. That matters, because a heavy appetizer can ruin the main course.
Bruschetta earned love from one guest who could tell the food was handmade. Portobello fries and truffle fries round out the shareable options.
The truffle fries come with a strong aroma and vanish fast once the table starts sharing. I would order them for a group of three or more.
Soup fans have a clear pick as well. The tomato basil soup is mentioned often and one Valentine weekend guest called it amazing.
My strategy is to pick two starters, not four. The pizzas and pastas are generous, and you will want space.
Also look for the free focaccia, which several guests mentioned. It is easy to fill up on it, so pace yourself, even though the bread makes that nearly impossible.
Pasta Plates That Steal The Show
Pizza may bring the fame, yet the pasta wins plenty of hearts. One guest said the pasta was phenomenal and suggested ordering the Italian dishes over the American ones.
The chicken and prosciutto pasta is a repeat order for several diners. One called it rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared, and another orders it every visit.
Cavatelli has over twenty mentions, so it deserves a look too. Ricotta gnocchi is another standout, described as pillowy and not dense, with a sauce that does not fight the texture.
I also noticed the peppercorn mac turning up on an anniversary table. It sounds like a cozy pick when the weather turns cold.
Portions are generous. One person took leftovers home for a second meal, which feels like a bonus lunch.
Not every plate lands for everyone. One guest felt a chicken parmesan missed the mark, so if that is your litmus test, ask your server for guidance before ordering.
Beyond Pizza With Steak, Salads, And More
Spinach salad with warm bacon dressing is a smart opener. The dressing arrives genuinely warm, and it pairs with mushroom and Asiago in a way that feels like classic bistro cooking.
The Centro salad gets plenty of love too. One diner said a half order could feed two people.
For something heartier, look at the wood-grilled flank steak with Gorgonzola cream sauce. A guest at the table said it looked better than the pasta they were holding.
A steak salad also earned praise for steak that was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The Kill Bill pork tenderloin sandwich got a thumbs up for flavor.
Chicken saltimbocca is another popular choice, and one guest enjoyed a gluten free version with green beans. That shows the kitchen is willing to adjust.
Others noted the staff is accommodating with menu changes, which is handy for picky eaters. A burger is on the list as well, though one guest found it greasy, so lean Italian.
Desserts Worth The Last Bite
Save room, because the dessert list has real stars. The chocolate torte with raspberry is described as a dream for chocolate fans, creamy and rich with a drizzle that balances the sweetness.
Creme brulee gets a nod for being torched at the right moment. That thin caramel crust is the whole point, and diners say it delivers.
Cheesecake is another favorite, and a couple celebrating an anniversary received a free slice. Key lime budino also drew cheers from a happy patio guest.
Sorbet makes a lighter finish. One birthday diner called it a perfect ending after a big meal.
My tip is to share. Between the portions and the richness, two spoons and one dessert is a wise plan.
Opinions do vary, as one guest felt the tiramisu was not traditional. If you love the classic version, ask about the details first, then pick the dessert that sounds most exciting.
The Old Temple Atmosphere
Look up when you arrive. The tall ceilings are a leftover from the building’s days as a Masonic temple, and they give the room a grand feel.
The decor mixes modern style with cozy warmth. Soft lighting adds a calming mood, and guests say it works for dressing up or staying casual.
Bar seating gets a lot of mentions, and it suits solo diners or quick meals. If you want a regular table, mention that when you check in.
The room can get loud when it fills up. One guest said it is hard to hear your companions during the dinner rush.
If you like conversation, aim for an earlier seating or a late lunch. A guest in town for a conference was seated right away during a weekday lunch.
The mood stays friendly throughout. Hosts greet guests warmly and help parties find each other, which makes meeting friends simple.
Service, Special Touches, And Visit Tips
Celebrations are a specialty here. Couples marking birthdays and anniversaries found custom menus and themed table linens waiting for them.
That kind of care shows up in everyday service too. Guests describe servers as attentive, knowledgeable, and quick with recommendations.
Families are welcome as well. A group with toddlers asked for high chairs and kids menus and had a great night.
Service can slow on busy evenings, which is normal for a packed room. Weekend dinners especially fill up, so patience helps.
Prices run higher than casual pizza joints, yet many guests felt a fine dining experience came in under one hundred dollars for two. Reservations are smart for special nights.
Park in the Locust parking ramp, about a block away. Then settle in, order the pizza, and let the focaccia keep you company.
Centro proves that great Iowa pizza can live in a grand old room, and that is why I will be back.