Wood-Fired Pizza & Mediterranean Dining in Des Moines
Authentic wood-fired pizza near Drake University, featuring Mediterranean-inspired small plates, seasonal ingredients, craft cocktails, and patio dining in the Drake neighborhood.
At Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, fire is more than a cooking method — it’s the heart of our kitchen. Anchored by our high-heat Marra Forni oven, we bring traditional wood-fired pizza to Des Moines with Mediterranean influence, seasonal ingredients, and a space designed for gathering.
Located in the Drake neighborhood, Hugo’s is where students, families, neighbors, and friends come together for lunch, dinner, celebrations, and slow evenings over wine. Whether you're searching for wood-fired pizza in Des Moines or a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant near Drake University, you’ll find flavor rooted in fire — and hospitality that feels personal.
Whether you’re enjoying a crisp, flame-kissed pizza, unwinding with craft cocktails at the bar, or gathering with friends on our spacious patio, Hugo’s is a place to connect, indulge, and explore bold, seasonal flavors. Join us Tuesday through Saturday for lunch, dinner, and our daily Happy Hour, and discover why Hugo’s has become one of Des Moines’ favorite destinations for wood-fired cuisine.
Wood-Fired Pizza in Des Moines
Our oven reaches over 800 degrees, creating a crisp, blistered crust with a light interior and balanced char. Each pizza is handcrafted and cooked in minutes — a technique rooted in tradition, served with intention.
Mediterranean-Inspired, Beyond Pizza
While wood-fired pizza defines us, our menu extends into vibrant salads, house-made spreads, wood-fired proteins, and Mediterranean flavors designed for sharing. It’s a dining experience that feels both lively and thoughtful.
Near Drake University, In the Heart of the Neighborhood
Just minutes from Drake University, Hugo’s is a place to gather — before a game, after class, or for a long, unhurried dinner. We’re proud to be part of the Drake neighborhood and the Des Moines community.
Whether you’re savoring a crisp, flame-kissed pizza, gathering with friends over cocktails, or unwinding on our spacious patio, Hugo’s is a place to connect, indulge, and explore bold flavors.
Our Story
Hugo’s is named in honor of Chef Lynn Pritchard’s son and late father, Hugh. Together with General Manager Colby Brackett, Lynn has created a neighborhood restaurant inspired by Mediterranean flavors and the warmth of wood-fired cooking. Located in a shared building with WesleyLife’s Meals on Wheels and the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm, Hugo’s is proud to be part of something bigger than just food.
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