From Italy to Lebanon – Exploring Hugo’s Mediterranean Flavors

At Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, our menu is a love letter to the flavors and traditions that inspire us. Mediterranean cuisine has always spoken to us—not just for its bright, bold ingredients, but for the way it invites people to gather, share, and celebrate. We wanted to create a menu that reflects that sense of connection, while adding our own personality to every dish.

Seafood and Mediterranean dishes at Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen in Des Moines.

Small Plates to Start the Conversation

Some of our favorite meals start with a table full of small plates, shared among friends. At Hugo’s, that’s where the magic begins:

Baked goat cheese spread at Hugo’s topped with sun-dried tomato pesto, fried onions, and served with crostini and pita.
  • Seasonal Hummus: Always changing, always vibrant—think roasted beets with sesame, mint, and citrus drizzle.

  • Lamb Meatballs: Tender, spiced, and topped with lemon crema and herbs, these are comfort and sophistication in one bite.

  • Baked Goat Cheese Spread: Creamy and indulgent, layered with sun-dried tomato pesto and fried onions, perfect with pita or crostini.

Mediterranean appetizers at Hugo’s: hummus, lamb meatballs, baked goat cheese spread.

Each of these is more than an appetizer—it’s a conversation starter. We love seeing guests reach across the table, passing plates and sharing tastes. That’s what Mediterranean food is all about.

Greens and Bowls that Shine

We believe vegetables should have personality. From our Arugula Salad with pears, fennel, and shaved parmesan to our Beet Salad with candied pecans and lemon-mint vinaigrette, these dishes are designed to be fresh, unexpected, and delicious. And on cooler days, a bowl of our Soup of the Day can be as comforting as it is flavorful.

Table of Mediterranean small plates and pizza for lunch or dinner.

Entrées That Tell a Story

When it’s time to move to the main event, we want dishes that feel both familiar and exciting:

  • Lamb Shank: Slow-braised until tender, paired with spiced potatoes and a bright chimichurri.

  • Gulf Shrimp: Lynn’s personal favorite—head-on shrimp with goat cheese polenta, crispy chickpeas, and grilled eggplant.

  • Cauliflower Steak: A bold vegetarian option, with roasted vegetables and red pepper cream.

These plates are hearty yet elegant, designed to feel like a treat whether it’s a weeknight or a celebration.

Vegetarian entrée at Hugo’s: roasted cauliflower steak with broccolini, mushrooms, and squash.

Pizza, Always

Of course, we can’t forget our wood-fired pizzas. Mediterranean flavors inspire some of our most creative pies—like the Fig & Honey, Greek, or Pork & Apple—each one a blend of tradition and our own playful touch.

Why It Matters

For us, this menu isn’t just about food—it’s about telling our story. The dishes we create are the ones we crave, the ones that connect us to travel, family meals, and nights around our own table. We’re proud to share them with you.

Discover the Mediterranean at Hugo’s. Browse our menu or make a reservation and let us cook for you.

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