Cafe Di Scala

One of the best locally owned Italian restaurants doesn't look much like a restaurant from the outside, but you're in for a surprise when you step inside.  Cafe Di Scala is located in a renovated house in the Sherman Hills area of Des Moines and it doesn't disappoint.

Tomato and zucchini ragu
over polenta

You can hear the music playing as you walk up to the front door and are greeted in the entrance way by the hostess.  It's a very romantic feel that is perfect for a date-night.  Most of the tables were set up for two, but they can accommodate any party size.  Cafe di Scala is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings to the public, with other nights reserved for private parties.  They highly recommend making reservations as they fill up quickly, and we can see why.  

Gluten-free pasta with
marinara, romano cheese
and graziano sausage

They make the pasta fresh daily, including gluten-free pasta!  They are known for their wine selection and we were excited to find that you could sample two for only $8. They were supposed to be 2 ounce pours, but they were at least 4 ounces each when they came.  We ordered the Torte del Polenta for our appetizer and it was amazing.  Based on the fresh tomatoes and herbs in the ragu, I knew I wanted more tomato sauce, but I wanted something light enough that it wouldn't cover up the taste of the pasta as I really wanted to get a good taste of the home-made gluten-free pasta.  

Italian Wedding Cake

Pollo with Italian cheese,
prosciutto, veggies and
risotto

I ordered the Cavatelli di Lemmo and it was fantastic.  The spices were just right and I couldn't believe how awesome the wide linguine-like gluten-free noodles were.  Josh had the Pollo that was filled with cheese, wrapped in prosciutto and served with risotto and it was equally as good.  They were even able to get Josh to try (and like) brussel sprouts because they were cooked just right.  Our only complaint was that it got a little too dark in the restaurant as it got darker out and we couldn't see our food until they turned up the house lights, but it was so good, we didn't care too much.  The menu is comprised all from local ingredients and changes seasonally.  We will be back for more!  It is truly one of the best locally owned Italian restaurants in Des Moines.  It's one of our new faves!