15 Best Pizza Places in Des Moines, Iowa (2023)

There are tons of pizza places in Des Moines, Iowa. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to know where to start. And, with so many different types of pizza available, it can be tough to know which is the best place for you.

Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of the top fifteen pizza places in Des Moines so you can try them all and find your favorite!

1. Corbin Cuisine

• Address: 2713 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
• Phone: (515) 635-0090

You might find this hard to believe, as I did, but their Chef, Jarrod, developed tricks of the trade on his own and ended up with the best pizza in Des Moines. This is what we call gifted. Try their Jerk Chicken Sandwich, Muay Thai Pizza, or Dirty Fries and you’ll get a full understanding of what I’m talking about! With their convenient burrito bowls, jammies, wraps, and more, Curbin’ Cuisine Catering is changing the face of the fast food industry. The dynamic duo of husband and wife behind it all. Even though he could use his degree in graphic design in other fields, Chef Jarrod has opted to put it to use in the kitchen.

Misty, his wife, is the business brains behind the operation, handling marketing and reservations regularly. The longevity of their business is evidenced not only by the quality of their food but also by the quality of their service. Spicy food lovers, prepare to be blown away by the large juicy steak sandwich containing charred and slow-roasted steak garnished with sautéed onions, bell pepper, plus gouda cheese. We’d be unwise if we didn’t highlight their chicken bacon ranch quesadilla as well as stacked kielbasa hoagie. Have them provide catering for your next occasion.

2. Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza

• Address: 6058 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320
• Phone: (515) 974-0440

Customers have the option of walking in, calling in, or placing an order on the website. They deliver within a certain mile radius too. If you’re vegan, they have a dairy-free pizza for you. Violife® dairy-free cheese, which is vegan as well as lactose-free, produces exceptionally melty, cheesy pies. Pizza evening can now include the kiddos too! Give it a shot right now. Saving the spirit of “take-and-bake,” the pies are produced at the shop but baked in the customer’s oven. Customers make their pizzas rather than having them delivered to their homes. Note that this is not just any old pizza delivery service, but rather an award-winning pizza company when you place your order.

Even though as customers we bake everything ourselves, it still turns out delicious every time. It’s because they put in a lot of time and energy to get the finest ingredients for baking at home. Another plus of Papa Murphy’s is how affordable it is. Papa Murphy’s offers large quantities of salads, desserts, and drinks of all kinds. We can see why it’s considered among Des Moine’s finest pizzerias.

3. Fong’s Pizza

• Address: 223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Phone: (515) 323-3333

Fong’s is a popular Des Moines-based specialty pizza restaurant celebrating more than a decade in business. King Ying Low, an eatery that used to be there before Fong, was the inspiration for the diner’s Asian menu as well as decor. First of all, you have to be open-minded when visiting this pizzeria as you’ll be greeted with a lot of new names, unique blends, and tastes.

There are some amazing pizzas here. The place can get crowded with its excited chatter and the amazing staff still keeps up with them.

The Crab Rangoon Pizza is a must! Don’t order the small size cause it’s just too amazing and you’ll end up ordering again.

In addition to the Crab Rangoon, you can try other mind-blowing flavorful appetizers; pies, sandwiches plus desserts. Think spring rolls, General TSO’s Chicken pizza, a Blood Orange Margarita and Raspberry Cheesecake egg rolls to wrap things up. From the travel channel to top artists, many celebrities have fallen in love with this family-friendly pizzeria and so will you.

4. Blaze Pizza

• Address: 300 W Martin Luther Ling Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Phone: (515) 518-1393

Many people come here because the reputation speaks for itself; great food and ambiance. Blaze Pizza is among the best pizza shops in Des Moines, and vegans can dine comfortably in a welcoming setting. The wide selection of toppings is one of my favorite things about Blaze Pizza.

There are a variety of crust options, including those made with cauliflower or fewer carbohydrates. You can add any toppings you like to your order, and everything is made to order. Blaze’s pizzas have a thin crust and are baked at a high enough temperature for a brief period. Even though the crust is thin and the pie is only baked for a short time, it’s still tasty. Even if the crust burns a little, the cheese is always molten and the pie is served hot.

5. The Bordenaro’s Pizza & Pasta

• Address: 6108 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
• Phone: (515) 287-1607

This is a relaxed pizza restaurant featuring outdoor seating when the seasons allow, and delivery or takeout options. For me, presentation and taste are the keys to success and Bordenaro’s has aced this along with spectacular customer service. Because they’ve been cooking pizzas since 1977, they know that each one will taste the same. They invite you to join them for a delicious meal of pizza or pasta.

Private parties can be held at their restaurant: business lunches, dinner catering, and more! Also, they’ll cater for your corporate events, weddings, or any occasion you require food services for. Not sure what to order? Start with the Combo Appetizer, featuring double-dipped onion rings, toasted ravioli, and cheese sticks. Jump straight into a big bite of Bordy’s Special topped with black olives, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, capicola, beef, pepperoni, and sausage. Now that’s a mouthful. You also have vegetarian, hot and spicy, and many other options.

6. Paesano’s Pizzeria

• Address: 2804 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
• Phone: (515) 244-1699

For almost three decades, residents of Des Moines have been able to enjoy authentic Italian fare and pizza at Paesano’s Pizzeria. They cater to the south side of the city and provide options for eating in, taking out, and having food delivered. Paesano’s features a wide variety of options, including sandwiches, pasta, salads, pizzas, appetizers, and even a kids’ menu. This is among the best pizza places in Des Moines.

Their success over the years may be attributed to their unwavering dedication to giving customers wonderful food created from fresh, local products. As a locally owned, family-operated business, they take pride in giving back to the community. Des Moines-based suppliers Graziano Brothers provide their hot sausage, Loffredo Fresh Produce supplies their produce, and Brewers Fresh Meats supplies their meat. The freshness is evident in the combo pizza, vegetarian, and Aunt Angie’s special pizza. I can imagine it’s the same for everything else on the menu.

7. Dough Co. Pizza

• Address: 2330 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
• Phone: (515) 630-0796

You can choose between four doughs:

Sicilian Square, vegan, gluten-free, and hand-tossed New York-style thin crust. Also, unleash your creativity and build your pizza, but if you can’t bother, there are specialty pizzas to choose from. Check out the happy hour with affordable beers on tap weekdays from 3-5 pm.

Located in the center of the city’s trendy Drake area, this pizzeria serves up a New York-style thin crust pizza with a Midwest spin. Slices are $2.50 and whole pies can be up to 26 inches in diameter. Visit them for lunch or dinner and take the family if you wish, as they have a great kids’ menu. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can dine while enjoying the latest sports games. By the way, the patio seating is beautiful, spacious, and comfy if you prefer the outdoors. It is undeniably one of the best pizza places in Des Moines.

Also read:

• 15 Best Pizza Places in Savannah, Georgia (2022)
• 15 Best Pizza Places in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (2022)
• 15 Best Pizza Place in Knoxville, Tennessee (2022)
• 15 Best Pizza Places in Dallas, Texas (2022)

8. Gusto Pizza Co.

• Address: 2800 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
• Phone: (515) 225-1881

From shrimp scampi pizza to vegan mozzarella, your palate will receive a heavenly treat at Gusto Pizza Co. It’s a family-friendly setting that offers free wifi, so your kids will be really happy. They’ll even be happier with the kid’s menu. There’s seating indoors and outside and the place is quite beautiful. They claim that the food is locally sourced as well as crafted with love and you can surely taste that in every bite.

According to the owners, at Gusto Pizza Co., they make their sauce from scratch every day, and their dough is in small batches that they spin by hand. They also source their ingredients from a local partner. Value their staff members, protect the environment, and make delicious pizzas in their distinctive style. The friendly atmosphere and great service are proof of that and keep customers going back for more. This is one of the best pizza places in Des Moines.

9. Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern

• Address: 400 SE 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Phone: (515) 214-2759

Whether you come to watch a game or just for the amazing pizza, you can’t help but love Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern. The vibe is always lively and the food is on par, making it one of the best pizza places in Des Moines. Don’t forget to sample one of the hand-tossed specialty pizzas, such as the French Dip or Mahomes. The excellent breakfast menu is now available every day of the week. Three of the proprietors are natives of the Kansas City area and lifelong supporters of the local sports teams. Therefore the name is an homage to the Truman Sports Complex. The decor and beer selection at Truman is very Kansas City.

The Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl IV victory is commemorated in the pub with booths and autographed memorabilia from that game. The Kansas City Royals, and its predecessors, have some memorabilia on display as well. The Boulevard Brewing Co., established in Kansas City, is represented on 10 of 24 taps in the bar. Appetizers, sandwiches, and pizza, are all made by hand and available on the menu. The indoor area of the bar can fit around 80 people, with additional room provided by the parking lot and patio.

10. Michaelangelo’s Pizza and Pasta

• Address: 700 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Phone: (515) 777-3030

At Michelangelo’s, everything is made fresh every day, from their salads to garlic rolls, pasta, and, of course, pizza. If you’re looking for a salad, combo meals, and more in the downtown Des Moines skywalk, stop by this pizza booth in the Kaleidoscope Food Court. People come in large numbers for lunch, but they are all served fast. Since visiting the Wells Fargo History Museum requires some investment of time and energy, you may be hungry when you return. The food at Michaelangelo’s Pizza and Pasta is authentic Italian and satisfying.

In case you are in the area, stop over for some delicious, properly cooked pizza. This place wouldn’t be as great as it is without the hard work and positivity of the workers. I have never been let down by either the pizza or the spaghetti I ordered. There is enough sauce on the pasta for me, especially since the Alfredo is so rich and creamy. I’d tell all my pals to check it out! Try the Ultimate Cappacuolo Pie. Go for some of the best pizza in Des Moines.

11. Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant

• Address: 2820 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
• Phone: (515) 265-2746

They manufacture their thin crust pizza and onion rings (lightly breaded) from scratch, for which the restaurant is quite renowned. You can tell it’s family-owned because they put their hearts into making each pie. All around excellent experience: service, ambiance, cuisine, and company. You can get some good beer and a delicious pizza here. You should make a reservation at this pizzeria if you’ve never tried Italian food. Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant is known as well for its excellent fried chicken.

Tasty beer is a popular choice among many guests. The iced tea, say the critics, is delicious here. Visitors can unwind and enjoy themselves thanks to the friendly vibe there. The pleasant workers here put in long hours while maintaining a cheerful attitude and creating a great atmosphere. I’ll happily add to the rave about how great the service is. Here, you may get delicious food at affordable prices. Customers are more likely to unwind in an aesthetically pleasing space and Banchi’s sure offers that.

12. Parlor

• Address: 4041 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
• Phone: (515) 274-1293

This is one of the best pizza places in Des Moines, if not the best, in terms of ambiance, customer service, presentation, cleanliness, and above all, great pizza. It’s the epitome of what a nice evening out having Italian treats with friends, family, or on a date should be. Detroit-style pizza never tasted better! Even with a shuffleboard table there, the Parlor can accommodate large groups. The pizzas are named after the favorite song of each staff member and they are amazing, both the pie and the staff. The menu has plenty of options for both vegetarians and meat eaters.

Small plates, grilled vegetables, meats, Detroit-style pizzas, and various sweet treats you can wash down with a variety of mixed drinks, wines, and roughly 20 tap beers. Wedge-shaped Pepperoni fries are topped with Romano cheese, Pecorino cheese, tomato sauce, and crumbled pepperoni bechamel and presented in a dish. Spicy meatballs are also delicious, especially when eaten over toasted handmade focaccia to soak up the sauce. Accompanying additional focaccia and pickled veggies, their hummus made with cauliflower and topped with parsley pesto is scrumptious. Listen to some amazing music and enjoy!

13. Sonny’s Pizza Bistro

• Address: 6594 NW 6th Dr, Des Moines, IA 50313
• Phone: (515) 289-2555

Sonny’s Pizza Bistro is the king of finger-licking sauces. You will want to dip everything into the sauce, including your finger. You may enjoy pizza, pasta, and sandwiches on the terrace or take them home from this laid-back Italian restaurant. We have delicious food, a stocked bar, and a comfortable environment for you to enjoy! Family-owned and run since 2006, this Des Moines institution serves authentic Italian cuisine.

The restaurant always has great meals and a welcoming environment for families.

They use their secret family recipes for several of their dishes. They also offer their homemade spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, and other sauces in jars at the eatery and nearby grocery shops. Sonny’s Pizza Bistro also provides takeout spaghetti by the pan, which may feed anywhere from 8 to 20 people. The menu is varied and the pizzas come in a variety of sizes, so there are lots of choices. The pizza with the cauliflower crust is a must-try! They feature a wide variety of tasty sandwiches, soups, salads, and more if pizza isn’t your thing. There is also a children’s menu. Inquire about the menu’s savory sweets.

14. 7 Stone Pizzeria

• Address: 9350 University Ave #18, West Des Moines, IA 50266
• Phone: (515) 987-7768

If quality is what you seek then that’s what you’ll be paying for at 7 Stone Pizzeria. You’ll get a dough that’s been rolled out by hand, the sauce just like Grandma used to prepare, fresh mozzarella cheese, as well as the crispiest, most flavorful toppings, all baked in a brick oven until the cheese is melted and caramelized to your liking. Since its opening in 1985, 7-Stone Pizzeria has been run by the same family. The atmosphere is also family-friendly.

You have two types of crusts to choose between: the popular 7 Stone Crust which is a caramelized deep dish or the Artisan which is a thin wood-fired crust that’s also delicious. Please try the Vodka Pie topped with prosciutto, peas, mushroom, vodka sauce, and tomato cream. I like that the menu is not extensive so choosing is easier and we get some well-prepared pizza, salads, and other dishes to savor. Their specialty wood-fired hoagies are sumptuous and come with a slice of mozzarella. You can’t beat that!

15. Michael’s Pizza

• Address: 2629 Beaver Ave #13, Des Moines, IA 50310
• Phone: (515) 255-5959

Michael’s Pizza is a casual pizzeria serving pies with classic & creative toppings plus beer & wine in a bistro setting. You get some of the best pizza in Des Moines right here! We are never dissatisfied when getting Michael’s pizza & it’s become a staple in our weekly meal rotation because it’s so affordable. All the ingredients are super fresh and both the marinara and Alfredo sauces are really tasty. I love the pizza with the pears on it, such an unexpectedly good combo!

The spinach artichoke dip is wonderful and their thin crust pizzas are divine. The toppings always taste fresh and balanced, the crust is crispy on the bottom but just the right amount of chew in the body with a crispy edge. Never a dull moment at Michael’s where you have outdoor seating options, good parking, wifi and it’s great for the kids.

Rounding up

So, there you have it – the top fifteen pizza places in Des Moines! If you’re looking for a delicious and cheesy meal, these are definitely some of the best spots to check out. Whether you like classic pepperoni or want to try something new, we know you’ll find a pizza place that will become your favorite.

Don’t forget to let us know which spot is your favorite – we can always add more recommendations to our list!