Christopher's remains a reliable Des Moines classic

What the ratings suggest

Christopher's holds a 4.5 Google rating from more than 1,000 reviews, a substantial base that points to broad and sustained approval. Public feedback commonly presents it as a longtime Des Moines standby rather than a trend-driven dining room. Some diners describe returning after years away, while others connect the restaurant with family meals from decades earlier.

That history shapes expectations. The atmosphere is described as older in style, but not necessarily as a drawback. For many guests, it fits the traditional Italian-American menu and special-occasion role. Christopher's moderate price designation also positions it for a proper dinner without placing it in the city's highest-priced tier.

Italian-American comfort food leads

The reviewed dishes cover a familiar mix of pasta, pizza, chicken and steak. Lasagne, chicken Parmesan, olive chicken and shrimp all receive positive mentions in the supplied feedback. Steak de Burgo also appears as a fondly remembered choice from an earlier visit, reinforcing the restaurant's connection to Des Moines dining traditions.

Pizza earns especially useful detail. One diner praised a pepperoni pizza for its thin, crisp base, firm structure and balanced sauce. Another guest returned specifically to try the pizza and came away impressed. Pasta was also reported as properly cooked, while the garlic cheese bread stood out for both flavor and a portion large enough to share among several people.

The menu's breadth appears helpful for mixed groups. A table can move from shareable bread to pizza, pasta, chicken or seafood without leaving the restaurant's comfort-food lane. Based on the reviews provided, Christopher's is less about novelty than recognizable dishes prepared in a way that satisfies most diners.

Drinks, service and atmosphere

Cocktails are another recurring strength. The Old Fashioned receives praise in two separate reviews, including one that ranks it among the best in town. A gin and tonic was also described favorably. That makes the bar program relevant rather than incidental, particularly for couples or groups settling in for a full dinner.

The room's noise level was described as comfortable for conversation, which supports its appeal for double dates, birthdays and family gatherings. Service also draws strong marks. One birthday dinner was praised as an all-around experience, while another reviewer emphasized attentive care even though the food missed the mark.

Reservations appear sensible for celebrations or busy dinner periods. One guest specifically credited booking ahead as a good decision.

Where expectations should stay measured

The overall pattern is positive, but not every kitchen experience is consistent. One review reported an unsatisfactory entrée that was replaced at no charge, along with food at a nearby table being returned for excessive salt. That same diner still praised the service, suggesting the staff handled the problem well even when the meal fell short.

Taken together, the public record supports Christopher's as a dependable, traditional dinner choice with strong pizza, pasta, cocktails and service. Its appeal is clearest for diners who value familiarity, comfortable conversation and a restaurant with a long local following.