The Absolute Best Pizza in Ankeny

Ankeny’s pizza game runs deeper than most people give it credit for. Drive past the cornfields on Oralabor Road and you’ll find everything from a proper wood-fired Neapolitan crust to a Sour Patch beer that somehow works.

The range here stretches between Fong’s General Tso’s pie and Portofino’s classic garlic bread; both are worth your time. We ate our way through eight spots so you don’t have to guess.

Start with the list below.

Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta

Highlights
Best pizza ever had
Friendly, attentive staff
Big, delicious portions

Nonna's Pizza & Pasta sets the bar for what a neighborhood pizzeria should be. The crust arrives with a perfect char, chewy inside and crisp at the edges. Toppings are generous without overwhelming the balance of sauce and cheese. The staff actually seems to enjoy being there, which makes a difference. Portions are sizable, so come hungry or plan to share. In a town with plenty of options, this one stands out for consistency and care. I’d return without hesitation.

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Leaning Tower of Pizza - Uptown Ankeny

Highlights
Solid pepperoni and bread bites
Inconsistent specialty pizza quality
Small portions, high prices
Rude, inattentive service
Better options nearby exist

Leaning Tower of Pizza in Uptown Ankeny has a solid reputation for its pepperoni and bread bites, and those live up to the hype. The pepperoni has a nice crisp curl, and the bread bites are soft with a buttery finish. However, the specialty pizzas fall flat. The toppings feel sparse, and the combinations lack creativity. Portions run small for the price, which is a sticking point. Service also felt rushed and a little dismissive. If you stick to the basics, you’ll leave satisfied, but the menu’s potential remains unrealized.

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Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Highlights
Thin crust with good chew
Customizable signature pizza options
Entertaining open dough-making area
Brooklyn-inspired decor throughout

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria excels at the fundamentals. The thin crust has a satisfying chew, with a slight char that signals proper coal-oven handling. You can customize your pie, and the toppings are fresh. Watching them toss dough by the open kitchen adds a bit of theater. The Brooklyn-inspired decor—brick walls, exposed beams—sets a mood without feeling kitschy. Service is attentive but not hovering. It’s a reliable choice for a classic New York-style slice, though the price point runs a bit high. Still, the quality justifies it.

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Wig & Pen Pizza Pub

Highlights
Deep dish is awesome
Great pizza, amazing service
Flying Tomato, solid choice
Pepsi products available

Wig & Pen Pizza Pub is a haven for deep-dish lovers. The deep dish is a proper knife-and-fork affair—thick, buttery crust, loads of cheese, and a chunky tomato sauce that doesn’t slide off. The service is genuinely great; they handle the crowd with patience and speed. The Flying Tomato is a solid, no-frills option if you want something lighter. They only serve Pepsi products, which is fine if you’re not a Coke loyalist. The pub vibe is relaxed, making it a good spot for a casual dinner. Just bring an appetite.

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Portofino's Italian Restaurant & Pizza

Highlights
Rich Alfredo, phenomenal garlic bread
Cozy fireplace, inviting atmosphere
Consistent quality, never disappoints
House tomato vinaigrette surprises
Fair prices, ample parking

Portofino’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza feels like a step back in time, and that’s a compliment. The Alfredo is rich and creamy without being heavy. The garlic bread is phenomenal—crisp, buttery, and loaded with garlic. On a cold night, the fireplace adds a genuine warmth that enhances the whole meal. Consistency is their strong suit; every visit matches the last. The house tomato vinaigrette on the salad is a tangy surprise that cuts through the richness. Prices are fair, and parking is easy. A dependable choice for comfort food.

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Uptown Food & Beverage Co.

Highlights
Fast, accurate large-group service
Fresh salads with house dressing
Spectacular thin-crust pizza options
Historic photos enhance atmosphere
Reasonable prices for quality

Uptown Food & Beverage Co. handles large groups with impressive efficiency. Orders come out fast and accurate, even when the place is packed. Their salads are fresh, and the house dressing is a simple vinaigrette that works. The thin-crust pizzas are spectacular—crisp, lightly charred, and topped with quality ingredients. The historic photos on the walls give the space character, reminding you of Ankeny’s roots. Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes. If you’re in a group, this place won’t let you down. It’s practical, tasty, and unpretentious.

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TrailSide Tap

Highlights
Friendly, helpful service
Delicious cauliflower wings
Great date-night atmosphere
Pleasant uptown location

TrailSide Tap offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The staff is genuinely helpful, happy to explain the menu or suggest a beer. The cauliflower wings are a standout—crispy, well-seasoned, and not an afterthought for vegetarians. It’s a strong date-night spot thanks to the pleasant uptown location and a vibe that’s laid-back but not sloppy. The regular pizza is fine, but the wings are why I’d come back. Service is attentive without being intrusive. A reliable, comfortable option for a casual evening out.

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Filet Steakhouse

Highlights
Steaks cooked properly, very good
Cozy, warm atmosphere
Attentive, great service
Birthday flowers and dessert
Overpriced with limited sides

Filet Steakhouse nails the steak game. The cuts are cooked properly—medium rare comes out medium rare, no guesswork. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, with dim lighting that feels intimate. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, and they handle birthday celebrations with a nice touch, adding a small dessert without being asked. That said, it’s pricey. Sides are limited and not included, which stings a bit. You’re paying for the protein, and the protein delivers. If you’re celebrating or want a solid steak without frills, this works. Just budget accordingly.

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The Ornery Chicken

Highlights
Chicken sandwiches packed with meat
Wings and ranch earn praise
Crunchy-soft fries done right
Worth a long return drive
Happy accident worth repeating

The Ornery Chicken is a bit out of the way, but worth the drive. The chicken sandwiches are packed with meat—no skimpy portions here. The wings come with a ranch that’s clearly made in-house, thick and herby. Their fries strike a perfect balance: crunchy outside, soft inside. I found this place by accident, and it’s become a repeat stop. Service is quick and friendly, and the menu is straightforward. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. For solid, no-nonsense chicken and sides, this is the place.

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Sonny's Pizza Bistro

Highlights
Lunch specials are inexpensive
Meatball sandwich earns praise
Service is quick and friendly
Roasted potato side shines
Worth a return visit

Sonny’s Pizza Bistro delivers on value. The lunch specials are inexpensive and still generous. The meatball sandwich is the highlight—tender meatballs, marinara, and melted cheese on a roll that holds up. Service is quick and friendly, even during the noon rush. The roasted potato side is surprisingly good, seasoned well and crisp. It’s a simple menu done correctly. Nothing here is revolutionary, but it’s dependable and easy on the wallet. If you’re looking for a working lunch or a quick bite, Sonny’s is a smart pick.

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Mullets - Uptown Ankeny

Highlights
B&G’s need no seasoning
Crisp biscuits, fluffy inside
Solid second-chance dinner service
Sierra delivered great service
Sour Patch beer, tasty surprise

Mullets in Uptown Ankeny is an unexpected find. The B&G’s (bacon and garlic?) need no extra seasoning—they arrive with a rich, savory punch. The biscuits are crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, exactly what you want. Service on my second visit was notably better than the first, with Sierra handling a busy table with ease. The Sour Patch beer is a quirky, tart surprise that pairs oddly well with the salty food. It’s not a traditional pizza place, but the twists work. Worth a detour.

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Fong's Pizza

Highlights
General Tso's pizza shines
Try the Iowan slice
Unique bao bun starter
Honey elevates the pizza

Fong's Pizza brings a creative energy to Ankeny. The General Tso's pizza is the star—sweet, spicy, and loaded with crispy chicken. It’s a bold move that pays off. The Iowan slice, with its pork tenderloin vibe, is a local tribute that also delivers. The bao bun starter is soft and pillowy, a nice prelude. A drizzle of honey over the pizza adds a subtle sweetness that ties everything together. The room is casual, and the service is efficient. If you want something beyond standard pepperoni, this is your spot.

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