Chez Grace - Nouveau French Cuisine

The food was extraordinary and Chef was delightful. I had not had foie gras, and Chef’s version is not to be missed. The steak au poivre was prepared perfectly as well. Couldn’t have imagined a better way to finish up 4 great years in Iowa for my daughter!

One of the best meals we've ever had. My wife and I decided to come here to celebrate closing on a new house and for her master's graduation. We happened to be the only ones in the restaurant on this day, and got highly personalized service from Chef David. We got the full five courses. Each course was top of, if not best in class. The ambiance and hospitality were excellent as well. Overall, this is an incredible spot for a special occasion meal. Props to Chef David!

Chez Grace feels less like a typical restaurant and more like being invited into the chef’s home for an unforgettable meal—with a few strangers seated nearby, all sharing in the experience. On a freezing Iowa night, this cozy, intimate spot was the perfect escape. The chef himself runs the entire show, only allowing 4-6 tables per evening, which makes the night feel personal, exclusive, and thoughtfully curated.

We started with the wild mushroom soup, which was rich, velvety, and full of deep, earthy flavors—the kind of dish that warms you to your core. Then came the balsamic caprese salad, followed by the wagyu steak and fillet mignon, and honestly? One of the best steaks I’ve ever had. It was perfectly cooked, incredibly tender, and packed with that deep, buttery look richness you expect from high-quality wagyu. The chef knows how good it is, and the price reflects that—definitely a splurge-worthy meal.

The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in town. It truly feels like going over to the chef’s house for dinner, where he personally prepares everything with care. The experience is elevated but never pretentious—you’re enjoying fine dining-quality food in a relaxed, intimate setting. And the thoughtful touch of the owner sharing a $500 bottle of wine.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, intimate dining experience, Chez Grace is 100% worth it. Perfect for a romantic date, a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable meal. Just be prepared for the price—but trust me, it’s worth every penny.

My husband and I decided to eat here for our 1 year wedding anniversary after hearing so many wonderful things about Chez Grace. I had no idea the owner did everything himself and it was quite impressive. The restaurant has a very intimate setting. We did the 5 course dinner and I thoroughly enjoyed everything.

Celebrated our wedding anniversary there and were very impressed by the quality of preparation and the attention to detail. The chef-owner does it all. Very few tables available, and it is a very special experience. Very highly recommended, and we will be back.

A lovely experience for a special occasion. The owner-chef-server-host is friendly and competent. The soup was so so but everything else was excellent.

The atmosphere was great, the place is pristine but nothing too fancy. A semi formal table setting with a white table cloth and a lonely tea candle in a glass candle holder as a center piece. It did have a very relaxed ambiance to enjoy your dinner that I appreciate very much. The kitchen is behind a half wall room divider so you can hear Chef David working and smell your food while he’s cooking it one course at a time. As each food was served, you’ll be disappointed to see that it lacks the beauty of presentation and the taste is on the mediocre side. Overall the whole experience is not worth the price tag. $361+ for two 4-course meal and 2 glasses of wine, I don’t mind paying high $$$$ for food but it better be worth it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Chez Grace is an experience unparalleled in the Corridor area. Chef David’s attention to detail and excellence is evident in his culinary gifts as well as his professional and kind demeanor- not to mention his impeccable wine selection. I can’t wait to return!

Amazing!! Chef David is an amazing, 1 man show! He does it all from greeting, to serving, to cooking and clean up! The food was melt in your mouth delicious and he’s the sweetest! We had a chance to visit with him, his story is very humbling and we truly enjoyed our experience at Chez Grace! Definitely will make the trip back! Photo creds to Chef David!

If I could give 10 ?, I would have.
Everything was perfect. Amazing food, great hospitality, best atmosphere.

We LOVE it

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best food in the area and probably the best meal our family has ever had anywhere in the world! The meal started out with an asparagus soup that was the best soup I've ever had -- a perfect soup is the mark of a fantastic chef. The steak - perfectly cooked, the best flavor imaginable. The potatoes with the steak: somehow the chef made the potatoes taste like something out of this world / in heaven. Creme brulee to finish it all off. This was an unforgettable dining experience. Thank you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee, Steak Au Poivre, Peppercorn Steak and Yellow Potatoes

Food was great, but I left hungry, and will $250 less in my pocketbook. Service was good, but honestly for the price in a strip mall, I just felt like something was missing.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Not only is this the best meal in town, it’s the best in the state, if not some of the best in the country. This is better than any Michelin star restaurant we’ve been to. There is a reason people travel from all over the country to eat here. It’s that good. The fish is incredible every single time. he’s obviously absolutely perfected the crème brûlée over his career. It’s our favorite place to go when we want to ‘escape’ Iowa city for a bit and have an experience. This is someone at the top of their craft so you can’t miss it. The environment is beautiful but don’t let the ‘$$$$ French cuisine’ rating fool you - this is not a stuffy environment. What might be most remarkable about Chef David is that he’s this incredible talent but he could not be more humble. He does not walk around like a hot shot Chef-he’s right there having the dining experience with you while also giving you the most private dining experience you might ever have. Expect him to talk to you and laugh with you. Everyone feels welcome and connected. It’s just a very unique experience. Lots of people dress up. Lots of people dress casual. Have fun with it and just enjoy your night there.Keep in mind there are no vegetarian options but I wouldn’t be surprised if he would make an accommodation if you request it in advance.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee

Took my daughter here for her 18th birthday. Told her to choose a place. She chose Chez Grace. A small place. Reservation only. Doors are locked when you are in the restaurant. Great atmosphere! Table cloth, silverware and stemware set up on the table. It was a little cold in the restaurant but not uncomfortable. The menu, see pic, was simple. We chose the five course meal. There were five options for the main course. The other four were predetermined.Water, coffee, or alcohol available.The owner opened the door and saw us to the table. He also took our orders, brought our orders, cooked our meals, and everything else. The meal was a 2 hour event. Relaxed, not rushed. The food was cooked to perfection. I loved this place.Highly recommend!It is an expensive place $$$$. But well worth the dining experience.The restroom is clean - bring a date!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Roasted Organic Beet Salad, Tarte Tatin, Butternut Squash Soup with Brown Butter and Nutmeg, Roasted Pear Salad with Brie Cheese & Walnuts, Creme Brulee, Blue Oyster Mushroom Salad, Foie Gras Terrine with Fig Syrup Served with French Bread, Steak Au Poivre, Z Salad

Best restaurant outside of France,

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5