Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Iowa City
Iowa City’s culinary scene offers an elegant dining experience that goes beyond the typical Midwestern fare. From downtown to Coralville, sophisticated restaurants showcase locally sourced ingredients and innovative cooking techniques that transform simple meals into memorable experiences.
Whether craving a perfectly aged steak at Joseph’s or exploring creative seasonal menus at Orchard Green, these top-tier restaurants represent the pinnacle of Iowa City’s gastronomic landscape, blending refined technique with regional charm.
Discover Iowa City’s most delectable dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Iowa City
- Orchard Green
- Baroncini
- Joseph's Steakhouse
- The Webster
- 126
- Watermill Kitchen + Bar (Coralville)
- 30hop Coralville (Coralville)
126
What to Expect
French-Iowa fusion cuisine with farm-to-table commitment
Description
A charming French-inspired bistro nestled in Iowa City, One Twenty Six crafts exquisite dishes using locally sourced, organic ingredients. The restaurant blends European culinary techniques with Iowa's farm-fresh produce, offering house-made specialties like hand-ground burgers, freshly baked breads, and signature dishes such as hanger steak and butternut squash in phyllo.
Restaurant Details
More Info: 126 ↗
30hop Coralville (Coralville)
What to Expect
Rotating craft beer selection with made-from-scratch global cuisine
Description
30hop delivers a modern casual dining experience with an energetic atmosphere, featuring a rotating selection of local craft beers, made-from-scratch menus spanning comfort foods and globally inspired dishes. The restaurant offers an inviting space with weekend brunch, craft cocktails, and a dynamic happy hour featuring 30% off appetizers, drinks, and select menu items.
Restaurant Details
More Info: 30hop Coralville ↗
Baroncini
What to Expect
Handcrafted artisan pasta with regional Italian techniques
Description
Baroncini offers an intimate Italian dining experience featuring handcrafted pasta, carefully curated wine selections, and refined techniques. The restaurant presents elegantly plated dishes in a sophisticated setting, emphasizing traditional Italian culinary craftsmanship with contemporary presentation.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Baroncini ↗
Joseph's Steakhouse
What to Expect
Exclusive USDA Prime beef and fresh seafood selection
Description
Joseph's Steakhouse offers downtown Iowa City's most refined dining experience, featuring exclusive USDA Prime beef cuts and fresh seafood flown in multiple times weekly. The restaurant boasts classic cocktails crafted with premium liquors and an elegant atmosphere that showcases downtown decadence through sophisticated culinary presentations.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Joseph's Steakhouse ↗
Orchard Green
What to Expect
American-Mediterranean cuisine by Owner/Executive Chef Bryan Herzic
Description
Nestled in Iowa City, Orchard Green offers an elegant dining experience featuring American-Mediterranean cuisine crafted by Owner/Executive Chef Bryan Herzic. The restaurant boasts an artfully designed menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients, complemented by an intimate downstairs lounge and sophisticated dining room. Hand-picked wines, custom specialty drinks, and live music enhance the refined culinary atmosphere.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Orchard Green ↗
The Webster
What to Expect
Intimate chef's counter with curated menu
Description
Nestled in a historic Iowa City drugstore space, The Webster offers a refined dining experience featuring seasonally driven contemporary American cuisine. Chef Sam Gelman crafts innovative dishes highlighting Midwestern ingredients, complemented by artisanal wines, craft cocktails, and an intimate chef's counter seating just four guests.
Restaurant Details
More Info: The Webster ↗
Watermill Kitchen + Bar (Coralville)
What to Expect
Midwestern-inspired menu with innovative culinary twists
Description
Watermill Kitchen + Bar offers a modern Midwestern dining experience in the Iowa River Landing, showcasing innovative regional cuisine. The restaurant features a seasonally inspired menu highlighting local flavors, from signature glazed meatloaf to creative dishes like skillet french toast with a corn flake crust. Attached to the Hyatt Regency, the restaurant provides a contemporary dining space with versatile options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Watermill Kitchen + Bar ↗
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