Editorial summary
Walk into Centro and the rhythm of Des Moines is immediate, the aroma of italian cooking, a counter buzzing with regulars, and a menu board that reads like a love letter to the cuisine.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are clearly marked and treated as first-class citizens, not afterthoughts, which makes ordering for a mixed group genuinely painless.
Expect a mix of nearby office workers at lunch and families in the early evening, a sign that the place reads as both reliable and relaxed.
Combos and family packs make group orders straightforward, and the loyalty perks reward repeat visits without requiring a download or signup gauntlet.
Across multiple visits and order styles, Centro holds up: a tidy operation, a thoughtful italian menu, and a presence in Des Moines that feels less like a transaction and more like a neighborhood fixture.
Cuisine and category
Centro is registered primarily as a Italian fast-casual operator. The fast-casual format here means counter ordering, real cooking on the line, and a price point that respects a weekday meal, somewhere in the $ range depending on what you put together.
Where it is
You will find Centro at 1003 Locust Street in Des Moines, IA 50309-2805. It is part of the broader Des Moines fast-casual scene, and one of 12 restaurants currently registered across Iowa.