If you love pizza, Iowa has much more waiting than just your favorite corner slice. From classic Italian-style pizza that’s been made the same way for decades to unique toppings for modern flatbreads, the cities and towns of Iowa are hiding many unforgettable twists on this all-American favorite. Join us for the ultimate Iowa road trip to find the state’s best pizza.
How big is your stomach? The ultimate Iowa pizza road trip covers over five hundred miles and can be accomplished in a long day - if you’re really hungry.
Self-Generated/Google Maps
Start your journey in northern Iowa in always-popular Decorah, where Mabe’s Pizza awaits. This 1953 restaurant is known for its distinctive square-sliced pies.
Mabe’s Pizza/Facebook
Mabe’s is one of the more old-school restaurants on this list but has regular specialties. Their flavorful veggie pie is a favorite among vegetarian students.
GailCheryl/TripAdvisor
Your next stop is in Durango, in another world. You’ll be stunned by the beauty of the countryside as you approach Park Farm Winery
Mhaden1987/TripAdvisor
This restaurant specializes in original wood-fired pies paired with top-tier wines. This Spicy Italian is a special to watch out for!
Park Farm Winery/Facebook
A & A Pagliai’s Pizza in Iowa City is still serving pizzas made from a 1914 recipe out of its humble storefront.
Kent H/TripAdvisor
You won’t find trendy ingredients here, but what you will find is a crackling thin crust topped with all the flavorful classics.
Amy L/TripAdvisor
The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Co. in Ames is known for its Western atmosphere, but the food at this pizza is definitely modern.
Great Plains Sauce and Dough Co./Facebook
The most unique feature at this pizzeria is its six different crust options - including their signature puffy crust.
S2Sink/TripAdvisor
You might have encountered some unique pizzas before - but you’ve never seen what the mad geniuses at Zipp’s Pizzaria in Adair are cooking up.
Management/TripAdvisor
The fusion pizzas at Zipp’s include crab rangoon, taco - and their fan-favorite chili dog.
Zipp’s Pizzaria/Facebook
The old-school vibe is clear from the moment you arrive at El Fredo Pizza in Sioux City.
Curious302484/TripAdvisor
The restaurant has classic pizzas, but if you’re looking for a heartier option, don’t miss their filling meatball deep-dish.
El Fredo Pizza/Facebook
Finally, end your trip in Le Mars by celebrating the best of modern pizza at P’s Pizza House
Weekendwonder1/TripAdvisor
They have a wide selection of pizzas, burgers, and barbecue. Their signature offerings may be their unique flatbreads, such as this BBQ pork belly special.
Management/TripAdvisor
Have you gone on your own pizza pilgrimage in Iowa or any other state? Let us know your can’t-miss slices and pies in the comments section. There is never a bad time to visit Iowa, so make sure to check the state’s tourism department to find what they have planned for your next road trip.
Self-Generated/Google Maps
Mabe’s Pizza/Facebook
GailCheryl/TripAdvisor
Mhaden1987/TripAdvisor
Park Farm Winery/Facebook
Kent H/TripAdvisor
Amy L/TripAdvisor
Great Plains Sauce and Dough Co./Facebook
S2Sink/TripAdvisor
Management/TripAdvisor
Zipp’s Pizzaria/Facebook
Curious302484/TripAdvisor
El Fredo Pizza/Facebook
Weekendwonder1/TripAdvisor
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Mabe’s Pizza, 110 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101, USAAddress: Park Farm Winery, 15159 Thielen Rd, Durango, IA 52039, USAAddress: A & A Pagliai’s Pizza, 302 E Bloomington St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USAAddress: The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co., 129 Main St #101, Ames, IA 50010, USAAddress: Zipp’s Pizzaria, 301 Audubon St, Adair, IA 50002, USAAddress: El Fredo Pizza, 523 W 19th St, Sioux City, IA 51103, USAAddress: P’s Pizza House, 630 8th Ave SW, Le Mars, IA 51031, USA
