IA · Iowa City · $
Nodo Downtown Delivers Fast, Flavorful Sandwiches
Strong sandwiches, standout fries and upbeat counter service make Nodo Downtown a dependable, budget-friendly Iowa City lunch stop.
Owen ORourke
Iowa state editor
Owen ORourke is the Iowa editor for TryRestaurantsNear.Me. Every write-up is synthesized from public ratings, recent diner reviews, menus, and listing data to pick the next best place to try in Iowa.
Every write-up is researched from publicly available ratings, reviews, menus and photos.
IA · Mason City · $
State Street Deli Sets the Pace for Mason City Sandwiches
Strong sandwiches, quick service and thoughtful twists make this budget-friendly deli a reliable Mason City lunch stop.
IA · Des Moines · $
McAlister's Deli makes a strong case for a quick lunch
Large club sandwiches, flexible Choose 2 meals and attentive service drive strong public feedback for this budget-friendly Des Moines deli.
IA · Des Moines · $
Manhattan Deli Delivers Hefty, Distinctive Sandwiches
Strong public ratings point to a busy Des Moines lunch stop known for generous fillings, fresh bread and fast service.
IA · Ankeny · $$
Main Street Cafe & Bakery Brings Big-Menu Appeal to Ankeny
A broad menu, cozy setting and flexible group spaces make this mid-range Ankeny cafe useful for casual meals and celebrations.
IA · Des Moines
Graziano Brothers Brings Italian Deli Flavor to Des Moines
Strong reviews point to hefty Italian sandwiches, friendly deli service and a specialty grocery selection worth browsing.
IA · Mitchellville · $
La Casa Hidalgo Brings Festive Mexican Dining to Mitchellville
Strong early ratings point to fresh food, welcoming service, festive decor and a budget-friendly menu suited to dinner or takeout.
IA · Iowa City · $
Tulum Mexican Cuisine brings broad appeal to Iowa City
Strong early feedback points to excellent Mexican food, attentive service, a cozy dining room and an extensive menu suited to groups.
IA · Bellevue · $$
La Casa de Pancho Brings a Family-Friendly Option to Bellevue
Strong marks for cleanliness, fresh food and a colorful dining room outweigh mixed reports about seasoning and service consistency.
IA · Ames · $
El Patio Bar & Grill serves big portions with bold flavor
Ames diners praise the fresh tortillas, generous plates, festive setting and generally quick service at this budget-friendly Mexican restaurant.
IA · Prairie City · $$
Ariana’s brings colorful Tex-Mex to Prairie City
Strong reviews point to flavorful food, generous portions, attentive service and a dining room filled with colorful artwork.
IA · Ankeny · $
Hernandez Mexican Bar And Grill Brings Family-Friendly Energy
Strong public feedback points to attentive service, fast food, margaritas, live music and a welcoming atmosphere for families and groups.
IA · Iowa City · $
La Regia Taqueria stands out for tacos and rich birria
Strong public feedback points to a budget-friendly Iowa City taqueria where lengua, cabeza and goat birria reward adventurous ordering.
IA · Coralville · $$
La Mexicana brings standout tacos and birria to Coralville
Strong reviews for tacos, quesabirria and welcoming service make this casual Coralville storefront a compelling stop.
IA · Ames · $
El Jefe Brings Big Portions and Bold Mexican Flavor
Strong public ratings, generous servings and frequently praised service make El Jefe a compelling budget-friendly Mexican option in Ames.
IA · Des Moines · $
Cowboy Mexican Bar & Grill Draws Praise for Big Portions
Strong public ratings point to fresh Mexican food, generous servings, attentive service and a lively setting at budget-friendly prices.
IA · Coralville · $$$$
Chez Grace brings intimate French dining to Coralville
A reservation-only dining room, limited tables and chef-led tasting menus make Chez Grace a compelling choice for milestone dinners.
IA · Des Moines · $$
Mulberry Street Tavern Brings Lounge Polish to Downtown
Inside the Surety Hotel, Mulberry Street Tavern pairs a moody dining room and strong cocktail program with an elevated but approachable mood.
IA · Iowa City · $$
One Twenty Six & Moonrakers Balances Polish and Comfort
This mid-range Iowa City bistro draws praise for celebratory service, creative cooking and a setting that feels fancy without becoming stiff.
IA · Clive · $$
Aura brings an upscale, upbeat dinner vibe to Clive
Aura Restaurant & Lounge pairs bold American cooking, polished drinks and a romantic setting suited to dates, birthdays and nights out with friends.
IA · Iowa City · $$$
Joseph’s Steakhouse Brings Formal Dining to Iowa City
Strong steaks, attentive service and a deep whiskey selection make Joseph’s a compelling, expensive choice for celebrations and business dinners.
IA · Des Moines · $$$$
Harbinger Brings Creative Dining to Ingersoll Avenue
Harbinger pairs inventive flavors, polished presentation and attentive service in an expensive setting suited to celebrations and date nights.
IA · Des Moines · $$$
Aposto Brings Italian Dining to a Romantic Des Moines House
Seasonal Italian cooking, attentive service and an elegant converted-house setting make Aposto a strong special-occasion choice.
IA · Iowa City · $$
Iowa Chop House delivers steaks in a classy-casual setting
Strong service, well-cooked steaks and hearty sides make Iowa Chop House a dependable downtown choice for dinner and celebrations.
IA · West Des Moines · $$$$
Fleming’s Brings Polished Steakhouse Dining to West Des Moines
Strong steaks, attentive service and thoughtful celebration touches make Fleming’s a dependable, expensive choice for special occasions.
IA · Cedar Rapids · $$$
Cobble Hill Sets Cedar Rapids’ Fine-Dining Standard
Strong public feedback points to polished tasting menus, thoughtful pairings and attentive service suited to memorable dinners.
IA · Ottumwa · $$
Karen Thai Cuisine brings bold flavors to Ottumwa
Strong service and generous portions lead the praise, though Pad Thai, pacing and the no-frills dining room receive mixed reactions.
IA · Ankeny · $$
Silk Elephant Brings Polished Thai Dining to Ankeny
Attentive service, an elegant setting and generous portions make Silk Elephant a strong mid-range choice for Thai food in Ankeny.
IA · Mason City · $$
Pad Thai Express Brings Fast, Fresh Thai Food to Mason City
Strong public feedback points to fresh cooking, generous portions, warm service and flavorful Thai favorites in a clean, casual setting.
IA · Council Bluffs
Mercy Thai Brings Quick, Flavorful Lunches to Council Bluffs
Strong ratings, generous portions and adjustable spice make Mercy Thai a promising Council Bluffs stop for a relaxed Thai lunch.
IA · Bettendorf · $$
Siam Thai Cafe Brings Big Flavor to Bettendorf
Strong public feedback points to generous portions, well-judged spice and a standout lineup of Thai appetizers in a modest dining room.
IA · Coralville · $$
Blue Elephant Thai brings a lively room and broad menu
Public feedback points to filling Thai entrees, warm hospitality and plant-filled decor, though portions and value do not satisfy every diner.
IA · Des Moines · $$
Thai Flavors Brings a Broad Lunch Menu to Des Moines
Strong food reviews and a varied lunch menu make Thai Flavors appealing, though service and special-diet execution appear inconsistent.
IA · Marion · $$
NaRa Thai Builds Loyalty on Pad Thai and Warm Service
Strong public feedback points to a welcoming Marion Thai restaurant known for generous portions, attentive hospitality and memorable noodle dishes.
IA · Urbandale · $
MinGaLaBar Brings Burmese Comfort Food to Urbandale
Strong reviews point to flavorful curries, welcoming service and a relaxed setting that works especially well for Burmese-food newcomers.
IA · Davenport · $$
Exotic Thai Sets a High Bar for Thai Food in Davenport
Strong public ratings, loyal repeat diners and consistent praise for fresh food make Exotic Thai a compelling Quad Cities choice.
IA · Iowa City · $
Royceann’s Soul Food Brings Crisp Catfish and Hearty Sides
Public reviews point to freshly fried chicken and catfish, creamy mac and cheese, generous portions and a wait that rewards patience.
IA · Iowa City · $$$
The Webster brings ambitious seasonal dining to Iowa City
Public reviews point to an intimate, expensive restaurant built around a changing menu, polished drinks and an appetite for less familiar flavors.
IA · Des Moines · $$
Good Eatins brings crisp catfish and wings to Des Moines
Public reviews point to well-fried catfish, juicy wings and flavorful Southern-style sides in a casual, no-frills setting.
IA · Prairieburg · $
PrairieMoon on Main Builds Its Case on Tenderloin
Public feedback points to a budget-friendly Prairieburg restaurant where thick pork tenderloin, generous portions and friendly service lead the way.
IA · Corning · $$
Primrose brings polished comfort food to Corning
Strong service, hearty portions and well-executed comfort food make Primrose a compelling mid-range stop in southwest Iowa.
IA · West Des Moines · $$
Fire Creek Balances Steakhouse Comfort With a Broad Menu
Strong public feedback points to a polished West Des Moines option for steaks, walleye, celebrations and relaxed dinners.
IA · Davenport · $
Machine Shed Restaurant: Big Portions and Iowa Comfort Food
Strong public feedback points to generous pork dishes, attentive service and a country-store atmosphere at this budget-friendly Davenport restaurant.
IA · Grimes · $$
Destination Grille in Grimes
What 1532 public reviews say about Destination Grille, synthesized by Owen ORourke.
IA · Clive · $$
Cosi Cucina Makes a Strong Case for Italian in Clive
Strong service, a comfortable dining room and well-liked pasta make Cosi Cucina a dependable Italian choice near western Des Moines.
IA · Iowa City · $$
Que Chimba Brings Colombian Street Food to Iowa City
Crisp empanadas, substantial arepas and warm service drive strong public feedback for this mid-range Colombian spot.
IA · Iowa City
Wilder leans on standout burgers and casual bar appeal
Public feedback points to a casual Iowa City stop where burgers lead the menu, though service speed and consistency can vary.
IA · Coralville · $$
Crab House Brings Generous Seafood Plates to Coralville
Strong public feedback points to attentive service, shareable portions and well-prepared crab and shrimp at this mid-range seafood restaurant.
IA · West Des Moines · $$
Laughing Crab Brings Cajun Seafood to West Des Moines
Seafood platters, quick kitchen timing and attentive service make Laughing Crab a dependable mid-range choice for groups and shellfish fans.
IA · Des Moines · $$$$
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill: An Expensive Occasion Pick
Splash draws diners with seafood, attentive service and a special-occasion setting, though uneven execution can make the high cost harder to justify.
IA · West Des Moines · $$
Firebirds Brings Steaks and Reliable Service to West Des Moines
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill pairs steaks, seafood and polished service with an atmosphere suited to celebrations and group dinners.
IA · Iowa City · $$
The Stuffed Olive - Iowa City in Iowa City
What 335 public reviews say about The Stuffed Olive - Iowa City, synthesized by Owen ORourke.
IA · Ankeny · $$
Waterfront Seafood Market Restaurant Leads With Choice
Ankeny diners consistently praise the shrimp, sourdough and crisp fried cod, while reports on grilled salmon suggest execution can vary.
IA · Des Moines · $$$$
801 Chophouse Brings Polished Steakhouse Dining to Des Moines
Strong steak cookery, attentive service and celebratory touches make 801 Chophouse a leading Des Moines choice for expensive occasion dining.
IA · West Des Moines · $$$$
Irina’s Steak & Seafood aims high in West Des Moines
Strong service and a special-occasion atmosphere lead the case for this expensive steak and seafood restaurant.
IA · Des Moines · $$
Now Or Later Brings a Homey Local Feel to Des Moines
Strong ratings, friendly service and a well-liked sausage sandwich make Now Or Later a reliable choice for casual American dining.
IA · Ames · $$
Aunt Maude’s Brings Polished American Dining to Ames
Strong ratings, attentive service and repeated praise for house-made food make Aunt Maude’s a compelling Ames choice for dinner and celebrations.
IA · Dubuque · $$
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar Sets a High Bar in Dubuque
Strong service, polished cocktails and a broad American menu make Brazen a dependable choice for celebrations, getaways and dinner downtown.
IA · Des Moines · $$
Christopher's remains a reliable Des Moines classic
Strong ratings, conversation-friendly dining and familiar Italian-American favorites make Christopher's a dependable choice for dinner.
IA · Altoona · $$
Brick & Ivy Rooftop Brings Sports-Bar Energy to Altoona
A large bar-and-grill setup, patio seating and plenty of TVs make Brick & Ivy a practical choice for games, drinks and casual meals.