Restaurants in Iowa City
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Best Restaurants
“Always excellent with partitions for privacy. The bar is dark. The drinks are excellent. The food is excellent. It’s always a class act every single time. Consistency and quality.”
“I'm gluten intolerant so I ordered the tomato bisque rather than the chips with my sandwich. The waiter heard me tell my friend why I was ordering the soup and checked to make sure I would be able to eat both the sandwich and the soup. He went above and beyond to cater to my needs. Our lunch was good and his entire demeanor and attitude were very pleasant. Worth stopping here since we were only in town for a doctor's visit at the hospital.”
“I've been looking for a great restaraunt in Iowa city for months. One of the best rib eyes, or streaks, I've eaten. You must eat here if you get the chance. And Kali was an outstanding server.”
“Cole is the best! He always made sure our drinks were full! Cole is the man!”
“I had my second visit today for lunch and I was pleasantly impressed even over my high expectations from my first visit. this will be a main stop any time I am in town. I forgot the bartenders name but he was working at 230 pm on Feb 24th. absolutely fantastic service”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“I was there during off hours. The food was fabulous. Fresh and homemade. The antique tile floor is nice, as are the authentic wood appointments. The server was very attentive but for me, a little too attentive.”
“We tried this Restaurant out for the first time this last Saturday. We did call and get reservation earlier that week though due to UofI graduations. We ordered seven different items off their menu. I have to tell you, they were all great. The farmhouse salad, the Burrata, the pizzas and my favorite, the Seven-Layer Lasagna Bolognese! Well done Maggie’s! A+++++”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Recently hired Graze to cater an event for 70 people. Not only was it delicious and plentiful, the staff were extremely helpful and timely in planning, suggesting, and delivering the food. The visiting guests LOVED the selection. Graze will be our first choice for future events.”
“I'm gluten intolerant so I ordered the tomato bisque rather than the chips with my sandwich. The waiter heard me tell my friend why I was ordering the soup and checked to make sure I would be able to eat both the sandwich and the soup. He went above and beyond to cater to my needs. Our lunch was good and his entire demeanor and attitude were very pleasant. Worth stopping here since we were only in town for a doctor's visit at the hospital.”
“My wife and I went to the Black Angel for a late lunch about 4 pm today. We split a beef brisket sandwich with each us having a bowl of chicken tortilla soup. The soup was lukewarm and had to be reheated which was promptly and courteously done, as was all service rendered. This was our only complaint. Everything was excellent. Best Chicken Tortilla soup (not too spicy) ever had, The sandwich was great too. Yum!”
“Great use of flavors and ingredients. Will definitely be going back.”
Online Reservation Available
“Every review about each mouthful being a flavor explosion is accurate. Wife and I love trying new places, and this did not disappoint. Atmosphere was perfect, loud enough to afford you privacy but not so loud you’re shouting. Jess took her time and was very helpful. Lighting was excellent. The fried rice was the only thing I wasn't 100% on. The mushroom salad was phenomenal, locally sourced. We will definitely be back.”
“After a long day in the sun, went for a drink and had the best waitress around. The sun makes me grumpy but Ms. Hannah's bubbly spirit and kindness was just what I needed to not finish the day in disaster ❤️ Big Grove, you are lucky to have this little peanut and will be a big reason I return 🍻”
“We have been to Blackstone several times. Our guests last night had not been there before, but were very pleased with the experience. Flynn’s Baked Pasta is always my favorite, but everyone was pleased with their meal. Maggie was a tremendous server. Very friendly and efficient.”
“Since I can't leave a new post I ended up deleting my last one to leave this. Went back and had an amazing experience this time. All the workers where very nice, had smiles on their faces and the energy tonight was just joyful. Not just with my family but everyone else in the restaurant. The people working tonight was very sweet and understanding and I will be going back again. Thank you for the amazing time tonight.”
“Tammie must be lying,,cause if anyone knows the owner he's not taking a meal off anyone's tickets without a lengthy debate..let alone pay someone for.good google reviews..I suppose that if I went to a restaurant where I was poisoned with rotten food, with visible mold and msg pouring out of it. I WOULD SPEND LESS TIME MAKING NOTES ABOUT THIS HORRIBLE THING THAT IS HAPPENING TO YOU..and probably ask to speak to someone Manager ..owner...doctor or nurse after all this diarrhea..your fingers work great though...Very credibel hands mamm.”
“Every review about each mouthful being a flavor explosion is accurate. Wife and I love trying new places, and this did not disappoint. Atmosphere was perfect, loud enough to afford you privacy but not so loud you’re shouting. Jess took her time and was very helpful. Lighting was excellent. The fried rice was the only thing I wasn't 100% on. The mushroom salad was phenomenal, locally sourced. We will definitely be back.”
“What a treat. It is to be a musician, And be invited to perform at this fine facility, The experience it's what you think of and want as a musician. Place dedicated to music and create food, that makes your mouth water from smelling it. Hands down the best Smoked brisket I have ever ever had! It's out of this world. Everything you serve is amazing, The coleslaw is exquisite. And I didn't even say nothin about how amazing the stage and sound and atmosphere is playing in your venue. It's top notch that chandelier, just sets such a vibe, It's a classy joint i'm gonna say. Thanks for existing. Thanks for letting me play!”
Takeout Restaurants
“I had my second visit today for lunch and I was pleasantly impressed even over my high expectations from my first visit. this will be a main stop any time I am in town. I forgot the bartenders name but he was working at 230 pm on Feb 24th. absolutely fantastic service”
“The Encounter Café is a true gem in Iowa City! The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of charm. The servers were incredibly kind and attentive, providing excellent service that made the whole experience feel personal and uplifting. The cinnamon rolls were out of this world—fluffy, fresh, and perfectly sweet—easily the best I’ve ever had. Their coffee was fresh and flavorful, and every dish we tried from the breakfast menu was outstanding, made with quality ingredients and served hot. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, delicious breakfast spot in Iowa City, The Encounter Café is a must-visit.”
“I ordered a vanilla heart shaped cake from her with a photo on top, and it it came out perfect! She responded so fast and worked with me to make the cake exactly how I wanted it. She was so kind and with great the cake tasted and look, I would tell anyone and everyone to get a cake from her!!!”
“We tried this Restaurant out for the first time this last Saturday. We did call and get reservation earlier that week though due to UofI graduations. We ordered seven different items off their menu. I have to tell you, they were all great. The farmhouse salad, the Burrata, the pizzas and my favorite, the Seven-Layer Lasagna Bolognese! Well done Maggie’s! A+++++”
“Ate here on November 7 in the early afternoon. I ordered the baked white fish dinner, which included a large roll, French fries and a side salad. The fish was a large portion and baked to perfection. Our waitress was friendly and took good care of us. All employees were friendly. The place appeared clean and there is ample parking. Prices are reasonable. Would definitely come back again when in Iowa City.”
“I ordered a bulk meats order for a graduation party Jaden helped me get exactly what I wanted and needed and told me just what to do to make sure my food would be delicious and perfect the day of my event. And it WAS everything was so delicious all the guests raved about the food!”
“After a long day in the sun, went for a drink and had the best waitress around. The sun makes me grumpy but Ms. Hannah's bubbly spirit and kindness was just what I needed to not finish the day in disaster ❤️ Big Grove, you are lucky to have this little peanut and will be a big reason I return 🍻”
“My fiancé and I absolutely LOVE Plated Table - so much so that we booked it for our rehearsal dinner this summer. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the food is consistently incredible.
This past weekend, we (very embarrassingly) forgot about our pre-paid reservation for their Whole Hog Cassoulet. I had been sick and it completely slipped our minds. We felt terrible. Instead of making us feel worse, their team handled it with so much grace and kindness. They reached out to us and went above and beyond by offering to package our meal as a to-go order so we wouldn’t miss out. We're so thankful they did this for us, and it was DELICIOUS. After a few days of not feeling well, having such a thoughtfully prepared, ready-to-eat meal was exactly what I needed.
That level of thoughtfulness and service is rare. It just reaffirmed why we chose Plated Table to be part of such a special weekend in our lives. We’re so grateful for a restaurant that not only serves amazing food, but truly cares about its guests. Highly, highly recommend.”
“Made reservations for my birthday. We had the bruschetta caprese as a starter. It was very fresh, tomatoes had tons of flavor. We ate every last shred of basil off the plate. My husband ordered the lobster which had amazing flavor and didn’t have the standard “seafood” taste I dread. I had the rissono which wasn’t at all greasy, or spicy. Decent portions and quality food. Servers are very well informed. I had two limontini’s which were delicious. Bar can get a bit behind in a rush. We finished with dessert, cheesecake with berries which was fine but not my favorite cheesecake. We will be back and sure to recommend!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“My wife and I went to the Black Angel for a late lunch about 4 pm today. We split a beef brisket sandwich with each us having a bowl of chicken tortilla soup. The soup was lukewarm and had to be reheated which was promptly and courteously done, as was all service rendered. This was our only complaint. Everything was excellent. Best Chicken Tortilla soup (not too spicy) ever had, The sandwich was great too. Yum!”
“I came in today. I ordered a burger. it was the tap tap to be exact. I wanted to add bacon on it but there wasn't an option for the bartender to add that when she placed my order. Instead, she went back to the kitchen to check with the cooks to see if it could be an option and they made it happen. such a great way of going above and beyond.”
“No matter what you order it will be tasty! Love that you can order half and half on the sweet potato and traditional french fries. They have seating upstairs and downstairs. Prices are reasonable. Its always busy but they get food out fast! Dont forget to grab a sweet treat when you are there!”
“Pagliai’s Pizza is the kind of place that reminds you why the best dining experiences are often the simplest. Tucked away in Iowa City, this unassuming neighborhood institution feels like a hidden treasure — and after our first visit, the only disappointment was realizing it took us four years, and the eve of graduation, to finally discover it. What makes Pagliai’s even more remarkable is its history. Serving Iowa City since 1957, the restaurant has spent decades perfecting the art of traditional pizza-making, and that experience is evident in every detail. In an era where restaurants constantly chase trends, Pagliai’s has endured by staying true to what it does best. From the moment you walk in, Pagliai’s embraces an old-school charm that feels increasingly rare. The dining room is cozy and inviting, filled with classic booths and intimate tables that create the perfect atmosphere for an authentic pizza night. There’s no unnecessary flash here — just a restaurant that knows exactly what it is and executes it beautifully. The menu follows the same philosophy of simplicity done right. Beer, wine, and soda accompany what is unquestionably the star of the show: the pizza. Offered in both original crust and double dough, the pies arrive perfectly crafted and unapologetically delicious. We ordered two large original crust pizzas, and every slice passed the ultimate “flop test” with flying colors — crisp enough to hold its shape, yet still perfectly tender with each bite. What makes Pagliai’s so memorable is its confidence in tradition. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are balanced, and the experience feels refreshingly genuine. Add in prices that are remarkably reasonable, and it becomes clear why this Iowa City staple has thrived for nearly seven decades. Whether you’re a longtime Iowa City resident or simply passing through, Pagliai’s Pizza is a must-visit destination — a timeless pizza parlor that quietly delivers one of the best meals in town.”
“My friends and I ate at I love FuFu last Wednesday night and it was AMAZING! It was the first time we had been there and our server was so helpful and knowledgeable about what to order, what things tasted like, spice levels. Everything was absolutely delicious! We will definitely be returning! This is Quad Cities GEM!!! Go! You won’t be disappointed!!! ✌️💕”
“What a treat. It is to be a musician, And be invited to perform at this fine facility, The experience it's what you think of and want as a musician. Place dedicated to music and create food, that makes your mouth water from smelling it. Hands down the best Smoked brisket I have ever ever had! It's out of this world. Everything you serve is amazing, The coleslaw is exquisite. And I didn't even say nothin about how amazing the stage and sound and atmosphere is playing in your venue. It's top notch that chandelier, just sets such a vibe, It's a classy joint i'm gonna say. Thanks for existing. Thanks for letting me play!”
“Absolutely love the selection they have, 10/10 recommend trying out!”
“Been coming here for years, and I love it just as much as the first time. Come check out their Build-a-Boards!”
Cheap Eats
“SO happy to see that Saigon’s Corner is now on Chomp! (Maybe this isn’t new, but I don’t remember seeing them there before). We got a ton of food for a very reasonable price, it was very well packaged (pho broth separate from noodles, veg, protein, etc), arrived in a very reasonable time (even on a Saturday night) and it was all fresh and really delicious. We easily have enough for lunch for both of us tomorrow as well. We will definitely be ordering again, and can’t wait!!”
“Ate here for the first time before attending an Iowa basketball game nearby. There were good choices on the menu. I had the spicey Italian meatball grinder with fries. It was good and very filling. Prices seemed reasonable. The place was noisy so it was hard to socialize with my friends. Otherwise, a good place to eat and would go there again if in town.”
“Food is delicious and the staff is the best. Only the second time there and they remembered us. Their was also a power outage that knocked out the entire street. They did great under pressure!!!! If you haven’t tried it you must. Even the 10 year old tries something new and loved it”
“Found this place looking for a healthy menu while we were driving past Iowa City to Chicago. So glad we made the stop. Great location to see the University and enjoy some great food. I had the Açaí bowl and it was amazing, my husband had the turkey wrap which was a healthy choice for him 😊. The staff was super pleasant. Would definitely make this a stop if in Iowa City or just driving through. Love small businesses ❤️”
“We come here regularly when we're in town to see a show at Hancher. Never been disappointed. We were there on May 2 for an early dinner. Best server ever! Brady -- he was new but handled everything wonderfully. Always smiling, attentive without hovering and always found an answer to any questions we had quickly. Please give this guy a raise!”
“I'm consistently impressed by the exceptional service and food quality at The Bistro at the Courtyard by Marriott. Great Iowa City location just across from Kinnick Stadium in University Heights – the atmosphere is fantastic, the food is always fresh and top-notch, and the staff is outstanding. A consistently delightful experience, whether dining indoors or on the patio.”
“We drove an hour, paid $60 for tablets,had a great spot in front of stage. The crowd was allowed to stand right in front of us.surrounded our table so heavily some of us couldn't even sit down. We saw very little of the show. Great service, good atmosphere, but the $5 people, totally blocked the people who paid DOUBLE. I was not impressed. We will find our drag shows elsewhere.”
“We have been to Blackstone several times. Our guests last night had not been there before, but were very pleased with the experience. Flynn’s Baked Pasta is always my favorite, but everyone was pleased with their meal. Maggie was a tremendous server. Very friendly and efficient.”
“Mediocre and expensive food. Terrible service - took forever to get our order, but the waitresses were friendly. $55 for two sandwiches, side salads and two beers with tip.”
“My husband and I enjoyed the food and the atmosphere...and I thought the fresh-squeezed lemonade was the best! My husband had breakfast for dinner...all good. I chose the meatloaf which was such a generous portion that I could only finish half of it. It was the best meatloaf I've had in a restaurant. We've been here a few times before and purposely chose to dine here during our short trip to Iowa City. It did not disappoint!”
Latest Reviews
“We come here regularly when we're in town to see a show at Hancher. Never been disappointed. We were there on May 2 for an early dinner. Best server ever! Brady -- he was new but handled everything wonderfully. Always smiling, attentive without hovering and always found an answer to any questions we had quickly. Please give this guy a raise!”
“Tammie must be lying,,cause if anyone knows the owner he's not taking a meal off anyone's tickets without a lengthy debate..let alone pay someone for.good google reviews..I suppose that if I went to a restaurant where I was poisoned with rotten food, with visible mold and msg pouring out of it. I WOULD SPEND LESS TIME MAKING NOTES ABOUT THIS HORRIBLE THING THAT IS HAPPENING TO YOU..and probably ask to speak to someone Manager ..owner...doctor or nurse after all this diarrhea..your fingers work great though...Very credibel hands mamm.”
“I'm gluten intolerant so I ordered the tomato bisque rather than the chips with my sandwich. The waiter heard me tell my friend why I was ordering the soup and checked to make sure I would be able to eat both the sandwich and the soup. He went above and beyond to cater to my needs. Our lunch was good and his entire demeanor and attitude were very pleasant. Worth stopping here since we were only in town for a doctor's visit at the hospital.”
“Just visited the new location and I have to say, it’s even better than before. The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and perfect whether you’re out with friends, family, or just grabbing a bite on your own. You can really feel the energy as soon as you walk in. The food? Absolutely delicious. Every dish is packed with flavor and clearly made with care. It’s one of those places where you already know what you’re ordering next time before you even leave. It’s been busy most nights, which honestly says everything you need to know. Despite the crowd, the experience still feels enjoyable and worth it. What I love most is that it truly caters to all ages, you’ll see everything from families to date nights to groups celebrating. Definitely a spot that’s only getting better with its new home. Highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t yet!”
“On Wednesday afternoon, 03/04/2026, some guy tried to drive through Scooter’s in a big pickup truck, pulling a U-Haul trailer. Of course, it was obvious to everyone but him that this was NOT a good idea. Scooter’s traffic was backed up. Two employees did a FABULOUS job of taking care of customers as the driver of the pickup and his passenger unhooked the U-Haul and got out of the way. Those girls!!!!! One was outside taking orders, running inside and getting them from the barista. Then they delivered them to each customer. The customers had to back out of the driveway since they couldn’t get out the drive-through. It was a sight to see! Kudos to those girls for successfully taking on a challenge that was totally unavoidable and out of their control.”
“My wife and I went to the Black Angel for a late lunch about 4 pm today. We split a beef brisket sandwich with each us having a bowl of chicken tortilla soup. The soup was lukewarm and had to be reheated which was promptly and courteously done, as was all service rendered. This was our only complaint. Everything was excellent. Best Chicken Tortilla soup (not too spicy) ever had, The sandwich was great too. Yum!”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Went for the chicken but even through it was recently put out it was very dry even dark meat was dry.
, I assume it was in the warmer too long. Tried the new chicken strips, same thing very dry only took 1 bite. Rest of food was ok. My wife said if the chicken isn’t good, no reason to be there.”
“The Encounter Café is a true gem in Iowa City! The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of charm. The servers were incredibly kind and attentive, providing excellent service that made the whole experience feel personal and uplifting. The cinnamon rolls were out of this world—fluffy, fresh, and perfectly sweet—easily the best I’ve ever had. Their coffee was fresh and flavorful, and every dish we tried from the breakfast menu was outstanding, made with quality ingredients and served hot. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, delicious breakfast spot in Iowa City, The Encounter Café is a must-visit.”
“Ate here for the first time before attending an Iowa basketball game nearby. There were good choices on the menu. I had the spicey Italian meatball grinder with fries. It was good and very filling. Prices seemed reasonable. The place was noisy so it was hard to socialize with my friends. Otherwise, a good place to eat and would go there again if in town.”
“Pagliai’s Pizza is the kind of place that reminds you why the best dining experiences are often the simplest. Tucked away in Iowa City, this unassuming neighborhood institution feels like a hidden treasure — and after our first visit, the only disappointment was realizing it took us four years, and the eve of graduation, to finally discover it. What makes Pagliai’s even more remarkable is its history. Serving Iowa City since 1957, the restaurant has spent decades perfecting the art of traditional pizza-making, and that experience is evident in every detail. In an era where restaurants constantly chase trends, Pagliai’s has endured by staying true to what it does best. From the moment you walk in, Pagliai’s embraces an old-school charm that feels increasingly rare. The dining room is cozy and inviting, filled with classic booths and intimate tables that create the perfect atmosphere for an authentic pizza night. There’s no unnecessary flash here — just a restaurant that knows exactly what it is and executes it beautifully. The menu follows the same philosophy of simplicity done right. Beer, wine, and soda accompany what is unquestionably the star of the show: the pizza. Offered in both original crust and double dough, the pies arrive perfectly crafted and unapologetically delicious. We ordered two large original crust pizzas, and every slice passed the ultimate “flop test” with flying colors — crisp enough to hold its shape, yet still perfectly tender with each bite. What makes Pagliai’s so memorable is its confidence in tradition. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are balanced, and the experience feels refreshingly genuine. Add in prices that are remarkably reasonable, and it becomes clear why this Iowa City staple has thrived for nearly seven decades. Whether you’re a longtime Iowa City resident or simply passing through, Pagliai’s Pizza is a must-visit destination — a timeless pizza parlor that quietly delivers one of the best meals in town.”
“Since I can't leave a new post I ended up deleting my last one to leave this. Went back and had an amazing experience this time. All the workers where very nice, had smiles on their faces and the energy tonight was just joyful. Not just with my family but everyone else in the restaurant. The people working tonight was very sweet and understanding and I will be going back again. Thank you for the amazing time tonight.”
“What in the world!? Just had the best Wendy's experience at this Wendy's... Amazing service from the time we walked in, then to boot, the manager walked out and gave us a free chocolate frostie, purely because we looked like we might enjoy it! Great job by this crew!”
“Ethan aat the front security, was awesome and understanding when I realized I had something in my pockets he offered to hold it for me until I left. Awesome people, he could have turned me away but instead worked things out for me to go in. 10 out of 10. Will return”
New Restaurants
“My fiancé and I absolutely LOVE Plated Table - so much so that we booked it for our rehearsal dinner this summer. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the food is consistently incredible.
This past weekend, we (very embarrassingly) forgot about our pre-paid reservation for their Whole Hog Cassoulet. I had been sick and it completely slipped our minds. We felt terrible. Instead of making us feel worse, their team handled it with so much grace and kindness. They reached out to us and went above and beyond by offering to package our meal as a to-go order so we wouldn’t miss out. We're so thankful they did this for us, and it was DELICIOUS. After a few days of not feeling well, having such a thoughtfully prepared, ready-to-eat meal was exactly what I needed.
That level of thoughtfulness and service is rare. It just reaffirmed why we chose Plated Table to be part of such a special weekend in our lives. We’re so grateful for a restaurant that not only serves amazing food, but truly cares about its guests. Highly, highly recommend.”
“Stopped in this morning for a Snowball flight! Every sip was fantastic. We drive from Anamosa and it’s worth it every time! We will definitely continue to make this a regular stop when we are in the area. Very happy to hear about the 2nd location as well! Congratulations.”
“This place is the cutest little hangout spot. I 10/10 recommend their fish bowl cocktail paired with some corn nuggets. Can’t find that anywhere else in Iowa city!! The staff is so friendly. Try to make it there on a Sunday and enjoy the environment created for meat raffle, win some free food! Love CAMP so much, definitely will be back to visit again.”
“Great view! Great food!!!”