4.5
- 4.5Food
- 4.6Service
- 4.5Ambience
- 4.4Value
Noise • Moderate
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OpenTable reviews from verified diners
Reviews from people who have dined at The Latin King.
4.5
Noise • Moderate
Iowa
Neighborhood gem
Des Moines
Neighborhood gem
Des Moines
Great for fine wines
Des Moines
Romantic
Holly
Des Moines3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
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Jim
Kansas City7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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Chris Gold
Des Moines57 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2026
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William
Washington DC1 review
Dined on October 10, 2026
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Michelle
Des Moines1 review
Dined on October 9, 2026
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Chris Gold
Des Moines57 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2026
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Michael
Chicago3 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2026
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Mike
Washington DC4 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2026
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David
Chicago1 review
Dined on September 25, 2026
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Stephen Gold
Chicago13 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2026
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January 31, 2026
Founded in 1947, The Latin King is known for its chicken spiedini, steak DeBurgo and cappellini alla Sassi. The article also highlights its charming dining rooms, wine cellar and patio as settings for celebrations.
Published in The Des Moines Register
May 6, 2025
The Latin King’s limited-edition strawberry shortcake is back for the season, with two sweet biscuits layered with fresh berries and whipped cream. The restaurant serves 50 to 80 orders a day.
Published in The Des Moines Register
April 25, 2024
The Latin King started its popular strawberry shortcake season three weeks early, serving the dessert with fresh berries, biscuits, and house-made whipped cream. The seasonal treat costs $13 and leaves the menu around July 4.
Published in The Des Moines Register
March 8, 2024
The article highlights The Latin King’s $22 chicken spiedini, charbroiled skewers dusted with breadcrumbs and served with a lemon, herb, garlic, and red pepper sauce. It describes the restaurant as a Des Moines landmark that opened in 1947.
Published in The Des Moines Register
February 21, 2024
Opened in 1947, this east-side Des Moines landmark serves Italian food and steaks, including its signature chicken spiedini and steak de Burgo. The article also highlights its dining rooms, patio, wine selection and history.
Published in The Des Moines Register
February 20, 2024
Executive chef Zach Boals is keeping the Latin King’s traditions alive, including chicken spiedini, steak de Burgo and toasted ravioli. The longtime east-side Des Moines restaurant is also a special place for his family’s celebrations.
Published in The Des Moines Register
The Latin King feels like a classic, family-run Italian: warm and inviting with dim lighting, multiple dining rooms and a bar area, nights with live music or large groups can be on the louder side, while other dining rooms offer a more intimate option.
Portions at The Latin King are generous, guests frequently note large servings and often take home leftovers after their meal.
Yes, The Latin King offers outdoor/patio dining, and guests frequently mention enjoying the patio and being seated outside to avoid a wait.
Yes, The Latin King accepts private parties and regularly hosts larger group events for celebrations and gatherings.
The Latin King is especially enjoyable on live‑music evenings, guests recommend snagging a table on nights with acoustic music, often noted on Tuesday or Thursday evenings.
The Latin King will accommodate families, staff have seated parties with infants in quieter corners to make visits easier for families with babies.
Business casual is the guide, aim for neat, polished clothing rather than formal wear, and many guests treat visits as special occasions for anniversaries and celebrations.
Tuesdays are a treat for live music nights, while Fridays are great if you’re after the prime-rib special many guests enjoyed.
Yes, families are welcome: reviewers describe being seated with a baby in a quiet corner and note children enjoying kid‑friendly items like chicken tenders and spaghetti.
Yes, The Latin King is a popular choice for anniversaries and special evenings, with many guests celebrating milestones there.
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