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The Latin King, Des Moines, IA

The Latin King

4.6 (245)
$30 and under
Italian
2200 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-2522

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2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
The Latin King restaurant was founded in 1947 by Rose and Jim Pigneri, who immigrated from Terravecchia, Italy to Des Moines. Rose and Jim wanted to bring authentic Italian fare to Des Moines and began this undertaking in earnest upon selling their home to finance the Latin King restaurant lease, which had previously operated as the Cinderella Sandwich Shop (circa 1930) and the Chanticleer Restaurant (circa 1937). Pigneri named the Latin King after New York City’s Latin Quarter and operated the Latin King for 35 years, notably taking only 10 days of vacation time during his tenure. Pigneri sold the Latin King to his third cousin Bob Tursi in 1983.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

What 245 people are saying

The Latin King reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Iowa

    Best Value

  • Iowa

    Neighborhood gem

  • Des Moines

    Best Value

  • Des Moines

    Kid-friendly

  • Des Moines

    Neighborhood gem

  • Des Moines

    Great for fine wines

  • Des Moines

    Romantic

  • Des Moines

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Latin King in Des Moines is celebrated for its "great food, great service," and "inviting ambience." Long-time patrons appreciate its "consistent excellence" and "fantastic Italian food," with favorites like Chicken Spiedini. While some noted occasional reservation hiccups, the "staff is awesome and friendly," ensuring a "memorable dining experience."
245 Reviews
  1. Carole VIP

    Denver1 review

    2.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    It just isn’t what it used to be. I’m sad about it, but also sort of expected it to be different and less quality.

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  2. Michelle

    Las Vegas1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our anniversary. We had a great meal , great food and drinks. Service was great ! We always enjoy going to the Latin King. It’s a staple in Des. Moines !

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  3. Aimee

    Iowa1 review

    4.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Could not hear the live music that they moved inside because of the rain.

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  4. Michael

    Iowa6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Sever was nice but the kitchen was running behind. Long wait between things.
    The Latin KingResponded on May 19, 2025
    Thanks for your feedback! We're glad you had a friendly server and appreciate your patience with the kitchen delays. We hope to make your next visit smoother!

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  5. Avery

    Unspecified1 review

    2.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    We normally come to Latin King about once a year. My wife and I wanted to try something other than the chicken Spindini which is normally our go to. My wife got “toasted” ravioli which seemed to be more deep fat fried and everything on her plate was pretty bad. Ravioli was chewy and had a meat filling with no cheese, the meatball was dry with little flavor when you didn’t douse it in sauce and then I guess the dish needed more meat so they also added links of meat with the dish that were not very good. I got the lasagna which was decent but had lots of sauce possible to compensate for the sad looking pasta. Tough experience seeing as we normally have a great meal here. 
    The Latin KingResponded on May 16, 2025
    Thank you for your feedback and for being a loyal guest over the years. We're sorry to hear this visit didn’t meet your expectations and will be sharing your comments with our kitchen team to look into the dishes mentioned. We hope to have the chance to provide you with the great experience you’ve come to expect on your next visit.

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  6. Cheryl

    Iowa1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It's the best in this area, great food and staff. All outstanding!!!
    The Latin KingResponded on May 16, 2025
    Thank you for the 5 stars, and the wonderful review. We hope to see you again soon for another wonderful dining experience.

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  7. Bob

    Iowa8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been going to The Latin King for over 20 years. We have not been there for a few years. It never disappoints. Food is wonderful, service is top notch and the ambience inviting.
    The Latin KingResponded on May 12, 2025
    Thank you for the 5-star review! We are so pleased to hear that we could make your Mother's Day experience enjoyable! We thank you for your consistent loyalty, and hope to see you again soon.

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  8. Jason

    Iowa1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely fantastic! Will always be a favorite! Great food, great service and a great time had by all of our party!
    The Latin KingResponded on May 12, 2025
    Thank you for the 5 stars! We are so thrilled to hear that our food and service has made us one of your favorites. We can't wait to serve you again on your next visit!

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  9. juli VIP

    Iowa4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve been going to Latin King for decades and it’s better than it’s ever been!! We’ll be life long customers and introduce new generations to this favorite spot as well. Absolutely delicious!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    The Latin KingResponded on May 12, 2025
    Thank you so much for the outstanding review! We are so pleased that after decades we are better than ever and still your favorite spot. We appreciate your loyalty and can't wait to see you again for another wonderful dining experience!

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  10. David VIP

    Iowa2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Latin King was great but second time Open Table confirmed my reservation but they had no record of it. From now on will just reserve directly with them
    The Latin KingResponded on May 6, 2025
    Thank you for your kind words, we're sorry to hear about the reservation mix-up and appreciate your patience. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!

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FAQs

The Latin King is rated 4.6 stars by 245 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation


Booked 7 times today
Google Map for The Latin King

2200 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-2522

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Des Moines
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
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