13 Iowa Restaurants Locals Stand By As The Best In The State
Iowa doesn’t shout about its food, but if you follow the roads between farms and small cities, you’ll stumble onto kitchens that don’t need to. These places surface in conversation when you ask the right people, their names shared almost protectively, as if letting them out too loudly might spoil the charm.
In Des Moines, Iowa City, Dubuque, and towns tucked in between, I found chefs leaning into seasons, owners who know their regulars by sight, and menus that linger in memory longer than the drive home.
Thirteen restaurants stood out, not for flash, but for the way they root flavor in place. They’ve earned their loyalty quietly, and for anyone hungry enough to seek them, the reward feels personal.
1. Harbinger (Des Moines)
Light pours across wood tables, catching copper details and the curve of wine glasses. The space feels calm yet charged with expectation.
Chef Joe Tripp builds plates that lean vegetable-forward, laced with Southeast Asian flavors, crispy Brussels, tamarind sauces, pork belly with bright herbs. The menu shifts often.
The reaction is predictable: every bite surprises without overwhelming. Diners lean in, murmuring over dishes that taste alive and seasonal.
2. 801 Chophouse (Des Moines)
The steaks arrive glistening, char traced across their edges. Cuts are prime, aged in-house, and plated with precision.
Founded in the late 1990s, 801 has carried Des Moines into the national steakhouse conversation. USDA Prime dominates, but seafood towers and sides hold equal weight.
Tip from regulars: book weekday dinners. Crowds swell on weekends, while midweek allows a quieter stage for the same signature service.
3. Centro (Des Moines)
Steam from the open kitchen clouds the air for a moment before laughter and clinking glasses clear it. The energy is high without chaos.
Centro serves wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and regionally inspired plates that highlight Iowa’s produce. Community is central, woven through both food and atmosphere.
I stopped by on a rainy Tuesday and lucked into bar seating. The pork belly small plate carried enough smoky-sweet balance that I wanted to linger longer than planned.
4. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab (Des Moines)
Murals sprawl across the walls, horror-themed names glow on the menu screens, and the vibe is half diner, half playful haunt. The energy is deliberately offbeat.
Signature burgers like The Walking Ched (a macaroni-and-cheese bun) or Dead Moines stack absurd toppings into surprisingly balanced bites. Shakes spike the fun even higher.
Locals say weekdays are best if you want a shorter wait. The spectacle can overwhelm at first, but the food stays sharp beneath the theatrics.
5. Hickory Park (Ames)
The menu is a sprawl of barbecue favorites, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, each smoked until tender and paired with old-school sides. Portions lean hearty.
Opened in the 1970s, Hickory Park became an Ames institution, feeding students, families, and football fans with equal dedication. It’s as much gathering place as restaurant.
Tip: if you show up just after 1:30 p.m., the lunch rush has cleared but the pits are still humming. That timing keeps the line short.
6. Duck City Bistro (Davenport)
Low jazz hums through a softly lit room, servers glide between tight tables, and the aroma of herbs drifts from the kitchen. The mood is elegant but never stiff.
The menu changes often, but expect French-leaning American dishes, duck breast, seasonal seafood, and pastas finished with delicate sauces. Wine pairings are carefully chosen.
I booked a Thursday reservation once and found it ideal. The dining room buzzed without crowding, and the duck entrée felt indulgent without being heavy. It was Davenport sophistication at its best.
7. St. Burch Tavern (Iowa City)
Brick walls, dark wood, and street-facing windows set the stage. The tavern atmosphere leans comfortable yet polished, alive with local energy.
The menu blends Midwestern staples with refinement, think pork belly, oysters, and hearty plates that still carry brightness from herbs and citrus.
Crowds spike on weekends, so weekday evenings make for a smoother visit. Locals drop in as naturally as they would a corner pub, but the food lifts the experience far above casual.
8. Basta (Iowa City)
The wood-fired oven crackles in view, the scent of roasted tomatoes and garlic drifting outward into the dining room.
Basta keeps its focus on Italian: handmade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza, and seasonal specials that nod to Iowa’s produce. Tradition and modernity weave easily here.
Thursday nights often provide better odds for a table. The space fills quickly on Fridays and Saturdays, when the oven seems to fire nonstop.
9. Bluebird Diner (Iowa City)
Checkerboard floors and the sound of skillets clanging feel instantly familiar. It’s a diner, yes, but one that insists on craft.
Plates lean hearty: scrambles, burgers, and daily specials, often with tweaks like onion jam or sharp cheese that elevate comfort food.
I went on a Saturday morning just before the line wrapped outside. My omelet was layered with flavor but unfussy, and the bottomless mug of coffee made it feel like exactly the right start to the day.
10. Brazen Open Kitchen (Dubuque)
The open design means there’s no hiding, the clatter of pans, the smell of sear, the sight of flames are all part of the theater. Energy buzzes across the room.
Brazen draws heavily from Iowa producers, crafting seasonal menus where vegetables, meats, and grains take confident turns. It feels farm-to-table without pretense.
Dinner fills quickly on weekends, but early arrivals can snag bar seats. Watching the line cook at work makes the meal more immersive.
11. L.May Eatery (Dubuque)
A cozy dining room dotted with warm lighting and local art creates an intimate mood. It feels more like a neighborhood living room than a restaurant.
The menu balances sandwiches, salads, and entrées, often highlighting comfort ingredients. Specials rotate, but the kitchen’s emphasis on rustic flavors keeps regulars coming back.
I stopped by for lunch once expecting a quick bite. Instead, I lingered over a burger special and coffee, realizing how much the relaxed pace shaped the meal.
12. Mabe’s Pizza (Decorah)
The air is thick with garlic and tomato, ovens radiating heat into the bustling dining area. There’s a hum of family chatter at nearly every table.
Founded in 1953, Mabe’s has grown into a Decorah institution. The pizza comes piled high with toppings, edges crisp but still chewy. Sandwiches occasionally sneak onto the menu.
Locals often suggest checking weekly specials. I once arrived to find a burger-pizza mashup on offer, it was messy, indulgent, and perfectly in line with Mabe’s sense of play.
13. Pullman Bar & Diner (Iowa City)
Stepping inside feels like boarding a train car that never leaves the station, metallic trim, long booths, and track-lighting lend the space a rhythm. The buzz is steady but relaxed.
The menu blends diner nostalgia with craft: hearty breakfasts, patty melts, and burgers layered with touches like bacon jam or garlic aioli. Everything feels familiar yet sharper.
I came in mid-afternoon once, just after the lunch crowd thinned. Sitting at the counter, I had a burger that felt both classic and quietly elevated, a perfect pause in the day.