
Latin King Italian Dining
A landmark spot serving classic Italian cuisine for over 69 years in a charming country-villa setting.

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Latin King Italian Dining

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A landmark spot serving classic Italian cuisine for over 69 years in a charming country-villa setting.
"An old school Italian spot near the Fairgrounds that's a Des Moines institution for a reason."
Book Ahead or Call Ahead
Secure your table by making reservations in advance, especially for peak times.
Enjoy Patio Entertainment
Special evenings feature live entertainment on the inviting patio.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Italian Cuisine
Experience passionate preparations of classic Italian dishes in a warm, country-villa setting.

Generous Portions
Savor hearty, classic Italian meals with ample portions that satisfy every appetite.

Signature Chicken Spedini
A house specialty, this dish is renowned for its flavorful preparation and excellent taste.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead or Call Ahead
Secure your table by making reservations in advance, especially for peak times.
Enjoy Patio Entertainment
Special evenings feature live entertainment on the inviting patio.
Don't Miss Takeout
Enjoy their famous Italian dishes at home with convenient takeout options.
Exceptional Service
Staff are attentive and helpful, sometimes offering special gestures.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead or Call Ahead
Secure your table by making reservations in advance, especially for peak times.
Enjoy Patio Entertainment
Special evenings feature live entertainment on the inviting patio.
Don't Miss Takeout
Enjoy their famous Italian dishes at home with convenient takeout options.
Exceptional Service
Staff are attentive and helpful, sometimes offering special gestures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Latin King Italian Dining is a long-standing Des Moines institution known for its classic Italian fare and generous portions. While many praise the delicious food, warm ambiance, and attentive service, some recent reviews suggest a subtle dip in quality and service since new ownership, with occasional issues like gristle in meat or less-than-perfect preparations. However, many still find it to be an outstanding choice for authentic Italian dining and a place that holds nostalgic value for long-time patrons.
"My husband and I had dinner at Latin King tonight on a whim. He had never been there, and it had been at least 15 years or so since I had been there. Eva was our server, and she was incredible! We had a calamari appetizer, and as folks who always get calamari if it’s on the menu, this was #2 on our list, getting edged out by sea side calamari in Jamaica, and I mean, who can get fresher than that? It was crispy, salty and incredibly well done! I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs (huge serving with lots of leftovers to take home), and my husband had the fried chicken. It came with FOUR pieces of chicken! He loved it! We got carrot cake to take home which was also very good. Will definitely return!"
Sandi Tucker-Stanbro
"I've been going to Latin King for years now and I have such mixed feelings about my latest experience.
The food is by all means still absolutely delicious, the portions are generous and the prices are more than reasonable but there's no denying the quality of service and even the quality of the food and presentation has slowly and very subtly dipped over the years since the new owners took over.
I still love it, it's one of my favourite Italian food locations in and around Des Moines for special occasions and I doubt anyone visiting for the first time could possibly be disappointed but I'd love to see more love and care brought back to the restaurant to get it back up to that amazing five star feeling it used to leave me with each time I visited.
At present, I think I'll leave it with a strong four stars."
Robby D
"Our first impression of this restaurant was not good. I had made a reservation for 7. When I told the person who welcomed us that we would be 8 rather than 7, he appeared rather annoyed. We wondered why since the restaurant was half empty.
After this cold welcome, everything turned out well. Our waitress, Stacey was outstanding and so competent. We found out that she has worked here for many years. She is also used to handle large groups.
Overall, our food was very good. Portions are very generous and prices very reasonable. Come with a large appetite.
Also, we had read on Trip Advisor a few negative comments since this place changed ownership. Do not pay too much attention to those. We had a lovely dinner and were able to sit outside on a wonderful cool night."
Babette Leshinsky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the restaurant offers generous portions and a warm ambiance that can be enjoyed by families. Staff are known for being competent with larger groups.
Yes, the restaurant has an outdoor eating area, which is described as very nice looking.
Signature dishes include Chicken Spedini and Fried Cheese Sticks. The Tiramisu is also highly recommended.
It is recommended to make reservations well in advance, or opt for call-ahead seating, especially during busy periods.
The restaurant has undergone a transformation under new ownership, with many noting they've kept true to traditional recipes while making improvements.
Yes, takeout is available and is a great option for enjoying their Italian dishes at home.
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For scenier dinner options, Nahabedian recommends Lucca, “a small, popular space in the East Village.” For a restaurant that’s “new on the scene,” Nahabedian recommends St. Kilda Café & Bakery, owned by a “great Aussie/NYC expat who married an Iowan woman.” For spots that are “very popular with locals,” there’s Alba or Tursi’s Latin King, which is “an old school Italian spot near the Fairgrounds” that opened in 1947.
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Tursi's Latin King Italian Dining is a landmark restaurant that has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for nearly 70 years. Housed in a country-villa-style building on Hubbell Avenue, the East-side institution brings the tastes and flavors of Italy to the heart of the Midwest with a menu of classic Italian dishes like meatballs, lasagne, spaghetti Bolognese, Chicken Sorrentina, Filet Mignon Marsala, and the house specialty of Chicken Spiedini. Sauces are made from scratch in-house, bread is served warm with extra virgin olive oil, and the bar offers casual wines to enjoy with every meal.
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Rizzo's Italian Restaurant is a cozy and inviting dining establishment located at 4460 Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis, Missouri. Specializing in traditional Italian cuisine, Rizzo's offers a wide range of delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. From classic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas to homemade desserts and a selection of wines, Rizzo's has something for everyone to enjoy.
CITYVIEW's Relish
Other than during the fair and the wrestling tournament, the restaurant with the highest percentage of out-of-county plates has consistently been The Latin King, one of the long-term Italian restaurants of Des Moines. Actually, it’s been the biggest long-distance draw during the fair, too. Italian restaurants Chuck’s, Noah’s Ark and The Hilltop also draw long-distance diners well.
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This Italian restaurant has been a Des Moines staple and fixture in the community for over 70 years on Des Moines' south side. They offer authentic Italian dishes such as Salmone alla Riviera and Spaghettini Scarpara as well as American-based foods such as hamburgers and fried chicken. Prices range from $10-$60, and the restaurant is located in the Drake neighborhood.
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For more than 60 years, Tursi’s Latin King Restaurant has provided quality, traditional Italian food in Des Moines. In addition to authentic Italian dishes, Tursi’s Latin King has a wine list that is mostly focused on Italian wines. Revered as one of the best Italian restaurants in Des Moines, this could be the perfect spot for your Valentine’s Day dinner!
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Portabella's in Foley, Alabama, is a charming Italian restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service. This beloved spot offers a variety of Italian classics that have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Famous Dishes:Shrimp Penne Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, Stuffed Portabella, Meatball Marinara, Chicken Carbonara
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Yes their beer is outstanding, but first and foremost, we love that it's a family owned place, owned by the Tursi family of Latin King Fame. They took some of the best knowledge of beer and the food that they've crafted for decades and took the risk to brew something beautiful. In fact, they've created lots of beautiful things.
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Founded in 1947 by Italian immigrants, Latin King still takes the crown as the place to try Des Moines’ signature dish, Steak de Burgo. But their chicken spiedini might be just as good, and if they have their legendary strawberry shortcake on the menu, it’s a crime not to indulge. It’s a Des Moines institution for a reason.
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For over 60 years Tursi’s Latin King has been serving authentic Italian food and is one of the restaurant landmarks in Des Moines. They have also accumulated a long list of awards for food, service, and atmosphere over the years. Tursi’s Latin King has an aromatic, intimate atmosphere that is perfect for any date night.
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We have feasted on great meals at Tursi’s Latin King, Barratas on South Union, Chuck’s on 6th Avenue, Mama Lacona’s (now) in Grimes, and Tumea & Sons on Southeast 1st Street. Still on my list to visit are Noah’s and Ginos. Once I visit them and write up the last review, I’ll want to go back and start all over again!.
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Next on our list is the Latin King for over 74 years the Latin king has been serving delicious Italian food all over Des Moines. The Latin King offers a large menu full of different culinary creations as well as very nice wine list as well. The Latin King serves everything from pastas, to pizza, steaks, and seafood.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (356 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 2200 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-2594- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated steakhouses in Des Moines by diners
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Tursi’s Latin King – For over 60 years Tursi’s Latin King Restaurant has stood as a hallmark of quality traditional Italian dining in Des Moines. Considered an “East-side institution,” Tursi’s Latin King delivers an authentic piece of Italy in the heart of the Midwest. The Chicken Spiedini is excellent!
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Founded in 1947 by Italian immigrants, Latin King is one of the oldest restaurants in Des Moines, having undergone several changes of ownership since its inception. The good news is that the family’s original tried and true recipes have been preserved, making Latin King more popular than ever.
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The Latin King is a modern, cozy joint founded in 1947 by Rose and Jim Pigneri – Italian immigrants. Over the years, the restaurant has changed hands, but not the goal to keep each guest happy and full. The Latin King is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.
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An East Side landmark, Tursi's Latin King is the place where you can take your family for an Italian food fix — complete with zesty red sauce, Steak De Burgo, meatballs and gnocchi. Try the specialty of the house, Chicken Spiedini. And be sure to save room for tiramisu.
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Let’s not neglect our friends at Tumea and Sons (you can play Bocce Ball there, too) and the Latin King. They don’t have pizza, but if they’re not the best two Italian restaurants in Polk County, please enlighten me. And by the way, you can play Bocce at Scorno’s, too.
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This quaint Italian restaurant is perfect for any small family focused wedding. With exceptional traditional Italian menu options and a relaxing and formidable interior settings, Tursi's Latin King offers an at home wedding reception venues in Des Moines.
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For over 69 years Tursi’s Latin King Restaurant has stood as a hallmark of quality traditional Italian dining in Des Moines. Considered an “East-side institution,” Tursi’s Latin King delivers an authentic piece of Italy in the heart of the
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They succeeded; the Latin King Dining became an integral part of the culture in Des Moines. The restaurant took on a new face and included more delicacies in its menu when Bob Tursi became its owner in 1983.
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2200 Hubbell AveDes Moines, IA 50317(515) 266-4466 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Tursi’s Latin King Italian Dining is a longtime-running local institution that first opened in 1947.
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The buffet for $49.99 includes chicken spiedini, prime rib, ham, toasted ravioli, and more. Address: 2200 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines. Reservations: 515-266-4466 or Open Table
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You can find it at practically any Des Moines steakhouse with an Italian sounding name, but the dish at Tursi’s Latin King is so good we made a video about it.
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2200 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317Phone: 515-266-4466 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Latin King (@latinkingdsm)
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