- Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
- Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources
Alton
Sfumato Pizzeria–4995 Carnes Dr. (Pizza) Open Thu-Sun only (5 to 9 pm). Reviewers say this is thin crust artisan pizza that is as good as the pizza in NY and NJ. Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Amana
Millstream Brau Haus–741 47th Ave. (German) Open Daily. Recently opened in the building that used to be Colony Inn (which many said was the best restaurant in Amana). Described as German “beer” food (not as upscale as Ronneburg). Burgers, brats, schinitzel sandwich. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Ronneburg–4408 220th Trail (German) Closed Tue & Wed. People give it better reviews than Millstream, and say the German food is traditional as it is in Germany, but most people here get the family style meal to get the best out of the experience. Note: Ox Yoke Inn which is next door is similar but has more choices on the American side of the menu (if you don’t want German food). Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
Ames
Botanero Latino–604 E. Lincoln Way (Colombian) Open daily except Sun lunch. The food seems to be excellent with dishes which are served in very few restaurants in the US. However, it is a small place run by one man, and service can be slow. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Cafe Beaudelaire–2504 Lincoln Way (Brazilian) Open daily except Mon lunch. Probably the best thing about this restaurant is that it specializes in Brazilian sandwiches, etc. that are not expensive, making it easy to come back and try other things. The Brazilian hamburger is a favorite of customers. Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Grove Cafe–124 Main St. (American) Breakfast daily; Lunch Mon-Fri. Recommended by Jane & Michael Stern in their book “Roadfood” because the pancakes “were beyond mere perfection.” They make them in fancy shapes for kids, but everyone gets the same excellent flavor. Has cheap prices because they don’t accept credit cards. Map (Dining room is open 11-19-22)
Little Taipei–2514 Chamberlain St. (Chinese) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Some menu items look like they are authentic Chinese dishes, and I think there would be a good range of choices for the more traditional food. Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
Szechuan House–3605 Lincoln Way (Chinese) Closed Wed. Food is authentic and highly rated. Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
Thai Kitchen–2410 Chamberlain St. (Thai) Closed Sun. Small place near campus with cheap prices that supposedly has good food, although most like some dishes better than others. Yellow curry is recommended, but it recently changed owners and there is not yet a very long list of things that customers recommend. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
The Cafe–2616 Northridge Pkwy. (American) Open daily except Sun evening. Upscale restaurant that looks a little bit high priced. It looks like an excellent place for breakfast. Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
The Spice–402 Main St. (Thai) Closed Sun (and closed from 2 to 4:30 pm). Seems to be legit Thai food, but on some dishes you should tell them it want it the authentic Thai way (usually this involves making it more spicy). Panang curry, ginger dishes, and basil dishes are especially recommended. Reviewers say in some cases dishes can be customized. Map (Dining room is open 12-19-21)
Wasabi–926 S. 16th St. (Japanese) Open Daily. Described as a “sushi and Asian fusion” restaurant, most reviews are for the sushi (they say it is possibly the best in Iowa). Has other recommended items including the ramen. Map (Dining room is open 1-14-22)
Ankeny
Siam Table–757 N. Ankeny Blvd. (Thai) Open daily (closed from 2 to 5 pm). What looks promising about this place is that the recommended dishes are the classic Thai favorites (red curry, etc.) and that you can order it spicy if you wish (in much of the Midwest spicy dishes are dumbed down). Map (Takeout only 9-23-21)
Balltown
Breitbach’s Country Dining–563 Balltown Rd. (American) Lunch Thu-Sun; Dinner Fri-Sun. Country cooking that is notable not so much for what is served, but by the way it is prepared (freshly cooked). Has reinstated the buffet (after Covid) at a price that is so reasonable I think this would be the only logical choice (rather than ordering items individually). However, not all menu items are on the buffet. This is the oldest food and drinking establishment in Iowa, although the original building was destroyed by a gas explosion in 2007 and it was rebuilt. Located about 10 mi. NW of Dubuque. Map (Dining room is open 8-20-22)
Burlington
Billy Sims BBQ–2750 Mt. Pleasant St. (BBQ) Open Daily. This is a chain barbecue restaurant with a strong presence in Oklahoma. If the franchises in other states can keep up the same standards, though, I would certainly recommend it. Reviews indicate that this location does that. Probably ribs and pulled pork are best, and I think the sauce is one of the best. Map (Dining room is open 1-14-22)
La Tavola–316 N. 4th St. (Italian) Closed Sun & Mon (and closed from 2 to 5 pm). Italian home cooking–reservations only. Some reviewers say the food is bland (I have found authentic Italian to be more “bland” than American style, but to me it’s just not over-spiced). Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Napoli Pizza–115 N. 3rd St. (Pizza) Closed Sun & Mon. Seems to be the consensus favorite for best pizza in town, and one of the most popular is the Greek pizza. Also has spaghetti, chicken parmesan, sandwiches, and gyro. Map (Dining room is open 4-28-22)
Pookie’s Thai–803 Jefferson St. (Thai) Closed Mon (and closed from 2 to 4 pm). Curry seems to be very good (and reviewers like the pho). I am not as confident about many other items (such as pineapple fried rice). Map (Dining room is open 8-31-21)
Cedar Falls
Greenhouse Kitchen–917 W. 23rd St. (Bowls & Wraps) Closed Sun. Popular restaurant that has bowls, wraps, salads, and burritos with a wide range of flavors (from Asian to Mexican) but all made with fresh and local ingredients. Has meat, vegetarian, and vegan choices. Also in Waterloo. Map (Dining room is open 1-14-22)
Cedar Rapids
Little Bohemia–1317 3rd St. SE (Czech) Open Wed-Sat only. People say the service is sometimes not good and prices are high, but you can come here to get “amazing Czech cuisine.” Map (Dining room is open 1-14-22)
Mai Pho–2315 Edgewood Rd. SW (Vietnamese) Closed Mon (and closed from 3 to 4:30 pm). Seems to be the highest rated Asian restaurant in CR. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
NewBo City Market–1100 3rd St. SE (Food Vendors) Lunch Thu-Sun, dinner Thu & Fri. Located in the New Bohemia District, this is a (primarily) Czech style food court with small stands serving specialty items. Some of the businesses include The Sausage Foundry (sausages), Big Boy Meats, Roasters Coffee House, or even Dumpling Darling (Korean dumplings). Map (Individual shops have their own policies 8-31-21)
Rodina–1507 C St. SW (American) Dinner Thu-Mon; Brunch on Sun (closed Tue & Wed). A story in The Gazette says it offers Midwest comfort food, but it is located in the “Czech Village” district of Cedar Rapids, and part of its mission is to bring attention to simple food that has Czech and German origins. They encourage customers to order food “family style” (with vegetables put on plates in the middle of the table). Vegetables served are seasonal. It used to have some menu items that looked Czech but after Covid the menu has been pared down. Note: Czech Village also has a variety shops, restaurants, a museum, etc. Map (Dining room is open 11-19-22)
Siamville Thai–3635 1st Ave. SE (Thai) Closed Sun (and closed from 2 to 5 pm). Apparently most Thai restaurants in this part of the country are Americanized, but this restaurant will customize the food on request (meaning that you can get a more authentic version if you want). Map (Dining room is open 1-14-22)
Sykora Bakery–73 16th Ave. SW (Czech) Breakfast Mon-Sat, lunch Daily. This is supposed the place to go for kolaches, but also has meals (such as pierogi and goulash). Map (Dining room is open 8-23-22)
Note: Cedar Rapids has a bona fide fine dining restaurant (Cobble Hill) which is not cheap but Iowa gives you this type of food for better prices than you would find elsewhere. Map (Dining room is open 8-31-21)
Clear Lake
Seven Stars Family Rest.–2309 3rd Ave. S. (American) Breakfast & lunch daily; Dinner Thu-Sat. Good quality diner style food. For breakfast people like the combo (bacon, eggs, & pancakes). Hot beef sandwich is probably the specialty of the restaurant. Coconut-raspberry cake is very popular. Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Clive
Coaches Kolaches–8527 University Blvd. (Czech) Breakfast only; open to 1 pm Sat & Sun (closed Mon & Tue). These are not fruit kolaches, but sausage, ham, cheese, etc. that you can eat for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. They are said to be quite good. Map (Takeout only 11-21-21)
Gazali’s–15700 Hickman Rd. (Lebanese) Open daily except Sun evening. Authentic food. Has specials of halal meat (depending on what is available). Family run and does not dumb down the food to appeal to a mass market. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
St Kilda Cafe–12695 University Ave. (Australian) Open daily 8 am to 4 pm. I found this by doing a search for thick cut bacon, but I found a very popular restaurant with upscale food but not fine dining prices. Has Australian iced coffee, breakfast tacos, corn fritters, cheddar chive biscuit sandwich, and many other unusual (but highly rated) items. Their bacon is said to be good as well. Has a location in Des Moines, but this one has the highest ratings on Google Maps. Map (Dining room is open 8-20-22)
Council Bluffs
La Carreta Rosa–622 S. Main St. (Mexican) Closed Tue. Has both American and Mexican style tacos (which seem to be the real deal). It seems that for other items you can get the authentic style if you want it. Reviewers say this is definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Omaha area. Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
Davenport
California Pho–3559 W. Kimberly Rd. (Vietnamese) Closed Tue. Very popular and highly rated restaurant. Many like the vegetarian pho–even those who are not vegetarians. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Exotic Thai–2303 E. 53rd St. (Thai) Closed Mon (and closed from 2 to 4 pm). NE Thai style (Isan). Also in Moline, IL. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Village Corner Deli–1030 Mound St. (Sandwiches) Lunch only (closed Sun). They pay as much attention to the bread as to the meats, and this is one thing that makes them popular. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Des Moines
A-Dong–1511 High St. (Vietnamese) Closed Mon. Authentic Vietnamese with a large menu. Map (Dining room is open 8-23-22)
El Salvadoreño–1234 E. Euclid Ave. (Salvadoran) Open daily except Sun evening. Biggest seller is pupusa, and people like the plantains. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Hessen Haus–101 SW 4th St. (German) Open 11 am to midnight (2 am on Fri & Sat). Reviewers who have been to Germany say this restaurant gives you a German experience (also has some items from Austria). Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
Local Bites Food Court–700 Locust St. (Food Court) Lunch only (closed Sat & Sun). I found this by searching for Indian food (India Pointe is here). I don’t know what other restaurants/food stalls are here, but they seem to give you good food at low prices (but you will get it on paper plates). Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Pho All Seasons–1311 E. Euclid Ave. (Vietnamese) Lunch only (open daily). Reviews indicate that it is not quite authentic, but the pho is very popular. People also like the atmosphere and the service. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Proof–1301 Locust St. (New American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Fine dining restaurant, but has the advantage that prices in Iowa seem to be much lower than comparable restaurants in other areas. Serves Iowa steak, but other items are Spanish influenced (such as Spanish pork loin). Map (Dining room is open 8-23-22)
Dubuque
Europa Haus–1301 Rhomberg Ave. (German) Closed Sun; closed Mon evening & Tue evening. Wienerschnitzel, cabbage soup, red cabbage, beef rouladin, bratwurst, goulash, chocolate cake, and ice cream are recommended (but schnitzel is particularly popular). Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
Lina’s Thai Bistro–2055 Holliday Dr. (Thai) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Good flavor and spices, but some say the meat is obviously from factory farms and poor quality (so vegetarian meals may be recommended). Most say this is the most authentic Asian food in Dubuque. Map (Dining room is open 9-21-21)
Fairfield
Addis Ethiopian Cuisine–200 N. Main St. (Ethiopian) Lunch only (closed Sat & Sun). Very good reviews. Has choice of vegetarian or meat items. My experience with Ethiopian food is that it is spicy but reviewers here do not mention it–perhaps you should ask for it if you want it. Map (Dining room is open 4-28-22)
Gupta Vegetarian–51 S. Court St. (Indian) Lunch only (closed Sat & Sun). Excellent reviews which say the food tastes home cooked. It might be authentic because of the fact that Fairfield is home to the Maharishi University. Map (Dining room is open 4-28-22)
Istanbul Grill–50 S. 2nd St. (Turkish) Closed Sun evening & Mon (and closed from 2 to 5 pm). Serves Turkish kebabs along with hummus, falafel, and other Middle Eastern dishes. Map (Dining room is open 4-28-22)
Noodle House–59 N. Court St. (Lao) Lunch Mon-Fri; Dinner Mon & Tue. Noodle soup and green curry are said to be especially good. This is one of several Asian restaurants in town that seem to be good, but it may be the one with the best reviews (but other places will also be good and be open more hours). Map (Dining room is open 4-28-22)
Farragut
Harbor Inn–610 Hartford Ave. (American) Open 6 am to 2 pm Mon-Sat; 1-7 pm Sun. Jane & Michael Stern recommended this restaurant in their Roadfood book, but it was then called Anchor Inn. I think this new nautically named restaurant is the same place, and seems to still have the same cinnamon rolls, chicken fried steak, Polish sausage with sauerkraut, and pies that the Sterns recommended. Now, though, the steak, prime rib, and beer garden are especially recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-19-22)
Fort Dodge
Gaga & Hoo Korean–368 Country Club Dr. (Korean) Closed Sat lunch & Sun (and closed from 2 to 5 pm). Good reviews, and photos make it look genuinely interesting. Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Hacienda Vieja–217 S. 25th St. (Mexican) Open Daily. Urbanspoon indicated it was authentic, but not so much on Yelp. To me it looks better than average (especially for the Midwest). Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Iowa City
Hamburg Inn No. 2–214 N. Linn St. (American) Open daily 7 am to 8 pm. Recommended in the Roadfood guide by Jane & Michael Stern published in 1992, but in this case I will go with the more up-to-date reviews which say to get the more upscale items (eggs Benedict, garden Florentine omelet, etc.). Pie shake is recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-19-22)
Her Soup Kitchen–625 S. Dubuque St. (Soup & Sandwich) Lunch only (open Tue-Fri). I wanted to include an American restaurant on the list, and this one had very good reviews–it seems that if you are not a big fan of soup and sandwiches, this place will surprise you and exceed any expectations you probably have. Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Jiang Hu Asian Street Food–110 E. Court St. (Chinese) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Mon). Xian street food that reviewers say is the closest thing to “real” Chinese food in Iowa City. Good reviews, but descriptions of items are a little hard to follow. Most of the food is spicy, but you can make it more spicy by adding your own chiles (if you want it authentic Chinese style). One reviewer who has tried multiple items recommends sao zi as possibly the best item. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack–1940 Lower Muscatine Rd. (BBQ) Open Daily. Many think this is one of the best or the best BBQ restaurant in Iowa. Popular items include fatty beef brisket, ribs, and honey cornbread. Map (Dining room is open 9-29-22)
Oasis Falafel–206 N. Linn St. (Middle Eastern) Open Daily. Falafel is the signature dish, but other items such as hummus, kafta, etc. are good also. I like the fact that vegetarian meals get as good reviews as the meat items. Also in Omaha. Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
Soseki Cafe–227 S. Dubuque St. (Japanese) Closed Mon. A sushi restaurant that also has with ramen, teppanyaki, and hot pot. Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Thai Spice–1210 S. Gilbert St. (Thai) Open daily except Sun lunch (closed from 2 to 4:30 pm). Very popular and overwhelmingly good reviews. Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Le Mars
Archie’s Waeside–224 4th Ave. NE (American) Dinner only (open Wed-Sat). Has a varied menu of American dishes, but reviewers say the notable item here is the steak (it is dry aged and they say it is definitely some of the best in Iowa). Map (Dining room is open 1-14-22)
Bob’s Drive-Inn–Hwy 75 S. (Hot Dogs) Open Daily (some sources say it’s closed in winter). Hot dog with loose meat is the specialty. Also has other items such as taco salad and chicken strips. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Mason City
Village Court–687 S. Taft Ave. (American) Open daily 6 am to 9 pm. Seems to be more upscale than most of the local restaurants (not as much fried food here). Some reviewers say this is the kind of food you want to get in the chains (like Perkins) but the food here is more flavorful and cheaper. Map (Dining room is open 1-14-22)
Mount Pleasant
Costas Pizza–115 S. Jefferson St. (Pizza) Closed Sun & Mon (and closed from 2 to 4:30 pm). Greek pizza is supposedly very popular in SE Iowa, and this place has the two kinds I have read about–Greek style (with gyro and feta) and Mediterranean (made with the very distinct olive oil flavor). Map (Dining room is open 4-28-22)
Ottumwa
Garnacheria Y Taqueria Ebenezer–233 N. Ebenezer Ave. (Guatemalan) Seems to be open Thu-Sat but I’m not sure. Small place with home cooked style food. Tamales and soup (caldo) are sometimes served as a daily special. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Juanita’s–537 Church St. (Salvadoran) Closed Tue & Wed. Small restaurant with authentic Central American food that is very popular with customers. Pupusas. Map (Dining room is open 1-14-22)
Remsen
Golden Pheasant–44028 Hwy 3 (Steaks) Dinner only (closed Mon & Tue). Many say it’s the best steak in the western Iowa/Omaha area. Located just e. of Le Mars. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Sioux City
Da Kao–800 W. 7th St. (Vietnamese) Open daily 10 am to 8 pm. Authentic with good food, according to many. Many say the pho lacks flavor, but they like other dishes such as Vietnamese pancakes (and they order the pho because it’s the best in the Sioux City area). Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Diamond Thai–515 W. 7th St. (Thai) Closed Mon. Small family run Thai that is cash only unless you spend over $15. Reviews are mixed but mostly good. Some say the food is not spicy enough and that the curry is runny (but noodles and stir fried dishes seem to be popular). Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Shahi Palace–3146 Singing Hills Blvd. (Indian) Dinner daily; lunch Fri-Sun. Said to be one of the better restaurants in SC. Some comments say some will have to ask for high spice levels to get it they way they want. Map (Dining room is open 12-19-21)
Table 32–100 S. Virginia St. (New American) Closed Sat lunch & Sun (closed from 2 to 4 pm). With a good selection of items and good reviews for them, the result is a very popular restaurant. Some popular items include lobster bisque, steak sandwich, pork chop, chicken remoulade, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Note: South Sioux City, Neb. has the best reviews for Mexican food (Mi Rancherita and others)
Spirit Lake
Gingham Inn–100 Hill Ave. (American) Summer Hours: dinner Wed-Sat; Sun 11 am to 7 pm, Winter Hours: 4 to 7pm Thu-Sat; 11 am to 7 pm on Sun. Specializes in pan fried chicken. Peach pie is also recommended. Reviewers say skip the salad bar unless it comes with your meal. Map (Takeout only–has outdoor picnic table 11-21-21)
Storm Lake
Asian Snack Shack–504 Erie St. (Lao) Open daily to 7 pm. All meals are served in to-go packages, and reviewers say they are delicious. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
La Isla–723 Lake Ave. N. (Mexican) Open Daily. Specializes in seafood–fish taco are said to be good (along with a number of other dishes). Map (Dining room is open 1-2-22)
Lakeshore Pho–523 Erie St. (Vietnamese) Closed Tue (and closed from 2 to 4 pm). Reviewers say it is also Thai, and that the pad thai is probably the best dish here. Pho is beef and it looks as if they don’t have other varieties (chicken, vegetarian, etc.). Reviewers say if you get takeout check the order for all the sauce and condiments you are supposed to have. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Sully
Coffee Cup Cafe–616 4th St. (American) Breakfast Tue-Sat; Lunch (to 1:30 pm) Mon-Sat; Dinner Fri. A Roadfood find in a small town–banana bread, meatloaf, and ‘Dutch lettuce” (salad with hot mustard and celery seed dressing with hard boiled egg and bacon) are recommended. Fri. night they have pizza. Map (Dining room is open 11-19-22)
Waterloo
Newton’s Paradise Cafe–128 E. 4th St. (New American) Closed Sun evening & Mon. Typical Iowa cuisine, but it’s locally sourced. BLT is popular. Best time to come seems to be breakfast (opens 6am). Map (Dining room is open 8-31-21)
Rudy’s Tacos–2401 Falls Ave. (Mexican) Closed Sun. Has Americanized Mexican food, but it appears to also have authentic food if you want it (mainly tacos & burritos). Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
West Des Moines
Banana Leaf–5515 Mills Civic Pkwy. (Thai) Open daily (closed from 2 to 5 pm). Although it has sushi and apparently some Americanized Chinese dishes, its primary focus is Thai food (and it has good reviews). Basil dishes are said to be good. Map (Dining room is open 11-21-21)
Heavenly Asian Cuisine–225 5th St. (Chinese) Closed Mon (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm). Authentic Chinese food (owners are from Shanghai but food includes Sichuan style, northern Chinese, and Cantonese style dim sum). Tangerine chicken is one of their popular dishes. Map (Takeout and delivery only 11-21-21)
Mi Patria–1410 22nd St. (Ecuadorian) Closed Sun. Said to be authentic by those who have lived in Ecuador. Possible pitfall is that some of the food may be Peruvian and not as good as the Ecuadorean dishes. Map (Dining room is open 3-12-24)
- For additional explanation of this list see Index
- Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions.
James Beard Foundation America’s Classics
The following are locally owned restaurants that are distinguished by their timeless appeal, and which serve quality food that represents the character of their communities:
- Le Mars: Archie’s Waeside–224 4th Ave. NE
- Sherrill: Breitbach’s Country Dining–563 Balltown Rd. (located in the town of Balltown)
Note About “50 States, 50 Dishes” (Condé Nast)
Condé Nast published an article on Jul. 3, 2018 using various sources to compile a “list of the dishes that capture the hearts, souls, and (oh, yes) stomachs of these 50 states (plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico), and where you should order them.” For Iowa it was dry-cured bacon, with the bacon from Vande Rose Farms being the most well known. It is “smoky and sweet (thanks to a hand-rubbed mixture of brown sugar, pepper, and salt).” It is probably served in many restaurants without the customers knowing it came from this particular farm, and I suspect that the bacon from other farms is very similar. The Vande Rose Farms bacon is available in a number of grocery stores in the area.
Note About “50 States, 50 Cuisines” (Condé Nast)
Condé Nast published an article on Sep. 14, 2020 explaining how they set out to go beyond a previous article that had identified the signature dish for each state, and to find food that goes beyond the classics and “to highlight a cuisine worth traveling to each state for, much of which you truly can’t get anywhere else.” For Iowa it was Czech cuisine centered in Cedar Rapids (which has the highest percentage of people with Czech heritage of any city its size in the United States). It gave honorable mention to Vietnamese cuisine that resulted from Iowa being one of the first states to resettle Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s.
Rodina in Cedar Rapids serves Czech cuisine, while Sykora Bakery sells oven-warm kolaches. For Vietnamese dishes (including vermicelli noodle bowls) Des Moines has a number of spots including Pho All Seasons and A Dong.
Closed (Formerly on the Restaurant Guide)
- Appanoose Rapids–332 E. Main St., Ottumwa (closed 2022) Steak house with tenderloin, burgers, and chicken marsala
- Sun Cafe–953 S. Riverside Dr., Iowa City (closed 2022) The consensus of reviewers was that this may have been the best Vietnamese restaurant in Iowa City.
- Taste Place–223 Welch Ave., Ames (closed 2021) Reviewers said this was the most authentic Chinese food in Iowa (Sichuan style said to be hardcore, with some dishes served in hot chile oil)
Sources:
James Beard Foundation (America’s Classics Award Winners)
Chowhound (former web site)
Condé Nast Traveler “50 States, 50 Cuisines: The Food Worth Traveling For in Every State”
Condé Nast Traveler, “50 States, 50 Dishes: America’s Favorite Foods and Where to Get Them”
Des Moines Register “Eat Your Way through Cedar Rapids”
Google Maps
Lovefood.com “The Best Barbecue Restaurant in Every US State”
Jane & Michael Stern, “Roadfood,” New York: HarperPerennial, 1992.
Urbanspoon.com (former web site which I used for preliminary research)