A wonderful meal. Had been intrigued by the place and wanted to visit for a long time, so, I booked it for my birthday. It was the perfect place for a romantic celebration dinner. read more

After reading articles about this fine dining experience, we decided to make a reservation for my husband's milestone birthday. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Chef David, and his Apprentice Chef, Nick. The restaurant is beautiful. A wall fireplace is at the back of the restaurant creating a beautiful ambiance for the space. The restaurant is exceptionally clean, and beautifully appointed. Chef David reviewed the menu with us and we began feasting on one of the most amazing dining experiences we have ever had. Each of the 7 courses was truly amazing and cooked to perfection. We have eaten meals in Europe that weren't cooked as deliciously as the courses prepared by Chef David. While all of the courses were phenomenal, the ones we enjoyed most were the foie gras, scallops, wagyu steak and the creme brûlée. We have never eaten wagyu steak before - this meat was prepared so beautifully that it absolutely melted in your mouth. Reservations are a must. Be open to this dining experience - the culinary experience is a gift to us foodies! Great job, Chef David and Apprentice Chef Nick! We'll see you again! read more

Please, go here. Once a month as a date night, do this. The exterior is blah, but the food is so exquisite, so perfect that salt and pepper are not on the table, why you will NEVER ever think about wanting to add salt to your dinner. The interior was wonderful, gentle music, soft romantic lighting, classic date night dining all the way. It set up for a meal I will never forget. The owner, chef, and waiter is the same man who has such a passion for food he brought out the duck breast I had ordered to show me the size of it and where it was sourced from. Starting with the wine list, get a house red wine a glass and you will be set, sip it gently from start to finish while savoring each course of perfection on a plate. If you want a bottle the wine list is extensive, wonderful and a true joy to see a restaurant with such an in-depth knowledge of wine in the area. I had asparagus soup, duck and creme brulee, however at the first bite of the soup I was in heaven and the journey only got better. The soup was perfection in a bowl, smooth flavorful wonderful and just season so perfectly I wish I could have taken a gallon of the soup home. My girlfriend had the roasted beet salad, which was so well balanced I never had such a well dressed salad in my life, but there where more surprises in store. Onto the entrees, between the two of us we had filet, and duck breast. The filet was melt in your mouth tender, with a balsamic reduction sauce that was out of this world, hard seared steak with such a perfect tenderness and seasoned so wonderfully as only a master chef can achieve through years of passion for great food. For the duck breast, an orange glaze, cooked to a perfect medium rare, tender juicy a great sear rendering of the duck fat to perfection this was heaven, I love duck and use it as a standard for restaurants that have it and I was not surprised in the least bit by how well the orange sauce complimented both the roasted potatoes and the duck. I would gladly order the duck again and again and again. Both entrees came with roasted yukon gold potatoes which where better than anything I've had melt in your mouth soft, well cook, well seasoned, how a potato should taste! Now for desert. The flavor the skill the love the passion that went into this desert is that of a man consumed with a love of great food. It was so wonderful so delicate and just perfection. Overall it was the best meal I've had out to eat, hands down. From start to finish the whole dining experience was mind blowing, this isn't just about good food, it's about eating and knowing how to enjoy great wine, great food and all prepared by a man so passionate that the meal can and will blow your mind!! Revisited Chef David after 6 years, and with 6 more years of professional cooking under my belt, it's easier to appreciate the simple, refined approach to his food. I know more about wine, I know more about food, and while he does approach food in a less complex way with his plating and approach to cooking. It IS perfection on a plate. Potato and leek soup was superb, truly amazing depth of flavor from what is often viewed as peasant food. Triple Cream Brie with caramelized pears... ugh, I wish I'd gotten this over the soup, luckily my partner in crime did get this so I got a small tease of the wonderful salad. I had filet with Foie, Black Truffles, she had steak au poivre. His deft touch in the green pepper sauce is not easily reproduced in a home setting let alone a professional kitchen. To truly understand and appreciate Chef David and his cooking, you need to first understand food from his perspective and passion. Until then you're just along for an amazing ride and great food done well. read more

Fantastic meal! We had a delightful time, great food and conversation with the chef. I couldn't recommend more. Next time I'm in town, I will bring the rest of my family. Magnificent! read more

My husband and I visited this restaurant on our business trip based on review. Charming little restaurant with passionate chef David. I have been working in Hospitality business for 14 years. The dining experience was personalized and unique. Chef owner David prepared your entire courses as well as acted as sommelier to help with wine selection. The food presentation is simple which give more focus on to the taste of the plate. Authentic from the first course until dessert course. Menu is chef choice which will change according to ingredient availability at its best. Chef also offers 3 courses or 5 course meal at set price which I will try at our next visit when we are in town. Do not expect a matre'D or host to seat you or wait staff greet you at your table taking drink and appetizer order. This is different kind of experience. I would compare the experience to a chef table dining. One of a kind experience for people who appreciate food at its best. read more

Chez Grace - My husband with chef David. - French Near Me - Coralville, Iowa

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Wonderful food! We received a gift certificate so we made reservations for the week before Valentine's Day. The owner is the only person working there, he is greeter, waiter, chef, etc. He wore a mask which I thought was great. Answered our questions about the menu. Restaurant was not crowded, we had a delicious leisurely 4 course dinner. I'm usually not much of a red meat eater but decided to try the steak au poivre. It was the best steak I have ever eaten! It's too expensive for us to there regularly but I'm sure we will return for special occasions. read more

I was thinking today about this restaurant and I cannot believe I haven't written a review yet. This place is pricey but it is totally worth it. There are only a few tables so make sure to make reservations. It is truly a unique and wonderful experience. I had the duck and it was delicious, almost better than the duck I had in France. read more

Came here last night for my SO's dad's birthday celebration. This is a locally owned establishment and the chef is the ONLY person operating the restaurant. He serves, cooks, entertains, and cleans for each table. He is very passionate and prides himself on using fresh ingredients. He told our table he drove all morning to pick up the scallops from Illinois. I had the butternut squash soup, seared scallops (had to order them after hearing his story), and creme brûlée. It was a solid three course meal. You can also bring your own wine for a corking fee. This is an intimate restaurant and the chef pays attention to every detail. It feels like you have walked into someone's home for an exquisite homemade meal. 4 stars because I'm not sure I would return unless someone else wanted to celebrate an occasion there. The restaurant was pretty empty for a Friday and if I was going to spend $$$ on a meal I'd probably go elsewhere first. read more

One man show, great service, excellent food hands down to David. Steak Au Poivre best steak I ever had !

All I can say is I feel like we were robbed after paying $350 for dinner for two with wine in CORALVILLE, IA. Recently ate at a great French restaurant in Georgetown DC for half the price. The food here is average and very small portions for the price. Your hard-earned money is better spent somewhere else. I'm pretty sure the salmon came from Costco. read more

If I could give 2.5 I would. It was OK at this price range. The idea is that the chef is the only employee. He seats you, greets you, takes your order, cooks it etc... You'll be in for a minimum of 2 hours here. We came with a party of 5. There were 2 groups in the restaurant. I had a filet with trumpet mushrooms. The filet was OK but at the price point I expected much better and much more tender. The Creme Brulee was nothing to write home about as it was rather plain and nothing exciting. We did not bring any wine but did notice that there is also a $25 corking fee for the first bottle and $50 on bottles after that! A large group could easily be in for $200 just in corking fees. The environment is nice, dimly lit and quiet. Good place for an anniversary or quiet birthday, however it will be an expensive night (for Iowa City anyway). Overall, we are accustomed to paying for high end meals. We've dined for $400 for 2 in Chicago and NYC, however, there is reason for that. Flavors, ambiance, style, location etc... We did not experience much of that here. We just felt as if it was an overpriced restaurant. At 1/2 the price this would get a 4.5 star rating. read more

Chef David- professional, gifted, and tactful!!!! Lovely place, just wish he had a patio!! Perfection, we love coming here for all our special celebrations!!! Never disappointed!! The wine choices are spot on and uncommon. The food is simple but elevated, just what a Foodie loves!!! Tasteful and relevant it is a wonderful experience, all the a way around!! read more

We really wanted to love this place - it's a family business, where the chef does everything; he both prepares and serves the food. We went there for a special occassion and did a tasting menu. While some of the dishes were quite good, overall it was disappointing and not worth the price. Our meal cost $400+ with wine. We are used to dropping $500 for dinners in Chicago, Bay Area, and are willing to do that for excellent and innovative food, which this wasn't, on the whole. We had foie gras with pear as the starter, and it was truly very well-prepared. The next dish was a filet mignon with pommes de terre. The presentation was lacking, but both were good. Then, here's when things went south. The next course came out ... and it was exactly the same presentation as the previous dish: pommes de terre, this time with steak au poivre. Nothing else on the plate. We honestly didn't even finish this because it felt like nearly the same dish twice and was only so-so. Last came creme brulee - it was good, though what you'd expect at this level/price point. We also ordered a bottle of wine - it was just meh. Wanting to understand why Chef David would serve two very similar dishes in order in a 4 course tasting menu, we asked him about the second meat/potatoes dish and why he didn't include something else - a vegetable perhaps. His explanation was that Iowans don't eat vegetables. This struck me as an odd rationale for the lack of inventiveness while providing a tasting menu. I do think this place could be really good with just a willingness to innovate a little more, and also bring prices more in line with the value of the food / experience. read more

Please, please don't let the exterior of this little gem fool you. Yes, it is in a strip mall next to a Chinese buffet. Yes, it is likely that the place will not be packed with diners (the owner only takes 12 people a night to ensure quality - make reservations). But once you're inside, this place is wonderful. The owner is friendly and takes good care of you from start to finish (seats you, waits on you, cooks, he was the only one there). We had a group of six and did a lot of sharing/tasting and everything was really excellent. We had a pear and goat cheese salad, foie gras, steak au poivre, fillet mignon, lamb and of course tried the creme brulee. Portion sizes were generous and steaks came with delicious butter gold potatoes. Price wise, it is a bit of a splurge, but very intimate and you really do forget you're in Coralville. The atmosphere is very lovely, with dim lights and soft music. With the open kitchen and single staffer, it almost feels like you're at a dinner party at a friend's house... if you happen to have a friend who doubles as a French chef... (lucky you). BYO on Sunday nights when there is no corking fee. read more

Fantastic meals that are prepared by someone who truly loves food. David is a delight and will both serve your meal as well as cook it perfectly. Try the foie gras and pear appetizer. It's fantastic! read more

So here I am writing another 5 star review. This happens, of course, because I only choose 5 star places! This place deserves the stars - great food, attentive service, and ambiance in a stripmall location! Chef (owner, purveyor, maitre d, waiter, etc.) David is so pleasant. What a nice treat to walk in, sit down, and tell a chef what you want to eat, rather than a 16 year old waitress that doesn't know a truffle from a peppercorn. Granted, the menu contained all of four entrees (as david explained he's travelling to Paris next week and is not "stocked up" as he normally would be) it did contain what I came for - the filet mignon. The steak was very good. Well prepared with a nice sear, and perfect medium rare temp. This is the house's temp, and was presumed rather than asked. I have a feeling that, if you like it well done, you're in for a fight. The pommes de terre were yummy. I can still smell the buttery, carmelly scent... Thats probably because chef is preparing another batch now for another plate. I've had it before where a bartender offers the remainder of a shaker that didnt fit in the glass - usually some signature drink. This was the first time I'd seen a Chef come from the kitchen with "extra" potatoes that ended up on my plate. I have to say that I agree, they are just too good to put in the waste hopper. Appreciate the open kitchen. Not only do I appreciate local food - good to know where your food comes from - but also like to see the preparation. Creme brulee - very good, traditional preparation. Probably not world's best, but pretty kick ass for iowa. All in all a great experience for my $75 (including one glass of wine, and coffee with dessert). Truthfully, I'm gonna expense the meal anyway, but well worth the bucks. read more

We were warmly welcomed and seated promptly. The atmosphere was candlelit and romantic which was perfect for our first anniversary. My husband was a little perturbed that when he asked if they had anything non-alcoholic he was told a flat, "no", the poor chef almost looked offended by the thought. We both subsisted off water as we are not big alcohol drinkers. When calling for the reservation I was told the menu changes often due to Chez Grace's use of local foods. We tried the Pears and Brea which in my eyes was okay but nothing spectacular. I do feel it was an appropriate amount of food for an appetizer though. Both the husband and I had the Filet Mignon with black truffle sauce and felt the presentation was beautiful but the steak was no better than anything we've had at Texas Roadhouse. The saving grace of Chez Grace was the dessert. The Creme Brulee was astounding. Easily the most amazing dessert I've ever had in my life. It is the only real reason I give this 4 stars. It felt overpriced for the quality and only the atmosphere and dessert saved the evening. read more

A unique dining experience. The first word that comes to mind is intimate. Only 12 ppl are seated per night (call ahead). This allows Chef David to do things his own way. He greets everyone himself, explains the ever changing menu himself, meticulously cooks your food to order, and then personally brings it to you piping hot. The atmosphere is quaint, elegant, candle lit, and quiet. The food itself focuses on the finest quality, locally grown ingredients whenever possible. The presentation is simple no frills. It's clearly more about the taste here, which did not disappoint. I had the Steak au Poivre which was perfection - juicy, succulent, bursting with flavor. I hear the best things on the menu are the fois gras and the duck. read more

Unique dining experience. Chef David is a one-man show & his food/passion are undeniable. Exquisite food pairings with the highest quality ingredients. Diners have the option of 3, 4 or 5 course pre fixe menu but the prices are high for this experience. Things move slowly here & we found ourselves wishing for bread to nibble on at the start/between courses. Also could use a more visible beverage menu. Located in an unassuming strip mall - ambience is a 4, overall appearance/cleanliness average at 3, but the food makes up at a 5. Great special occasion or date night restaurant. Older kids might enjoy but I wouldn't bring younger ones. read more

What an amazing place. The food was incredible, the ambience took you from Iowa to France in an instant. My wife & I came across this place by Yelp. The rave reviews were right. The salad had all sorts of flavors, and wonderful tastes. My Filet was extraordinary, the sauce mixed well with the peppercorns and made for an unforgettable meal. The Creme Brûlée was to die for. All in all a meal we both will remember for a long time. To think it is located in a strip mall, next to a Falafel house is ironic. Can not say enough about the food. It is worth the cost. read more

I've been hearing such wonderful things about this place. So I booked a table for my family and visiting parents. We all have travelled extensively and have dined at many fine restaurants. We are no culinary slouches. The place is lovely and intimate. But when I saw the prices I just about died. An average price for an entree in a top tier restaurant in Iowa City is typically $25-35, tops. Chez Grace offers five entrees from $43-45. The foie gras appetizer was $24. Prix fixe meals ranged from $50-100. In Chicago this might fly. But in Iowa City this had better be the best meal you've ever had. Apparently a worker had not shown up that evening, so the owner/chef had a lot on his hands. We cut him some slack. But waiting 20 minutes just to order drinks was a bit much. My son wanted a Diet Coke and the owner, who was our waiter, said he didn't have any soft drinks. After all of us saying "really?" he said that he could run next door and get one from the falafel shop, but he was really busy. My son very politely said it was OK, water was fine. My father insisted, rightly so, that he get the Coke. About 30 minutes after drinks were served our orders were taken. After wondering if bread would be offered we asked the owner for some. He delivered a plate of generic white bread with a slab of cold butter lopped off the stick. I mean, this is a French restaurant. Freshly baked crusty bread should be a staple. After 30-45 minutes my mother's salad, my husband's squash soup, and my foie gras appetizer arrived. My mom loved the salad and my husband liked the soup. I was really looking forward to the foie gras, a favorite of mine. What struck me first was the itty bitty plate it was served on. I'm not a fan of overly ornate plating, but the $24 dish in front of me lacked any visual appeal. The foie gras was just a dark lump on the plate. The tough membranes had not been removed and it was cold. Epic fail. When our entrees finally arrived the $45 filets mignon were served on a lifeless plate, accompanied by roasted potatoes. No garnish, no vegetable even if just for color. The steak au poivre was average. The pepper corns were not crushed, so each bite, despite my attempts to sift out the pepper, had a bitter peppery crunch. Here was the real downer of our meal. My father asked if he could have some salt for his steak. Yes, we all know that French chefs don't like this. But this was a $45 little steak in Iowa City, and regardless of what the chef thinks, salt should be provided when requested. The chef/owner/waiter told my father that salt is not provided, that the food was already salted, and that he should taste the food first before asking for salt. What??? My father fumed in silence through the rest of the meal. Ironically, my steak was way over salted. My husband and son ordered the creme brûlée, the only dessert selection (in a "fine" French restaurant?), which arrived in a soup bowl and was truly average. All of us have dined in great French restaurants, here in the US and in France. My father quietly spoke to the owner after paying the enormous tab, to express his anger about the salt issue. I don't think the owner took this well. In short, I and my family were GREATLY disappointed in our experience at Chez Grace. What should've been a really special meal was at best average. Topped off by the surly attitude of the owner/chef/waiter, the horribly long wait, and the outrageous prices, I will never go back. Perhaps this conjured aura of elite dining -- the emperor's new clothes syndrome-- is fooling some people. But not us or anyone else we tell about our experience. read more

When you go to a restaurant, it is always helpful to have an idea what the general routine is for a standard patron. Coming to Chez Grace, I had some general expectations. I knew the cost would be more than a normal night for us (probably double), that the food was prepared and served by the chef, the meal would take at least 2 hours, and the menu was a fixed price. I was not expecting how delicious our food would be. I ordered the caramelized pear salad, the steak au poivre, and the creme brulee. The creme brulee was good, the pear salad with the brie was great... But guys, the steak was absolute bliss. The cream sauce. Oh the cream sauce! I threatened to lick my plate, to which the chef brought us bread instead. Easily one of the top three steaks eaten by me ever. Wonderful and worth it. Our 10 year anniversary was celebrated well here. read more

There is just no place like Chez Grace! The food is so special and prepared with such soul and care. You can taste the love that goes into every dish. If my husband asks me where we should go for dinner, I always say: Chez Grace. David is so very talented and doesn't over think his plates. Each entree is perfectly prepared with no surprises and that is a great thing. My favorite item on the menu is the Creme Brûlée (and I don't even like creme brûlée). The potatoes are to die for and anytime David recommends the special menu items you have to go for it. They are always excellent. Can't wait until my next trip, we always bring our own wine, there is no corkage fee on Sundays. read more

This is an excellent restaurant that has a different ambiance than most restaurants in the area. I was impressed not only by the food, but also by the calm, quiet atmosphere -- not rushed at all and very relaxing. David does everything himself at Chez Grace. He is the chef, waiter, and clean-up person, and I don't know how he does it. He is clearly passionate about his food, and everything we tasted was carefully prepared and simply presented. The menu is not large, but relies on local ingredients and includes several great choices. I was very happy with a filet mignon with black truffle sauce, and the creme brulee was outstanding. Chez Grace is a bit of a splurge, but I hope to return again soon to revisit the surprisingly gracious dining experience created by David in an unassuming strip mall in Coralville. read more

We had a delicious, intimate meal. We each had the Filet Au Poivre; the steak was beautifully cooked with a delicious peppercorn cream sauce. The salad and soup prior to the meal were also very tasty. We have no quarrel with the quality and execution of the food. Our three-star rating is based on the fact that the menu is extremely limited (four choices) and quite expensive; all the entrees were over $30/person. In the Iowa City area, there are many options whose food quality and execution are nearly as good, but have options that are a better value for the money (e.g. Joseph's, 126, Orchard Green). I hope the menu can be tweaked without a sacrifice in quality as we really like the food. read more

The best restaurant in Iowa City. My husband brought me here for a surprise anniversary dinner, and I was absolutely floored by how good everything was. It's a tiny, intimate little place tucked away in a strip mall (!) in Coralville right by a Subway and a video game store. I had no idea it was even there, actually, and I've lived here for years. Once we were inside, I instantly forgot we were in a strip mall. It's a lovely little place. The chef gave us so much personal attention, and I could tell he wanted to make sure we got exactly what we wanted. The food was spectacular! Bottom line: Tiny little gem hidden in an unexpected place. We will be back. read more

Contender for best restaurant in Iowa City! Had an amazing meal with my family this weekend! We selected a bottle of wine off the wine list that the chef recommended and it did not disappoint! Started with the carrot soup and it was delicious!! Tried a bite of my moms asparagus salad and it was amazing! My dad and husband enjoyed the smoked salmon appetizer! The chef also sent over an order of foie gras with pear and balsamic vinegar - I was not sure that I was refined enough to like it but I really enjoyed it! Overall - appetizers were simple and delicious! For our main course three of us ordered steak and two ordered fish - all were perfectly prepared. Simple, but with great flavor! The best part of the experience was the intimacy! The restaurant is small - about 7 tables and the chef is the host, waiter, chef, sommelier, and even dishwasher! He had a great personality and it was enjoyable to be able to talk with the person preparing your food! He even torched the creme brule at our table! Delcious food, great atmosphere - we plan to go back for our next special occasion! read more

Wonderful food prepared and served by the chef/lowner David. The foie gras was excellent as was the squash soup. Steak au Poivre was wonderful but the DUCK was spectacular. I'm so glad my friend offered me a bit of that. His creme brule was lovely, some of the best I've had. David is friendly and helpful. We appreciated his wonderful service. read more

Four of us spent a truly delightful late evening under the hospitality of David and his love of fine french cooking. He serves with justifiable pride and attends to every fine detail. My experience was clearly the ultimate best. I ordered lamb loin. It was simply incomparable. David selected a wine for us that hit the mark and enjoyed by all. This is an experience you don't want to miss. It is hidden in your average strip mall. Yet, you immediately leave that mode when you walk in the front door, in our case opened by David himself. The decor is complementary to the cuisine. The prices reflect the extraordinary quality. I don't recall paying as much for an entre yet being so completely convinced of its value. read more

An incredible place for that special occasion that you want to celebrate thoroughly. This restaurant offers specially prepared French cuisine cooked in a very elegant, private atmosphere that makes you feel like he is cooking just for you. Incredibly delicious to say the least with unique but classic menu items. It is one of the priciest places in Iowa City but I would say it more than delivers for what you pay. Such a unique and awesome find in Iowa City! read more

Foie Gras was amazing, but everything else is just ok and way overpriced.

Phenomenal food, and an ambiance to match. This was my first time and I was really impressed. There is not another place like it in Iowa City/Coralville. There are only 8 tables or so in the restaurant and they only serve 16 people a night. This leads to a very quite, relaxing atmosphere. The food was great as well. I had a three course meal: The Celeriac Velouté Soup with Black Truffles, the Filet with Balsamic Emulsion Glaze, and the Creme Brulee; along with a bottle of red wine. The meal was fantastic! The cut of meat was high quality and the balsamic glaze was a great accent to it. The desert was one of the best creme brulees I have had. I would have the exact same meal again. The owner of the restaurant is also the chef and the waiter. There was a sous-chef as well, but it was a 1 man show. Quite traditional. It is one of the most expensive meal I have had in Iowa City/Coralville, but well worth it. I highly recommend it for special occasions. read more

The waiter is the chef and selects his own food that he serves. He keeps a limited menu, but changes it regularly. It has a very intimate atmosphere, which is something I always appreciate when enjoying fine dining with my significant other. It was candlelit with dim lights (although the boyfriend thought it was too dark). You just have to trust me when I say that they have the best food in the Iowa City area. I've lived in IC for 4 years and CR the rest of my life and this is the best restaurant I've been to. My recommendation: Foie Gras for the first course, and lamb with black truffle sauce for the second. With the lamb, don't be afraid to get it rare; the man knows what he is doing. My significant other and I have been trying out nice restaurants in the area for a few years now, and this one is by far the best. In the past we've gone to Vesta, Devotay (also very good), Motley Cow, Brown Bottle, the Sheraton, and Iowa River Power Company. This outshined all of them. Iowa City has a lot of expensive restaurants, but very few are actually very good. I'm not hesitant to give this place five stars. read more