Iowa invented the walking taco, taco pizza, and Eskimo pie, and is home to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, so obviously, we Iowans know our food. No matter where you go in this great state, incredible food is just around the corner. While this list could go on forever, here are seven of the most amazing, delicious, and unique restaurants in Iowa that you’ll want to try.

1. Fong's Pizza
223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
1450 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA
12Jeepgirl~Never look back.../Flickr
Starting off our list of unique restaurants in Iowa is Fong's Pizza. The story of Fong's is a funny one; the legend goes that the restaurant used to serve Chinese food, but when the new owners bought it they didn't want to change the decor, and so Fong's Pizza was born. Fong's has become wildly popular for its fun, Asian-inspired theme, delicious pizza, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Fong's has two locations, one in Ankeny and one in Des Moines. Visit Fong's Pizza's website for more information.

2. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
Tyrgyzistan/Flickr
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab first exploded onto the scene in Des Moines' East Village and gained huge amounts of popularity for their unique food and restaurant environment. The restaurant itself is filled with zombie-themed decor and their food is to die for - no pun intended. Their Walking Ched (shown above) is amazing and is made with a breaded, deep-fried macaroni and cheese bun, bacon, cheddar cheese, caramelized and raw onions, more macaroni and cheese, and mayo. This item isn't an oddity either, their whole menu is loaded with insane, amazing, taste-bud-exploding choices like this one. Over time they even expanded to West Des Moines, where they opened up a restaurant in the Jordan Creek Mall. It's one of the most unique dining experiences in Iowa you can have.

3. Oasis Falafel Restaurant
206 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA
Oasis Falafel/Facebook
Oasis Falafel, located in Iowa City, got its start in 2004 when two falafel lovers noticed that falafel just couldn't be found in the area, and vowed to fix that problem. Their solution, Oasis Falafel, has more than taken off and has become extremely popular. Falafel, for those who don't know, is deep-fried chickpeas or fava beans, commonly served in a pita. Aside from that delicious dish, Oasis also serves kebabs, gyros, some of the world's best hummus, and other delicious cultural dishes. It's one of the best restaurants in Iowa. Visit the Oasis Falafel Restaurant website for more information.

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4. Cafe d'Marie
614 W 5th St, Davenport, IA 52801, USA
Cafe d'Marie , Davenport/Facebook
Cafe d'Marie is a quaint little cafe in Davenport that is housed in a beautiful 1860s brick home. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday, and they specialize in quiche, panini-style sandwiches, sweets, and various coffees, teas, smoothies, and more. At Cafe d'Marie, everything is fresh, homemade, and absolutely delicious. Visit the Cafe d'Marie website for more information.
5. L.May Eatery
1072 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
L.May Eatery/Facebook
L.May Eatery, located on Dubuque's historic Main Street, is a restaurant that uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to make delicious, gourmet comfort food. Their menu features delectable dishes like ginger berry salmon, stuffed poblano pepper, filet mignon, and their "You're in Dubuque" pizza. It's one of the most delicious and unique restaurants in Iowa.
6. Ox Yoke Inn
Ox Yoke Inn, 220th Trail, Amana, IA, USA
Derek Brooks/Flickr
The Ox Yoke Inn is an old favorite of those who visit the German villages of the Amana Colonies. The Ox Yoke serves traditional German family-style meals, with delicious dishes such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, bratwurst, and even flammkuchen, a German-style pizza. It's one of the most unique Iowa restaurants you can dine at.
7. Mo Fish
2403 Nash Blvd b, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA
Mo Fish/Facebook
Mo Fish, in Council Bluffs, specializes in deep-fried Catfish, Carp, and Alaskan Walleye, which are hand-breaded and served fresh every day. The restaurant offers a fun (fish-filled) environment and is a great place to take the family. And if you're into it, they offer frog legs! It's one of the best Iowa restaurants you can find in a small town.

Yummmm. Who’s hungry? What are some of your favorite, unique restaurants in Iowa? Let us know in the comment section!

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Unique Restaurants In Iowa

Melissa M. | October 17, 2021

What are some of the best hidden restaurants in Iowa?

Some of the best restaurants can be found in the most unexpected places. Here are some of the best hidden restaurants in Iowa:

  • Located at a private lake in the rural town of Maquoketa, Bluff Lake Catfish Farm is as good as it gets when it comes to catfish, haddock, and midwest specialties. 
  • Canteen Lunch in the Alley is located under a street parking ramp in Ottumwa and is known for its Canteen sandwich of loose meat, ketchup, mustard, pickle, and onion on a bun. Not only is the food great but it’s worthwhile visiting such an iconic place with its 11-seat horseshoe-shaped counter inside. 

 

What are some of the best small-town restaurants in Iowa?

Some of the best small-town restaurants in Iowa include:

  • Angelino’s Pizza in Keokuk serves delicious pizza, plates of pasta, salads, fish, and more in its elegant dining room.
  • In Marion, QDogs BBQ Company offers up some of the most mouthwatering BBQ in the state. Pair with some cornbread, tots, and smoky beans for the perfect meal.
  • Located in Clear Lake, Starboard Market is quite a hidden gem that serves amazing homemade sandwiches as well as soups, salads, and desserts. Keep in mind that this eatery is open seasonally, so check the Facebook page before you go.
  • For steaks, pork tenderloins, and burgers, the town of Dexter is home to The Rusty Duck. Not only is the food incredible but the portions are quite generous.

 

Find more small-town restaurants in this article, Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Iowa Have AMAZING Restaurants.

What food is Iowa known for? 

Iowa is known for its own particular dishes and food items that residents grew up with. For example, the breaded pork tenderloin is perhaps the state's most famous dish. Fried catfish is also quite popular along with taco pizza, grilled Iowa pork chops, loose meat sandwiches, and Steak de Burgo. Most Iowans grew up eating all of these foods, many of which can be found at restaurants throughout the state. Read more about the iconic foods of Iowa in this post.

 

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