We are having a blast trying to get to all of the “old line” Italian restaurants in Des Moines. We have feasted on great meals at Tursi’s Latin King, Barratas on South Union, Chuck’s on 6th Avenue, Mama Lacona’s (now) in Grimes, and Tumea & Sons on Southeast 1st Street. Still on my list to visit are Noah’s and Ginos. Once I visit them and write up the last review, I’ll want to go back and start all over again! But, to be honest, I can’t wait to hit some of my favorite chef-owned and operated restaurants, such as Lucca, Centro, Django, and Cafe di Scala. If I was made of nothing but money, I would eat at one of those places every day.
Oh, if you think I forgot to list any of the “old line” Italian destinations in the Des Moines area, let me know. For some places, it is too late. I wish I could go back in time and visit Babe’s when it was in its prime, or Guidos. While I am too young to have any fond memories of Babes, I do remember the excellent level of service that Guido could command from his wait staff — something that was unparalleled here in Des Moines until only recently.
I look forward to any comments or criticisms you throw my way regarding my trek through Des Moines’ Italian culinary countryside.
Distilled Opinion 
Italian cuisine is characterized by its extreme simplicity, with many dishes having only four to eight ingredients.[9] Italian cooks rely chiefly on the quality of the ingredients rather than on elaborate preparation.[10] Ingredients and dishes vary by region. Many dishes that were once regional, however, have proliferated with variations throughout the country.
Had my first ever pizza (mushroom and sausage) at Babe’s in Des Moines in 1953. May not quite compare to stylish New York thin-crust pizzas at Da Capo in Avon, CT, but nonetheless one of the best I had in these 63 years!