This post featuring some of the best restaurants and places to eat in Pella, Iowa, may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).
Pella may be known for its Dutch heritage and tulip-filled streets, but its food scene is just as vibrant! Whether you’re craving Dutch pastries, farm-fresh comfort food, or a perfectly made Reuben, this charming town delivers.
From casual cafés to upscale bistros, this foodie guide highlights the best restaurants in Pella—the spots locals love and visitors can’t stop talking about! Wondering where to eat in Pella, Iowa? Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or just passing through, you’ll find plenty of places to eat in Pella that serve up big flavors with small-town charm.
This selection of bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants is based on my family’s recent weekend getaway to Pella. You can learn more about how to plan your own girls’ getaway to Pella by clicking here. Let’s dig in!
Jaarsma Bakery (Breakfast, Treats)
If you’re searching for the best places to eat pastries in Pella, look no further than Jaarsma Bakery. A Pella institution since 1898, this family-owned bakery is most famous for its Dutch Letters. These divine, flaky, S-shaped pastries are filled with rich almond paste. And trust me, you’ll want more than one!
Everything here is made from scratch using time-honored recipes passed down for generations, ensuring authentic Dutch flavors in every bite. In addition to pastries, Jaarsma offers tasty bread, cookies, cakes, and Dutch-imported treats. It also provides a selection of gifts and antiques. Whether you’re fueling up for a day of exploring or grabbing souvenirs to take home, this is where to eat the best Dutch Letters in Pella, Iowa—and it’s an essential stop for any foodie looking for the best restaurants in Pella!
Vander Ploeg Bakery (Bakery + Treats)
If you’re on a mission to find the best places to eat pastries in Pella, don’t stop at just one bakery—head to Vander Ploeg Bakery and compare! A Pella staple since the early 1900s, this beloved bakery is known for its scratch-made Dutch Letters, along with doughnuts, sweet breads, and other Dutch treats. Their puff pastry is made fresh daily, ensuring every bite is flaky, buttery, and filled with rich almond goodness.
While Vander Ploeg has evolved over the years, they’ve stayed true to their centuries-old Dutch recipes, while also adding new pastries to the mix. Stop in, admire their modern remodel, and grab a box of goodies to enjoy as you explore Pella.
Brew Coffee House (Coffee + Breakfast)
If you’re wondering where to eat breakfast or grab a coffee in Pella, Iowa, Brew Coffee House is the perfect spot to start your day. Located in historic downtown, this welcoming café serves up freshly brewed, locally roasted coffee, including their must-try Dutch Letter Latte.
Pair your drink with a yogurt parfait, breakfast sandwich, or locally baked pastry for a delicious morning treat. Whether you grab a coffee to go or settle into their cozy seating area by the fireplace, Brew Coffe House offers a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. During the warmer months, they have a street-level balcony for outdoor seating.
Smokey Row Coffee (Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch)
A staple in downtown Pella, Smokey Row Coffee is one of the best places to eat breakfast and grab coffee in Pella. It’s also an excellent spot for lunch!
This cozy café serves all-day breakfast and offers a delicious menu of options, including soups in bread bowls, bagels, paninis, sandwiches, and burgers. Pair your meal with a fresh-brewed coffee or tea, or grab a latte to go before strolling downtown.
With a welcoming atmosphere, colorful furnishings, and a kids’ menu, it’s a fantastic spot for families, friends, or solo travelers looking for a relaxing start to the day.
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Windmill Cafe (Breakfast + Lunch)
For a cozy, no-fuss meal downtown, Windmill Cafe is one of the best restaurants for breakfast or lunch in Pella. Open daily, this local favorite serves breakfast all day, along with a variety of classic American and Greek dishes.
Windmill Cafe has even been voted Best Breakfast in Marion County, making it a must-visit spot for a morning meal. Breakfast here includes all the favorites, from omelets to eggs benedict and cinnamon rolls. And, their lunch menu is just as tempting! Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty tenderloin sandwich, a fresh gyro, homemade soup, or a crisp salad, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re stopping by on a Sunday, don’t miss their brunch buffet—and save room for a slice of homemade pie!
Butcher’s Brewhuis and Deli + In’t Veld’s Meat Market (Lunch + Dinner)
For an authentic taste of Pella, head to Butcher’s Brewhuis and Deli for lunch or dinner.
For lunch, the iconic bologna sandwiches steal the show. This local favorite is supplied by In’t Veld’s Meat Market, the adjoining butcher shop known for its famous ring bologna. The lunch menu offers bratwurst, dynamite Reubens (I highly recommend one!), pulled pork, and more. Expect a line, but it moves fast during the lunch hour. Though, you might want to have someone grab a table while you wait in line.
If you’d rather take your lunch to go, stock up on meats and cheeses from In’t Veld’s for a picnic at one of Pella’s many parks! In the meat market, you can also try the Bologna on a Stick for a fun, classic snack. Or, go for the Double Dutch, featuring thick-cut bologna and Gouda cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Dried Beef with Gouda on raisin bread is a unique must-try while exploring Pella.
Butcher’s Brewhuis and Deli’s dinner menu is slightly more elevated. It features several appetizers, burgers, and more. Try local favorites like Butcher’s Truffle Mac & Cheese with Bacon or the Apple Pecan Smoked Pork Chop. Of course, top it all off with bread pudding! The dinner menu also includes a dedicated kids’ menu.
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Liberty Street Kitchen (Lunch + Dinner)
For a delicious lunch or dinner, Liberty Street Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Pella and a must-visit for any occasion. This casual yet sophisticated bistro is located right off the iconic canal and Molengracht Plaza. It offers elevated comfort food with a local flare. They also have a dedicated kids’ menu. We loved it so much, we ate here twice!
The menu features everything from fresh salads and hearty sandwiches to pasta and perfectly cooked entrées—the Atlantic Salmon is my top pick. The service is warm and welcoming. Whether you’re dining in the cozy dining room or sitting on the spacious patio overlooking the canal, Liberty Street Kitchen is definitely one of the best places to eat in Pella, Iowa!
Reservations can be made online.
Cantaritos Grill & Cantina (Lunch + Dinner)
If you’re in the mood for a delicious Mexican meal, Cantaritos Grill & Cantina is one of our favorite places to eat in Pella. Just a short distance from Central Park (the main downtown area), this lively spot serves up flavor-packed dishes with generous portions. (Seriously, the burrito I had was HUGE!) The vibrant atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax after a day of exploring, with a menu that offers a wonderful mix of traditional Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients. They also have a dedicated kid’s menu for little foodies.
Breadeaux Pizza (Lunch, Dinner, + Take Out/Delivery)
For a relaxed and satisfying meal together, Breadeaux Pizza is one of the best restaurants in Pella, Iowa. Known for its chewy, French-bread-style crust, this local favorite offers a mix of classic and creative pizzas, along with wings and breadsticks.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal in the cozy dining area or grabbing it to go for a quiet night in, Breadeaux Pizza is the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. If you’re wondering where to grab a pizza or get delivery in Pella, make it Breadeaux Pizza!
Have Fun Exploring + Eating In Pella, Iowa!
I hope this article helps you decide where to eat in Pella, Iowa, for your next visit! From cozy coffee shops to flavorful dinners, Pella is packed with amazing places to eat. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food, international flavors, or a slice of pizza, the best restaurants in Pella on this list offer something for every palate. Make sure to stop by the iconic Dutch Letter bakeries, enjoy a canal-side meal at Liberty Street Kitchen, or grab a slice from Breadeaux Pizza. No matter where you choose to eat, Pella’s culinary scene will definitely leave you satisfied.
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.