Best Lunch Restaurants in Iowa City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSeafoodComfort FoodBurgersBreakfastSports Bar

Regions

Cedar RapidsIowa CityQuad Cities

Neighborhoods

Cedar RapidsCoralvilleDavenportRock Island

Top Rated

CharmingGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchHot spotNeighborhood Gem

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

12 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Tavern Blue

4.1

Excellent(28)

$$$$

• American • Coralville

Booked 1 time today

Inspired by life on the water, Tavern Blue offers brick-oven wood-fired pizza, a full bar with local craft beers, wines, and signature cocktails, plus one of the largest indoor game and entertainment spaces in the area.TIKI YARD GAMES & ENTERTAINMENTTavern Blue features:• 3 billiard tables• 2 foosball tables• 2 shuffleboard courts• 2 Sub-Soccer tables• 2 giant Jenga sets• 2 ladder ball stations• 3 Hook-21 boards• Checkers• 2 ring toss games• 2 putter pong setupsTiki Yard access is:$10 per adult$5 per child under 12Guests can play all Tiki Yard games during their visit.PARKINGWe offer convenient on-site parking with approximately 110 spaces total:• Front lot parking• Indoor parking garage• Back lot parkingNote: Kitchen closes at 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.The bar remains open until 11:00 pm and may stay open later depending on business.AVERAGE CHECKAverage per person without alcohol: approximately $20Average per person with alcohol: approximately $25

A photo of Tribute Eatery & Bar restaurant

2. Tribute Eatery & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(65)

$$$$

• American • Coralville

Booked 4 times today

Welcome to Tribute Eatery & Bar — where good things gather. Nestled in the heart of Coralville, Tribute is your neighborhood spot for timeless cocktails, elevated comfort food, and warm hospitality. From our scratch kitchen to our curated cocktails & wine, every detail is designed for connection — whether you’re gathering for brunch, happy hour, or a relaxed dinner with friends. Come for the food and drinks, stay for the company.

3. 30hop Coralville

4.7

Exceptional(36)

$$$$

• American • Coralville

Booked 4 times today

At 30hop in the Iowa River Landing, we’re all about good food, good vibes, and great company. Each visit feels fresh and inviting—a place where you can kick back, connect, and enjoy the moment. Our menu satisfies every craving, from classic comfort favorites to bold, globally inspired flavors.Pair it all with our rotating selection of local craft beers, creative cocktails, and a weekend brunch where sweet meets savory. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch, patio drinks, or dinner with friends, 30hop delivers food for legends and hospitality with heart.

A photo of Watermill Kitchen + Bar restaurant

4. Watermill Kitchen + Bar

4.4

Awesome(34)

$$$$

• American • Coralville

Booked 3 times today

Located in the heart of the Iowa River Landing, our restaurant showcases all of the incredible flavors that the Midwest has to offer. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Midwestern dish like our signature glazed meatloaf, or something with a modern twist like our skillet french toast with a unique corn flake crust, our expert chefs have crafted a menu that will help you experience the taste of Iowa.

A photo of Iowa Athletic Club restaurant

5. Iowa Athletic Club

4.9

Exceptional(6)

$$$$

• American • Coralville

Booked 1 time today

Bring the whole team and enjoy made-from-scratch Tavern style pizza, crispy chicken wings, smash burgers, fresh salads and wraps, awesome craft cocktails, and, of course, The Coldest Beer in Town™ — guaranteed! Bonus points for the vintage arcade games in the Players Lounge.With plenty of room to spread out, The I.A.C. is the best place around to watch live sports. Enjoy a relaxed, come-as-you-are sport bar that pays homage to the rich and storied sporting culture of the great state of Iowa!

A photo of Red Lobster - Coralville restaurant

6. Red Lobster - Coralville

4.5

Awesome(18)

$$$$

• Seafood • Coralville

Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo. Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today. Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.

A photo of 350 First - Doubletree Hilton restaurant

7. 350 First - Doubletree Hilton

3.4

Very Good(407)

$$$$

• American • Cedar Rapids

Enjoy spectacular views of Cedar Rapids and the Cedar River as you dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

A photo of Maxwell's on the River restaurant

8. Maxwell's on the River

4.7

Exceptional(142)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Davenport

Booked 1 time today

From Muscatine native Executive Chef Tessa Cardoza, the artful cuisine of Maxwell's at the River is poised to please. With an emphasis on fresh, local and sustainable fare, the Modern American menu showcases the finest in Muscatine dining in the heart of downtown. Enjoy the sweeping Mississippi River views gathering with friends or meeting other like-minded travelers and locals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or happy hour.

9. LP - Street Food

4.7

Exceptional(95)

$$$$

• American • Cedar Rapids

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to LP Street Food. This reservation is for our indoor dining room. The Patios are first-come-first-served - no reservations - in case of inclement weather. For private event inquiries, please email localpourstreetfood@gmail.com. Our menu is inspired by the streets of America. We’ve taken our cue from food carts, food trucks, street hawkers and walk-up windows all around the country, putting our own spin on creations originally dreamed up by people just like you and me. This is a place where you come to enjoy a fresh twist on culturally rich, gastronomically delightful street foods that we all know and love, with a creative and wonderful cocktail menu that has something for everyone. :) we’re fun, not fancy.

A photo of Granite City Food & Brewery - Cedar Rapids restaurant

10. Granite City Food & Brewery - Cedar Rapids

4.5

Awesome(309)

$$$$

• American • Cedar Rapids

Booked 5 times today

With its warm, inviting and modern design, Granite City Food & Brewery’s expansive interior features a spacious and comfortable dining room, four-sided modern, full-service bar, as well as an outdoor patio. The on-site brewery, with award-winning hand crafted micro-brews, is visible from the main dining and bar areas. The restaurant also showcases an open kitchen featuring chef developed, handcrafted made-from-scratch cuisine, including innovative signature entrees, flatbreads and more.Granite City Food & Brewery’s signature brews, which are made on-site, include The Duke (Pale Ale), The Bennie (Bock), The Northern (American Style Light Lager) and The Stout. Seasonal brews are featured throughout the year.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Maria
Kansas City / Kansas •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Good and drinks were excellent. I am looking forward to going again.
More info
Tribute Eatery & Bar$$$$• American• Coralville
•
4.8
J
JosephGold
Chicago / Illinois •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 16, 2026
We had a great experience on our first visit to Tavern Blue. It was over graduation weekend and I expected it to be chaotic, but the restaurant was prepared. The food was great, the service was excellent, and even the manager came around to the tables with leis for the graduates - nice touch! Thank you!
More info
Tavern Blue$$$$• American• Coralville
•
4.1
T
Tishly
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2026
We loved having 30% off apps and drinks. It was a good place to bring our kids and we enjoyed the entire experience.
More info
30hop Coralville$$$$• American• Coralville
•
4.7
C
Carolyn
Iowa •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2026
I had only eaten lunch at Watermill Kitchen, but when we were looking for a nice restaurant, this came to mind. It was the right decision: good food, good atmosphere, good service.
More info
Watermill Kitchen + Bar$$$$• American• Coralville
•
4.4
T
TheresaGold
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 22, 2026
We enjoyed a delicious dinner and watched the awesome Iowa mbb win last night. It’s a great place to have a casual meal and watch sports. Excellent, friendly service too! A+++
More info
Iowa Athletic Club$$$$• American• Coralville
•
4.9

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