10 Best Iowa Restaurants

Iowa is famous for its breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, Maid-Rite loose meat sandwiches, and steak de Burgo. The state's food identity is defined by its agricultural output, making it a destination for Midwestern comfort food. As a top producer of pork, corn, and beef, these ingredients are central to many dishes. Iowa’s popular food options reflect this farm-centric culture, with an emphasis on hearty, satisfying meals. The state does not have a large concentration of one specific international food, but its food is a clear representation of American heartland cooking.

A meal for one person at a fast-casual restaurant in Iowa costs between $12 and $20. A mid-range dinner for two at a casual dining establishment is generally between $50 and $90. At a fine dining steakhouse like Joseph's Steakhouse in Iowa City or 801 Chophouse in Des Moines, the price for a meal for two starts at $150 and can exceed $300 with drinks and appetizers.

Iowa's fast-food scene is dominated by popular national chains and very strong regional brands that cater to cities and rural areas alike. Casey's, a convenience store chain founded in Iowa, is a go-to for its made-to-order pizza, especially in smaller towns. The Wisconsin-based chain Culver's is also a local favorite for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. These spots are part of a larger landscape of quick-service options in the state. The most popular fast-food restaurants in Iowa are listed below:

• Casey's: An Iowa institution famous for its breakfast pizza and other made-to-order pizzas, available for takeout at its many convenience store locations.
• Culver's: A Wisconsin-based chain beloved in Iowa for its ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and Wisconsin cheese curds.
• McDonald's: The national chain is a popular choice for its burgers, fries, and breakfast items.
• Taco John's: A regional chain with a strong presence, known for its "West-Mex" food and signature Potato Olés.
• Subway: A national chain known for its customizable submarine sandwiches.
• Dairy Queen: A long-standing favorite, especially in smaller towns, for its soft-serve ice cream treats and fast-food meals.
• Wendy's: A popular choice for its square beef patties, chili, and Frosty desserts.
• Pizza Ranch: An Iowa-based chain famous for its pizza and fried chicken buffet, a popular family-style option.

Recent restaurant openings in Iowa like 30hop in Coralville and Goldfinch in Marion have added exciting new options to the state's dining landscape. The newest restaurants in Iowa are listed below:

• 30hop (Coralville Location): While established in Iowa City, this newer, large-scale location in Coralville offers a multi-level experience with a rooftop bar, an extensive list of craft beers, and a menu of modern American food. Located at 900 E 2nd Ave, Coralville, IA 52241.
• Goldfinch: A contemporary American restaurant in Marion offering a seasonal menu with a focus on local ingredients, craft cocktails, and a refined yet comfortable atmosphere. Located at 740 10th St, Marion, IA 52302.
• Cliff's Dive Bar & Grill: A casual spot in Cedar Rapids offering smash burgers, sandwiches, and other bar fare in a relaxed setting. Located at 227 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.
• St. Kilda Collective (New Locations/Concepts): This popular Des Moines-based group continues to open new concepts and locations across the metro, bringing its Australian-inspired cafe fare and stylish interiors to more neighborhoods. These new openings are a consistent feature of the Des Moines dining scene.

The best restaurants in downtown areas of Iowa's major cities offer a range of experiences, from upscale dining to lively contemporary spots. In downtown Des Moines, establishments like 801 Chophouse and Centro are long-standing favorites. In downtown Iowa City, Pullman Bar & Diner and Basta Pizzeria Ristorante are popular choices. The best restaurants in downtown areas of Iowa are listed below.

• Pullman Bar & Diner (Iowa City): A stylish spot in downtown Iowa City offering elevated American diner food and craft cocktails in a retro-inspired setting.
• Centro (Des Moines): A bustling downtown Des Moines institution known for its rustic Italian food, including wood-fired pizzas and pastas, in a high-energy, open-kitchen atmosphere.
• 801 Chophouse (Des Moines): A classic, upscale steakhouse in the heart of downtown Des Moines, offering prime steaks and an extensive wine list in a luxurious, traditional setting.
• Basta Pizzeria Ristorante (Iowa City): Located in downtown Iowa City, this lively restaurant serves authentic wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas.
• Proof (Des Moines): A more recent addition to downtown Des Moines, Proof is an acclaimed restaurant offering a creative, seasonal tasting menu in an intimate and sophisticated environment.
• Black Sheep Social Club (Cedar Rapids): A popular downtown Cedar Rapids destination with a globally inspired menu of comfort food, a large selection of craft beer, and a fun, industrial-chic vibe.

Yes, there are many lunch spots in Iowa worth trying that showcase the state's unique food identity. For a quintessential Iowa experience, trying a Maid-Rite restaurant for its famous loose meat sandwich is a must. In Des Moines, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab offers a fun and unique lunch with its wildly creative gourmet burgers in a "post-apocalyptic" setting. For those seeking a lighter option, La Mie Bakery in Des Moines is a very popular choice for its fresh-baked breads, sandwiches, and salads in a bustling cafe atmosphere. These spots offer quick, flavorful, and often locally beloved midday meals.

Yes, there are many good places for dinner in Iowa, ranging from historic, family-style establishments to sophisticated, chef-driven restaurants. For a unique and memorable experience, the Ox Yoke Inn in the Amana Colonies serves traditional German food in a charming, old-world setting. For a more contemporary and refined dinner, Harbinger in Des Moines offers an innovative menu of globally-inspired small plates with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Classic fine dining can be found at Joseph's Steakhouse in Iowa City, which provides an upscale atmosphere perfect for enjoying prime steaks and fresh seafood.

Popular restaurants in Iowa that serve vegan food include Trumpet Blossom Cafe, The Grinning Goat, and Dirt Burger. Trumpet Blossom Cafe in Iowa City is a long-standing, entirely vegan restaurant known for its creative, seasonal, and locally sourced plant-based dishes in a cozy setting. The Grinning Goat in Des Moines is an all-vegan deli, offering a range of plant-based sandwiches, meats, and cheeses. Dirt Burger, also in Des Moines, specializes in plant-based fast food, serving a menu of vegan burgers, "chicken" sandwiches, and shakes.

Well-known restaurants in Iowa that serve gluten-free food include Red's Alehouse, Keto Kitchen, and various contemporary American restaurants. Red's Alehouse in the Iowa City area is recognized for its extensive and carefully prepared gluten-free menu, offering a wide variety of safe options from appetizers to main courses. Keto Kitchen in Des Moines is a dedicated gluten-free and keto-friendly eatery, providing a safe choice for those with celiac disease. Many farm-to-table restaurants, such as Harbinger in Des Moines, are also adept at accommodating gluten-free diners due to their from-scratch cooking methods and use of fresh, whole ingredients.

Iowa's food is a direct reflection of its agricultural heartland identity, with an emphasis on hearty and comforting meals. The state's food scene is defined by its strong Midwestern roots and the bounty of its farms. Some of the most famous food styles in Iowa are shown below.

• Midwestern/Comfort Food: This is the core of Iowa's food identity, featuring the famous breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, Maid-Rite loose meat sandwiches, and steak de Burgo. This food is famous for its connection to the state's agricultural heritage and its satisfying, unpretentious nature.
• Steakhouse: As a leading producer of beef, Iowa has a strong steakhouse tradition. Restaurants serving high-quality, locally raised steaks are a staple of the dining landscape, famous for showcasing the state's prime agricultural products.
• German: The Amana Colonies are the center of Iowa's German food culture, with restaurants like the Ox Yoke Inn serving family-style meals with schnitzel, sausages, and sauerbraten. This food is famous for its historical roots in the communities that settled this part of the state.
• Farm-to-Table/New American: A modern movement that is very strong in Iowa, with chefs in cities like Des Moines and Iowa City creating innovative dishes using ingredients sourced directly from local farms. This style is famous for its freshness and support of local producers.
• Italian-American: Many Iowa cities and towns have long-standing Italian-American communities, supporting a number of restaurants that serve classic red-sauce pasta dishes and pizzas.
• Pizza (Local Style): Iowa has its own pizza traditions, with local chains like Pizza Ranch (famous for its pizza and fried chicken buffet) being a beloved family-style option throughout the state.