Z’Story

Z’Mariks Noodle Café was born in May 2002 in Iowa City, Iowa. Owners Dave and Ellie Allen had a dream of creating a dining destination that united fresh food with fast service for an affordable price. As Iowa natives, they embraced their roots and sought to build a family friendly business that felt like home to their customers.

Z’Concept

Z’Mariks is designed to be a fast, casual restaurant that offers fresh, made-to-order noodle, rice, soup and salad bowls served to your table within minutes. We offer a unique selection of family recipes including American traditions like Macaroni and Cheese, Italian favorites of Pesto and Marinara bowls and their customers’ favorite the Asian Spicy Peanut. Ellie’s Greek heritage spills over into the Krith-a-raki bowl and the Greek salads.

Our bowl prices, many under $6, coupled with our swift service make Z’Mariks a great lunch destination while the eclectic atmosphere and local charm give customers a great experience for a relaxed meal.

Z’Philosophy

The Allen family knows that fresh made food is what brings people in the door, but it’s customer service excellence that keeps visitors coming back. Our goal is not only to know the customer’s name, but know their favorite noodle bowl. Our staff is trained to treat customers like family and make them feel at home.

While it’s impossible to leave Z’Mariks hungry, our superior service is designed to make sure that everyone also leaves happy and looking forward to their next bowl. Our staff makes your noodle or rice bowl exactly the way you like it, with opportunities to add or substitute veggies, chicken or tofu. The table service we provide is complimentary and requires no gratuity. All we ask is that you pass on the word to your friends about our family friendly noodle café.

What’s Z’Deal with Z’Name?

Z’Mariks (zee – mare – icks) name is one of the ingredients for originality in this restaurant concept. The name Z’Mariks is derived from the Greek word for pasta. Several years ago, Dave was trying to learn Greek for his wife, Ellie, and he mispronounced the Greek word for pasta “Zimarika” as Z’Mariks and so the name was born!

The uniqueness of this restaurant name tells you that it’s not like any other noodle bowl joint. Come in for a visit! Taste and see how Z’Mariks Noodle Café celebrates the best of Iowa…fresh food, friends and family.