These 11 Extremely Tiny Restaurants In Iowa Are Actually Amazing
There’s the old saying that “good things come in small packages.” That’s definitely the case with these tiny, unassuming restaurants. From Thai to American, to French and Ukrainian, these 11 extremely tiny restaurants in Iowa serve up big flavor in tiny spaces.


This tiny restaurant is really something special. They feature inventive dishes with a variety of fresh ingredients, like trout, pasta, filet and delicious key lime pie.
Advertisement

Sun Cafe is a Vietnamese restaurant serving up tasty, authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, bahn mi, spring rolls and roast duck.
Advertisement


The Canteen is a local fixture in Ottumwa. With only 16 stools at a horseshoe-shaped counter, it’s definitely tiny. They make a classic Midwestern loose-meat sandwich, and they also serve amazing malts and pies.


Diamond Thai has a large menu and serves traditional Thai dishes, like pad Thai, curries, fresh spring rolls and honey roasted duck.

Advertisement

Taylor’s Maid-Rite makes those delicious and iconic loose-meat sandwiches that we Iowans love so much. They have been in business for over 80 years and serve fresh ground, 100% Iowa beef.


This grocery store has a tiny restaurant area in the back, and they serve amazing Middle Eastern dishes, like gyros, falafel, samosas and seasoned meat dishes with tzatziki and basmati rice.


Located in a strip mall, this restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but don’t be fooled. Chez Grace is an elegant, intimate restaurant serving amazing French food with a huge wine list.
Advertisement


Opened by a man who moved to Cedar Rapids and missed the Cuban favorites he grew up on, the lost Cuban serves mouth-watering Cuban food in a tiny, hole-in-the-wall space in downtown Cedar Rapids.


This minimalist, intimate restaurant serves upscale Mediterranean dishes in a beautiful atmosphere. With dishes like ribeye with pickled onion, hummus and greens or lamb spiedini, it's hard to go wrong with this restaurant.

Advertisement

The Lincoln Wine Bar contains a small restaurant that serves some of the best wood-fired pizza in the state. With fresh ingredients like handmade sausage and local vegetables, get ready for a memorable meal.


Europa Cafe is a cozy little spot in Dubuque that serves amazing authentic Ukrainian dishes like homemade borscht soup, goulash and beef stroganoff.
Have you been to any of these spots? What did you think? For more amazing food experiences in Iowa, check out these 11 ‘Hole In The Wall’ Restaurants In Iowa That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.