We asked our readers to vote for their favorite restaurants in the 9th annual Regional Restaurant Contest—and they responded in record numbers. Congratulations to perennial winner Cafe Dodici for sweeping four categories! We’re also pleased to see some new names among the old favorites.
Here’s how the tally sorted itself out, with comments from our voters.
BEST DATE-NIGHT DESTINATION
Cafe Dodici, Washington
“The atmosphere couldn’t be more perfect for a first date or a 50th date.”
Finalists
• Vivo, Fairfield
• Augusta, Oxford
“They are amazing. The couple that owns this place have a great story, and a great attitude toward food and service.”
• Devotay, Iowa City
“My husband and I had dinner here the day we eloped.”
Honorable Mentions
• Rubaiyat, Decorah
• Top of the Rock, Fairfield
• Lincoln Cafe, Mount Vernon
BEST LUNCHTIME EATS
Cafe Dodici/Dodici Shop, Washington
“Best place in town for a quick, tasty weekday lunch.”
Finalists
• Green Gourmet, Fairfield
“So delicious, fast, and organic . . . you can’t go wrong.”
• Noodle House, Fairfield
“Delicious. So much bang for your buck.”
• Augusta, Oxford
“If you order the tenderloin sandwich for dinner, you can eat the leftovers for lunch the next day. Maybe the day after that, too.”
Honorable Mentions
• Revelations, Fairfield
• Crepe Escape, Fairfield
BEST SUSHI
Shokai Sushi, Fairfield
“It’s crazy but it is the best hole-in-the-wall sushi place in Iowa.”
Finalists
• Konomi, Coralville
“Innovative and delicious rolls at just the right price.”
• Oyama, Iowa City
“Tried ’em all, and Oyama has yet to disappoint when it comes to quality sushi.”
• Takanami, Iowa City
“Their sushi is to die for.”
Honorable Mentions
• Three Samurai, Coralville
• Koreana, Decorah
BEST VEGETARIAN
Green Gourmet, Fairfield
“This restaurant serves delicious and organic vegetarian meals.”
Finalists
• Trumpet Blossom, Iowa City
“Amazingly delicious homemade vegan comfort food that even the most die-hard carnivore would devour.”
• India Cafe, Fairfield
• Revelations, Fairfield
“Revelations’ pizza is awesome, as is their fake BLT.”
Honorable Mentions
• Cafe Dodici, Washington
• Ila, Fairfield
• Gupta’s, Fairfield
MOST ACCOMMODATING FOR PICKY EATERS
Cafe Dodici, Washington
“Cafe Dodici, hands down, takes the cake for accommodating picky eaters, and done gleefully, too. No request is too over-the-top, and all diets are respected. A blessed haven for the picky, the fussy, and the mindfully healthy.”
Finalists
• Green Gourmet, Fairfield
“They have vegetarian dishes, raw green smoothies, organic food, and nothing too spicy for those wanting to try Indian, Thai, or Chinese food.”
• Ila’s, Fairfield
• Revelations Cafe, Fairfield
Honorable Mentions
• New Pioneer Co-op,
• Iowa City/Coralville
“It’s hard to get all of these categories fulfilled in one place, but New Pioneer Co-op has great options for vegan, gluten free, and vegetarian. And definitely they offer service with a smile.”
• Vivo, Fairfield
MOST DECADENT DESSERTS
Cafe Dodici, Washington
“Their Chocolate Almond Torte just melts in my mouth, after rewakening my taste buds to the most delectable chocolate ever.”
Finalists
• Earth & Water, Fairfield
“The treats they have at Earth and Water are so good. They taste homemade—but homemade by someone who really knows their stuff.”
• Augusta, Oxford
“I get to eat it once a year (l live 4 hours away), and crave it the other 364.”
• Chocolate Cafe, Fairfield
“Best desserts ever. Organic chocolate in all types of flavors, cheesecake, and brownies. So delicious!”
Honorable Mentions
• Ila, Fairfield
• Vivo, Fairfield
• Yummy’s, Coralville/Fairfield
• Top of the Rock, Fairfield
BEST COFFEEHOUSE OR TEA SHOP
Earth & Water, Fairfield
“I never knew tea could be so good. A truly elegant gem in Fairfield.”
Finalists
• Dodici Shop, Washington
“Coffee, cookie and Wi-fi . . . what a great combination.”
• Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield
People are very chill, coffee is organic, and they even have performances every now and then by talented artists.
• Java House, Iowa City
Honorable Mentions
• Fuel Coffee Shop, Mount Vernon
• Revelations Cafe, Fairfield