Best Pizza in Des Moines (2025)

A neighborhood favorite for blistered, wood‑fired pies with Mediterranean flair, Eatery A balances creativity and value—its daily half‑price pizza happy hour draws regulars. Featured in Eater’s best Des Moines restaurants and praised by local critics.

Downtown’s Italian anchor since 2002, Centro turns out thin, hand‑tossed pies from a coal‑inspired oven alongside house pastas. Led by restaurateur George Formaro, whose pizza evangelism was spotlighted by dsm magazine.

Since 1975, F&O’s has been the city’s deep‑dish benchmark—hearty Chicago‑style pans with buttery crusts and a loyal game‑day crowd. Family‑owned and proudly local, it remains a Merle Hay ritual.

South Side staple for tavern‑style pies and old‑school red‑sauce comfort since the late 1970s. Recognized by the Des Moines Register as a longstanding neighborhood mainstay; still family‑run and very much a locals’ hangout.

A late‑night legend serving by‑the‑slice until 3 a.m., Big Tomato is pure DSM character: quirky specialties, brick‑oven bakes, and a devoted after‑show crowd. Shouted out by local editors at Axios; officially recognized by The Avenues district.

Near Drake University, this New York‑leaning shop nails crisp, foldable pies and big‑slice energy. Readers of Cityview named it a 2025 Best Local Pizza runner‑up, reflecting its strong neighborhood following.

Beaverdale’s Detroit‑style specialist from the team behind Alba and Eatery A. Expect airy squares with crisp, cheesy edges and playful toppings; profiled by dsm magazine and covered by Axios on opening.

An independent upstart with upside‑down pies—cheese first, sauce on top—plus slices and lunch sandwiches on house‑made bread. Voted Best Local Pizza in Cityview’s 2025 poll, and actively engaged with local schools and teachers.

Beaverdale’s low‑key charmer turns out thin‑crust pizzas, creative specials, and personal sizes beloved by neighborhood regulars. Independently owned, reliably open, and a handy carryout option for nearby parks and porches.

An east‑side time capsule where thin‑crust pizzas and crunchy onion rings have drawn families for decades. Family‑owned and operating extended hours, it’s a slice of local history that still delivers.