I thought ranking Iowa’s best Italian restaurants would be a deliciously simple assignment.
That was before I found myself debating whether an unforgettable plate of pasta deserved a higher spot than a pizza I was still thinking about days later.
The more places I explored, the harder those decisions became.
A charming Victorian mansion in Des Moines offered one memorable dining experience, while a tiny northwestern Iowa town gave me a completely different reason to get excited about Italian cooking.
What I enjoyed most was discovering how much personality these restaurants bring to familiar dishes.
Some have spent decades perfecting family recipes, while others are introducing creative ideas that might surprise even devoted Italian food lovers.
So, who deserves the title of Iowa’s best Italian restaurant? After some serious deliberation, I narrowed the competition to 12 standout spots.
Let’s see which ones earned their place and who claimed the top ranking.
1. Cosi Cucina Italian Grill, Clive
First place goes to a restaurant that has been feeding Clive since 1993.
Cosi Cucina Italian Grill has had more than thirty years to perfect its recipes, and it shows in every bite. Locals clearly agree, since it was voted Best Local Italian Food in the CITYVIEW 2026 Best of Des Moines awards.
My first order was the signature Ziti Cucina, and I nearly asked for a second fork to share with nobody. The pasta came out hot, saucy, and generous.
It is the kind of dish that makes you go quiet at the table.
The wood-fired pizzas deserve their own fan club. The crust has those little charred spots that add a smoky crunch, and the toppings never feel skimpy.
Inside, the dining room feels warm and intimate. Soft lighting and friendly servers make it easy to stay longer than planned.
My tip is to arrive early on weekends, because this place fills up fast. Groups of five or more can call ahead about reservations, while smaller parties generally join the walk-in waitlist.
Bring a friend who likes to swap plates, so you can taste a pasta and a pizza in one visit.
Some restaurants earn a top spot with hype. Cosi Cucina earned it the slow way, one plate of ziti at a time.
Address: 1975 NW 86th St, Clive, IA 50325
2. Baroncini Ristorante Italiano And Pizza, Iowa City
Real Italian training makes a difference you can taste.
Chef Gianluca Baroncini learned his craft in Italy, and he brings that know-how to downtown Iowa City. The result is a small, cozy restaurant where every plate looks like it got a little extra attention.
Seasonal ingredients drive the menu here. That means the dishes can change as the year moves along, so a summer visit may look different from a winter one.
My seafood pasta arrived looking almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
The noodles were tender, the sauce was light, and the seafood tasted fresh and bright.
Presentation is a big part of the fun at Baroncini. Plates are arranged with care, which makes it a smart pick for birthdays, anniversaries, or a dinner when you want to impress someone.
The room is intimate, so tables are limited. Making a reservation is a wise move, especially on nights when the University of Iowa crowd is out.
Ask your server what is in season. That simple question led me to my favorite bite of the night, and I am still thinking about it.
Address: 104 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52240
3. Centro, Des Moines
Ask anyone in Des Moines where to get Italian food downtown, and Centro comes up fast.
This restaurant has been a local favorite for years, and it ranks among the most recognizable Italian spots in the state. The buzz in the dining room tells you right away that people love it here.
Handmade cavatelli is the star. These little pasta shells hug the sauce in a way that feels almost unfair to other noodles.
My plate disappeared quicker than a parking spot on a Friday night downtown. I regret nothing.
Coal-fired pizzas are another strong choice. They come out blistered and bubbly, with a crust that has a nice chew.
Centro also serves modern Italian-inspired entrées that are well thought out and full of flavor. It is a great place to try something new alongside a classic.
The atmosphere is lively, so expect some chatter and clinking plates. It is perfect for groups, work dinners, or a fun night before a show nearby.
Show up hungry and leave room to share. Centro is the kind of place where everyone at the table ends up reaching for everyone else’s plate.
Address: 1003 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
4. Basta Pizzeria Ristorante, Iowa City
Homemade is not just a buzzword at Basta. It is the whole plan.
The kitchen makes its own pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, breads, and desserts. That is a lot of from-scratch work, and you can taste the effort in nearly every bite.
Fresh mozzarella was my favorite surprise. It was soft, creamy, and milky in the best way, nothing like the rubbery cheese I grew up stretching off frozen pizza.
Speaking of pizza, the wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies are the main event. The crust is thin in the middle, puffy at the edges, and lightly charred from the hot oven.
Basta sits right in downtown Iowa City, which makes it easy to pair dinner with a stroll afterward. The location is handy for students, families, and anyone visiting campus.
My advice is simple. Order a pizza for the table, then add a pasta so you can compare two kinds of handmade dough.
Save a little space for dessert, too. Since those sweets are made in-house, skipping them would be like leaving a concert before the final song.
Address: 121 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
5. Aposto At The Scala House, Des Moines
Few dinners come with a mansion attached.
Aposto is tucked inside a beautifully restored Victorian home in the Sherman Hill neighborhood of Des Moines. The old woodwork, tall windows, and historic charm make you feel like a guest at a very fancy family party.
The menu changes with the seasons, so there is always a reason to come back. On my visit, the mushroom agnolotti stole the show with its earthy, rich filling.
Handmade cavatelli shows up here as well, and so does creative gnocchi. The kitchen likes to play with flavors without losing the comfort that makes Italian food so lovable.
Entrées are carefully prepared and nicely plated. You can tell the cooks care about how food looks as much as how it tastes.
Because the dining spaces are intimate, this is a great pick for date night or a quiet celebration. It is not the place for a rowdy party of twenty.
Take a few minutes to look around before your food arrives. Every room has its own story, and the house is part of the meal.
Address: 644 18th St, Des Moines, IA 50314
6. La Tavola Italian Eatery, Burlington
Plan ahead for this one, because walking in on a whim will not work.
La Tavola in Burlington requires dinner reservations. The dining room is small, and the local following is strong, so seats get claimed quickly.
Once you are in, though, the reward is worth the planning. The menu focuses on traditional Italian-American cooking that feels like a hug on a plate.
Hearty pastas, comforting pizzas, and homemade-style meals fill the menu. My dinner tasted like the kind of Sunday supper a favorite aunt would cook if she were secretly a professional.
Burlington sits along the Mississippi River in southeastern Iowa, and this restaurant makes a great reason to visit. Pair dinner with a walk downtown or a look at the river views.
The cozy room creates a friendly vibe. You might end up chatting with the table next to you about what they ordered.
Portions lean generous, so think about bringing a container home or sharing a starter. Leftover pasta for lunch the next day is never a bad deal.
Call early, mark your calendar, and arrive hungry. La Tavola is a small room with a big heart.
Address: 316 N 4th St, Burlington, IA 52601
7. Rusciano’s, North Liberty
An oven traveled all the way from Italy to North Liberty, and pizza fans should be grateful.
Chef Gennaro Rusciano was born in Naples, the city famous for creating pizza as we know it. At his restaurant, he bakes authentic Neapolitan pies inside a handcrafted wood-fired oven imported from Italy.
That oven gets very hot, so pizzas cook fast. The crust comes out soft, airy, and spotted with dark bubbles called leopard spots.
Fun fact time. True Neapolitan pizza is meant to be a little soft in the center, so grab a fork if you are a neat eater.
Pizza is the headliner, but the menu also offers pasta, calzones, Italian appetizers, and classic desserts. My calzone was stuffed so full it practically needed its own chair.
The focus on real Naples techniques sets Rusciano’s apart from typical pizza joints. It feels like a little slice of southern Italy just outside Iowa City.
Start with a simple Margherita to taste the craft. Once you try that perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and basil, the rest of the menu is fair game.
Address: 710 Pacha Pkwy #5, North Liberty, IA 52317
8. Café Dodici, Washington
Art, history, and tortellini all share the same address in Washington.
Café Dodici sits inside a beautifully restored historic building downtown. Exposed details and artistic touches make the space feel special the moment you step inside.
The kitchen leans on locally sourced ingredients. That means fresh flavors and a nice connection to the farms around this part of the state.
Tortellini is a must. Each little pasta pocket was tender and full of flavor, and I chased the last bit of sauce around the plate with real determination.
Bruschetta makes a great starter to share. Crunchy bread topped with bright toppings wakes up your taste buds before the main course.
Desserts here are elegant and pretty enough for photos. I tried to take a nice picture, but my spoon got there first.
The intimate dining room is ideal for an evening out that feels a little dressier than usual. It works well for anniversaries or a meal with visiting family.
Washington is a charming small town, so give yourself time to explore the square. A full belly makes window shopping even more pleasant.
Address: 122 S Iowa Ave, Washington, IA 52353
9. Tumea & Sons Restaurant, Des Moines
Family recipes can taste better than anything written in a fancy cookbook.
Tumea and Sons is a family-owned spot on the south side of Des Moines. The family is still involved, and that personal touch shows up in the food and the friendly welcome.
Steak de Burgo is the dish to know. It is a Des Moines classic, and Tumea and Sons serves two tender beef medallions in a rich garlic-herb cream sauce that locals rave about.
Homemade pasta dishes round out the menu. Portions are hearty, so your stomach will thank you while your waistband files a small complaint.
The atmosphere feels like a neighborhood hangout. Regulars chat with staff, and newcomers are treated like they have been coming for years.
My tip is to try the steak de Burgo even if you came for pasta. Pair it with a side of noodles and you get the best of both worlds.
Places like this keep a city’s food traditions alive. One visit, and you will understand why locals keep this table in their weekly rotation.
Address: 1501 SE 1st St, Des Moines, IA 50315
10. Mario’s Italian Restaurant, Dubuque
Back in 1977, Mario’s opened its doors in Dubuque, and the family has kept the ovens warm ever since.
Three generations have carried these recipes forward. That kind of staying power is rare, and it says a lot about how much the community loves this place.
Panzerotti is the house treat I tell everyone about. Think of a golden pocket of dough stuffed with cheese and sauce, crispy outside and gooey inside.
Chicken Parmesan is another top seller. The breading stays crunchy under the sauce, and the melted cheese stretches like it is showing off.
The menu also offers homemade-style pasta dishes and traditional Italian sandwiches. Lunch here can easily turn into a nap afterward, so plan accordingly.
The dining room is relaxed and comfy. Nobody rushes you, and the staff treats regulars and first-timers with the same easy friendliness.
Dubuque has plenty of history along its river bluffs, and Mario’s is part of that story. Stopping in feels like joining a long-running family dinner.
Order the panzerotti first. Trust me, sharing it will be the hardest part of your meal.
Address: 1298 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001
11. Pasta Bella, Mason City
Big appetites, meet your match in northern Iowa.
Pasta Bella is a family-owned restaurant in Mason City that does not believe in tiny portions. Plates arrive loaded, and you will likely need a to-go box before dessert.
The menu covers the Italian-American favorites people crave. Lasagna, ravioli, and fettuccine Alfredo all make strong showings.
My lasagna came stacked so tall I briefly wondered if it had its own zip code. Layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese held together perfectly.
The fettuccine Alfredo is creamy and rich, a true comfort dish on a chilly Iowa evening. Ravioli fans will find plenty to love, too.
A broad menu means picky eaters and adventurous diners can both leave happy. That makes it a smart choice for families and groups with mixed tastes.
The dining room feels welcoming, with a laid-back mood that invites you to settle in. Service is friendly and helpful if you need a suggestion.
Consider splitting an entrée if you are a light eater. Or skip lunch beforehand and tackle a full plate like a champion of carbs.
Address: 416 Indianhead Dr, Mason City, IA 50401
12. Trattoria Buon Gusto, Ireton
Ireton is a tiny town in northwestern Iowa, yet it holds one of the most talked-about Italian kitchens in the state.
Trattoria Buon Gusto has built a loyal following that drives in from miles around. The name means good taste in Italian, and honestly, the food lives up to it.
Carbonara is the dish people praise most. It arrived silky and rich, with a creamy sauce that clung to every strand of pasta.
Seafood pasta is another favorite, a pleasant surprise this far from any ocean. The ravioli also earns plenty of love from regulars.
Leave room for the traditional desserts. They make a sweet ending to a meal that already feels like a reward for the drive.
Small-town dining has a special charm. You may spot farmers, families, and road-trippers all sharing the same cozy room.
Map your route before you go, since rural roads can be quiet and long. Turn it into a day trip and enjoy the open countryside along the way.
Proof that great Italian food does not need a big city. Sometimes the best plate is waiting on a little Main Street.
Address: 305 Main St, Ireton, IA 51027