What to know about the Latin King, the Italian restaurant on the east side in Des Moines
Longtime east siders know The Latin King as a place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other big events in the Des Moines metro with family. Relatives in town? Head to the Latin King. New baby? Celebrate at the Latin King.
The landmark restaurant that originally opened in 1947 makes it feel like you're transported to the Calabria coast.
Inside, diners find a lobby filled with wine bottles, which can be purchased to go, along with a series of smaller rooms that make up the dining room. A bar with high-top tables offers one experience, while a patio that opens in warmer months another. Expect live music on the patio as well.
The history of the Latin King
Rose and Jim Pigneri, who immigrated from Terravecchia, Italy, to Des Moines, opened The Latin King in 1947. The space started as the Cinderella Sandwich Shop in 1930 and then the Chanticleer Restaurant in 1937 before the couple decided to bring a taste of Italy to Des Moines, according to the restaurant's website.
The name comes from New York City’s Latin Quarter.
In 1983, Bob and Amy Tursi took over ownership from his third cousin. The Tursis added a new entrance with a temperature-controlled wine cellar and main dining room.
In 2021, the Tursis sold the restaurant to Whitney VinZant in Kansas City, Missouri, who also owns Fresko in downtown Des Moines and Louie's Wine Dive in the Drake neighborhood.
More: The 10 essential Italian restaurants in the Des Moines metro
What to order at the Latin King
The restaurant is all about Italian food and steaks. Here's what to order:
Steak de Burgo: This old school dish features a 9-ounce beef tenderloin topped with a butter, garlic, and basil sauce.
Chicken spiedini: This dish is practically the calling card for Latin King. The marinated chicken breast is coated in breadcrumbs and then charbroiled. Executive chef Zach Boals said the restaurant goes through 600 pounds of chicken breasts a week to satisfy customers. The dish, served as an entree or a salad, comes with an amiogo sauce made with lemon, fresh herbs, garlic, and red pepper.
Cappellini alla sassi: On the pasta side of the menu, Boals recommends this dish that uses thin pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with mozzarella. It's a simple dish packed with flavor.
Involtini alla Milanese: This pork cutlet comes stuffed with sausage made in house and then served with a potato croquette.
Strawberry shortcake: When in season, this dessert comes piled high with layers of fresh berries and whipped cream made with AE Dairy heavy cream on top.
Tiramisu: Espresso-soaked homemade biscotti comes layered with a cream cheese blend that’s spiked with Kahlua.
Where to find the Latin King
Location: 2200 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-266-4466 or latinkingdsm.com
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, X, or Instagram, or drop her a line at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Everything to know about the Latin King in Des Moines