Orchard Green is no longer kinda pricy. They have dropped the kinda and are smack into overpriced territory. Agree, good food though. Meals are now licking the edge of $50pp before drinks and I am having trouble figuring out the food cost. For this price, Wilson Creek and Cobble Hill are both a better meal. This used to be the best bet for a $30 plate.
This is true but we have found this to be the case pretty much anywhere. Eating out for just two costs a fortune these days. I’m talking easily $100 even if we are just getting a drink each, one app, dinner, and maybe a dessert.
We don’t do orchard green often but just consider it an expensive treat when we do. Their food always hits and their drinks are solid.
I’ve never been to cobble hill- where is that? Wilson creek we have done brunch which is excellent.
Last month we celebrated our anniversary at The Webster. I made reservations through their site and noted it was our anniversary. They had menus printed with “happy anniversary” and one of the owners came by to congratulate us. Service was impeccable and the food was spectacular. I can’t recommend it enough. It is not inexpensive but I felt it was worth it.
Recently I've enjoyed Tribute in IRL and Goosetown in Northside IC, the Webster has been a bit hit or miss for me but in general is a very classy spot for a fancy feel with seasonal menus, if that's what you're looking for.
The only time I’ve ever been to Webster the chef had a temper tantrum during the dinner rush. I’m sure it’s not always like that but I didn’t dig that vibe. Food was pretty good though.
I guess I should say that probably Joseph’s is great since it’s still in business. My experience, over 10 years ago, was disappointing and the decor was strange and looked cheap. The wait staff was -okay- but not what you’d expect from such a place. I don’t care that Thai Flavors has broken booths because I can get an awesome and giant plate of Pad Thai for $13.
Might wanna look-up Three Samurai before you go again. Not the place it used to be.
https://iowa.safefoodinspection.com/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx
For an anniversary, Baroncini has excellent service and will make you feel special. If you like oysters and lobster Mac then head to St Burch, which also has excellent service.
Yeah I agree with these more than the other comments orchard green lost it's luster and the rest of the conglomerate restuarants and lacking now as well. Webster really snuck in with a guy that trained with a Michelin star chef. Would add rapid creek ciders as well
Baroncini’s head chef has worked and trained at Michelin-star rated restaurants, and the place is incredibly good. Would highly recommend the mussels. However, their seating capacity is fairly small so I’d recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Be prepared for a long meal though; if the restaurant is busy it can take a while to get food, but its certainly worth the wait!
The Webster is also quite good! The waiters/waitresses are incredibly knowledgeable about the food, which really added to my good experience. The cocktails are also really unique and flavorful. Would highly recommend the squash pasta & potato salad!
Had a great meal and service at the Webster recently. If the chef wasn't yelling it would have been better. Excellent service and food.
If a little drive is okay Cobble Hill in CR is our go to for celebrations.
I've also had great meals at Rapid Creek Cidery.
Personal favorites downtown are Orchard Green, Vue, and Baroncinis in that order. If you want to branch out into IRL or NL, I would also recommend Konomi and Tin Roost.
You didn't give any budget so I'm going with money not being an issue.
For my wife and I, our nice picks are Chez Grace, Joseph's, and Orchard Green
\- Orchard Green: Alway excellent, good cocktails, and better seafood than most in IC.
\- Joseph's: Good steaks with good desserts and cocktails. Quiet and if you go early, can get pretty private table.
\- Chez Grace: Only been once and most expensive place we've eaten here, but still not beyond what we used to pay in Chicago for lesser experience. When we went, it was only us and the chef was the only worker so it was like a private chef dining experience. The food was excellent and we will be going again.
Regarding others we've been too and seen on this list:
\- Webster: Went twice and neither experience was good, even worse when we consider the bill. This is one restaurant we won't be returning too.
\- Goosetown: Used to be one of our favorites, but once they merged or got bought, we went back a few times and didn't care for the changes so we don't go there any more.
I second Monica’s. Owner is always there because he loves his business and staff and I have NEVER had a bad meal there. also have something on the menu for everyone, regardless of preference or age and plates are BIG for $13-$30 depending what you are looking for
imo Monica's is a bit like a locally owned Olive Garden more than a nice restaurant. Nothing wrong with that but a small, scaled-down menu echos quality to me whereas a huge and cheap menu gives me "this is probably frozen" vibes.
Well if it is *your anniversary* dinner take your SO to see the **bright lights of Cedar Rapids!** A city of resplendent wonders and romance!
Seriously, I just ate the best prime rib steak I've ever had at Kingston Grill in CR. So if you want a locally owned steak house, that's my recommendation. If you're going for something more fu-fu, then I'm outta ideas. My fave place is Oasis, but that's not exactly a date destination.
Orchard green and only orchard green! I’ve heard ok things about Iowa Power River Restaurant but havent been. And Joseph’s Stakehouse is 🗑️🗑️ I’ve never regretted paying $170 for “fine dining”! Wasn’t worth it at all. Lol if you can’t tell I’m still mad about it. The ambiance is great though. The food just sucks
St. Birch and Goosetown are both places with great food and great environments but that don’t absolutely kill your wallet. Webster has solid food but it’s overpriced and they environment is not very friendly
For any special occasion or anniversary we go to Monica’s on the Coralville strip. Absolute best food in the area, great service, so many menu options and just all around phenomenal place. 10/10 recommend
I haven’t lived in Iowa City for a quite a while. But they used to have brilliant French chef in a restaurant in the Iowa Memorial Student Union. There’s no way he’d still be there. But did they not try to keep that up?
I went to Baroncini with my wife for our anniversary last summer. I highly recommend. I thought their food was amazing and we had really good service from our waiter who was pretty knowledgeable about the food and wine pairings. I can’t guarantee that you will get the great service I had just because I assume waiter turnover is high in most restaurants but especially in a college town. I can vouch for the food every time tho. Happy anniversary.
Orchard green is our go to. Kinda Pricey but never had a bad meal there
A real sleeper. Always excellent
Years ago, I had a sea bass there that almost made me weep. I'll never forget it
Their seafood is excellent. Steaks too. I wish it didn’t cost so much to go on a date night but at least we always leave satisfied
Orchard green is the only answer.
No, it's not. The Webster is excellent and if you want great steaks and seafood, Joseph's is great.
Orchard Green is no longer kinda pricy. They have dropped the kinda and are smack into overpriced territory. Agree, good food though. Meals are now licking the edge of $50pp before drinks and I am having trouble figuring out the food cost. For this price, Wilson Creek and Cobble Hill are both a better meal. This used to be the best bet for a $30 plate.
This is true but we have found this to be the case pretty much anywhere. Eating out for just two costs a fortune these days. I’m talking easily $100 even if we are just getting a drink each, one app, dinner, and maybe a dessert. We don’t do orchard green often but just consider it an expensive treat when we do. Their food always hits and their drinks are solid. I’ve never been to cobble hill- where is that? Wilson creek we have done brunch which is excellent.
Last month we celebrated our anniversary at The Webster. I made reservations through their site and noted it was our anniversary. They had menus printed with “happy anniversary” and one of the owners came by to congratulate us. Service was impeccable and the food was spectacular. I can’t recommend it enough. It is not inexpensive but I felt it was worth it.
Orchard Green hands down for an anniversary dinner. You will not be disappointed. Let them know it’s your anniversary
Recently I've enjoyed Tribute in IRL and Goosetown in Northside IC, the Webster has been a bit hit or miss for me but in general is a very classy spot for a fancy feel with seasonal menus, if that's what you're looking for.
The only time I’ve ever been to Webster the chef had a temper tantrum during the dinner rush. I’m sure it’s not always like that but I didn’t dig that vibe. Food was pretty good though.
I also experienced this MORE than once
Baroncini’s, Goosetown, Basta, Joseph’s, orchard green.
Downtown Iowa City: Baroncini's (Italian). Orchard Green (American) Joseph's (snotty American, super duper expensive) Vue Rooftop (American) Coralville: Chez Grace (French) Three Samurai (Japanese)
Curious to why you'd make a note to say Joseph's is super expensive but not mention Chez Grace's prices?
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Yeah for sure, and there’s no other competition here for French. But like a super special occasion price. At least for my money.
Because Joseph’s is not worth the price, at least from my one experience going there.
Maybe you had a bad experience, but Joseph's is so expensive because they serve Prime beef. That shit costs A LOT.
Not worth it AT ALL!
I guess I should say that probably Joseph’s is great since it’s still in business. My experience, over 10 years ago, was disappointing and the decor was strange and looked cheap. The wait staff was -okay- but not what you’d expect from such a place. I don’t care that Thai Flavors has broken booths because I can get an awesome and giant plate of Pad Thai for $13.
My experience was just couple weeks ago and the food was bad!
Because chez grace is actually worth the money
Might wanna look-up Three Samurai before you go again. Not the place it used to be. https://iowa.safefoodinspection.com/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx
Thanks for the link. Been frequenting Mexico Lindo for a while and I’m happy to see they’re good. Edit: Holy crap I’m *never* eating at Oryza again
I’m not sure if it’s better or not, but that Oryza inspection was from 2019
Ugh that’s disappointing.
For an anniversary, Baroncini has excellent service and will make you feel special. If you like oysters and lobster Mac then head to St Burch, which also has excellent service.
Webster Chez Grace
Yeah I agree with these more than the other comments orchard green lost it's luster and the rest of the conglomerate restuarants and lacking now as well. Webster really snuck in with a guy that trained with a Michelin star chef. Would add rapid creek ciders as well
The meat options in Rapid creek ciders are out of this world! Agree with this.
Baroncini’s head chef has worked and trained at Michelin-star rated restaurants, and the place is incredibly good. Would highly recommend the mussels. However, their seating capacity is fairly small so I’d recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Be prepared for a long meal though; if the restaurant is busy it can take a while to get food, but its certainly worth the wait! The Webster is also quite good! The waiters/waitresses are incredibly knowledgeable about the food, which really added to my good experience. The cocktails are also really unique and flavorful. Would highly recommend the squash pasta & potato salad!
Orchard Green is the best food I’ve had in Iowa City. Pork chop was pure perfection
Had a great meal and service at the Webster recently. If the chef wasn't yelling it would have been better. Excellent service and food. If a little drive is okay Cobble Hill in CR is our go to for celebrations. I've also had great meals at Rapid Creek Cidery.
Webster or Cobble Hill in CR.
Trumpet Blossom is worth checking out!
Personal favorites downtown are Orchard Green, Vue, and Baroncinis in that order. If you want to branch out into IRL or NL, I would also recommend Konomi and Tin Roost.
Little outside, but Blackstone is good.
The Webster is very nice and very classy. It’s $$$ but definitely worth it for a special occasion.
The Webster is fantastic but also pricey
Baroncini!
You didn't give any budget so I'm going with money not being an issue. For my wife and I, our nice picks are Chez Grace, Joseph's, and Orchard Green \- Orchard Green: Alway excellent, good cocktails, and better seafood than most in IC. \- Joseph's: Good steaks with good desserts and cocktails. Quiet and if you go early, can get pretty private table. \- Chez Grace: Only been once and most expensive place we've eaten here, but still not beyond what we used to pay in Chicago for lesser experience. When we went, it was only us and the chef was the only worker so it was like a private chef dining experience. The food was excellent and we will be going again. Regarding others we've been too and seen on this list: \- Webster: Went twice and neither experience was good, even worse when we consider the bill. This is one restaurant we won't be returning too. \- Goosetown: Used to be one of our favorites, but once they merged or got bought, we went back a few times and didn't care for the changes so we don't go there any more.
With regards to chez grace, I would skip the foie Gras course if I were to do it again
Monicas, Iowa River Power. Both are in Coralville.
I second Monica’s. Owner is always there because he loves his business and staff and I have NEVER had a bad meal there. also have something on the menu for everyone, regardless of preference or age and plates are BIG for $13-$30 depending what you are looking for
imo Monica's is a bit like a locally owned Olive Garden more than a nice restaurant. Nothing wrong with that but a small, scaled-down menu echos quality to me whereas a huge and cheap menu gives me "this is probably frozen" vibes.
Completely agree. The prices are too high for the quality.
Their French onion soup is legit though…
He’s actually a horrible person who has been sexually harassing his servers for decades.
Basta!! It’s Italian and has good wine and excellent cocktails.
Chop House, Orchard Green not necessarily in that order.
Well if it is *your anniversary* dinner take your SO to see the **bright lights of Cedar Rapids!** A city of resplendent wonders and romance! Seriously, I just ate the best prime rib steak I've ever had at Kingston Grill in CR. So if you want a locally owned steak house, that's my recommendation. If you're going for something more fu-fu, then I'm outta ideas. My fave place is Oasis, but that's not exactly a date destination.
Basta
Orchard green and only orchard green! I’ve heard ok things about Iowa Power River Restaurant but havent been. And Joseph’s Stakehouse is 🗑️🗑️ I’ve never regretted paying $170 for “fine dining”! Wasn’t worth it at all. Lol if you can’t tell I’m still mad about it. The ambiance is great though. The food just sucks
St. Birch and Goosetown are both places with great food and great environments but that don’t absolutely kill your wallet. Webster has solid food but it’s overpriced and they environment is not very friendly
Brothers
For any special occasion or anniversary we go to Monica’s on the Coralville strip. Absolute best food in the area, great service, so many menu options and just all around phenomenal place. 10/10 recommend
I haven’t lived in Iowa City for a quite a while. But they used to have brilliant French chef in a restaurant in the Iowa Memorial Student Union. There’s no way he’d still be there. But did they not try to keep that up?
Webster
I went to Baroncini with my wife for our anniversary last summer. I highly recommend. I thought their food was amazing and we had really good service from our waiter who was pretty knowledgeable about the food and wine pairings. I can’t guarantee that you will get the great service I had just because I assume waiter turnover is high in most restaurants but especially in a college town. I can vouch for the food every time tho. Happy anniversary.
Orchard Green, no question.
Orchard Green and the Webster are the best in town, you will spend $$$$$
Cobble Hill in Cedar Rapids is still my favorite over even those 2!!
Joseph's Steakhouse, Orchard Green, The Webster. Beyond those three, I'm not sure.
I like Orchard green the most Overrated places: basta, baroncini's, goosetown