Who decided pizza has to stick to the usual toppings? I’ve always been happy with a good pepperoni pie, but some of Iowa’s more adventurous pizzerias have me questioning why I’ve played it safe for so long.
I’ll admit that putting macaroni and cheese on pizza sounded a little excessive when I first heard about it.
Then I discovered that Iowa restaurants are experimenting with combinations I probably wouldn’t have thought to try, and suddenly my usual order seemed rather predictable.
Of course, creativity alone doesn’t guarantee a great pizza. I’m much more interested in places where the unusual ingredients actually work together, rather than simply making people stare at the menu in disbelief.
And that’s what makes exploring these Iowa pizzerias so entertaining. You might walk in expecting a familiar dinner and leave wondering how pickles or even butter chicken ended up becoming your new favorite topping.
These ten pizza places aren’t afraid to get creative, and their menus contain a few combinations that might sound completely ridiculous until you take that first bite.
1. Fong’s Pizza, Des Moines
Crab rangoon belongs on a pizza. I know that sounds bold, but stay with me.
Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines turned that takeout favorite into a pie, and it has become famous across the state. The crust gets a layer of imitation crab and cream cheese, then a crunchy pile of fried wonton strips.
A sweet chili sauce drizzle ties everything together.
My first slice felt like two dinners became best friends. The creamy filling stays rich, while the wonton strips add a crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
Fong’s does not stop at one wild idea. The menu also features a General Tso’s Chicken pizza and a Korean Beef pizza, both packed with bold, saucy flavor.
The space itself is a fun mix of old Chinese restaurant decor and laid-back pizza joint charm. Bright colors and playful touches make it feel like a hangout instead of a fancy dining room.
Downtown on Court Avenue, it is an easy stop before a show or after a walk along the river. Weekends get busy, so arriving early can save you a long wait.
Here is my best tip. Order one classic pie and one creative pie, then share them with your table.
Comparing the two is half the fun.
Leave room for leftovers too, because that rangoon slice tastes surprisingly great the next morning.
Address: 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
2. Mesa Pizza, Iowa City
College towns understand comfort food better than anywhere else. Mesa Pizza proves it one slice at a time.
Tucked into downtown Iowa City, this busy shop is known for pies that sound like a dare. The star is the Macaroni and Cheese Pizza, and yes, it is exactly what you are picturing.
Creamy noodles sit on top of a soft crust, with extra cheese melted over the top. It is carbs on carbs, and somehow it works beautifully.
The best part about Mesa is the slice system. You can walk up to the counter, point at a few flavors, and try several pies without buying whole ones.
That makes it perfect for curious eaters like me. On my visit, I paired the mac and cheese with a gyro-inspired slice, and the combo felt like a tiny food festival.
Other choices include a Southwest Steak pizza and creative barbecue pies. The display case rotates, so you might spot something new each time you stop in.
Students crowd the place late in the evening, which gives it a lively, friendly buzz. If you prefer a calmer meal, try visiting in the afternoon.
A walk around the Pedestrian Mall afterward helps those extra slices settle in nicely.
Pro move: grab one slice you know you will love and one you would never order at home. Mesa rewards a little bravery.
Address: 114 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240
3. Michael’s Pizza, Des Moines
Apples are usually saved for pie with a lattice top. Michael’s Pizza had other plans.
This neighborhood favorite on Beaver Avenue in Des Moines serves an Apple Delight Pizza that stopped me mid-chew. Caramelized apples and onions meet roasted garlic, goat cheese, and a golden swirl of honey.
The flavor walks a fun line between sweet and savory. The goat cheese brings a tangy kick, while the honey softens everything with a gentle glow.
If that sounds tempting, the Sweet and Salty Pizza deserves your attention too. It layers caramelized pears with bacon and gorgonzola, then finishes with another honey drizzle.
I ordered both and declared myself the official judge of fruit pizza. The verdict was a tie, which meant I had to keep eating.
Michael’s sits in the Beaverdale area, a friendly part of town full of brick homes and local shops. The pizzeria feels relaxed and welcoming, the kind of spot where regulars chat with staff.
Families fill the tables on weekend nights, and takeout orders fly out the door. Calling ahead is smart if you are short on time.
Picky eaters in your group will still find classic toppings on the menu. Everyone wins, and the adventurous ones get bragging rights.
My advice is simple. Order the fruit pies hot and eat them right away, when the cheese is still gooey and the honey shines.
Address: 2629 Beaver Ave #13, Des Moines, IA 50310
4. Sfumato Pizza, Alton
Some of the best pizza in the state sits far from any big city. Sfumato Pizza is the proof.
Located in rural Alton in northwest Iowa, this spot fires up Neapolitan pies in a wood-burning oven. The crust comes out puffy, blistered, and slightly smoky.
The Fig and Caper Pizza is the one that won me over. Sweet figs, salty capers, mushrooms, and prosciutto share space with mozzarella and a handful of fresh arugula.
Each bite changes a little. One moment is sweet, the next is briny, and the peppery greens keep it all feeling light.
For something more playful, try the PBR. It features ranch sauce, pepperoni, bacon, and fresh vegetables, and it tastes like a cookout on a crust.
The drive out there is part of the charm. Open fields roll past the window, and the smell of woodsmoke greets you when you finally arrive.
Wood-fired pizzas cook in just a few minutes, so your order lands at the table fast. That speed keeps the crust tender in the middle and crisp at the edges.
Plan your trip with a little care, since hours in small towns can differ from city spots. Checking ahead saves you from a sad, pizzaless drive home.
Bring a friend who claims country pizza cannot compete with the big cities. Then watch them quietly reach for another slice.
Address: 4995 Carnes Dr, Alton, IA 51003
5. Pepp’s Pizzeria, Urbandale
Pepp’s builds its pizzas upside down. The cheese goes first, and the sauce goes on top.
That flip might sound small, but it changes everything. The cheese melts right into the crust, and the sauce stays bright and bold.
Out in Urbandale, Pepp’s Pizzeria has built a loyal following around this unusual method. The pie that gets people talking, though, is the Garlic Pickle Ranch Pizza.
Picture tangy pickle slices scattered over the top, with a creamy garlic ranch tying it together. Pickle fans will feel like they finally found their people.
I went in doubtful and walked out a believer. The pickles stay crunchy and zippy, which cuts through the richness of the cheese in a very satisfying way.
Pepp’s also loves to experiment with weekly specials. Past creations have included Chicken N’ Waffles, Potsticker, and Reuben-inspired pizzas.
Because the specials rotate, every visit feels a little like opening a surprise. Following the restaurant online is the easiest way to catch a limited pie before it disappears.
The vibe is casual and family friendly, great for a team dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Kids especially love hearing about the upside-down trick.
Here is a tip worth remembering. Order the pickle pizza with a classic pie, so your group can taste how the upside-down style works on both.
You may never look at a pickle jar the same way again.
Address: 4640 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
6. Basal Pizza, Waterloo
Potatoes on pizza sounded like a joke to me once. Basal Pizza made me take it all back.
Sitting in downtown Waterloo, Basal brings big imagination to a cozy corner of the city. The Yukon Pizza is the one I still think about on rainy days.
Thin potato slices bake until tender, then get topped with creme fraiche, mozzarella, and green onions. It tastes like a loaded baked potato that learned some manners.
Music fans will grin at the Stevie Nicks pizza. It comes with goat cheese, feta, roasted red peppers, and parmesan, making it a cheese lover’s greatest hit.
For a south-of-the-border twist, the Street Taco Pizza delivers bold flavor. It is a fun pick for anyone who cannot decide between taco night and pizza night.
The downtown location makes Basal an easy stop during a stroll along 4th Street. Nearby shops and local events keep the area lively, especially on weekends.
Inside, the setting feels laid back and modern without being stuffy. It is the kind of spot where you can linger over one more slice and nobody minds.
My suggestion is to bring a small group and split three different pies. The Yukon, the Stevie Nicks, and the Street Taco make a delicious lineup.
Fair warning, though. Once you taste that potato pie, regular pepperoni may start to feel a little lonely.
Address: 225 W 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50701
7. Franka Pizzeria, Clive
Butter chicken has fans all over the world. Franka Pizzeria found a clever new home for it.
This modern wood-fired spot in Clive tops its crust with marinated chicken and a creamy butter sauce. Mozzarella, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro finish the job.
The result is warm, gently spiced, and completely comforting. The pickled onions add a bright snap that keeps each bite from feeling too heavy.
I ordered it as a curious experiment and finished it like a hungry teenager. It is easily one of the most memorable pies on this list.
Franka keeps the global flavors coming with its Thai Chicken pizza. Peanut sauce gives that one a nutty, savory twist that pairs nicely with the smoky crust.
Mushroom lovers should look for the Truffle Mushroom Pizza. Wild mushrooms and a thyme cream sauce make it earthy, rich, and a little bit fancy.
The restaurant has a clean, stylish look that works well for date nights or celebrations. Still, it never feels too formal for a casual family dinner.
Wood-fired ovens cook pizzas quickly, so the crust arrives with charred spots and a soft chew. That texture makes the creative toppings shine even more.
For the full experience, try one globally inspired pie and the mushroom pie together. Your taste buds will feel like they took a trip without leaving the suburbs.
Address: 12695 University Ave Ste 100, Clive, IA 50325
8. Driftless Pizza Co, Dubuque
Old brick warehouses make a great setting for new ideas. Driftless Pizza Co. fills one with the smell of fresh dough.
You will find it in Dubuque’s historic Millwork District, an area that once buzzed with woodworking factories. Today, the neighborhood hums with restaurants, apartments, and creative energy.
Driftless serves both Detroit-style and New York-style pizzas. That means thick, crispy-edged squares and big, foldable slices share the same menu.
The Figgy the White is a showstopper. Prosciutto, feta, ricotta, and caramelized onions come together under a sweet fig drizzle.
It is salty, creamy, and sweet all at once. I caught myself slowing down just to enjoy every bite.
Then there is the Tie Dye Pizza, which looks as fun as it sounds. Swirls of pesto mix with a creamy tomato-based sauce, creating a colorful pattern across the pie.
Kids love the look of it, and grown-ups love the flavor. It might be the most photo-friendly pizza in the state.
A little history adds to the visit. The Millwork District was once among the largest centers of wood products in the country, and many buildings still show off their original character.
Plan a short walk around the neighborhood before or after your meal. The brick streets and tall windows make a great backdrop for an easy afternoon.
Go hungry, and order a Detroit-style square so you can fight over the crispy corners.
Address: 333 E 10th St, Dubuque, IA 52001
9. Roscoe’s Pizza, Cedar Rapids
Spice fans, this one is for you. Roscoe’s Pizza in Cedar Rapids likes a little heat with its fun.
The Jalapeno Popper Pizza is a bold opening move. Cream cheese, bacon, and jalapenos cover the crust, all topped with a mango-jalapeno sauce.
The mango adds a fruity sweetness that calms the peppers just enough. It is spicy, creamy, smoky, and sweet in every bite.
Then there is the Sweet Hot Grandma, which might have the best pizza name I have ever read out loud. It combines pepperoni, pineapple, and sweet chili sauce for a sticky, zippy flavor mix.
I asked about the name and simply got a smile. Some mysteries are better left alone, especially when the pizza tastes this good.
Save room for dessert, because Roscoe’s goes all in with the Sweet Pig. This dessert pizza is topped with bacon, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, and icing.
It tastes like a breakfast pastry and a bacon platter teamed up. Sharing it with the table is polite, though you may not want to.
The restaurant sits along Edgewood Road on the northwest side of the city. It is an easy stop for a family dinner, a game night order, or a quick lunch.
My tip is to balance the menu. Start spicy, add something sweet and savory, and finish with that maple-kissed dessert pie.
Address: 212 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
10. Atomic Pizza Pub, Cresco
Small towns often hide the biggest surprises. Cresco keeps one of its best on North Elm Street.
Atomic Pizza Pub serves pies with a playful attitude and plenty of local charm. The Big ‘Mic Pizza is the headline act, and it tastes just like a famous fast-food burger.
Beef, onions, pickles, lettuce, and cheese pile onto the crust. A creamy, burger-style sauce brings it all together.
The first bite made me laugh because it was so spot on. The cool lettuce and tangy pickles keep it fresh, while the sauce makes it feel like a drive-thru treat.
The signature Atomic Pizza deserves a spot on your table too. It mixes a sweet-and-spicy house sauce with pepper jack cheese, Italian sausage, and vegetables.
That sauce has a gentle kick that sneaks up slowly. It is warm rather than fiery, so most eaters can handle it just fine.
Cresco sits in northeast Iowa, surrounded by farmland and friendly faces. A visit here feels relaxed, with no rush and plenty of time to chat.
The pizzeria fits right into that easygoing pace. Locals stop in to catch up, and visitors quickly feel like part of the crowd.
If you plan a road trip through the area, make this your dinner stop. Order the burger pie first, and let the Atomic Pizza close out the journey with a little spark.
Address: 134 N Elm St, Cresco, IA 52136