Clive, Iowa – A long-standing Italian restaurant in the Des Moines metro has earned statewide recognition. Cosi Cucina, a locally known spot in Clive, has been named the best Italian restaurant in Iowa by food and dining website Chowhound, placing the restaurant at the top of a competitive culinary category.
The ranking highlights both expert recognition and real-world diner feedback, reinforcing Cosi Cucina’s reputation for consistently delivering rich, satisfying Italian food in a welcoming setting.
Incident Overview: Statewide Recognition From Chowhound
Chowhound recently released a list identifying the best Italian restaurant in every U.S. state, and Cosi Cucina in Clive claimed the top spot for Iowa. The website evaluated restaurants using a combination of industry awards, professional accolades, and customer reviews, aiming to reflect both critical and public opinion.
According to the analysis published by Chowhound, Cosi Cucina stood out for its balance of classic Italian comfort food and creative menu offerings, earning praise from repeat diners and first-time visitors alike. The full ranking and editorial commentary can be found directly on Chowhound’s official website.
What Chowhound Highlighted About Cosi Cucina
The Chowhound feature emphasized reviews describing the restaurant’s food as:
“Absolutely delicious Italian dishes that range from familiar favorites to interesting creations.”
One standout menu item mentioned was the honey garlic chicken alfredo pizza, which the site cited as an example of how the restaurant blends traditional Italian flavors with modern twists.
Chowhound also gave special recognition to Cosi Cucina’s top-selling dish, the Ziti Cucina, a hearty pasta entrée that has become a customer favorite over the years.
Signature Dish: Ziti Cucina
The Ziti Cucina received particular attention in the Chowhound write-up for its depth of flavor and comforting presentation. The dish features:
- Penne pasta
- Graziano’s Italian sausage
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- A tomato cream sauce
This combination reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of using bold ingredients without overcomplicating the dish, allowing each component to stand out while still working together harmoniously.
Restaurant History and Background
Cosi Cucina first opened its doors in 1993, earning an early four-and-a-half-star reputation and quickly filling a niche between fine dining and casual Italian food in central Iowa. In its early years, the restaurant differentiated itself by making its own mozzarella and serving unlimited rolls with olive oil, a concept that was uncommon locally at the time.
The restaurant faced a major turning point in 2014, when it nearly closed. Instead, the original owners’ youngest son stepped in, revitalizing both the menu and the dining space. A few years later, in 2017, ownership transferred to Peter Renzo, who continued operating the restaurant while maintaining its core identity.
Despite changes behind the scenes, Cosi Cucina has remained a staple for Italian cuisine in the area for more than three decades.
Location and Operating Hours
Cosi Cucina is located at 1975 NW 86th St., Clive, Iowa, making it easily accessible to residents across the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Current hours of operation are:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being named the best Italian restaurant in Iowa places Cosi Cucina on a national stage, potentially drawing new diners from outside the metro area. For long-time patrons, the recognition validates what they have experienced for years — consistent quality, approachable Italian cooking, and a relaxed dining atmosphere that works equally well for family meals and date nights.
The honor also highlights the broader strength of Iowa’s dining scene, showing that standout culinary experiences are not limited to major coastal cities.
Conclusion
With its combination of history, signature dishes, and loyal customer base, Cosi Cucina’s selection as Iowa’s best Italian restaurant by Chowhound reflects decades of dedication to quality and flavor. The Clive restaurant continues to prove that well-executed Italian food, served with consistency and care, never goes out of style.
If you’ve dined at Cosi Cucina or have a favorite Italian restaurant in Iowa, share your experiences in the comments below.
