Just because Ames is deep in the heart of the midwestern United States, that doesn’t mean you can’t find some European cuisine in the city. Here is a small list of some restaurants that serve European food. 

Italian

Pizza

Ames definitely doesn’t have a shortage of pizza places. Beyond chain restaurants, like Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Domino’s, Ames also has some local pizza restaurants.

Jeff’s Pizza Shop

Jeff’s Pizza Shop is a favorite among college students. Located on Lincoln Way, Jeff’s is only a short walk from campus. The shop is open until 3:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, making it the perfect place to satisfy your late-night munchies. 

Favorite menu item: I like Jeff’s pizzas, but I love its Smotharella Sticks, which are strips of garlic bread covered in cheese. 

Pizza Pit

Another favorite among ISU students is Pizza Pit, which is located on Welch Avenue. Pizza Pit has been in Ames for more than 20 years, and there’s a reason for the restaurant’s longevity: it serves great food. In addition to pizza, the restaurant also serves sandwiches, chicken wings and much more.

Favorite menu item: Taco pizza. In addition to chips, beef and taco sauce, Pizza Pit also puts refried beans on its taco pizza!

The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company

Traveling to central Ames, you will find The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company, which was established in Ames in 1979. Great Plains’ pizzas are known for their thick crusts and ample amounts of cheese. A slice of pizza from Great Plains is a meal in itself. 

Favorite menu item: Denver-style sausage. Denver-style pizza has a thick whole-wheat crust with a pile of cheese on top of it. 

Pasta 

Similar to pizza, pasta is served at a plentiful amount of restaurants in Ames. Here are a few of my favorites. 

Lucullan’s Italian Grill

Lucullan’s has been in Ames for more than 30 years, and still remains popular today. The restaurant’s popularity stems from its use of homemade pastas and fresh ingredients. With a location overlooking Main Street, it also has an amazing view. 

Favorite menu item: Luc’s Handmade Lasagna. This is just a simple, classic dish, but it tastes absolutely amazing!

Ge-Angelo’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge

Ge-Angelo’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge is a quaint little restaurant in north Ames. As far as authentic Italian goes, Ge-Angelo’s is the one of the best in Ames. The reason? It uses its own homemade ingredients.

Favorite menu item: Fettuccini Alfredo. Ge-Angelo’s makes its own alfredo sauce, and it’s delicious!

Irish

Ames has several pubs, some more authentic than others. When you are looking for an authentic Irish pub that also serves food, look no further than Dublin Bay.

Dublin Bay

As soon as you enter Dubin Bay, you will realize that it’s no ordinary restaurant. With Irish decor adorning the restaurant’s walls, eating at Dublin Bay is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. However, the walls could be blank, and people would still flock to Dublin Bay because of the superb quality of its food. 

Favorite menu item: Bangers and mash. This popular Irish dish is essentially sausage with peppers and onions, and garlic-infused mashed potatoes. 

Greek

There are many places in Ames that serve Greek-inspired menu items, like gyros, pita bread and Greek salads. Here are a few local restaurants that specialize in Greek cuisine. 

Cafe Northwest

With its mood lighting and old-fashioned decor, Cafe Northwest has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that complements the restaurant’s bold, flavorful dishes. The restaurant also has a large bar called “Sopranos” adjacent to its eating area.

Favorite menu item: Greek salad. With its fresh vegetables and delicious dressing, Cafe Northwest’s Greek salad is the best in Ames.

Flame N Skewer

Located in the North Grand Mall, Flame N Skewer is the perfect restaurant to eat at when you finish your shopping spree, or when you are just in the mood for some great Greek food. I’ve lived in Ames my entire life, and Flame N Skewer is probably the restaurant I have visited the most.

Favorite menu item: Lady Souvlaki. This is essentially pieces of steak on a stick. What makes the dish special is the dressing they use to marinate the meat.

Pammel Grocery and Deli 

Located in west Ames, Pammel Grocery sells Pakistani, Indian and Middle Eastern groceries. Pammel Deli is located in the back of the store. The deli serves Greek cuisine, like gyros and lamb kabobs.

Favorite main item: Chicken Kabob Dinner. I love the dressing they use to marinate the meat. The Mediterranean side salad that comes with the meal is also delicious. 

Smiles & Gyros

With three carts located around Ames, Smiles & Gyros is one of Ames’ most popular businesses. Although the Super Dog is the business’ most-talked-about item, the gryos are nothing to scoff at. If you want try one, or any other item, you can find a Smiles & Gyros’ cart on the east side of Welch Avenue Monday through Saturday, on the west side of Welch Avenue Wednesday through Saturday, and on the south side of Main Street on Douglas Avenue Friday and Saturday.

Favorite menu item: Veggie Gyro. I’m not a fan of lamb meat, but I love pita bread and tzatziki sauce. The veggie gyro perfectly satisfies my needs.