Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Symbol Key:

•• Vegan or vegetarian restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Iowa

Ames

India Palace

120 Hayward Ave., Ames, IA 50014

(515) 292-1710

Indian. India Palace offers vegetarian options and an inexpensive lunch buffet. This restaurant is located near Iowa State University. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Davenport

Greatest Grains

1600 Harrison St., Davenport, IA 52803

(563) 323-7521

Natural foods. Food, which can be ordered by the piece or by the pound, includes items such as pizza, enchiladas, lasagnas, spinach potato pies, sandwiches, soups, side dishes, and desserts. Open daily. Deli-style, vegan options, fresh juice, smoothies, coffee drinks, take-out, $.

Des Moines

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Urbandale.)

A Dong Restaurant

1511 High St., Des Moines, IA 50309

(515) 284-5632

Vietnamese. This restaurant features a separate vegetarian menu that includes appetizers, vegetarian egg and spring rolls, soups, noodles, and rice dishes. Interesting offerings include the Bo Kho Chay (tofu and vegetable stew over noodles), Com Tau Hu Xao Hanh (Mongolian tofu over rice), Com Tau Hu Don Chay (stuffed tofu with a sweet and sour topping), and the Banh Xeo Chay (tofu and vegetables in Vietnamese pancakes). Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$$.

A Taste of Thailand

215 E. Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309

(515) 282-0044

Thai. The authentic Thai cuisine includes an extensive vegetarian menu section. Vegetable soups, spring rolls, Thai salad, and various vegetarian entrées make up the selection at this restaurant. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

Campbell's Nutrition

4040 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311

(515) 277-6351

Health foods store deli. Campbell's features a variety of vegetarian sandwiches. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Deli-style, vegan options, take-out, $.

Sheffield's

10201 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50325

(515) 224-6774

Natural foods. Dine on a choice of vegetarian soups, sandwiches, and quesadillas. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, fresh juice, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

Fairfield

India Café

50 W. Burlington Ave., Fairfield, IA 52556

(641) 472-1792

Indian. The menu at India Café includes vegetarian entrées, including their special Vegetarian Thali. They are closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for exact hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, special drinks, reservations required, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Iowa City

India Café

227 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 354-2775

Indian. See description under Fairfield, IA.

•• Masala Indian Vegetarian Cuisine

9 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 338-6199

Vegetarian/Indian. Vegetarian and vegan entrées with vegetables, lentils, and more are served at Masala. Also enjoy homemade tandoori Indian-style breads. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for brunch. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

•• The Red Avocado

521 E. Washington St. #3, Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 351-6088

Vegan organic. Located near the University of Iowa, The Red Avocado uses 100% organic ingredients. Eclectic menu includes seasoned local vegetables and grains in sandwiches, wraps, stir-fries and elaborate specials. Lunch & brunch menus have many items $6.00 and under. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for brunch and dinner. Full service, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $$.

Urbandale

Campbell's Nutrition

2749 100th St., Urbandale, IA 50322

(515) 331-1390

Health foods store deli. See description under Des Moines, IA.

Cuisine of India

3225 NW 86th St., Urbandale, IA 50322

(515) 278-2929

Indian. New Delhi Palace features a special vegetarian menu section with eight entrées plus appetizers and soup. Fresh Indian breads are baked in clay ovens. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juice, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $$.

West Des Moines

Campbell's Nutrition

5465 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines, IA 50266

(515) 223-0035

Health foods store deli. See description under Des Moines, IA.

Fresh Café & Market

1721 25th St., Ste. 110, West Des Moines, IA 50266

(515) 440-4700

Natural foods store/café/juice bar. Fresh Café & Market is very vegan-friendly. Their menu varies but usually consists of soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and many gluten-free items. Not just a café, Fresh is a natural foods store, offering organic and local produce. Please note that Fresh Café & Market is closed between lunch and dinner so call ahead for hours. Cash only. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for brunch. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, $$.