05/31/2026
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Ankeny, Iowa 🍴
Ankeny’s food scene has exploded over the last few years. What used to be a quick suburb north of Des Moines is now packed with local favorites, hidden gems, craft kitchens, and family-owned restaurants that locals rave about. Whether you’re grabbing brunch after a youth soccer game at Prairie Ridge Sports Complex, meeting friends in Prairie Trail, or house hunting around town with Attain RE, these restaurants are part of what makes Ankeny one of the hottest communities in Central Iowa.
Here’s a local-style breakdown of the top restaurants you need to try in Ankeny right now.
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1. Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta
If you know Ankeny, you know Nonna’s. This place has become one of the city’s most talked-about pizza spots with authentic New York-style pizza, incredible pasta dishes, and one of the best casual atmospheres in town. Their pizza-by-the-slice lunch is legendary locally.
Website: https://nonnaspizzapastas.com/
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2. The Breakfast Club
Weekend brunch in Ankeny basically starts here. The Breakfast Club is always buzzing with locals grabbing oversized pancakes, loaded breakfast skillets, and craft coffee. If you’re moving to Ankeny, this becomes part of your Saturday routine fast.
Website: http://thebreakfastclubusa.com 
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3. Spice Rasta Indian Grill & Bar
One of the highest-rated restaurants in the metro, Spice Rasta has quietly built a cult following in Ankeny. The flavors are incredible, and locals consistently rank it among the best Indian food in Central Iowa.
Website: http://spicerastaankeny.com
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4. Hawker’s Kitchen
This is one of Ankeny’s true hidden gems. Hawker’s Kitchen brings authentic Asian street food flavors to the north metro and has become a foodie favorite for locals wanting something different from the usual chain restaurants.
Website: http://hawkers-kitchen.com
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5. Trailside Tap
Located in Uptown Ankeny, Trailside Tap nails the local gastropub vibe. Great burgers, rotating craft beer selections, and a laid-back atmosphere make this one a local staple after work or during football season.
Website: http://trailsidetap.com
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6. District 36 Wine Bar & Grille
Prairie Trail keeps growing, and District 36 is one of the reasons why. If you’re looking for upscale dining in Ankeny without driving downtown Des Moines, this is the spot. Perfect for date nights, client dinners, or celebrations.
Website: http://district36winebar.com
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7. Main Street Cafe & Bakery
Ankeny locals swear by the cinnamon rolls here. Main Street Cafe has become a breakfast and brunch institution for longtime residents and newcomers alike. Small-town hospitality meets great homemade comfort food.
Website: http://mainstreetcafeandbakery.com
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8. Waterfront Seafood Market
Seafood in Iowa? Absolutely. Waterfront Seafood Market continues to be one of the most consistent restaurants in Ankeny with fresh seafood flown in regularly and a strong local following.
Website: http://waterfrontseafoodmarket.com
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9. Leaning Tower of Pizza
This place is old-school Ankeny. Before all the rapid growth and Prairie Trail expansion, Leaning Tower was already serving thin crust pizza to generations of locals. It’s nostalgic, affordable, and still packed on weekends.
Website: http://ltpizza.com
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10. Curbin Cuisine
After relocating from Beaverdale to Ankeny, Curbin Cuisine has become one of the city’s hottest casual food spots. Their creative burgers and comfort food dishes are constantly talked about in local foodie circles.
Website: http://curbincuisine.com
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Why Ankeny’s Restaurant Scene Keeps Growing
The growth of Ankeny isn’t slowing down. Between Prairie Trail development, new housing communities, youth sports traffic, and continued expansion north of Des Moines, restaurants in Ankeny continue to thrive.
Locals love that Ankeny still has a hometown feel while offering food options that rival much larger cities. From locally-owned breakfast spots to upscale wine bars and international cuisine, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Ankeny or buying a home in the north metro, the food scene is honestly one of the underrated perks. Around here, supporting local businesses is part of the culture — and these restaurants are helping define what makes Ankeny special.