Ceviche, lomo saltado and weekend brunch on Ingersoll Avenue — woman-owned, locally loved.
I am an immigrant. I was born in Lima, Peru in 1976 and moved to the United States in 2001 in order to achieve what many of you know as the “American Dream.” In times of economic difficulty, I looked for an opportunity of stability that I thought I would immediately find in the United States.
However, that dream is romanticized, and it is not all that easy to achieve. Having grown up in a different country surrounded by a unique culture, it is difficult to suddenly immerse yourself in a community that is so unlike the one I had growing up.
Plush blush-velvet seating, warm wood tables, softly glowing pendants and seasonal cherry blossoms — the kind of dining room you settle into for the whole evening.
Walk in or reserve a table; either way, the room's yours.
From ceviche peruano and chicharrón to lomo saltado and aji de gallina — every plate is built fresh to order. Press play for a look at the table we set.
"Fresh plates. Considered service. A table built to linger."
Dinner five nights a week, a relaxed weekend brunch, and a full bar of Peruvian-inspired drinks. Explore each menu below.
Settle into our warm dining room for a relaxed Latin-American brunch on weekends.
Fri – Sat: 11am – 2pm
Sun: 9am – 2pm · Mon: Closed
We're alcohol-free for now — bring your own bottle. Plus fresh juices, Peruvian coffee and soft drinks all day.
BYOB welcome
Served during all open hours
Ceviche peruano, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, pan-seared salmon and more — fresh to order.
Tue – Sat: 5pm – 9pm
Mon: Closed
Honest words from real visitors on Google.
Lo mejor de lo mejor, servicio y calidad uufff los platillos son delicious!!!!
Amazing.
We were seated at the bar and kitchen, fun watching the meal prep. This is a great restaurant and team clearly knows how to work together.
Yes. After announcing closure in February 2026, Panka entered a partnership with Flame Group and reopened on May 5, 2026. We're open and serving the full Peruvian menu on Ingersoll Avenue.
In April 2026 we joined forces with Flame Group — a Des Moines–area hospitality team — to keep Panka open for the long haul. The Peruvian menu, Mariela's vision and our home on Ingersoll all remain.
2708 Ingersoll Avenue, Suite 200, Des Moines, IA 50312 — with ample free parking on-site.
Dinner: Tuesday–Saturday, 5pm–9pm. Brunch: Friday & Saturday 11am–2pm, Sunday 9am–2pm. Closed Mondays.
Yes. Reserve a table online or simply walk in — both are welcome.
Absolutely. We cater private events of all sizes. Submit a request and we'll be in touch within a day.
As featured in Des Moines Register WHO13 KCCI We Are Iowa
We recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Book your table today and let us take care of the rest.
