Restaurants in Iowa City

“Best hard ice cream ever. An Iowa City staple amongst all the froyo places. Can’t go wrong with the selection here. I get something different every time. I just wish we had more places like it near by!”

“Great coffee house options, from traditional drip coffee and latte’s to more modern takes like Espresso & Tonics: which where excellent. Then there’s the books… so many books, laid out well and with helpful staff.”

“Loved having Lunch there. Their food is delicious and they serve very generous portions. It is a unique experience dining there. I like it that we get to put away our empty plates just as if we were home.”

“I have to agree with the person who mentioned the undisclosed credit card fee. We came here in May after a graduation and the food was delicious! There were several gluten free optuons for my husband to pick from. The waitress was polite and very attentive. We tipped $75 on a dinner bill just over $200. I like to tip well for good service, especially for young peole doing an impressive job. I was surprised to see the $9 credit card convenience fee in 2023. Is that still a thing? I did notice they offer "free" valet, maybe the cc fee is actually gratuity for the valet. Which btw we did use valet and also tipped cash. I think the cc fee should be disclosed but the fee would not stop me from returning.”

“It's a nice place where you can get anything from breakfast, lunch and dinner to nice drinks. Really nice decor and atmosphere. We tried a few things and I feel like there's so much more interesting things to try. Pictured are breakfast tacos.Parking: plenty of parking. If it's after 6pm it's free on the street, otherwise it's like $1 per hour. Or paid parking garages 24 hours a day that are a block or two away.”

“Highly recommend. Family owned and run establishment with mom, daughter, son in law. Stopped in during parents weekend with 3 of us. Ordered a drink for each, and also ordered a Cuban and a breakfast sandwich. My goodness, big sandwiches, great drinks, and the proprietors are fantastic. Super friendly, chatted with all customers, and checked on everyone who was there. Just can't say enough... great experience.”

“Great little place. I had an Americano and the French Swirl crepe, and both were delicious. Everyone in my group enjoyed their food and drinks, and I thought everything looked amazing. We'll definitely be back.”

“This was a cool place. The bartender (owner) was really friendly and gave a good overview of the place. You can get flights of four. The kombucha was refreshing and delicious.”

“Baristas were super nice and friendly. Greeted upon entering with a smile. Good vibes, away from the college environment. Played games with the family and caught up”

“Amazing atmosphere!!! Loved the breakfast! Highly recommend the The Lodger Special with sausage gravy, YUM!! The coffee : Hot double espresso with oat milk & vanilla was so good!”

“We ordered Pop’s BBQ for an office lunch for 15 people and it was easily the tastiest lunch our office has had. Ordering was super easy, prices were very reasonable, and everything was so well organized and labeled nicely. Highly highly recommend the mac and cheese and the cornbread as sides!! Very friendly staff when I went and picked up the order. Will definitely return soon!Parking: Smaller parking lot but street parking available nearby.”

“We had a great experience at Press in Iowa City! There are two levels which is perfect for chatting with bigger groups up top, and more studying and quiet space downstairs. I got the butter pecan latte and it was delicious. The atmosphere is cozy and comforting.”

“Super cute coffee shop with a swank indoor space with lots of seating area. Coffee and tea drink options were incredible and lots of yummy vegan/vegetarian and healthy bakery and lunch food options”

“I absolutely love their lemon custard and the toppings Yotopia offers to complement the flavor (pro tip: fresh fruit and the lemon wafer rolls make the perfect refreshing treat during this summer heat!). What I love more is how the owner is not afraid to stand for what is important in today’s world — taking a stance (whether it’s in support of the LGBTQ community, for Ukraine, or whatever community may need it at the time) as a business can take courage not everyone is willing to show. The owner is actively involved in her community and continuously using her platform for what is just and right to make her world a safer, kinder, more inclusive place for folks to exist and enjoy. I love knowing I’m supporting a delicious fro yo shop while also echoing a voice I resonate with so much!”

“Staff went above and beyond to make my baby and teenagers enjoy themselves. Juice boxes and snacks were génial! Ramen Belly isn't just a perfect place to dine, it is an an Institution.Kid-friendliness: 10 out of 10”

“We are from out of town & my filet was SO tender & full of flavor. Everything that I had was so good. The mashed potatoes that came with my steak & asparagus had incredible flavor. Everyone at our table enjoyed our meals & service. When I come back to Iowa City- I am definitely coming back here! The sauce on the side was delicious.”

“Love this place, awesome place to come de-stress with your friends and have a few beers. They have party rooms, shuffle board, darts, an arcade, all alongside the main attraction of axe throwing. This location has a bunch of pretty cool staff members ready to help you learn the ropes. Would definitely recommend.”

“Food was absolutely fantastic. Not one dud. Not even a single "meh" dish from our 5 entrees and 3 desserts. Wait staff friendly and attentive. Loved the wood-fired oven; will definitely try a pizza, next time I am in town.Parking: Best to use the app; tried the online version via the QR code on the meter and it hung, just before the final submit button.Make a note of your meter number (aka "zone") and your car license plate number if you walk away before completing the payment transaction!”

“The lips are excellent. Corn was new since the last time I was there & if the lips weren't so good I could go back & make a meal out of just corn. If you haven't tried the corn don't, you'll be immediately addicted to it!Tried a monster cookie this time also & again excellent.Parking: No free parking is a drawback but that's Iowa City for you. UofI students drive the economy but gotta milk them for every $0.01 possible. Sad”

“Had a delicious lunch here - beef skewers were great and Lopo noodles (get extra bok choy). The restaurant was very quiet and there was only one other table occupied.”

“We've been here twice and pleased both time. We do get our sushi with cooked not raw foods so I can't speak to the freshness of sushi fish. Tempura chicken was light and crispy and sushi was tasty. Soup could use a little more onion and mushrooms as it was mostly broth. Waitress on our second visit was attentive and very polite. We changed up how we wanted sauces and she did great.These pics are from the 2 visits. Sexy Girl roll, peanut roll (minus peanut sauce, tempura chicken, crab rangoons and onion soup.”

“Phenomenal food and service. I went with a party of four. We sat outside which had some unfortunate very loud live music, I think that's the fault of the city itself though. We ordered bread, small plates, and large plates and everything came out in good timing. The prices were high but the plates are supposed to be shared so it evens out. We had some amazing trout. Definitely worth it and we'll be going back.”

“Great value for the price. Good food and friendly staff. Bit disappointed by the use of balsamic vinegar on steak plate and on the asparagus board when neither was mentioned on the menu. Was able to wipe most of it off but one of the people in our party has a vinegar allergy so would have liked that to be noted.”

“First time trying oysters and it was interesting to taste the difference in the variety of oysters they served. The biscuits are great and the chicken roulade was amazing.A few great cocktails, except one of the mixed drinks i had a lower quality tequila (exotico) in it, not reflective of the price.Tomato bisque was okay, not for my palate.I'd definitely return.”

“We ate here not once, but twice, today! Happened upon this restaurant for a light lunch -I had an artichoke salad, hubby enjoyed the aged beef burger complete with house made brioche bun. Lunch was so delicious, and the evening menu and wine list so intriguing, we returned for dinner! Delicious! First, it’s all about service-impecable and over-the-top. Very interested and involved owner who meets and greets every table. The wines by the glass are interesting and by the bottle amazing. Some very difficult to find older vintages at reasonable prices. Talk to them-the staff is interested in helping you find the right bottle. For dinner we each had the steak frites-he had aged hangar steak and I had cauliflower. Both were delicious-well-seasoned and properly cooked. Love the frites-nicely salted and prepared in the French method. Do save room for dessert -they don’t serve decaf coffee but the flourless chocolate torte will knock your socks off! Creamy texture with rich, deep dark chocolate on just the right amount of raspberry coulee. WOW! In the off season, reservations are not necessary, and outdoor dining is a plus…during the school year, secure a table a few weeks in advance. Hands down, the best dining in Iowa City!”

“This was a nice place to go for lunch. Got 2 rolls (8 sushi pieces) for $20. Lots of options!Dietary restrictions: All the sushi can be made gluten free if you ask for no tempura or eel sauce.”

“We wanted spicy, we wanted authenticity, we wanted a feast, and they delivered!Honestly delicious. Gorgeous plates and delightful flavors. Very good! Get the Fish Filet with Golden Pepper. And screamwith joy.”

“Best Indian food in Iowa City/ Coralville but the owner cooks everything so sometimes he doesn’t take orders or wait could be at least 20 mins. The wait is worth it and his beef gyros, tandoori chicken, chicken 65, butter chicken, nan, chole-bature, samosa are very goodVegetarian options: Chickpeas, paneer, and potato based items are available.”

“Had Matt as our bartender and he was a pleasure to talk too amd all around awesome guy!! Also had there garlic cheesy bread and a pizza which both were awesome!! Super nice to be able to hang out at a bar and drink a good selection of NA's and eat some good food with a awesome vibe and not have to deal with drunkin stupers. Only thing I would recommend to them is that they would carry Brewdog and Ceria NA's otherwise will be back, wish they had one in minneapolis”

“It's a small place, but it is amazing. As far as i can tell, everything is cooked to order. No cold food here. Plan on spending at least 15 min here. It's worth the wait.The medium Buffalo sauce has great flavor without depending on being spicy to carry it. I've been coming here for a while, and it's always hot, and a good amount of food for what you pay. If you like wings, you'll regret not eating them here.”

“We had spicy chicken combo, I had mine with onion rings. That hot sauce is slept on! I’d 100% buy it by the bottle. And the onion rings better than any I’ve ever had. The vibes are immaculate.”

“Thai dinners and teas were all very good. My daughters are wild about the place and it's the 1st restaurant they ask to go to.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian dishes are on the menu.”

“Amazing! Saw the cupcake wars sign on their door during Jazz Fest and had to give it a taste. The flavors were absolutely delectable and ambiance was on point! The swing set and couches were amazing hangout and photo places.We got creme brulee, peach cobbler, tiramisu, cookie monster, s'mores, sour gummy worm, and double chocolate flavors. The were the most creative, balance, cupcake and everything I needed. Not too sweet, decent frosting-cake ratio, and very much visually appealing. I'll definitely be craving this at midnight!”

“My wife and I, while touring Iowa, wanted to try its barbecue and read favorable TA comments on Jimmy Jack's. Based on the recommendations of Nancy - our server, we shared "Jack's sampler", and we were not disappointed. We chose three meats out of five options; smoked chicken, skinny beef brisket, and pulled pork. For sides we had the mac-n-cheese and the honey butter corn bread. Overall the meats were tasty but a little dry - however the sauce bar livened up our taste buds - finding the "cowboy" blend to be superior in bringing out the full flavor. The mac-n-cheese was outstanding but the corn bread a little underwhelming. It's not Kansas barbecue, but it sure beats that in our home state of New Jersey!”

“Great portion sizes, delicious falafels and hummus, and all three types of meat I had (chicken, gyro, and beef kafta) were amazing! Also I loved the sides (couscous, madjadra rice, best olives and pickles), and the restaurant offers a nice, friendly atmosphere.Will be back!Vegetarian options: Many vegetarian-friendly options”

“I would give this place 5 stars based on the food and overall atmosphere, however the restrooms are not handicap accessible (down a flight of stairs), and there is no changing table for infants. Other than that, great place.”

“Update: please update your google hours so people don’t get in their cars on Sunday and drive there with their family to find a sheet of paper on the door saying closed! This has happened a few more times in the past to us here to consider updating my previous review and take a star out from my original review! It only takes a minute to update it on your business account! Currently on Sunday 10/22/2023 your door has a posted note saying CLOSED but google shows you are open! There were at least another four upset customers at the same time we were there!Great hidden IC gem! We love their cakes, and they have been awesome to us during this pandemic! We ordered 3 different birthday cakes for our small family of 4-6 at each birthday and every single cake tasted delicious and was wonderful!”

“This is a place that I like it is a little bit pricier than some places but the food is excellent they have evolved with the timesParking: The parking is located in a shopping mall so obviously there will always be plenty of parking it's really a matter of how close you want to be to the restaurant. The restaurant is separate from the mall so you won't get a lot of problems of mall parking. Most of the people that Park where they do is because they want frequent the businesses that are near thereKid-friendliness: Yes this is an adult place but also kids will I believe have a good time we've taken our grandson here he loves Mexican food and always enjoys his dinner”

“Fantastic experience at Soseki. My partner and I were visiting from out of town, and we landed on this place for dinner. So glad we did! We ordered the sake, Crunch roll, Rainbow roll, Soseki roll, and the Citrus roll. I would highly recommend each of these options, especially the citrus roll if you love lemon like us! The rolls were fresh-tasting and delicious.The waitstaff were friendly and attentive, and (hopefully!) didn’t judge me too hard for my terrible chopstick skills! ◡̈ service was quick, and we had finished our dinner within 20-30 minutes of walking in.The restaurant was clean and had a nice ambience, and the music wasn’t too loud (or quiet). We especially loved their collection of anime figures on display near the registers.I would highly recommend Soseki to anyone in the area, local or visitor. Great food, wonderful staff, and an amazing experience!”

“Fabulous food. I had the"egg salad" (tofu) wrap and it was so, so good. The pickled onions were the magic ingredient.The atmosphere might best be described by the word, "discord". It's almost trying to be three businesses.There's the gorgeous long bar which looks historic with a lovely patina. This bar would be right at home in a cerebral cocktail joint.There's the older, small town restaurant side of the place with worn booths, and then, the dark stage in the back that serves to remind us that there is live music here in the evenings.Again, I want to make clear that the food was excellent, However, if you're coming here during the daytime, and not during a music performance, Come for the food but don't expect a vibrant joint with a buzz in the air.”

“LOVE Daydrink. It's tricky to find if you're a first timer, so just trust your Maps and walk through Basic Goods (the plant and everything else shop) to get to Daydrink. The staff were super friendly and helpful for a first timer like myself. The vibe was incredible with a handful of two person tables against the window surrounded by plants. They have some light food but don't expect to leave with a full meal. Coffee is served in glass jars that you can bring back (or just bring your own reusable cup) for a discount.”

“Tables seats a total of 30, bar seats 7. Located near Hy-Vee + gas + Super charger (Tesla). Waitstaff super nice! 1/3 capacity Monday @ 1pm.It could use a spruce up but is a classic 'dive bar' (in a positive way). Restroom doors are difficult to close/lock.Wheelchair accessibility: Ramp available but a bit narrow.”

“When you combine the food, craft drink selection, atmosphere and service , I give Big Grove 5 stars. Local brewery with a tap room and restaurant in what looks like a converted warehouse. Great food selection for my wife's food allergies. Beers from their brewery as well as other local breweries. We don't drink, so we tried a non alcoholic Italian Pilsner and they had a kombucha from Wild Culture in Iowa City that was amazing. Our server went above and beyond giving us names of stores that where we could find this kombucha. Lots of tv's for sports and looks like they have a stage for inside bands. Outdoors , fire pits galore and a play area for kids. They also have Carey out from their brewery and a great little shop for their merch”

“Food was flavorful and large portions for price. The staff are friendly and helpful.My only complaint is that their high chairs are falling apart so if you have little ones keep that in mind.”

“This is my favorite place to go with friends, family or by myself. I think 7 dollars is a pretty good price for a regular sized drink. I also think the toppings are very good. My usual order is a winter melon milk tea with honey pearls and strawberry jelly. I would recommend this place to ”

“Specifically writing this review to compliment one of the FOH workers. Cadence is super sweet, attentive, and is always in a positive mood! Every time she’s helped me at the register, she’s done everything right!”

“The most UNIQUE Dairy Queen in the US. Custom flavors by the employees and the retro sign— the experience is unbeatable and nostalgic during a warm, summer evening.”

“We have always had amazing service and pizza from this location. Super loaded with toppings and always ready when they say it will be! Love the veggie and the pep/”

“We had Potato Kale Vegetable Soup, Ultraviolet Power Plant Energy drink no super cream and Glow Worm Power Plant Energy drink. Reasonably priced. Excellent service and suggestions as I am lactose intolerant. Clean, attractive place to eat.”

“100% of the times we came here on our 11th anniversary, we came back to also celebrate our 12th! Can't guarantee that you'll also have a wonderful year of growth with your partner, but it worked for us! Also, fun vibe, good coffee, and avocado melt ??”

“Went in after leaving my debit card an hour away at home. I asked if they would accept a bank acc./ routing #. Unfortunately they could not, however the manager graciously offered to cover my meal for me. This is a man who truly cares about his customers. He had an amazing energy and a very warm smile and kind spirit. From now on I will be visiting whenever I’m in the area. Five stars is not a good enough rating for these fine people”

“If the Heirloom Deluxe grilled cheese has 1000 fans, I’m one of them. If the Heirloom Deluxe grilled cheese has 1 fan, it’s me. If the Heirloom Deluxe grilled cheese has no fans, I’m dead. This menu item makes my toes curl with 100% certainty ever single time.”

“This place is always a top notch Jimmy Johns. Fresh bread always, good meat, and great ranch. Ranch tends to be on the spicier side (I love it). Staff is super friendly and fast, go here!”

“Culver's is a fantastic restaurant that is sure to leave you satisfied and craving for more. Their menu boasts a wide array of delicious options, from their mouthwatering ButterBurgers to their creamy and flavorful frozen custard. The quality of their ingredients is evident in every bite, and their commitment to freshness sets them apart. The service is friendly and efficient, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners. Whether you're in the mood for a classic American meal or a sweet treat, Culver's is a great choice that won't disappoint.”

“My go to for a sandwich and cool delivery drivers. I cook and work in kitchens so after a day of crazy and never ending repetitiveness,I drink a beer order some Jimmy John's and have never been disappointed by this store or its delivery drivers. Keep up the good work and thanks for the simple joy of nostalgia in a sandwich appreciate the food and how you guys operate.”

“Good location and cool atmosphere for a fast food joint. We go here often for the ice cream. I would not recommend the food. Have some patience because high school kids run the shop, and they may fat finger an order on the register or something. However, we all start somewhere and they do a good job with all things considered. Make sure to tip 'em.”

“I have personally just used the drive thru. The staff has been great. They sometimes have to catch up on certain things when demand is high. We did have to sit nearly 25 minutes to wait for food this past visit which was not the most ideal situation but it happens. My son was sad they didn't include the fortune cookies after the wait so hopefully we get them next time.”

“Fantastic management, fast and hot food. Love that you can order in the app. Wish we could quit the McDs for our arteries sake but... it IS kinda ridic that you can only use one reward or deal per visit. We have over 40k points we'll never use at that rate.”

“I just went threw the drive threw. I first asked the gentleman standing outside if still open, and he greatfully said yes ma'am. I was like thank God ?? well there 95% of the time I only get the potpies as their so delicious and I was starving!!! Unfortunately the same gentleman with the brown hair nicely let me down with bad news that they we're out sadly ? I jokingly said so that means your paying for my meal then lol and said I'm just kidding. I work at McDonald's so I know what it's like. I proceeded to order something different and he made my night by paying for my meal since they were out of my favorite and only favorite dish. I said on no I was jk it's ok, and he stated no I'm for real. Order whatever you'd like besides the potpie. I was shocked & stunned and so grateful! That honestly made my night. I just order a couple CHK tenders and a small Mac n Chez. I didn't have and cash on me for a tip so the best I could do to thank him was give him one of the scratch off tickets I just bought... That's was amazing customer service.not just bc he paid for the meal, but how polite and sympathetic he was knowing I was bummed about the potpie, and I had a long day n just wanted to get some food n get home. Thank you so much! I'm greatly appreciative of the support! KFC managers make sure you give him some kind of bonus or incentive for such great compassion customer service and amazing work at the end of a long day shift that is 100% satisfactory customer service. Trying to compensate the order you need to have more employees if you don't already like that that go out of their way to make a customer happy so please make sure he gets some kind of incentive for the great customer service and due diligence he did tonight for me I am so grateful I can't thank y'all enough!”

“Went at about 10 at night, and no one answered at the drive thru, so i decided to pull around, and there was 1 employee working hard to make all the many orders and his customer service was over the top. My man John needs a raise and / or promotion even tho there was a wait, John made it worth the ”

“This iconic Iowa City bar is a required destination for all visitors to the University of Iowa. From the diversity on tap to the equanimity of the staff to the incredible burgers (which are nearly good enough to tempt this vegan to stray), George’s is a place you’ll always feel at home. Even when the lights come on at 2AM and they tell you to find a home.”

“Absolutely delicous! The Pollo Con Salsa is recommended, the tortillas are soft and fluffy and the rice has the best seasoning. Also make sure to try to Horchata Salvadoran. Small dining area and more people were doing carry-out but the staff were amazingly friendly and helpful asking any questions about the food.”

“The best bar in iowa city. I’m actually a bit reluctant to review it with such high praise because I don’t want it getting too crowded. A must-visit in the month of October.”

“It's always a pleasure coming to Aspen Leaf. Not only is the Fro Yo and chocolate amazing, the owner treats you like family. Try the candy apples while you're there :)”

“Had the Korean Spicy Pork Lunch Box and was definitely satisfied. As Korean who eats Korean food on a regular basis, it was an enjoyable delicious meal. I could see that a lot of effort went into creating this lunch box; the side dishes were very tasty as well. I will return to try more in the future.”

“Came here last and this weekend for a latte, and loved it both times. The service staff are really great people, and both times the environment is just a nice place to sit down and study, read, etc. Would highly recommend.Kid-friendliness: There's a small table with kids books and toys I've seen a few parents use with their kids. Very nice and well lit area.”

“Burrito is worth it. Fresh ingredients and tortilla is fresh made. A great place to eat over chain restaurants. Def recommend going here to get lunch or a solid burrito. Excellent service. They have restroom too.”

“The vibe inside was very warm, welcoming, and relaxed. The lady at the counter was very sweet. I got an Ethiopian pourover that was delicious. I'm looking forward to trying this bag of beans later.”

“this is one of my new fav spots in iowa city! tucked away in the middle of downtown, not crowded, good variety of menu and drinks, and had an upstairs with a more quiet seating area (away from the kitchen and entry). i came here craving comfort food and was more than pleased with the vibey and calm ”

“Very unique, creative and very delicious food!When we were there, we tried the west coast wrap and it was full of greens and grilled chicken, goat cheese and pistachios.Fresh food, made to order.One goes up to the register to order and then you wait while they fix your food and then you take it and go sit down. They are multi-level, it's narrow and not excessively deep, but there is quite of bit of seating for two people or four people and even if you're just by yourself. There are larger tables up stairs, (they have two floors) The restrooms are on the second floor, as well. Stairs are used to access the second level.They also have very tasty drinks.We had the blueberry lemonade.Vegetarian options: I do believe that you could get any wrap adjusted to your dietary needs. One could turn a wrap vegetarian. One could add cheese or leave off cheese. I think that they would accommodate that.Kid-friendliness: I would say it was kid friendly. There is a big front window and it seems like a very fun place that children would like to be.Parking: Street parking at metered spots, or one could park in the car park(ramps) and walk.”

“It is small and quaint but very clean (it smells like they use bleach which I LOVE!!! Because that's a good sure way of killing bacteria and viruses instantaneously) and it has a lot of my authentic foods that are hard to find in the Midwest. Their to go food is awesome and it's priced good and it's just as good as authentic border street taco foods too and their kitchen was nice and clean and organized as well. I love it, I'll be back soon ☺️?”

“To start out the food was amazing the service from the waitress was awesome waiting time was less than average because they're pretty quick to get everything on the table I have been to this restaurant for the past two weekends therefore that means that this is a really good ”

“I've ordered lunch to go 3 times the special once and burger and fries the other. Always been ready when they said it was and cheaper and way better then the Golden arches or the King. Pinball machine and pool table area looked great. Same lady helped me every time and was great.”

“We went there for something different. We all had breakfast, and it was excellent. My chicken fried steak, hashbrowns, eggs, and pancake were good. Lots of light and fairly quiet. You could talk and not have to yell at one another. We will be back.”

“Was my second time ordering from here and this is my first time coming into the store and I was so happy with the customer service and how nice it was. The man working there wish I could have got his name , was so sweet and even offered some sodas ! Will definitely be coming in more often because of ”

“Food is AMAZING!!! But the service is even better, they are so kind and welcoming. I stopped by randomly and I'm going to come back for more as much as possible. The Shwarma combo is amazing and the sauce they use on their fries is to die for :) You should def come check this spot out.”

“Everbowl has become one of my absolute favorite places for a quick breakfast or lunch. Whether you get it delivered or pick up, everything always comes exactly how I expect it. Note that they are card only which I wasn’t aware of before I went for the first time so make sure to come prepared to pay card :)”

“”