Are you ready to take your tastebuds on a global adventure—right here in Iowa City? 

Foodie February is in full swing and we’re using this month-long celebration of all things culinary in Johnson County to help spread the word about the must-try restaurants in the area. Many may not realize it, but the Iowa City area is a foodie’s dream come true because of a diverse culture that’s created a vibrant culinary scene. Did you know that on any given day Iowa City is home to University of Iowa students and scholars who are from more than 103 countries? That’s just one of the reasons Iowa City has long been known as a hotspot to enjoy food from all over the world. To help you map out where to start your adventure, we’ve rounded up a list of 11 impressive globally inspired restaurants. 

From world-class African dishes and handmade Asian street noodles to Salvadoran pupusas, Irish corn beef, and French fine dining, we guarantee you’ll find something that will make you salivate. The best part? You can try out dishes from different cultures—without having to pack your bags and sit on a flight for hours. Instead, load your friends and family into your car and stop at one of the 11 delicious spots on our list. Think of it as an appetizer to pique your tastebuds and curiosity!

11 Iowa City Restaurants Featuring Global Cuisine

 

African – I Love FuFu 

With over 20 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants, I Love Fufu’s chef presents guests with African dishes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The menu is packed with African and Caribbean food, including Jollof Rice, popular West African soup Egusi, Oxtail, and more. The restaurant was awarded Best African Cuisine or Market in Little Village’s Best of the CRANDIC awards in 2022.

Location: 230 East Benton Street, Iowa City, IA Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am – 9 pm.  Contact: ilovefufuiowacity.com/

 

Chinese – Long Xing

Come and experience the friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service at Long Xing. This takeout spot serves delicious Chinese-American dishes such as Chicken with Broccoli, Vegetable Lo Mein, Moo Shu Shrimp, and Hot and Sour soup. Customers are seriously impressed by both the quality and the plentiful portions. 

Location: 428 Highway 1 W, Iowa City, IA.  Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 am – 10 pm.  Contact: https://www.longxingia.com/

 

 

Irish –  Pat and Fran’s Irish Pub

Pat and Fran’s is a local hangout that offers a mix of Irish and American dishes. It is a relaxing eatery for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and Sunday brunch. The company and menu are sure to warm your soul. Pat and Fran’s have over 25 different whiskeys and 24 beers on tap and they also offer Irish favorites such as Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef, Fish and Chips, and Bangers & Mash. 

Location: 808 5th Street, Ste 8 Coralville, IA.   Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 am – 2 am.  Contact: https://www.patandfrans.com/

 

Indian – Masala Indian Cuisine

Many locals would agree that Masala is one of the best Indian restaurants in the city. The menu features authentic and flavorful dishes bursting with spices. Some of the star specialties include Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Korma, Malai Kofta, and Paneer Tikka Masala—but the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. They have a variety of entrees and drinks from every region of India. 

Location: 9 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA.  Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am -2:30 pm and 5 – 9:30 pm.   Contact: https://www.masalaindiancuisine.site/

 

Italian – Baroncini Ristorante Italiano 

Chef Gianluca Baroncini, the man behind the delicious dishes at Baroncini Ristorante Italiano, graduated from the Italian National Culinary Institute in Verona, Italy in 1991. Today, he uses fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients to bring Italian cuisine to an upscale dining experience in the center of Iowa City. Make a reservation today and you can enjoy delectable Italian dishes such as Lobster Pasta and Veal Chops. 

Location: 104 S. Linn Street, Iowa City, IA.  Hours: Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 2 pm  Dinner: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 9 pm  Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 6 pm    Contact: http://baroncinirestaurant.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Japanese – Ramen Belly 

Located near downtown Iowa City, Ramen Belly is a Japanese hidden gem. They offer casual dining in the Peninsula Neighborhood and their menu showcases authentic ramen, donburi, and poke. Owners John Lieu and Andy Diep bring more than 18 years of experience to the new restaurant that offers traditional Japanese-inspired dishes. 

Andy recommends the Abura Ramen–which is a broth-less ramen, with creamy garlic sauce and pork belly.  John likes the Tonkotsu Ramen with pork belly. 

Location: 1010 Martin Street Iowa City, IA.  Hours: Monday-Saturday 4:30 pm – 9 pm.  Contact: https://www.ramenbelly.co/

 

Mediterranean – Oasis Falafel 

Oasis started when friends Naftaly and Ofer met for lunch and lamented that (at the time) falafel was nowhere to be found in Iowa City. Together they vowed to right this wrong. That was the start of the falafel joint, Oasis where the world’s best hummus, falafel, and fries would later be born. Many dishes have become customer favorites like Falafel, Couscous, Chicken Shawarma, Mediterranean Salad, and so much more. 

Location: 206 N Linn Street, Iowa City, IA   Hours: Daily 11 am – 8 pm    Contact: https://oasisfalafel.com/index/

 

Mexican – Alebrije 

Enjoy the true flavors of Mexico with the many Milpa (farm) to-table options featuring a variety of Mexican herbs, peppers, and traditional spices that you won’t commonly find anywhere else in the area. Whether you’re ordering food, drinks, or desserts—you’re guaranteed to encounter Mexican tradition presented in a creative and authentic way. Regulars recommend the Salsa Sampler, the Camarones a la Diabla, and Sope. 

Location: 401 S Linn Street, Iowa City, IA.  Hours: Lunch: Thursday – Saturday 11 am – 2 pm Dinner: Tuesday- Saturday 5 pm – 8:30 pm.  Contact: https://alebrijerestaurant.com/#

 

 

 

 

French – Chez Grace Nouveau French Cuisine

If you’re looking for an intimate dining experience, you won’t find anything as quaint as Chez Grace—a fresh expression of French cuisine. The restaurant strongly recommends calling for reservations and when you arrive at the establishment, you’ll see why. The dining room seats only 24 people and 6 tables at a time. The menu changes daily with different courses offered, each one showcasing exquisite French flavors.  

Location: 426 6th Street #101 Coralville, IA   Hours: Dinner: Monday – Tuesday by reservation only. Wednesday – Saturday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm Sunday 5:30 pm – 9 pm  Contact: (319) 338-1738 or  http://www.chezgrace.com/

 

 

 

 

Salvadoran – Mesa 503 

Mesa 503 prides itself on bringing the best culinary traditions of El Salvador directly to your table. With fresh ingredients, they have created a menu that Salvadorans would be proud to share with the locals here in Iowa City. They have a variety of pupusas and tamales, as well as other entrees and appetizers that will excite anyone’s palette. 

Location: 2302 Muscatine Ave, Iowa City, IA.   Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 8:30 pm  Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm    Contact: https://www.mesa503.com/

 

 

 

 

Korean – Onnuri Korean BBQ

Onnuri Korean BBQ is a hidden gem in the community. The unique experience allows patrons to grill their own delicious Korean food at their table in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Some popular dishes include Pan-Fried Mackerel, Japchae, and Spicy Tofu Soup. Plus many customers rave about how kind and attentive their staff is.  

Location: 624 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA.   Hours: Monday-Friday 4 pm – 8 pm, Saturday-Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm    Contact: https://www.facebook.com/onnurikbbq/

 

 

 

 

We hope our list inspires you to take your taste buds on an adventure in the Iowa City area. If you explore the different cuisines, snap a photo of your dishes and tag us with #ICFoodie and #thinkiowacity so we can see them. If we didn’t mention your favorite, make sure to share your go-to spot with our followers. There are so many great options in the area we wish we had the room to share all of them! 

Don’t forget to get your passports ready for Restaurant Week, happening February 17-26. Participating restaurants will feature a delicious Prix-Fixe menu for lunch and dinner. After you’ve explored the delicious spots on the list, submit your passports and you could win a prize! Find all the information here.