Panka Peruvian Restaurant

I can't say enough good things about the service and the food at Panka! Fresh bold flavors no matter the dish. It's a foodie place, and that is also illustrated by the servers, who you can tell also love the food and are proud to serve it to others. The owner is super personable and wants you to not only like her food, but love it. I just wish I lived closer to DM. I'd be a regular.

I had the seafood bisque and one of the sour cocktails. Both were outstanding.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was great and the owner treated us like family. I asked if I could purchase one of their cute little coffee spoons to feed my pet squirrel some peanut butter and I was told I could just have it. So happy that we stopped in. I will definitely be back again. 🥰

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was our first time here. We were ignored for a few minutes when we arrived even though we were the first patrons to arrive and had made reservations. After we were seated the service was great. I ordered the Peruvian fried rice with chicken which was heavy on the soy sauce. My daughter had the Queen Arepa which she devoured. We ordered their cookies for dessert which didnt feel like the were made im house, just nothing special. We both had a diet coke which was flat. I would not order the Peruvian fried rice again but we are intrigued with the menu and will return to sample more from their menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

The food is absolutely amazing! Would suggest to anyone! I’m in town for a few weeks and stopped in, and will definitely be back again before I depart! The Lomo Saltado with chicken was some of the best food I’ve eaten in a LOONNGG time! The staff was extremely nice, and the restaurant was beautiful inside as well!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

the young men that use to play accordion in the restaurant is very talented and charismatic, he should play more often

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Panka Peruvian is an absolute gem — a vibrant, welcoming restaurant that delivers authentic and flavorful Peruvian cuisine. This evening, it was hard for our group to decide what to order from the many intriguing dishes. We started with traditional pisco sours and the fried yuca appetizer (so tasty we all swore we would order it every time we return). Then we shared four delicious main dishes: Tallarin Saltado, Langostinos Melcocha, Arroz Norteno, and Carapulcra. Each dish was bursting with color and perfectly balanced flavors. Sadly, we were left so full dessert will have to wait for our next visit. In all respects, Panka's attention to detail was remarkable. Service was efficient, friendly, and attentive. Whether you’re a first-timer to Peruvian food or a devoted fan, Panka sets the bar high — a must-visit destination for anyone who loves interesting cooking done right.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing foods! I have never had Peruvian food before and tried one of the sandwiches which was to die for! Super sweet waitress and great service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I wish I’d taken pictures…we couldn’t help but dig in immediately. This place is magical…food is absolutely delicious, presentation is fantastic, service is tip-top. I don’t have enough superlatives…just go and see for yourself!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We always enjoy our dinners at Panka. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive. The atmosphere is tremendous. We love to support this local restaurant and it's people!

Panka Peruvian knocks it out of the park. I had their Peruvian burger smothered in rocoto sauce with fries—🔥 delicious. The brunch menu has real Peruvian staples like tacu tacu with eggs and lomo saltado with a fried egg.

Service? Outstanding. Friendly, fast, and they make you feel right at home.

To my Iowa friends: it’s not scary food, it’s better food. Stop playing it safe—you’re missing out big time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

This is one of my favorite restaurants to go to. I’m impressed with the food every time I go. Massive flavor and spiced well. I’ve gone here 4 times in total upon making this review, all this year. I couldn’t imagine this place not being here. First time I didn’t order my food right off the menu, I told our waiter that I’ll have what the guy next to me is having and it’s my favorite dish to have there; Aji de gallina. Which can also be in empanada form. I also recommend their purple corn drink, if you like refreshing yet spiced juices. This place deserves attention with its quality of food and I hope they stay here for a long time. Please support them!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely outstanding! Inventive, flavorful food and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Attentive, personalized service. A DM gem to be experienced and enjoyed!

I absolutely love this place! They knock it out of the park every time! The food, presentation, staff, atmosphere… everything is awesome! My wife and I like to sit at the bar and watch the cooks work their magic on the open flame.
Our server Felipe was super friendly and our glasses were never empty.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Panka is amazing! Best ceviches in town and many of them to choose from. Food and the atmosphere are up scale and the staff is very friendly. You wouldn’t know driving by because it is cased by Pancheros and Firehouse subs making it hard to notice when you drive by, which is unfortunate for this little gem of Des Moines. They would make a killing on a more noticeable location!! Highly recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I knew NOTHING about Peruvian food and it didn't matter one bit because the staff was extremely helpful. The Salmon Caliente Ceviche blew my mind! We shared a couple entrees that we LOVED and even had desert because we just couldn't get enough. The flavors were just insane. We can't wait to go back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5