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About

Bar La Tosca, the premier Italian restaurant in Ames, IA, offers an unforgettable dining experience. Our eclectic menu features an array of small plates and craft cocktails, perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening. Located in the heart of Ames at 303 Welch Ave, our cozy and intimate atmosphere makes us the ideal spot for any occasion. Whether you're in the mood for a classic margherita pizza or a creative twist on a Italian dish, our chefs use only the freshest ingredients to craft a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more. Come visit us today and experience the best of Italy in the Midwest!

Bar La Tosca Review Summary

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4.5
(348 Reviews)
5
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1
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Sara
Sara -Google user
2 years ago
Fantastic time here on a Saturday morning. Most other places we went were too busy or offered little to no seating. Food was good and prepared fast. It was nice to have some breakfast and lunch options for those who go around brunch and no...Read More
Dine inBreakfast$10–20Maple Crepe
Shawn Nauman-Larson
Shawn Nauman-Larson -Google user
Edited 6 years ago
One rainy Sunday morning we woke up with a craving for crepes. With no local Yelp or Google recommendations we settled on Ames. Not having any idea what to expect, we landed on the door step of Stomping Grounds Cafe. We absolutely were not disappointed....Read More
Amy Bradley
Amy Bradley -Google user
a year ago
Very lovely Cafe. Great atmosphere. Had the croque madame and a cappuccino. Delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
R B
R B -Google user
5 months ago
Loved this quaint space! We didn't get food, only coffee, but it was spectacular! Their patio is so inviting, and the inside is fresh and fun, with lots of indoor plants! Loved that they were open til 9!
Other$1–10Atmosphere: 5Indoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating
Victoria Moser
Victoria Moser -Google user
8 months ago
Good experience. Good food with reasonable prices. The staff is very kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Rob Pento
Rob Pento -Google user
2 years ago
Great food and atmosphere. Wait staff were friendly. We had to wait a while for our meals, but on graduation weekend, we figured this would happen. Parking is close by. Located on the 1st floor. Easy to see, located on...Read More
Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Grilled Cheese, blt with GreensSomewhat difficult to find parkingFree street parking, Paid street parkingParking on the weekend, even if metered, is free
Mary Yungeberg
Mary Yungeberg -Google user
3 months ago
We love this place and make a point of eating here every time we visit Ames. The coffee is strong and the food is well crafted and delicious. We always sit on the patio with our pups.
Breakfast$10–20Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizesNo waitPlenty of parkingPaid street parkingAs of 7/5/25 major construction right across the street but parking is still available.Yes it’s available.
Sayan Mitra
Sayan Mitra -Google user
3 weeks ago
Fine italian dining. Live music was the best.
$20–30Atmosphere: 5Reservations not required5-8 peopleIndoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terraceHighly recommendLarge vegetarian selection
Whitney Lenz
Whitney Lenz -Google user
8 years ago
Bar la Tosca is a great restaurant to check out in Ames downtown. Their cocktails are wonderful, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is always wonderful. The prices are great and it’s easy for anyone to find something they can enjoy. It’s a spot suitable...Read More
Indy Lo
Indy Lo -Google user
Edited 6 years ago
This is one of my favorite places in all of Ames! It’s easy to spend a lot of time here. 1. The staff is personable and kind. 2. The food is well made. 3. Aesthetic inside is almost perfect. Very cozy. 4. Most importantly, the drinks are some...Read More
Eric Weber
Eric Weber -Google user
6 years ago
It’s been a few weeks since my last visit. Always a great place, but now on a whole new level. Avocado Toast with Quail Eggs.. stunning new level of skill from the chef. Our waitress Sterling provided a level of service...Read More
Quin
Quin -Google user
7 years ago
The servers were great, super friendly, and very on top of things during a busy Sunday morning. Abundant coffee selection so anyone could find their perfect brew. Great food options as well. Won't be able to stop by all too often on my grad student...Read More
Aaron Lerberg
Aaron Lerberg -Google user
2 years ago
The mushroom toast and pork belly were both excellent. Ingredients were fresh and the plating was cute. The crown jewel was the Aviation cocktail. Service was good and the staff was friendly. I’ll be back as the menu appears to have a lot of cool...Read More
Mike (GrumpyMcShi)
Mike (GrumpyMcShi) -Google user
5 months ago
Upscale well crafted food and beverages in campus town.
Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5
Blake Sorensen
Blake Sorensen -Google user
6 years ago
I've been coming here for years and the experience is always excellent. It's my favorite place to get coffee in Ames, it's so good. Very relaxed atmosphere and fresh, high-quality food. Portion sizes are smaller than some places, but it's still a good value since...Read More
Kayzha Shepard
Kayzha Shepard -Google user
2 years ago
Go ahead and stop in. We almost missed it driving by, even with gps directions. Choosing out of hundreds of nearby restaurants during ISU move in day, we chose this and I’m glad we did. It’s a little pricey but the quality is great. Their...Read More
Atmosphere: 4
Janelle Erion
Janelle Erion -Google user
Edited 9 years ago
Amazing food and drinks! Beware, the French toast is huge. I would highly recommend that any group of 6 or more to call ahead. I definitely wouldn't recommend any group of 8 or more.
Sonja Duval
Sonja Duval -Google user
2 weeks ago
Took a large group of 20+ people to La Tosca. The atmosphere was great, super open, lots of light, very cozy! The food was great. Called in several days ahead of time and they were able to meet our groups needs and requests. Servers were...Read More
Lunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Very quietNo wait
Kyla Oelkers
Kyla Oelkers -Google user
4 months ago
Tosca is one of my favorite places to eat/have a cup of tea or coffee off campus. It is fancy, has tons of plants, friendly staff, fast service, and good music.
Breakfast$10–20Atmosphere: 53-4 peopleNo wait
Molly Lohry
Molly Lohry -Google user
6 months ago
I stopped in for lunch and had the most amazing salad. I also tried the mushroom flatbread and a chai tea latte. I used to visit this spot a decade ago when it was Stomping Grounds, and while some of the menu items are still...Read More
Atmosphere: 4

Features

Service options

check icon Takeout
check icon Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

check icon Fast service
check icon Great beer selection
check icon Great cocktails
check icon Great coffee
check icon Great dessert
check icon Great wine list

Popular for

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Solo dining

Accessibility

check icon Wheelchair accessible entrance
check icon Wheelchair accessible parking lot
check icon Wheelchair accessible restroom
check icon Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

check icon Alcohol
check icon Beer
check icon Cocktails
check icon Coffee
check icon Comfort food
check icon Hard liquor
check icon Healthy options
check icon Organic dishes
check icon Small plates
check icon Vegetarian options
check icon Wine

Dining options

check icon Breakfast
check icon Brunch
check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Dessert
check icon Seating

Amenities

check icon Bar onsite
check icon Restroom

Atmosphere

check icon Casual
check icon Cozy
check icon Romantic
check icon Trendy
check icon Upscale

Crowd

check icon Groups

Planning

check icon Accepts reservations

Payments

check icon Credit cards

Children

check icon High chairs