The Best Restaurants In Ankeny, Iowa

The Bear Restaurant and Wine Bar is a lovely venue, offering guests a casual yet fine-dining experience perfect for any occasion. Must-try options include the lunch favorite smoked prime rib Philly made with shaved prime rib topped with sautéed onions, roasted poblano peppers, and aged provolone all on a toasted hoagie and the Maple Leaf Farms duck seared with a sun-dried cherry sauce, crimini mushrooms, and roasted poblano peppers accompanied by grilled zucchini and wild rice.

Cafe Diem is a family-owned café with a relaxing atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends or getting some work done. As well as great coffee, the cafe also offers a wide range of snacks. Some of the tasty options visitors might find include scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and bagels, sandwiches, including the ever-popular chicken salad sandwich with a twist, plus soups and salads. Dessert can also be found in the way of freshly baked cookies.

Founded in Des Moines in the 1960s, Leaning Tower of Pizza moved its operation to Ankeny in the 1970s. Within a bright, lively environment, complete with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, diners can sample homemade dishes from the restaurants famous pizzas to sandwiches and pastas, all made with the best ingredients available. Something to suit every taste, highlights include the veggie alfredo pizza topped with mushrooms, sweet red peppers, onions, and tomatoes plus alfredo sauce, Charlie’s pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers, and mac ‘n cheese with a white cheese sauce.

A wonderful spot to enjoy a relaxing meal with family and friends, Main Street Café and Bakery specializes in tasty baked goods. The triple berry French toast or any one of the scrambles are great options to begin the day while the lunch crowd can enjoy a fresh salad, including the steak gorgonzola salad, sandwich, or naan flatbread, such as the veggie option with cream cheese, red onions, red peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheddar.

Sorriso Grille is a friendly place, specializing in American fare. Delighting guests with home-style dishes, this casual, family-owned and operated restaurant features a selection of comforting dishes that are sure to satisfy the hungriest of appetites. The bacon and eggs served with crispy hash browns and toast and the reuben sandwich with house-made chips get great reviews. Daily specials are available during the week with the hot beef sandwich topped with mashed potatoes and smothered with gravy accompanied by green beans being a popular choice. Desserts are often available as well.

Established in 1961 by Richard and Antonia Mosqueda, Tasty Tacos has grown to become a small, local chain within the Des Moines area. Featuring flavorful Mexican cuisine, this laid-back joint entices customers with its budget-friendly options. Known for their flour tacos, which feature a tortilla shell stuffed with meat or beans plus lettuce and cheese, the menu also offers corn tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos, salads and more. A host of side dishes are also available, including refried beans, Spanish rice, and guacamole and chips. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts, such as krispos or fried flour chips sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and served with honey, are also on the menu.

Fish and seafood lovers will enjoy the Waterfront Seafood Market with its fresh catches transformed into succulent dishes. Opened in 2008 by the Hanke family, the Market procures the freshest fish and seafood,it’s flown in, directly from fishermen when possible and makes everything to order. The blackened catfish with a choice of two side dishes, including sweet potato, rice pilaf, or steamed vegetables, or the potato-encrusted halibut served with a choice of sides are two excellent choices.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.