Nothing beats the taste of fresh, authentic Italian cuisine, and in Iowa, we are lucky to enjoy it at several restaurants. However, great Italian food is so much more than just pizza and pasta. Hence, if you're looking for the closest thing to a taste of Italy that you can find in the Midwest, consider one of these restaurants. Buon appetito!
1. Basta Pizzeria Ristorante, Iowa City, Iowa
Well recognized in the Iowa City community as some of the best pasta purveyors in the state, Basta is Italian for "enough," or loosely translated, "just right." If you find yourself at this casual and modern Italian Ristorante, you'll understand the meaning after a single bite of their freshly made meals. Served with authentic recipes and local flavors, you'll find what you exactly need at Basta of Iowa City.
- Location: 121 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
- Website: https://www.bastaiowacity.com/
- Phone: (319) 337-2010
- Store Hours: Mon-Wed 3pm - 9pm / Thur-Sun 11am - 9pm
2. Napoli's Italian Ristorante, Marion, Iowa
You can find a full menu of all your favorites at Napoli's of Marion, a locally owned, authentic Italian ristorante. Owned and operated by two brothers, this fan-favorite Italian Ristorante comes straight from Naples and makes their wide food selection. Regardless of what you order, popular favorites include pasta primavera, fettuccine bravissimo, and penne bolognese. You can dine al fresco on the patio at Napoli's. Now is one of the best times of year to check it out.
- Location: 500 Marion Blvd., Marion, IA 52302
- Website: https://www.napolimarion.com/
- Phone: 319 - 377 - 2100
- Store Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am - 8pm / Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
3. Spaghetti Works, Des Moines, Iowa
A Des Moines institution of great pasta and side dishes, Spaghetti Works, is in the historic Court Avenue neighborhood and lends excellent access to many surrounding attractions. The ambiance is half of the fun at Spaghetti Works, and the menu items comprise the other half. Popular favorites, including the vast salad bar options, include classic spaghetti and meatballs, signature sauces, and a specialty Hot Italian Pie. The Spaghetti Works is located in downtown Des Moines' historic Court Avenue District. Located in a renovated 19th-century building, the restaurant has a distinctive setting.
- Location: 310 Court Ave. , Des Moines, IA 50309
- Website: https://spagworks.com/
- Phone: (515) 243-2195
- Store Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:00am - 8:00pm / Fri-Sat 11:00am - 9:00pm
4. The Brown Bottle, Cedar Falls, Iowa
If you want to enjoy a classy night out along with your pasta, Brown Bottle of Cedar Falls is excellent for a special occasion, a weekly celebration, or just as a fun reason to get out of the house. With a long menu of savory flavors, including seafood lasagna, chili pepper penne, and roasted garlic pasta, the flavors don't stop with just the pasta offerings at the Brown Bottle.
The Brown Bottle has served delicious Italian food and made memories in the Cedar Valley for more than 40 years. They have been the go-to destination for a fun night out since 1972. From Waverly to Denver, Evansdale to Waterloo, our customers have made the restaurant a part of their traditions.
- Location: 1111 Center Street Cedar Falls, IA 50613
- Website: https://thebrownbottle.com/
- Phone: 319-266-2616
- Store Hours: Mon-Sat 4 pm–10 pm / Sun 4 pm–9 pm
5. Pasta Bella, Mason City, Iowa
Family-owned and operated, Pasta Bella of Mason City recently upgraded their serving space, and now alongside the classic Italian dishes you'd always expect to find, a comfortable atmosphere surrounds your entire meal. While the soups, appetizers, and salads are all worth some attention, it's the homemade baked pasta and hot dishes that get the mouth to salivate just sitting in the lobby.
- Location: 416 Indianhead Dr, Mason City, IA 50401
- Website: https://pastabellamasoncity.com/
- Phone: 641-201-1891
- Store Hours: Tues-Sun 11 am-10 pm
Please let us know more Italian restaurants in Iowa! Please share them in the comment section below!