SuYu Pei

• Classic American Chinese 
• Table service
• Vegan options

Located on the southwest side of town, SuYu Pei offers all of your favorite Chinese meals from orange chicken to Mongolian beef. You're greeted with the feel of a true Chinese restaurant with red walls and Chinese decor that tell you the owners know about Chinese culture and food. The big, comfy booths are great for date night or dining out with the family. There is a kid's menu available if you bring children with you. At lunchtime, you can choose your meal from among the Lunch Specials. Locals rave about Dave's crab rangoon. If you don't want to dine in, you can get takeout to enjoy at home or the office. 

CaFé Tacuba

• Modern Mexican 
• Full-service bar
• Vegan options

Situated close to the downtown area, CaFé Tacuba is the place to go when you're craving Mexican. As soon as you arrive, the vibe from this restaurant feels modern and intimate at the same time. Plants hang down from the ceiling in the main dining room, and it's filled with comfortable booths. Additional seating features high-top tables in a separate room surrounded by brick walls. You can start your meal with chips, salsa, and fresh guac and order your favorite margarita from the bar. From tacos and enchiladas to fajitas and quesadillas, their menu has all your favorites and new dishes to try. Don't forget to save room for dessert, such as their fried ice cream or Tres Leches Cake. 

Napoli's Italian Restaurant SW

• Classic Italian dishes
• Extensive wine list
• Outdoor seating available

On the southwest side of town, Napoli's Italian Restaurant SW is ready to whip up all of your favorite Italian meals. When you enter this restaurant, the high ceilings, black decor, and white linen tablecloths give it an upscale feel. On nights when the weather is nice, you can choose an outdoor table. Pair your favorite meal with one of the wines from the extensive list. Your server can help you choose one if you're unsure. From fried calamari to veal parmigiana, the menu features your classic Italian dishes. You can make advance reservations if it's a special occasion. Takeout and delivery are also available if you don't want to dine in. 

Black Sheep Social Club

• Modern American cuisine
• Viewable taproom
• Full-service bar

Within the downtown area in a former warehouse, the Black Sheep Social Club is whipping up your favorite American classics with a new flair and taste profile. Pipes wind around the ceiling and the tile floors adorn the space, giving it an industrial vibe. The menu features soon-to-be classics, such as the Smoked Blueberry Burger with Sweet Potato Fries and Salt & Pepper Popcorn Shrimp. During Happy Hour, you can get deals on food and craft cocktails. There's a children's menu available for fussy eaters. This restaurant accepts advanced reservations, which is a good idea on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Bandana's Bar-B-Q

• Barbecue
• Varied types of BBQ sauces available
• Casual table service restaurant

Located northeast of the downtown area, Bandana's Bar-B-Q offers mouthwatering barbecue meals from ribs to pulled pork sandwiches. The massive windows that line one side of the restaurant provide plenty of natural sunlight during the day, and the booths and wooden tables give the space a casual vibe. They offer a kid's menu for little ones, and you must save room for an order of donut holes, featuring a dozen holes covered in powdered sugar. You can purchase your favorite sauce or dry rub to take home with you. Catering is available for all your big events. 

Lucky's on 16th

• Brunch and breakfast
• Casual, fast dining
• Full-service bar

A list of the best restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, wouldn't be complete without the top brunch and breakfast hotspot in the area. The one standout is Lucky's on 16th. With records on the walls, black metal high-top tables, and a dining counter, this restaurant feels fun the minute you walk in the door. You can dine on your favorite waffle or eggs Benedict while drinking a Bloody Mary or Mimosa. The staff is friendly, the service is fast, and it has a distinct dinner feel. 

Make Your New Home at Alexandra Apartments

You need a home base to explore the food scene, and Alexandra Apartments are within an easy driving distance from the best restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With a swimming pool, dog park, and community clubhouse, our apartments have all the amenities you want. Schedule your tour of our community now!