This is an amazing restaurant, run by an amazing couple. I was in Fort Madison for a long weekend in early November, and ate here both nights I was in town. I decided to try this place because of all the positive reviews, and it did not disappoint. My meal was delicious, the atmosphere relaxing, the service impeccable, and the owners are charming. Be cause of my great experience, I returned the following evening. My second meal was just as good as the first. Whenever I am in Fort Madison again, I will definitely have dinner at Simple Table by Hitomi. An excellent find! read more

Owned by a super sweet couple! Super delicious food and one of my favorite restaurants

I loved every single thing about this little food spot! The food was good, there was plenty to look at and the staff was nice. read more

Great food and great service. Very entertaining! Jimmy and Hitomi rock. Best sweet potato fries and shrimp wrap anywhere . Everything on the menu including desserts is delicious. Five stars. read more

Best food in Fort Madison Meatloaf was wonderful Mom loves the fried rice Several very tasty side dishes available Nice atmosphere Jimmy is usually the host and is very accommodating read more

Was there for a special event and the food and service were absolutely top notch. The thing I remember most was a carrot and peanut salad, still thinking about read more

Every single item I have ever tried has been amazing. Both lunch and dinner menus! For lunch, I highly recommend the "Veggie Sandy" which has lots of fresh raw veggies with a sesame dressing and incredible bread. They also have an awesome tuna melt on a bagel. There is a daily specials menu that provides a lot of options. For dinner, the salmon is divine and if they have the duck on special it's a must try. Next time we go I will get pics to add. This is by far my favorite place to eat in the area. Service is always top notch and the decor is incredibly interesting to look at. read more

I can't rate the food bc we couldn't eat here. My lunch companion is a celiac. When she asked for gf options he said she could eat a few of the side dishes. Like green beans.... then wanted to take our order. Ok.....we politely left. read more

A great find in south eastern Iowa. They are a wonderful place to eat in small town Iowa where you might not expect to find an experience like they offer. They offer fresh made dishes made with local ingredients while rotating savers daily specials. They really put a lot of effort into the food here. The food reminds me of home cooked meals as the setting is small and cozy where you know the food isn't mass produced at all. All of my meals here have been great, I love the cured salmon on bagel and the s'mores pot de creme. I'm always ready to try whatever new they have when I'm in town. The pictures of the dinner service looks amazing, I do want to try it soon. Looks every bit of gourmet and I'm sure it tastes delicious. If your in the area I would say this will be your best bet for miles around. read more

Simple Table by Hitomi - S'mores pot de creme - Japanese Near Me - Fort Madison, Iowa

See all

When my girlfriend told me there was a Japanese restaurant in Fort Madison, I was really reluctant to check it out. I don't normally associate the Midwest with it's fine Asian cuisine. However, from the moment I walked in, I realized how unique this place was to the area. Despite it's name, there really isn't anything simple about Simple Table other than the menus, and that's not a bad thing. Each menu item is crafted with love and it really shows. The most complex thing about Simple Table is definitely the flavors of the food. With that being said, the Yakiniku is seriously divine. I would have never thought to combine Yakiniku with jalapenos, but now I don't ever want to eat one without it. The owners, Hitomi and Jimmy have a really wonderful dynamic and are truly a joy to be around. My girlfriend and I are always eager to see them and how their life is progressing. We could find ourselves staying and chatting long after our meals were finished just due to how much we enjoy Rob's banter as he is quite the comedian. Simply put, Simple Table is an experience that you definitely don't want to miss. I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful dining experience just blocks away from my house. Thank you, Hitomi and Jimmy for the wonderful memories. We both hope to make many more! P.S. Try the wasabi sauce. It's soooo good! read more

This was a pleasant surprise. The food was great and the staff were attentive. We will definitely come back next time we are in Fort Madison. read more

I loved this little gem of a restaurant, the soup is amazing and so are the sandwiches. Desserts are to die for! Service is great with quaint inside setting. There are a few tables outside in front of the restaurant and ample parking very close by. read more

This is the place I've been waiting for! Beer from Colorado (Left Hand Brewing Company and Boulder Beer...) wine from California and Washington (14 Hands is one of my favorites!)... and the food... marvelous and easily stands out as the best in Fort Madison. Superb presentation, taste, and quality. The menu is small and changes monthly, but if you can catch the Thai Chili Salmon or the Seared Beef Tenderloin with red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and Japanese BBQ sauce I can speak for those. I am a fan of big flavors and sauces and these dishes had a nice amount of both. Many people at my table commented on the Sesame Adrezzo salad dressing -- so tasty! I think I ate most of the Warm Brie with Cranberry Jam set out for the table... couldn't help myself. Honestly, I could have probably finished everything on that table and enjoyed the heck out of it, but didn't want the rest of the party to witness such gluttony. The French Press coffee we shared at the end was the second best thing. Chef does magazine worthy work and I'm excited to return for another dining adventure... here in Fort Madison. Who would have thought! read more

See all

It's a very small comfortable place. I'm the kind of person who doesn't really believe in stranger danger so sitting at the same table with someone I don't know doesn't bother me but it might others so be aware. It's a bit of a pricey place so don't go unless you are prepared for that. The food is delicious and the wait staff is exemplary read more

I came here, and thought the food was fairly average. The miso soup with vegetables wasn't bad, and neither was the fried rice, nor the katsu appetizer. It wasn't great either though. I've had much better katsu in Tokyo, and even most of US restaurants. The fried rice was also uninspiring. It's definitely a step in the right direction for Ft. Madison though. read more

For Fort Madison, this is a classy little spot owned and operated by a local couple with ties to the Far East. Perfect spot for a date, or for special guests or occasions like graduation or anniversary. It reminds me of the trendy, crunchy restaurants in Portland, Seattle area. We've eaten here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. The food is Asian eclectic. Dishes we've had that were fantastic were the tostada, cured salmon Cobb salad (sushi style), shrimp cocktail, calamari, and pan-seared trout. They feature fresh-squeezed juices that are more like smoothies. I tried the citrus and the one made with fresh beets. I especially liked the citrus one, and the price for those is reasonable, less than $2 at the time of this writing. The food is fantastic and purchased locally- very fresh tasting! If you like healthy food, or have some gluten issues, allergies, etc., there are tasty options for you. Simple Table has an impressive selection of microbrews, imported beers, and wines. They play mellow, contemporary lounge-style music with a cultural flair. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing. The down sides are that the restaurant is very small and tucked away. They only have about 8 tables. You might want to make a reservation if it's important to make it work or if you want to bring a group. Not ideal for children unless they are well-behaved and quiet. They do serve kid-friendly foods and have a children's menu $5/dish. And the acoustics amplify noise, so if it is full of people it can seem loud. We paid about $85 for two adults, three kids, with 2 appetizers, wine and beer. read more

Everything I have tried is fantastic. The woman is a food artist. Unbelievable to find this in Fort Madison. I'm so lucky!

In town every couple months to work at the hospital nearby and I found this gem! Tucked away on a side street, this place is quaint with feel good music, friendly wait staff, and the food is out of this world good. Try the Salmon sashimi for a starter (if you're a sushi lover), if not, the Teriyaki Duck entree is out of this world. On top of that, they have a fair selection of beer, wine, and saki. You must come here! I know I will every single time I am in town. read more

I've been looking for good places to eat in Fort Madison and this one of them. Fresh food and excellent service. I will definetly be returning here. I had the Thai chili salmon on 3/2/2020. read more

The food is consistently good. I haven eaten here20? Times and tried most everything she has cooked. True Pan Asian style with great seasonings and flavors. My favorite is the Asian salad, I love salads and then top with grilled salmon or shrimp skewers. Food is fresh, high quality and portion size is what it should be- just right. I will keep coming back for more! read more

Wow. Who would have thought to look for such a gem in a place like Fort Madison? In a sea of buffets and steakhouses, Simple Table prizes quality above quantity--a rarity in the Midwest. I went for brunch, and was immediately taken with the decor. No kitsch, no clutter, just a simple, open room with lovely Japanese-themed art decorating the walls. Then came the coffee, which was not your average watery diner coffee. This coffee was so dark and rich I had three cups. The menu is short, but really, how many breakfast options do you need? I ordered eggs over-easy, sausage and potatoes. The potatoes and sausage were good--I wondered if the sausage wasn't homemade, as it wasn't too salty--but the eggs. Oh, the eggs. I opened up the first one and the yolk that came out was the richest, orange-est, most delicious yolk I have ever seen or tasted. I asked my server and she said the eggs come from a community garden, and all the vegetables are locally sourced. So good! I had gone to breakfast two days earlier at another diner in town that shall not be named. I left feeling like a pile of garbage. I got a lot of food, but my stomach was killing me by the time I left. But when I left Simple Table, I felt like I could go and run a mile--perfectly full, but not even the slightest post-brunch fatigue. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. I wish I had had the chance to go back for dinner! read more

Wow! Another great restaurant in Ft. Madison. Between here and Atlas steakhouse I could live here. I came in with low expectations and I was blown out of the water. I had the Asian salad and the dressing was phenomenal. The sweet potato fries were great and the fruit plate - cherries, grapes, apples and very good plums- was also wonderful. The atmosphere is nice and food came out fast. My only thing is I wish there were more menu options. The menu felt limited. I only give five stars to the best restaurants I've ever been to but this came pretty close. The perfect lunch spot. read more

This was a find! Thank you yelpers! I have never been to Fort Madison and we were here for a wedding. This place was cozy, the bathrooms clean, and the food was really simple and tasty. The prices are totally reasonable. The ingredients were fresh. I had a tuna steak that was cooked just right with some yummy wasabi sauce. My vegetarian husband had the strawberries and Brie and the garlic confit with goat cheese. The sweet potato fritters were really well done. Overall, excellent. read more

Fresh food! Excellent service! Many wine and beer choices! We came in for lunch and were so impressed our group made reservations for dinner the next day!! Everyone enjoyed the small plates and entrees! Simple Table is my "go to" place when I'm back in FM :-) read more

Outstanding! Not quiet, but highest quality in Iowa. Menu is constantly changing. Food and service is terrific. read more

In town for a wedding from Southern California, oh man the Pork Katsu sandwich is amazing! Really, really tasty sweet potato fries cooked just right. Nice place with a great menu and great service! Highly recommend this place for a tasty bite! read more

Simple Table is a locally owned small business that features an ever changing menu inspired by one of the greatest flavormeisters I have ever come across. Amazing quality food and service. Skip Young read more

Thank you, Hitomi, for one of the best meals I've had in FM for a long time! Fantastic service, excellent presentation, and portions that don't overwhelm but still leave you feeling full. I absolutely love the intimate atmosphere and think you have one of the best menus around. Everything was delicious and I'll be sure to be back when I'm in town. I'm spreading the word! read more

Great vibe, great food, great people. There is always something different to try. If you're looking for unique this is the place.

A quite place with some new things to add to food I've never tried before! You'll have to come try it for yourself!

I visit this place every time I am in the area. Reminds me of my experience while living in Japan. Love this place. Food is so fantastic Small, quaint, atmosphere with friendly service. read more

Remains my favorite spot in fort Madison. Great quality fresh food. I was recently introduced to the Wasabi dressing. I'm not a huge fan of wasabi a bit too spicy for me but the dressing I've been made a believer. read more

Very impressed! Such a neat little place with a lot of charm. We had a delicious appetizer, salads, two amazing meals, and two pieces of dessert that we ended up taking to go and it was SO well-priced! The food was very unique and tasty. I loved it so much I'm going back again ASAP. read more

The food was very good, fresh, and presentation though simple, was very nice. Relaxing atmosphere. The portions are very small. I would really only recommend this place for a light lunch, but when my boyfriend and I ate here we left still hungry, so we have not returned, though if I had time, this would be a great place to get lunch like I stated before. The service was good, and food was ready in a reasonable time. I overall a nice enough visit. read more