It’s been a busy year so far in the greater Iowa City corridor, and the local dining scene is setting the pace. From new bakeries, cocktail lounges and sit-down restaurants, here is what has opened up since the start of 2026.
Claude
Claude is the newest dining concept to open in Iowa City’s northside neighborhood. Housed in a charming, restored 1870s building, the intimate French-inspired cocktail lounge and bistro oozes with charm. Claude transports guests to a speakeasy atmosphere evocative of early-20th-century Parisian cafés, serving curated small plates, craft cocktails, and a wide selection of wines and champagne.
Details: 215 N. Linn St., Iowa City, claudeic.com
Chipotle
A new Chipotle opened in March near the intersection of Highway 1 and Riverside Dr., making it the fourth location in Johnson County. Like the Chipotle in North Liberty, the newest store features a drive-thru lane for pickup orders, better known as the “Chipotlelane.”
Details: 21 Sturgis Corner Dr., Iowa City, 319-259-8074
The Eat Shop
Solon-based bakery, The Eat Shop, opened its fifth location in the greater Iowa City corridor on Saturday, May 9. The latest location in Coralville’s Iowa River Landing brings the bakery’s signature pastries, sandwiches and bread to the popular retail and dining district. The eatery sells treats once sold by owner Cheryl Maloney’s great-aunt, Mary Ann Drahos, whose bakery by the same name closed in Cedar Rapids almost 75 years ago.
Details: 104 E 7th St. STE 1000, Coralville, 319-249-5220, or theeatshop.com
Lunas Tacos
What first started as a food truck at the Iowa City Farmers’ Market is now a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the heart of downtown. Lunas Tacos opened in January, offering an expanded menu of homestyle Mexican food in a casual dine-in environment. Diners can choose from Chile relleno, a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with a choice of cheese or tofu, to street tacos, stuffed burritos, and tortas, a Mexican sandwich served on a soft, crusty roll.
Details: 127 E Washington St., Iowa City, 319-621-5870 or @lunastacosic
Crisp & Green
Crisp & Green, a fast-casual restaurant food chain focused on health and wellness, opened in Coralville’s Iowa River Landing in January. The Minnesota-based brand is known for its bowls, salads, and smoothies, and aims to provide “nutritious and convenient food to fit a busy, wellness-driven lifestyle.” Crisp & Green’s menu rotates with the seasons, with “chef-crafted” and “scratch-made” options. The restaurant also offers Açai bowls, craft beverages such as lattes and cold brew, and protein-packed smoothies.
Details: 801 E 2nd Ave., Ste 108, Coralville, or 525-599-2144
Que Chimba
Colombian street-food restaurant Que Chimba is the newest offering at Old Capitol Town Center. The restaurant is named after the popular Colombian saying that translates to “That’s Great.” The family-owned business serves traditional Colombian classics like arepas, a flatbread made from ground maize dough stuffed with a variety of fillings, along with other menu items such as empanadas and patacón, also known as savory fried plantains.
Details: 201 S Clinton St., #101, Iowa City, 319-501-9599, or @quechimba
Baklava N More Bakery
Baklava N More Bakery brings the taste of the Middle East to Iowa City. The family-owned bakery serves up handmade baked goods with halal ingredients. The menu offerings include plenty of baklava varieties made with layered filo dough, along with the viral sensation, Dubai chocolate, and specialty savory pastries on weekends.
Details: 401 IA-1, Iowa City, 319-333-1831, baklavanmorebakery.com
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: What’s new to eat in Iowa City? Here are 7 restaurants to try
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
