The best restaurants in Ankeny

48 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 48 places · showing the latest additions first

Family-style eatery for Italian dishes ranging from pizza to sausage sandwiches, plus beer and wine.

2820 Hubbell Ave (Des Moines)

Family-style eatery for Italian dishes ranging from pizza to sausage sandwiches, plus beer and wine.

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Restaurant serving classic Mexican dishes, plus margaritas, in a casual setting.

87 Paine St SE #6 (Bondurant)

Restaurant serving classic Mexican dishes, plus margaritas, in a casual setting.

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Abbie's

Restaurants

Pizza parlor serving onion rings, meatballs and sandwiches, plus friendly staff.

210 Lincoln St NE (Bondurant)

Pizza parlor serving onion rings, meatballs and sandwiches, plus friendly staff.

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Breadeaux Pizza

Restaurants

Low-key pizza chain serving up classic & creative varieties on chewy, French-bread-style crusts.

825 17th Ave SW (Altoona)

Low-key pizza chain serving up classic & creative varieties on chewy, French-bread-style crusts.

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Wide-ranging Japanese cooking, from sushi rolls and bento boxes to hibachi meals, in a cozy atmosphere.

1620 N Ankeny Blvd Ste 114

Wide-ranging Japanese cooking, from sushi rolls and bento boxes to hibachi meals, in a cozy atmosphere.

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Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.

3418 8th St SW Ste 5 (Altoona)

Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.

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Mexican eatery with an informal vibe that serves all manner of classic dishes, along with cocktails and patio seating.

4450 E University Ave (Pleasant Hill)

Mexican eatery with an informal vibe that serves all manner of classic dishes, along with cocktails and patio seating.

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Relaxed Italian spot with a kids' menu, wine list and takeaway pizza.

711 S Ankeny Blvd

Relaxed Italian spot with a kids' menu, wine list and takeaway pizza.

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Pizza Ranch

Restaurants

Buffet chain offering pizza, fried chicken & classic American sides in an Old West-themed setting.

465 Center Pl (Altoona)

Buffet chain offering pizza, fried chicken & classic American sides in an Old West-themed setting.

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Roots95

Restaurants

Relaxed fixture for a menu of burgers, steaks, and salads alongside a beer list and cocktails.

8705 Chambery Blvd #700 (Johnston)

Relaxed fixture for a menu of burgers, steaks, and salads alongside a beer list and cocktails.

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Relaxed restaurant presenting an array of fajitas, margaritas, and other staples of Mexican cuisine.

3215 Adventureland Dr (Altoona)

Relaxed restaurant presenting an array of fajitas, margaritas, and other staples of Mexican cuisine.

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Thin-crust pizzas, pasta & flatbread sandwiches served in a no-frills setting.

104 3rd St SE (Altoona)

Thin-crust pizzas, pasta & flatbread sandwiches served in a no-frills setting.

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NYC-style pizzeria dishing out a variety of pies, including by the slice, as well as pasta dishes and other eats like lasagna, calzones,…

1802 N Ankeny Blvd Ste 100A

NYC-style pizzeria dishing out a variety of pies, including by the slice, as well as pasta dishes and other eats like lasagna, calzones, and pizzas.

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Steaks, Italian dishes & cocktails served in upscale, supper club-like environs with a sleek bar.

550 Bass Pro Dr NW (Altoona)

Steaks, Italian dishes & cocktails served in upscale, supper club-like environs with a sleek bar.

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Cozy Japanese restaurant offering comfort food such as spicy beef ramen.

2732 SE Delaware Ave Ste 310

Cozy Japanese restaurant offering comfort food such as spicy beef ramen.

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Culver’s

Restaurants

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

2305 SE Delaware Ave

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

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Casual eatery featuring burgers, flatbreads and chicken wings plus beer and cocktails.

1300 NW 36th St Ste 101

Casual eatery featuring burgers, flatbreads and chicken wings plus beer and cocktails.

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30hop

Restaurants

Relaxed restaurant offering a rotating selection of craft beer, seasonal menus, and cocktails.

1535 SW Market St Ste 100

Relaxed restaurant offering a rotating selection of craft beer, seasonal menus, and cocktails.

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Casual, kid-friendly spot with a rooftop patio dishing up burgers and wings along with cocktails, wine and beer.

617 SW 3rd St Ste 103

Casual, kid-friendly spot with a rooftop patio dishing up burgers and wings along with cocktails, wine and beer.

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Chick-fil-A

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

2410 SE Delaware Ave

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

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Slim Chickens

Restaurants

Counter-serve chain specializing in chicken dishes, plus Southern sides & desserts served in jars.

1730 N Ankeny Blvd

Counter-serve chain specializing in chicken dishes, plus Southern sides & desserts served in jars.

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Casual restaurant serving breakfast and comfort food favorites such as chicken fried steak.

1520 S Ankeny Blvd

Casual restaurant serving breakfast and comfort food favorites such as chicken fried steak.

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Hawker's Kitchen

Restaurants

Asian eatery serving classics and street food from Singapore and Malaysia.

1975 N Ankeny Blvd Ste 101

Asian eatery serving classics and street food from Singapore and Malaysia.

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Purveyor

Restaurants

Purveyor pairs wine on tap with seasonal charcuterie and luxury baked goods from Doré Bakery, curated in a modern European-style market. Go…

505 E Grand Ave #105 (Des Moines)

Purveyor pairs wine on tap with seasonal charcuterie and luxury baked goods from Doré Bakery, curated in a modern European-style market. Go to explore unexpected pairings, stock an effortless hang, and feel-good sipping sustainably thanks to their free-flowing wine system.

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Casual restaurant, pancake house, waffle restaurant, coffee shop and brunch spot offering a menu of familiar breakfast items.

3221 Adventureland Dr (Altoona)

Casual restaurant, pancake house, waffle restaurant, coffee shop and brunch spot offering a menu of familiar breakfast items.

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Laid-back restaurant for burgers and sandwiches, plus beer and cocktails.

2331 University Ave (Des Moines)

Laid-back restaurant for burgers and sandwiches, plus beer and cocktails.

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The Iowa Taproom

Restaurants

Historic, industrial haunt with over 100 regional craft beers & locally sourced New American fare.

215 E 3rd St #100 (Des Moines)

Historic, industrial haunt with over 100 regional craft beers & locally sourced New American fare.

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Simon's

Restaurants

Polished bistro & bar serving American & Italian classics, from steak to spaghetti & meatballs.

5800 Franklin Ave (Des Moines)

Polished bistro & bar serving American & Italian classics, from steak to spaghetti & meatballs.

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The Continental

Restaurants

Stylish lounge decorated with contemporary art & featuring cocktails, tapas & weekly jazz.

407 E 5th St (Des Moines)

Stylish lounge decorated with contemporary art & featuring cocktails, tapas & weekly jazz.

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Alba Restaurant

Restaurants

Colorful, upscale American restaurant & wine bar with reclaimed doors hanging from the ceiling.

524 E 6th St (Des Moines)

Colorful, upscale American restaurant & wine bar with reclaimed doors hanging from the ceiling.

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Bar Nico

Restaurants

Modern Mexican eatery utilizing heirloom corn varietals for tacos and other gluten-free dishes.

428 E Locust St (Des Moines)

Modern Mexican eatery utilizing heirloom corn varietals for tacos and other gluten-free dishes.

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Pizzeria offering New York-style pies and other slices with classic toppings and inventive options, plus grinders, salads, pastas, chicken…

2330 University Ave (Des Moines)

Pizzeria offering New York-style pies and other slices with classic toppings and inventive options, plus grinders, salads, pastas, chicken wings and more.

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Wasabi Ankeny

Restaurants

Popular sushi restaurant with Japanese fare such as noodle dishes and pan-fried starters, plus bar.

1615 SW Main St #100

Popular sushi restaurant with Japanese fare such as noodle dishes and pan-fried starters, plus bar.

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Jethro's BBQ

Restaurants

Barbecue restaurant and sports bar offering comfort-food staples, plus beer and cocktails.

721 3rd St (Des Moines)

Barbecue restaurant and sports bar offering comfort-food staples, plus beer and cocktails.

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Roomy, laid-back eatery featuring food with Louisiana roots, TVs to catch the game & a deck.

615 3rd St (Des Moines)

Roomy, laid-back eatery featuring food with Louisiana roots, TVs to catch the game & a deck.

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Lucca

Restaurants

Chic outpost serving modern & traditional Italian dishes, some with North African influence.

420 E Locust St (Des Moines)

Chic outpost serving modern & traditional Italian dishes, some with North African influence.

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Ceviche Bar

Restaurants

Relaxed restaurant & bar serving Cuban fare & cocktails in a colorful, brick-walled space.

223 E Walnut St (Des Moines)

Relaxed restaurant & bar serving Cuban fare & cocktails in a colorful, brick-walled space.

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Wasabi Urbandale

Restaurants

Modern lounge featuring sushi, ramen and other Japanese eats.

2301 Rocklyn Dr (Urbandale)

Modern lounge featuring sushi, ramen and other Japanese eats.

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Landmark spot featuring a classic Italian menu & an extensive wine list in a country-villa setting.

2200 Hubbell Ave (Des Moines)

Landmark spot featuring a classic Italian menu & an extensive wine list in a country-villa setting.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

521 E 14th St (Des Moines)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Bubbies BBQ

Restaurants

Bright, casual eatery for barbecue staples such as brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus mac 'n' cheese and baked beans.

1802 N Ankeny Blvd #101

Bright, casual eatery for barbecue staples such as brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus mac 'n' cheese and baked beans.

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Fresko

Restaurants

Chill restaurant offering vegan, gluten-free & vegetarian fare, plus cocktails & draft beer.

909 Locust St Ste. 103 (Des Moines)

Chill restaurant offering vegan, gluten-free & vegetarian fare, plus cocktails & draft beer.

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Candlelit dinner spot serving modern, wine-paired Southern Italian fare in a Victorian mansion.

644 18th St (Des Moines)

Candlelit dinner spot serving modern, wine-paired Southern Italian fare in a Victorian mansion.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

3803 Merle Hay Rd (Des Moines)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Casual Italian joint with patio seating & a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches for eat-in or takeout.

6594 NW 6th Dr (Des Moines)

Casual Italian joint with patio seating & a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches for eat-in or takeout.

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

4345 Merle Hay Rd (Des Moines)

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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Fong's Pizza

Restaurants

Funky mash-up of an old-school Polynesian cocktail lounge & a red-sauce Italian joint.

317 E Court Ave (Des Moines)

Funky mash-up of an old-school Polynesian cocktail lounge & a red-sauce Italian joint.

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Christopher's

Restaurants

Family-owned standby for Italian & American grub in a laid-back space with a sporty vibe in the bar.

2816 Beaver Ave (Des Moines)

Family-owned standby for Italian & American grub in a laid-back space with a sporty vibe in the bar.

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