Panka Peruvian Restaurant

Good food and good service. We all enjoyed our meals.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband and I came into town to see our son at college and take him to dinner for his birthday. We made our reservation for 6:15 at about 4:30. The restaurant did not open until 5. We were pretty excited about it, because it was a birthday dinner, and our son had spent the last summer in Peru for an internship and was eager to try this out.

We showed up at 6, and it was obvious we weren't going to be able to get in early, which was fine. My husband waited to check in, while my son and I waited in the car, since there is no waiting area and barely any room, especially since some other diners were waiting as well, presumably for their 6 pm reservation. It was clear it would be awhile, since the tables were all still full.

Around 6:15, another group crammed their way into the small entryway. At 6:30, they had some empty tables, so they finally acknowledged everyone waiting. The 6:30 group asked for their table, and my husband interjected to say we had a 6:15 reservation. The host informed him that we were not on his list and did not have a reservation. My husband showed them our confirmation email and the OpenTable app we used. The host stated that he does not check for reservations after 5 pm and we clearly had made the reservation too late. (Note: I said we did it at about 4:30, so this was clearly not when he looked). The host informed my husband that there was no reservation, he did not care that we went through OpenTable (their own reservation setup), and we would not be seated. My husband protested, and the host turned his back to him and walked off shaking his head. We were not seated, and he did not return.

So we did not get dinner.

My advice to you: Making a reservation here, at least not through OpenTable, will not guarantee you will be seated or served. We had to find somewhere else to eat for my son's birthday, and all the other options we had turned down for this one were booked. Also, they are bad at estimating dining times. They will not acknowledge you until there are open tables, even to check you in, and you may wait for some time after your scheduled reservation.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The staff are a delight and the food is delicious. It’s a place I would definitely return to. We had met the owner and her son and they shared such kind hospitality and service to us.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of my favorite places in DSM. Really hope to see you open back up in the metro somewhere else. Thank you for the great food and memories!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’m so sad to hear Panka is closing. It’s my favorite restaurant in the city. Everything always tastes so fresh and incredible. The staff is also great. You will be so missed, Panka!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Heard you guys are shutting down, thanks for bringing Peru to the 515!

Went to celebrate my husband's birthday. The host was prepared for it and gave us a warm welcome. Food was great and even got a surprise dessert on the house.

Amazing food and atmosphere, and Felipe was fantastic! Pisco sour was delicious. Will be stopping by if I pass through town again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food. Great atmosphere. Our server, Felipe, was great! Glad Des Moines has this restaurant!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very delicious food! Service was excellent! Lovely atmosphere!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The brunch is fantastic! Everyone at our table loved their meal. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our first visit, we enjoyed everything about the experience. We will be back when downtown.

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