When you think of Iowa, pizza might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but this Midwestern state has some hidden gems that would impress even the most discerning pizza aficionados. Let’s take a culinary tour through Iowa to unearth the best regional pizza spots that deserve a place on your must-visit list.

1.Fong’s Pizza – Des Moines & Cedar Rapids

Fong’s Pizza is famous for its unique fusion of Asian flavors with traditional pizza. The Crab Rangoon Pizza has garnered a cult following, featuring creamy crab ragoon filling, surimi, green onion, asiago and mozzarella cheese, topped with crispy wonton strips and sweet chili sauce.

2.Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company – Ames

This iconic Ames establishment is known for its distinctive style of crust. Great Plains offers three types: a thin whole wheat crust, a thicker “oat” crust, and their famous “thick” crust which resembles bread dough. Don’t miss the Cheese Stuff, loaded with mozzarella and cheddar between two layers of that hearty crust.

3.Wig & Pen Pizza Pub – Iowa City & Coralville

Wig & Pen is a staple for University of Iowa students and locals alike. The Flying Tomato pizza is legendary – it’s not quite deep dish or hand-tossed but an appealing in-between with a garlicky tomato sauce spread thick over a flaky crust, buried under a mountain of cheese and fresh toppings.

4.A & A Pagliai’s Pizza – Iowa City

A & A Pagliai’s is where tradition meets excellence in pizza-making. Established in 1962, Pagliai’s sticks to simplicity done perfectly with their homemade sausage and freshly shredded cheese. The Palace Special loaded with sausage, mushrooms, green pepper and onion remains a crowd favorite.

5.Jeff’s Pizza Shop – Ames

Known for its generous toppings and sublime cheese blends, Jeff’s Pizza Shop offers an array of creative pizzas as well as tried-and-true classics. The Macaroni and Cheese Pizza is a delightfully cheesy adventure while the Bacon Chicken Ranch showcases their commitment to quality toppings.

6.Gusto Pizza Co. – Des Moines

With inventive pie names like the Mona Lisa (featuring pesto, chicken and artichoke) and Vincent Van Goat (topped with goat cheese, caramelized onions and roasted red pepper), Gusto Pizza Co.’s creations are almost too beautiful to eat—almost.

7.Centro – Des Moines

For those looking for an upscale pizza experience, Centro offers wood-fired pizzas at its finest in downtown Des Moines. As you dig into their Bianco with provolone, mozzarella, garlic oil and herbs or the spicy Diavola topped with capicola ham – you’ll understand why Centro is a date-night favorite.

8.Zeno’s Pizza – Marshalltown

Zeno’s has been dishing out sizzling pies since 1952 and is praised for its classic approach to pizza making. The savory blend on their meat-lovers’ pizza oozes with every chewy bite while the simple pepperoni will remind you why this dish became an American staple.

From fusing global cuisines to mastering traditional recipes with decades-old techniques, these selections show that when it comes to regional pizza achievements – Iowa has it covered! Next time you’re traversing this beautiful heartland state, make sure to stop by one (or all) of these pizzerias for a delightful dining experience that just might change the way you think about Midwestern cuisine forever.