If you want great Italian food in Des Moines, you’re spoiled for choice! It seems like a new beloved pizzeria or pasta house crops up every year – and most of them stick around! That’s because classic Italian food stands the test of time, which is why Iowa has countless Italian-American restaurants that have been around since the mid-20th century. The best old-school Italian restaurant in Iowa might just be Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant, which combines classic Italian and American dishes with a classy, retro atmosphere that will make you feel like you just stepped into a movie. It’s a humble storefront, but inside it’s filled with locals and regulars who have been eating these hearty portions for years – many since the restaurant opened in 1960! Now’s the perfect time to join them.

The door to Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant looks like any other on a Des Moines street - but it's a gateway to old-school magic.
Todd Cosner/Google Local
Inside, you'll find a clubby old-school restaurant with gorgeous murals on the wall - it's old-school, but clean and welcoming.
Nick Vivone/Google Local
You'll find many reminders of the restaurant's long history on the walls, paying tribute to past customers.
Nick Vivone/Google Local
The food has stood the test of time, including the thin-crust pizza with top-quality cheese, sauce, and toppings.
Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant/Google Local

Related Stories

The Restaurant In Iowa Where Every Meal Is A Chef's Surprise

The Restaurant In Iowa Where Every Meal Is A Chef's Surprise

 There's A Place In Iowa Called Meatball's Sandwich Co. And It's Exactly What It Sounds Like

There's A Place In Iowa Called Meatball's Sandwich Co. And It's Exactly What It Sounds Like

 This Tiny But Delicious Restaurant In Iowa Proves That Good Things Come In Small Packages

This Tiny But Delicious Restaurant In Iowa Proves That Good Things Come In Small Packages
The pasta offerings will change regularly, but they'll always taste fresh and come with inventive flavor profiles.
Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant/Google Local
The massive meatball sub at Bianchi's is a test for the jaw muscles - but as delicious today as it was in 1960.
Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant/Google Local
The house-made onion rings are thin and crispy - the perfect accompaniment to any entree.
Dreamer in a Dream/Google Local
Of course, it's not all old-school - many new items have made their way to the menu over the years, including these cheese-packed Italian spring rolls.
Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant/Google Local

Have you visited Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant in Des Moines? Tell us about your meal at this family-owned gem, and let us know your pick for the best old-school Italian restaurant in Iowa in the comments. You can visit Bianchi’s official website and Facebook page for more details on the menu. For another old-school Italian gem in the area, check out what makes Scornovacca’s a Des Moines classic.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant, 2820 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA