Panka Peruvian Restaurant

The food was amazing. Delicious and flavourful. And the staff was very nice. Will be coming here often. Wish we knew about this hidden gem sooner.

What a gem! Such a treat to find this level of international food in Iowa! The service was impeccable too!

I dined with three friends on a Wednesday. Our meals were outstanding, as was the service. We were able to find beverages we liked, although they offered just two types of beer and no wine. (Perhaps it is a financial decision.) Cocktails are available. The food was beautifully prepared and presented, as well as being delicious. I especially enjoyed the chicha morada, a traditional purple (!) drink. The taste is similar to cold spiced cider and it was very refreshing.

Beautiful space, delicious and delightful dishes! Plus the staff provide an excellent experience. I love the Ingersoll Corridor and Panka Peruvian is a do not miss. I loved the Papa Rellena from the appetizers menu and the Arroz Norteno from the Peruvian dishes menu.

My favorite restaurant in Des Moines and I have lived here all my life - food is so fresh and every dish is amazing!

Nothing but love for this authentic and wonderfully tasty spot. It's nestled inconspicuously between a pancheros and a firehouse sub but that makes finding this gem that much more rewarding when you see just how amazing the their selection of food is, and how amazing it all tastes.

I ordered the mariscos w/ rice dish and for $30 it didn’t include enough actual seafood for that price.

My favorite Peruvian restaurant in the US is called Mi Lindo Peru, located in San Francisco to be exact, and for a lower price than what Panka offers they truly piled on the shrimp/prawns, octopus, fish, and even mussels. The rice with seafood dish at Panka only had small bits and pieces of seafood I really had to dig for. Disappointing.

The difference is Mi Lindo Peru is considered “no frills” in the context of SF. On the other hand Panka markets itself more as an upscale restaurant in the context of its region and there aren’t any other Peruvian restaurants of note I’m aware of.

If the dish was about $20 I wouldn’t have been as disappointed. $30 just felt like a huge stretch for what I got.

They also didn’t have Inca Kola.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Very welcoming restaurant with attentive staff. Our waiter helped recommend an appetizer called Chicharron De Pez (fried white fish) and it was fresh, mild and delicious. He also explained foods we weren't familiar with. I plan to return.

One of my favorite restaurants in Des Moines. Amazing food and service. Never disappoints.

Peruvian-lite. Only rated highly because Midwesterners are oblivious to the real stuff.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Overpriced and mediocre at best purvian food. Do not recommend unless you are just about the happy hour

Vegetarian options: Have a few option for vegeterians

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

Stopped in for an order to go. Asked the server to order for me. It was absolutely fantastic!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came here for lunch with one of my friends who is Vegan and gluten-free. We originally tried to order something for her from the brunch menu--arepas, but the cook said that the cheese was already mixed in. They instead brought out the dinner menu where my friend was able to find something fulfilling that would also be kind to her tummy. Not only that, but her quinoa salad was absolutely to die for! We originally chose Panka because they were giving away free coffee for Latino Restaurant Week and were pleasantly surprised that they not only had a brunch menu, but that they are absolute perfectionists when it comes to execution of their food. You could taste the pride in every bite! We can't wait to come back here! You wouldn't think that it would be much in a little strip, but this restaurant is beautiful inside! They also have outdoor seating but there's a little bit of construction going on right now. Definitely one to put on your list!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The meal was excellent!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything was wonderful for brunch. I ordered an empanada and our server was amazing! 10/10 and can't wait to come back to try dinner

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5