CentroDSM
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CENTRO (pronounced chen-tro) is a casually elegant eatery specializing in Italian inspired food from Italy.
Centro set out to bring a uniquely urban dining experience to downtown Des Moines well before the city center enjoyed the vibrant nightlife we know today. Since its opening, the restaurant has grown to become one of the Iowa’s top restaurants. In late 2001, developers Harry Bookey and Pamela Bass Bookey took on the challenge of restoring the historic Masonic Temple at 10th & Locust Street to its original splendor. Their goal was to create an entertainment venue that would go on to jumpstart the proposed Western Gateway area just outside of the city’s core with entertainment, fine dining and culture. Simultaneously, a young chef named George Formaro was rising to prominence with his artisan South Union bread and its namesake deli, South Union Bread Café. Even as the lines continued to grow outside of George’s deli, he longed for a larger venue where he could broaden his culinary creativity. Harry believed the appeal of South Union would be a great addition to a remodeled Temple project and contacted Formaro to set up a tour. As he walked through the dilapidated building, George fell in love with its high-profile location in the burgeoning Western Gateway district. The two worked together to move South Union Bread Café to The Temple. In addition, they reached out to restaurant experts Paul Rottenberg and Michael La Valle and began working on a concept to create a new, urban Italian-inspired eatery that would serve as an anchor tenant for the building. Their vision was realized in November of 2002 when Centro opened its doors to huge crowds.
10/04/2026
Don't miss our fall inspired features this weekend!
Roasted Apple & Sausage Pizza / Timeless Prairie honeycrisp apples, housemade sage sausage, caramelized onion cream sauce, mozzarella and gorgonzola
Sausage Orecchiette / semolina orecchiette, Graziano sausage, shaved Brussels sprouts, cream, pecorino romano and breadcrumbs
Torta di Mele (apple cake) / Timeless Prairie jonathan apples, cinnamon and a scoop of vanilla gelato
Sausage Orecchiette / semolina orecchiette, Graziano sausage, shaved Brussels sprouts, cream, pecorino romano and breadcrumbs
Torta di Mele (apple cake) / Timeless Prairie jonathan apples, cinnamon and a scoop of vanilla gelato
Available this weekend only.
10/03/2026
You'll want dessert first with this feature!
Torta di Mele (apple cake) / Timeless Prairie jonathan apples, cinnamon and a scoop of vanilla gelato
Roasted Apple & Sausage Pizza / Timeless Prairie honeycrisp apples, housemade sage sausage, caramelized onion cream sauce, mozzarella and gorgonzola
Available this weekend only.
10/02/2026
Fall is in the air here at Centro! Snag these features during dinner service all weekend long.
Roasted Apple & Sausage Pizza / Timeless Prairie honeycrisp apples, housemade sage sausage, caramelized onion cream sauce, mozzarella and gorgonzola
Sausage Orecchiette / semolina orecchiette, Graziano sausage, shaved Brussels sprouts, cream, pecorino romano and breadcrumbs
Torta di Mele (apple cake) / Timeless Prairie jonathan apples, cinnamon and a scoop of vanilla gelato
CHICKEN AND PROSCIUTTO / lumache pasta, grilled chicken, prosciutto, Roma tomato, Parmesan cream sauce
09/25/2026
Join Centro and Washington’s Two Mountain Winery for an exclusive dinner event. Executive Chef Michael Kolodzej and the Centro culinary team present a special six-course menu paired with exceptional pours from Two Mountain’s 100% estate-grown portfolio. Family-owned and operated, Two Mountain draws on four generations of farming the rich soil of the Yakima Valley.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Doors at 6:15pm; dinner service at 6:30pm
Tickets: https://www.exploretock.com/centrodesmoines/event/624096/two-mountain-wine-dinner
- MENU -
FIRST
Chicken Satay & Rice Salad / chicken skewer with peanut sauce; crispy rice salad, curry-lime vinaigrette, shallot, peanut, mint, cilantro
Paired with Two Mountain 2025 Riesling (Rattlesnake Hills, Washington)
SECOND
Baked Clams Oreganata / with garlic, oregano, parmesan, cracker crumbs and lemon
Paired with Two Mountain 2025 Sauvignon Blanc (Rattlesnake Hills, Washington)
THIRD
Blackberry Glazed Pork Belly / with shaved Brussels sprouts, Asian pear and sesame
Paired with Two Mountain 2024 Lemberger (Rattlesnake Hills, Washington)
FOURTH
Chicken Scarpariello / roasted chicken thigh, sweet Italian sausage, cherry pepper-peperonata, roasted chicken jus
Paired with Two Mountain 2019 Cabernet Franc (Yakima Valley, Washington) and Two Mountain 2024 Cabernet Franc (Yakima Valley, Washington)
FIFTH
Harissa Leg of Lamb / with roasted eggplant purée, pomegranate molasses, harissa jus and herb salad
Paired with Two Mountain 2023 Syrah (Yakima Valley, Washington)
SIXTH
Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich
09/18/2026
You're invited to one of Des Moines’ favorite events: YWRC’s Celebrity Servers Night!
On MONDAY, OCT. 5, Centro and will be hosting a fun night out where community members join together to benefit Young Women's Resource Center and their mission of supporting local girls and young women.
Local celebrities host guests for a delicious three course meal and an unforgettable evening. Not sure who to sit with? Join the Community Table and be part of the fun!
Learn more and get tickets TODAY on the YWRC website: https://ywrc.org/events/celebrity-servers/
09/14/2026
It's Pizza & Pint Monday! Enjoy half-price pizza and select b**r when dining in the restaurant or on the Centro patio every Monday from 4pm to close. *Dine-in only; not valid with any other deals or discounts.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Contact the restaurant
Telephone
Website
Address
1003 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA
50309
Opening Hours
| Monday | 4pm - 9pm |
| Tuesday | 11am - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 11am - 9pm |
| Thursday | 11am - 9pm |
| Friday | 11am - 10pm |
| Saturday | 11am - 10pm |
| Sunday | 11am - 9pm |
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