Craving Pasta? Here are just a few of the most amazing places in Iowa to get a plate of the good stuff.
1. Billy Vee’s, 108 W Main St., Panora
The owners like to use local ingredients whenever possible, and their food is an excellent reflection of that standard. The Chicken Oscar, Grecko Pizza, and Cannoli all come highly recommended.
2. The Flour Mill, 4234 Main St., Elk Horn
This small town restaurant has excellent Penne Primavera and amazing Meatball Marinara. Their pizza crust is made in-house and is rumored to be the best in the state.
3. Pasta Bella, 416 Indianhead Dr., Mason City
If it’s your first visit, maximize your pasta exposure by ordering the sampler platter. It has manicotti, lasagna, and cannelloni, all of which seem to make the people who eat here very happy.
4. Leo’s Italian Restaurant, 29 S Frederick Ave, Oelwein
This Italian restaurant has been around since the early 1920s. The lasagna is delicious, as is their manicotti. It’s in a quaint area of downtown, so the atmosphere is nice, as well.
5. Basta, 121 Iowa Ave, Iowa City
Feeling adventurous? Try the Blue Crab Spaghetti. The Spicy Sausage Orecchiette has a welcome kick and is a favorite.
6. Red Vespa, 208 E Main St., Solon
The pizza is wood-fired in authentic Neapolitan style. For pasta lovers, the Pappardelle Bolognese or Spaghetti and Meatballs won’t disappoint.
7. La Tavola Italian Restaurant & Pizza, 316 N 4th St., Burlington
Try the Lobster Ravioli. The marinara sauce is made fresh every day, so you can’t go wrong.
8. Centro, 1003 Locust St., Des Moines
It’s on the main floor of a renovated Masonic Temple, so if you are trying to impress someone, this is the place to go. The food is amazing. For real comfort food, just go for the Mac-n-Cheese Pasta. It’s less expensive than Applebee’s, so replace your favorite chain dinner restaurant for this place.
9. Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan’s Bar, 101 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
This restaurant is inside an old bank, and the vaults are private dining rooms. Come for the art, the ambiance, and the pasta. Everything here is made from scratch on-site. You can’t go wrong.
10. Lucca, 420 E Locust St., Des Moines
If you are looking for a hip new vibe and traditional food with a bit of a twist, this is a great choice. It’s a fun place to try a few new dishes.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.