Celebrate National Black Business Month by supporting Black-owned restaurants across Iowa, from soul food and Caribbean cuisine to West African favorites.
August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses across the country. One of the easiest—and tastiest—ways to do that is by trying a locally owned restaurant.
Iowa’s Black-owned restaurants show a wide range of cultures and traditions. You’ll find Southern comfort food, Caribbean favorites, West African specialties, Chicago-style fried chicken, and family recipes passed down through generations. Some have become neighborhood staples, while others are newer additions introducing fresh flavors to communities across the state.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of Black-owned restaurants in Iowa, but it’s a great place to start. The next time you’re planning a road trip or deciding where to eat, consider adding one of these locally owned spots to your itinerary.
Central Iowa
Palms DSM | Des Moines
Palms DSM has quickly become one of Des Moines’ most exciting (and recommended) additions to the local dining scene. Chef Amara and his wife, Dionne Sama, first introduced their food at farmers markets in 2018 before expanding into catering and opening their brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2025.
The menu blends the bold flavors of West Africa and the Caribbean, featuring dishes made with spices, fresh ingredients, and house-made sauces. If it’s your first visit, start with the jollof rice, jerk chicken, or fried plantains. What’s extra special is that every plate is in homage to the family’s heritage.
Gursha Ethiopian Grill | Des Moines
If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, Gursha Ethiopian Grill is a welcoming place to start. Located near Drake University, the restaurant serves traditional Ethiopian dishes made with fresh, authentic ingredients, from richly spiced beef and chicken stews to flavorful vegetarian lentils and vegetables.
Most meals are served atop injera, a soft, tangy flatbread that doubles as your utensil. Be sure to try the house-made sambusas and mango juice, and don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations—they’re happy to introduce newcomers to Ethiopian cuisine.
Eastern Iowa
Soul Ties Restaurant | Davenport
For Davenport native Lynsi Baker, opening Soul Ties was a homecoming. After operating her popular Strictly Good Eats food truck in the Des Moines area, Baker returned to the Quad Cities to share the soul food recipes that have long been part of her family’s table—shrimp and grits with Cajun cream sauce, shrimp po’ boys, Creole pasta, and crispy fried chicken.
Customers have found the atmosphere warm and welcoming, and the food is exactly what the restaurant’s name promises—comforting meals that bring people together.
Harold’s Chicken | Cedar Rapids
Chicago’s iconic Harold’s Chicken has found a loyal following in Cedar Rapids. Known for cooking every order fresh, the restaurant has been serving its signature fried chicken since 1950 on Chicago’s South Side. Alongside chicken, you’ll find catfish, wings, sandwiches, and other comfort food favorites. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, go in early for the popular $1 Wing special that regularly draws a crowd.
Calling ahead is a smart move since each order is cooked fresh, but most customers will tell you the short wait is well worth it.
Restaurant Gaï | Cedar Rapids
Just recently opened, Restaurant Gaï is a great spot to try out the rich flavors of West African cuisine. The menu features favorites like jollof rice, grilled meats, and fried plantains, all served in a welcoming atmosphere. If you’re unfamiliar with West African food, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or check out their Facebook feed ahead of time. According to their socials, an Iowa City location is in the works, too!
I Love Fufu | Iowa City
If you’ve been curious about West African or Caribbean cuisine but weren’t sure where to start, I Love Fufu is a great introduction.
Owner Regina is known for warmly welcoming guests and happily explaining dishes to first-time visitors. The menu includes favorites such as jollof rice, shawarma, jerk chicken, samosas, and puff-puff, along with refreshing hibiscus and ginger juices.
Royceann’s Soul Food | Iowa City
Royceann Porter believes that serving soul food is about more than feeding people. Her kitchen at Royceann’s Soul Food shows that.
Many of the recipes come from her childhood in Saginaw, Michigan, and every meal is prepared with the same sense of hospitality she grew up with. The restaurant’s fried chicken has become a customer favorite, served alongside choices including macaroni and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, cabbage, and homemade cornbread.
Portions are generous, so don’t be surprised if you leave with tomorrow’s lunch packed in a to-go box.
Northeast Iowa
Rodney’s Kitchen | Waterloo
Rodney’s Kitchen is the kind of low-key spot where you’ll feel relaxed and welcomed the second you walk in. It’s also a place where the food speaks for itself.
The restaurant has earned a devoted following thanks to its made-to-order comfort food and laid-back atmosphere. Rodney often greets customers, takes orders, and prepares meals himself, which gives the restaurant the feel of a neighborhood gathering place.
The menu often changes, but regulars rave about the shrimp po’ boy, brisket burger, ribs, and fried chicken. If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll certainly leave having found a favorite, too.
Why it’s worth seeking out locally owned restaurants
One of the best parts of exploring Iowa is discovering restaurants you won’t find anywhere else—often surprising spots for a state most known for pigs and corn. Every stop on this list tells a different story through its menu, and that’s pretty special.
Choosing a locally owned restaurant is a way to support a small business, and it also gives you the opportunity to experience cuisines and cultures that make Iowa’s food scene more diverse and more interesting than you might have thought.
Keep exploring
There are many more Black-owned restaurants across Iowa than could fit into a single article, and new ones continue to open every year. Consider this list a starting point rather than a definitive guide.
This August, skip the usual chain restaurant and try something new as you support one of Iowa’s many Black-owned businesses. You might just discover your new favorite restaurant.
