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
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.
Todd Cosner/Google Local
Nick Vivone/Google Local
Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant/Google Local
Dreamer in a Dream/Google Local
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Address: Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant, 2820 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
