Zio Johnos 3.3

Opened in 1984, Zio Johno’s introduced a unique dining concept in Cedar Rapids by offering homemade fresh Italian dishes at reasonable prices. This concept relies on the use of high-quality ingredients to deliver an authentic taste of Italy.

The menu began with classic pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, mostaccioli, and ravioli, paired with homemade pasta sauces. Customers were delighted by the daily freshly baked bread, particularly the garlic bread and the renowned Gondola Sub Sandwich. The signature spaghetti with meat sauce and a side of fresh garlic bread quickly became a customer favorite.

Driven by the demand for homemade Italian cuisine, Zio Johno’s expanded its offerings to include pizza, beef & cheese ravioli, tortellini, fettuccine Alfredo, gyros, sub sandwiches, and more. The restaurant chain grew to three locations: Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Iowa City, all still under the ownership and operation of the original local family.

Zio Johno’s attributes much of its prosperity to its dedicated employees who are treated like family members. Each team member contributes towards offering hearty family-sized servings or individual oven-baked lasagna entrées.

Community engagement has been a key part of Zio Johno’s success story through fundraising, donations, and sponsorships for schools, churches, businesses, food banks, and other local organizations, positively impacting both the communities served and the restaurant itself.

From youngsters to adults, all find satisfaction in Zio Johno’s Italian fare. The signature spaghetti with meat sauce and freshly baked garlic bread stand out among the crowd, alongside pizza varieties, ravioli, tortellini, mostaccioli, and lasagna—all hailed as "Simply the Best."

Celebrating its 38th Anniversary this October (2022), Zio Johno’s offers a captivating deal: Spaghetti and Garlic Bread for only $4.99 on October 11th, 18th, and 25th. This special includes a plate of spaghetti with homemade meat sauce and an eight-inch garlic bread at participating locations in Marion, Cedar Rapids, or Iowa City.

Experience "The Hometown Taste of Italy" through dine-in, carry-out, delivery, or catering services at one of Zio Johno’s four Spaghetti House restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Marion, or Iowa City.