Having a good, filling lunch is one of the most important parts of your day. Discover delicious restaurants in Ames that are perfect for quick bites, business meetings, or a midday break. These spots will leave you satisfied and maybe even planning to come back for dinner.
Cozy local spots
Enjoy a warm, farm-to-table experience at The Café! Relax on the patio or find a cozy corner inside and explore a menu full of fresh, seasonal favorites, from vibrant salads and hearty sandwiches to comforting hot plates that rotate with the seasons.
Don’t sleep on Provisions Lot F for lunch. With gluten-friendly, vegan, and vegetarian options alongside heartier fare, there’s something for everyone at the table. Stop in for a full sit-down meal or simply grab a coffee and something from the pastry case on your way through.
Café Beaudelaire in Campustown is your passport to global flavors. With a menu ranging from savory empanadas to classic gyros, this laid-back restaurant brings the spirit of international cuisine right to your table.
Fresh and fast
Need something quick and healthy? Clayton Farms Salads is your next lunch spot! Grab a smoothie and a fresh salad or wrap made with greens grown right on-site. Swing through the drive-thru or order online for easy pickup and enjoy a meal that’s as fresh as it gets.
A longtime local favorite, West Street Deli is a great spot to grab a quick, satisfying lunch in the middle of a busy day. The menu is full of hearty sandwiches and mouth-watering soups that make for an easy, flavorful afternoon meal.
If your ideal lunch includes fresh-baked bread and cozy café vibes, Great Harvest Bakery & Café is the place to be. Known for its homemade breads and wholesome ingredients, this spot serves up delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods that make lunchtime feel a little special.
@discoverames Discover fresh, made-from-scratch goodness at Great Harvest Bakery & Cafe! 🍞🍳✨ From hearty breakfast sandwiches to giant, gooey cinnamon rolls and melt-in-your-mouth scones, where every bite tastes like home. #DisoverAmes #GreatHarvestBakery ♬ Justin Bieber with a Touch Of Funk – touchoffunk
Enjoy a working lunch
Still need to get some work done over lunch? Café Diem is the perfect answer. This cozy, quiet gem is ideal for setting up a makeshift office, whether you’re powering through emails or just need a calm space to think.
Who says productivity and a delicious meal can’t go hand in hand? The Bistro, located inside Sixty Forward, offers a welcoming atmosphere that’s equal parts comfortable and focused. Settle in, order something incredible off their menu, and knock out your to-do list.
Looking to impress a client or finally nail down those details with a coworker? Burgie’s Coffee has you covered at both their North and South locations. With an atmosphere that’s professional without feeling stiff, it’s the ideal backdrop for a productive meeting.
Take a walk
After you’re done chowing down or if you’re looking for a scenic place to take your lunch to-go, Ames has some beautiful parks worth exploring. Ada Hayden Heritage Park is a local gem: tucked within city limits yet feeling worlds away, with recently updated paths that make a stroll around the pond feel serene and relaxing.
For a quieter escape, Brookside Park often flies under the radar. Settle in under the shade of mature trees with your lunch or find a bench and let the steady rhythm of everyday life ease your mind. Over in the ISU Research Park, the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor offers a peaceful walk that helps clear your head and recharge for the afternoon ahead.
