Fans of pasta in Iowa will be very happy in Des Moines, as the city has a great Little Italy filled with everything from old-school red-sauce joints to modern Italian bistros. However, for those who want the best Italian food in Iowa, there’s only one place to go. Lucca is a unique prix fixe restaurant in Iowa that gives you one way to enjoy its best dishes – a four-course tasting menu dinner that lets you choose from whatever the chef’s dreamed up for this cycle. The menu changes regularly, but will always include a light first course, a pasta, an entree, and a gourmet selection of desserts. While Lucca does offer a light lunch menu a la carte for those who want a small taste of the offerings, for dinner you’re asked to place yourself in the chef’s hands – and your taste buds will be rewarded.

The simple storefront entrance of Lucca doesn't give away that you're about to enter into a temple of pasta.
Joohye Jung/Google Local
Inside, the peaceful and spartan small dining room has fewer tables than the average restaurant - so reservations are a hot ticket.
Lucca/Google Local
You can come in at lunch for a taste of Lucca's offerings, via a small lunch menu of sandwiches, pastas, and salads - but you'll want to come back for dinner.
Lucca/Google Local
That's when you'll dig into the prix fixe menu, where each dish is a mysterious creation crafted by the chef.
Kim Nguyen/Google Local

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The hand-made fresh pasta at Lucca is a highlight, and the appetizer-size portions are a perfect vessel for the flavorful sauces.
Elisha Kern/Google Local
If the gnocchi is on the menu, it's a popular choice - the tiny dumplings are incredibly light and pillow-like.
Joohye Jun./Google Local
For the entree, you can dig into spectacular versions of Italian classics like Chicken Parm, which is usually on the menu.
Elisha Kern/Google Local
However, Lucca specializes in elevating proteins, so the steak and pork loin entrees will usually have accompaniments you never thought of - but work perfectly.
Joohye Jung/Google Local
No course at Lucca is more mysterious than dessert, which is simply called "Dolci". No choice here - the chef will present you with a trio of small desserts representing the best of seasonal ingredients, and the odds are good they'll be different every time you visit!
Lucca/Google Local

Have you visited Lucca in Des Moines for a dinner of Italian delights? Let us know what you thought of this unique prix fixe restaurant in Iowa in the comments section. To find out what the restaurant is cooking up now, make sure to visit the official website and Facebook page. If your taste in Italian trends more old-school, make sure to visit this classic Italian-American gem.

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Lucca, 420 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA