The best restaurants in Urbandale

“Counter-serve chain dishing up Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos in lively environs.”

“When cravings hit and weeknights feel long, Taquizas Don Cuco steps up with no-fuss Mexican comfort and easy online ordering. It’s the kind of reliable, flavorful standby you keep in rotation, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or feeding a hungry crew.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Casual set-up offering traditional Mexican street fare with vegan options & ice cream at a counter.”

“Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.”

“F&O's / Felix and Oscars has been keeping Des Moines fed for roughly 50 years, turning out Chicago-style deep-dish that needs a fork and thin-crust that crackles, plus pastas and sandwiches. It’s the kind of unfussy pub vibe made for trivia nights, leftovers, and zero regrets.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 28, 2026

“Breakfast to dinner cravings, Faustinos Breakfast & Tacos delivers 19 tacos daily, breakfast plates, and fresh squeezed OJ or an ice-cold bottle Coke. Shake up the routine this week, order online, then happily debate which taco becomes your new go-to.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, August 28, 2026

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

“Mexican favorites & many flavors of margaritas in a casual space with traditional accents.”

“If your week needs a flavor lift, MinGaLaBar Burmese Kitchen nails the essentials with steaming bowls like Moh Hin Gar and Ohn No Khao Swe, bright tea leaf salad, and cozy curries, all from a welcoming family team. Perfect for weeknights or when hosting needs an easy catering win.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 24, 2026

“Casual restaurant serving familiar Thai, Chinese, and Japanese fare, including sushi.”

“Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.”

“VIVA Mexican Restaurant brings a lively, colorful-mural vibe, a full bar with TVs, and the kind of fajitas that announce themselves from two tables away. Go for authentic comfort dishes like chile rellenos and chimichangas, stay for the cocktails, and remember they cater and host private parties.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 13, 2026

“When your week needs some sizzle, Taki Japanese Steakhouse brings teppanyaki theatrics, a deep sushi lineup, and that lively, special-occasion energy locals love since 2002. Book a table, rally the crew, or let them cater the party, then just enjoy the waterfall of yum.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 7, 2026

“For weeknights when the kids are wiggly and you want zero fuss, Happy Joe's Pizza - Urbandale delivers with crust options, Mexican-inspired pies (hello, taco pizza), and oversized sundaes. Locally owned by Jeff Reid with easy carryout or delivery, it’s a trusty go-to when dinner should feel a little celebratory.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Pagliai's Pizza keeps it classic with thin-crust pies coming out of stone hearth ovens, house-made pork roast sausage, and a custom mozzarella blend, all on non-GMO Italian flour. Family recipes since 1957, plus delivery and catering, make it an easy Ankeny weeknight hero.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Casual, colorful Mexican cantina featuring a menu of traditional & health-focused picks.”

“Light-filled, modern chain branch serving up bento boxes, sushi and hot Japanese dishes.”

“Whether you’re craving Mexican favorites and a margarita, or just want a relaxed, pub-like hangout, El Barco Méxican Restaurant delivers with a colorful tiled bar and good value that makes it an easy local go-to. A solid, no-fuss standby when you want flavor, friendly vibes, and zero kitchen cleanup.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 27, 2026

“When the craving hits, Tavern Pizza & Pasta Grill keeps it classic with cracker-thin pies, grandma’s-secret-sauce pastas, and those dangerously good homemade onion rings.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, August 29, 2026

“El Patio is the kind of cozy, family-owned spot you end up calling your go-to for Mexican favorites, with a patio that begs for an unhurried meal when the weather cooperates. Simple, satisfying plates, friendly vibes, and zero fuss make it an easy choice for Des Moines folks.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 20, 2026

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

“When fajitas arrive still sizzling and the queso’s flowing, it’s your cue to hit Hidalgo Mexican Bar and Grill this week. Think Fajitas Hidalgo loaded with steak, chicken, and shrimp, choripollo drenched in cheese, shrimp tacos with queso fresco, and beans your way, plus a full bar to keep the conversation lively.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.”

“Pepp's Pizzeria does upside down pies with cheese under the sauce and a crust that actually lives up to the hype. Think ten classics, a weekly special, slices when the craving hits, lunch-only sandwiches on crust-made bread, plus surprise pizza parties for nominated teachers.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Viva Mexican Restaurant keeps it simple with familiar Mexican favorites and a laid-back vibe that just works on a weeknight, whether you land in Des Moines or Urbandale. Put it in the rotation when you want dinner to be easy, flavorful, and reliably satisfying.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet delivers 15+ sushi varieties, made-to-order hibachi, an authentic noodle station, and a dinner lineup heavy on seafood. Indecisive households rejoice, and yes, you can box up a buffet-to-go by weight when the couch is calling.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Down-to-earth Mexican joint with a large menu, including combo plates, lunch specials & margaritas.”

“Northern Lights Pizza (103) nails the last-bite test with their seasoned TastyCrust made your way, then keeps the cravings going with Amazingly Famous Garlic Butter Breadsticks, cavatelli, SkaDoozy Snacks, and the flatbread Slammich. Perfect weeknight fix when cooking feels... optional.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 28, 2026

“OPA! Italian & Greek is that family-run spot where housemade pastas, slow-cooked sauces, and warm garlic knots set the tone, then saganaki steals the show. When you want a cozy local that swings from gyros to gnocchi, with easy online ordering or a quick reservation for date night or a group, this place delivers.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing sticky-sauced wings, a classic burger, or a cold beer, The Station on Ingersoll nails high-quality bar food with a sports-obsessed vibe. Rally the crew, claim a table, and let them handle the snacks while you focus on the scoreboard.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, August 3, 2026

“All-you-can-eat spot serving sushi, hibachi and other Japanese favorites alongside Asian stir-fries and dumplings.”

“Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers is the Dogtown hang where the Burger of the Month keeps things interesting, August’s Chopped Cheese Burger is calling, and the patio doubles as a stage for local tunes and Geeks Who Drink. Drop by this week, grab a cold one or a cocktail, unwind, repeat.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Creative Mediterranean dishes & wood-fired pizza in a stylish space with reclaimed Iowa wood.”

“Since 1993, Cosi Cucina Italian Grill has been the weeknight go-to for eclectic, casual Italian that actually fills the plate. Think wood oven pizzas, specialty pastas, classic entrees, and house made desserts, all influenced by the Renzo family recipes, plus a wine list that makes Tuesday feel like a celebration.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 25, 2026

“Old-school neighborhood bar & eatery serving sandwiches & elevated American comfort food.”

“Oak Park leans into its on-site garden and local farmers for a seasonal, chef-driven menu that actually changes. If you’re feeling fancy, the Chef’s Table and a sommelier-led wine program with vintages back to 1990 turn dinner into an experience you’ll keep talking about.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Easygoing farm-themed operation offering traditional American dishes & a full bar.”

“When you want comfort with a little polish, Simon's, also known as J. Benjamin's, brings those Des Moines favorite vibes with American and Italian staples done right. Think shareable apps, hearty pasta, pizza, seafood, and house specialties that feel like a hug, then a high five.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.”

“NY-style thin crust that actually crackles, Sicilian squares when you want heft, and slices cooked to order make Dough Co. Pizza | Drake an easy weeknight win. Customize the dough, snag a sandwich or wings, pair it with a craft beer, and call their catering when the group chat spirals.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.”

“Wasabi Urbandale does the modern lounge thing right, serving sushi, slurpable ramen, and other Japanese favorites that make weeknights feel fancy without trying too hard. Easy online ordering, reservations, and even catering mean you can keep it chill or feed the whole crew.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Waveland Cafe is that small-town-at-heart spot locals swear by for big plates, personal service, and the kind of homestyle breakfast that makes weekday grinds tolerable. Their claim of the best breakfast in Des Moines and "best hashbrowns in the galaxy" isn’t subtle, but it is delicious.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 19, 2026

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

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

“BW Outdoors is the spot for pellet grills, smokers, and pizza ovens, plus the pellets, rubs, and gadgets to nail your cook. Run by Eagle Scout and tailgating pro Mike "Buck" Busch, they pair solid gear with real know-how so your patio hangs taste like victory.”

“When you want melted cheese joy without the fuss, Cheese Bar delivers with house-made charcuterie, to-die-for grilled cheeses, and cast-iron mac and cheese that hits like a warm blanket. Pair it with a cocktail, something from the taps, or a glass of wine, or go Swiss with fondue and raclette.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 27, 2026

“Christopher's has been a Beaverdale staple since 1963, serving Italian-American comfort like baked lasagna, zippy penne diavolo, and the house-favorite Steak De Burgo alongside a solid wine and local beer lineup.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Relaxed eateries serving slow-smoked meat dishes, from pulled pork, brisket and ribs to wings.”