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Iowans love their pizza just as much as any red-blooded American, this is a simple fact. From Chicago-style deep dish pies to the crispy edges of a classic Detroit pan pizza, there is a lot to look forward to in Des Moines’ pizza scene. The simple truth is that the greater Des Moines area has created an astounding pizza scene, rich with tradition (and a touch of nostalgia) — but where's the best pizza in Des Moines?
With that said, let’s talk pizza — we both know why you’re here.
7 Stone Pizzeria is the work of owner Kara Horn. In 2016, she took the leap from a franchisee to full owner of her own joint, and (believe it or not), things have gone quite well since then. They’ve built a name as the go-to family pizza joint in Des Moines through a combination of excellent pies and quality customer service.
Their claim to fame is a spin on classic deep-dish pizza which combines a thinner crust — reminiscent of a west coast-style pie — with layers of (occasionally unusual) toppings, hearty sauce, and loads of cheese. Perhaps unsurprisingly, though, that’s not all that sets them apart.
Horn has been known to compare her spot to the bar from Cheers, as she’s made a marked effort to build deep-rooted connections in her community. Once you’ve stepped through the door, as cliche as it sounds, you’re family — and family eats well at 7 Stone.
Parlor Pizza Joint is a standout in this list for two reasons. First and foremost, they’re arguably the best Detroit-style pizza in Des Moines — crispy edges and all. Second, though, their digs are undeniably Iowan. A combination of gorgeous hardwood, unique rugs, and lively lighting brings a touch of personality to this landmark building in the heart of Beaverdale.
For those who are unfamiliar, Detroit-style pies are a rather large departure from the norm. In this case, the pizzas are baked in a square pan with cheese loaded to the edges, leading to delicious, crunchy bits of caramelized cheese on the crust. In turn, their rich sauce highlights the bright flavors that adorn each pie, leading to a genuinely fantastic bite.
While pizza isn’t the only thing on the menu, it is certainly the highlight (besides a cold beer with the game playing in the background). Ultimately, though, Parlor is a fantastic joint with loads to offer the Iowans who grace their doorstep.
Just as Parlor has built a name on Detroit-style pies, Felix and Oscar’s has earned their place as Des Moines’ signature Chicago-style pizza joint. Their pies are absolutely loaded with cheese and sauce, resting in a rich, flaky crust that’s more reminiscent of, well, an actual pie. This unique (for the area) approach to pizza leads to something that many Des Moines natives may not be familiar with, but one taste will show why they’ve lasted since 1975.
The interior of Felix & Oscar’s is a classic sports bar-meets-Italian joint setup, with whatever game is currently going on the big screen. While this may be a turn-off for those more used to the more… hip joints of the area, it’s genuinely refreshing for those of us who grew up pounding pizza with the family during game night.
In short, Felix & Oscar’s delivers fantastic Chicago-style pizza in tandem with an almost nostalgic dive into the world of old-school family sports joints. So, take a moment to soak it in while you wait for a rich, flaky pie unlike most in the city.
As is tradition here at Dishcrawl, I wanted to take the time to highlight a few noteworthy pizza spots that do things right. While they aren’t the adventurous takes on famous styles of pizza seen above, they make damn good pies that shouldn’t be ignored.
Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta, as the name may suggest, is more than your everyday pizza joint. Opened in 2022, they’re a recent entry to the area (located in Ankeny) that’s quickly earned glowing reviews across the web. They make classic New York-style pizza, fluffy crust and all, along with delicious pasta dishes that harken back to cozy Sunday evening meals with the family.
Only time will tell if they’ll earn a place with the greats, but in the meantime, swing by. It’s a warm, inviting spot with fantastic pies, including a few more inventive pies. From their Chicken Marsala pizza (yes, they make a marsala sauce in-house) to the classic Vodka pie, each entry on the menu delivers precisely what you need in droves — ooey gooey comfort.
Gusto Pizza Bar is a hip joint in the heart of Des Moines that took over the city when they launched. They specialize in far more than standard pizza, of course, offering both Chicago-style and Detroit pan pizzas, marking something of a unique claim to fame in the city. As if that weren’t enough, they’ve taken it upon themselves to bring back a hometown name — Bamie’s Pizza.
Those who know understand what a landmark Bamie’s was, and why this return to the city marks such a big deal for so many Iowans. Bamie’s closed in the ‘80s, to the chagrin of many a local, and was revived for a weekend in 2023 alongside the original owner’s son, Ron Bonanno. While I can’t say this will be a recurring thing, it’s a popup event to keep your eyes peeled for if you missed it this last December.
