There’s no lack of great restaurant options in the state of Iowa. From fine dining to country fare, Iowa has everything between downtown dining and lunches in the alley. If you’re a food aficionado or just like a tasty bite, put these best restaurants in Iowa on your list.
Canteen Lunch in the Alley, Ottumwa, IA
The Canteen Lunch in the Alley of Ottumwa started out as a five-stool restaurant in 1927, and has really kept the tradition of simple, delicious food ever since. The menu includes the famous loose-meat sandwich that is the actual namesake Canteen Lunch, as well as shakes, floats and slices of pie. See for yourself why the Canteen Lunch in the Alley has stuck around for so long, and why they’re going to stick around for years to come.
Angelini’s Pizza and Pasta House, Keokuk, IA
While the pizza is reportedly famous at Angelini’s in Keokuk, it’s really the other fine dining they offer that makes this restaurant stand out amongst the rest. Baked pastas, authentic salads, homemade breads and chef specials to the liking of grilled ribeye and bella salmon, don’t misinterpret the message, the pizza at Angelini’s is worthy of the title famous, but you might want to spend some extra time perusing the menu at this above-average pizza joint.
The Café, Ames, IA
It seems every college campus needs a great spot to get a casual bite, and for Iowa State University in Ames, The Café is it. Simply named, with a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu available, plus a long list of deli sandwiches made fresh-to-order, the Café exceeds all expectations of an all-day spot. Enjoy the food, enjoy the atmosphere and just know that one visit to The Café will never be enough.
L.May Eatery, Dubuque, IA
With a menu featuring Long Island duckling, pumpkin lasagna and a “You’re in Dubuque Pizza” complete with Applewood smoked bacon, spicy Italian sausage, mushroom and onion, suffice it to say, L.May Eatery won’t leave your appetite upset. Located on the recently renovated historic 1000 block in Dubuque, this charming dining spot doesn’t lack in ambience either, and with a full wine selection, everything about L.May Eatery seems to pair together nicely.
Zombie Burger, Des Moines, IA
The best way to deal with a zombie apocalypse is with a thick milkshake and burger that you can barely fit in your mouth. That’s Zombie Burger’s method at least, and if it’s true, then this creatively-themed Des Moines restaurant has what you need. With amazing flavors of shakes including chocolate Nutella, marshmallow, and Zombie Joe (vanilla ice cream and jet fuel coffee syrup), and mountainous burgers that will make your mouth water as you order, do yourself a favor and check out this relatively new Des Moines staple burger joint.
Breitbach’s Country Dining, Balltown, IA
Touted as Iowa’s oldest food and drinking establishment, since 1852, six generations of Breitbach’s have operated Breitbach’s Country Dining, serving thousands of customers from Iowa and beyond. While the community of Balltown has helped keep Breitbach’s in business, it really is the home-made, always fresh food that keeps people coming back to their tables. Check out their weekend buffet menus for an authentic large-portion, family-dining experience.
The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon, Logan, IA
For a rootin’-tootin’ good time head on down to The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon in Logan. A great pit stop on a motorcycle ride, a fun place to catch some evening entertainment and a family-friendly stop for all ages, the Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon is not only made famous by the fun that can be had there, but the menu of iconic American classics goes a long way too. smoked baby-back ribs and Famous Philly’s, if you’re ever about Logan, don’t forget to check out The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Canteen Lunch in the Alley: Established in 1927, this spot is famous for its loose meat sandwiches and simple, traditional fare, including shakes, floats, and pies.
- Angelini's Pizza and Pasta House: Known for both its excellent pizza and fine dining options such as baked pasta, authentic salads, homemade bread, and special dishes such as grilled ribeye and Bella salmon.
- The Café: A favorite near Iowa State University offering a comprehensive menu that spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, known for its fresh-to-order deli sandwiches and vibrant atmosphere.
- L.May Eatery: Offers unique dishes like Long Island duckling, pumpkin lasagna, and a specialty pizza featuring local flavors. It also has a charming ambiance and a full wine selection.
- Zombie Burger: A creative burger joint with a zombie theme, offering a variety of unique shakes and large, flavorful burgers that have become a staple in Des Moines.
- Breitbach's Country Dining: Iowa's oldest food and drinking establishment since 1852, known for its homemade, fresh food and family-friendly weekend buffets.
- The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon: Offers a lively atmosphere suitable for family and fun. It is known for its American classics like smoked baby-back ribs and Famous Philly's, and is a popular spot for motorcycle riders.
