Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City returns for another year. Here are the winners for 2023.

Paris Barraza, Iowa City Press-Citizen
·2 min read

Mushroom risotto with pork belly. A bourbon molasses cookie topped with spiced rum expresso ice cream. A crab paste braised local wagyu beef shank with a broccoli salad.

Those were just some of the dishes from Iowa City restaurants that brought home awards at Monday evening’s Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City event, presented by the Iowa City Downtown District.

Nearly 400 people attended the annual food and beverage sampling event, held at the Graduate Hotel, according to ICDD executive director Nancy Bird. A portion of the proceeds support the Englert Theatre and FilmScene's Strengthen Grow Evolve arts campaign in Iowa City.

Who won at Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023?

A beverage from Get Fresh Cafe, one of 26 restaurants, bars and cafés participating in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023 Feb. 27 at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.
A beverage from Get Fresh Cafe, one of 26 restaurants, bars and cafés participating in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023 Feb. 27 at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.

Mixology

  • Second place: Get Fresh Cafe, 109 Iowa Ave.

  • First place: Wild Culture Kombucha, 210 N. Linn St.

A dish from Baroncini Ristorante Italiano , one of 26 restaurants, bars and cafés participating in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023 Feb. 27 at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.
A dish from Baroncini Ristorante Italiano , one of 26 restaurants, bars and cafés participating in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023 Feb. 27 at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.

Best entrée

  • Third place: The Graduate, 210 S. Dubuque St.

  • Second place: Baroncini Ristorante Italiano, 104 S. Linn St.

  • First place: The Webster, 202 N. Linn St.

Best dessert

  • First place: The Dandy Lion, 111 S. Dubuque St.

Beverages from Short's Burger and Shine, one of 26 restaurants, bars and cafés participating in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023 Feb. 27 at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.
Beverages from Short's Burger and Shine, one of 26 restaurants, bars and cafés participating in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023 Feb. 27 at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.

People's Choice: Mixology

  • Second place: Short’s Burger and Shine, 18 S. Clinton St.

  • First: Wild Culture Kombucha, 210 N. Linn St.

Beverages from Wild Culture Kombucha, one of 26 restaurants, bars and cafés participating in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023 Feb. 27 at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.
Beverages from Wild Culture Kombucha, one of 26 restaurants, bars and cafés participating in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023 Feb. 27 at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.

People’s Choice: Entrée

  • Third place: The Graduate, 210 S. Dubuque St.

  • Second place: Baroncini Ristorante Italiano, 104 S. Linn St.

  • First place: The Webster, 202 N. Linn St.

People’s Choice: Dessert

  • First place: The Dandy Lion

More:4 things to try at Cracken's Grill 'n Chill, Funcrest Dairy & Grill's new sister

Which Iowa City eateries and bars participated in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City?

There were 26 restaurants, bars, cafés and one confectionery that participated in Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City 2023, including:

  • Donnelly’s Pub

  • Basta

  • The Stuffed Olive

  • The Java House

  • La Wine Bar & Restaurant

  • Vue Rooftop

  • Masala Indian Cuisine

  • Mammita’s

  • ReUnion Brewery

  • Cortado

Visit Iowa City Downtown District’s website for a full list of participating restaurants.

More:Hamburg Inn No. 2 quietly reopened as new staff acclimate to the historic restaurant

Who determined the winners at Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City?

A panel of six culinary experts and a representative from sponsor Hills Bank judged the entrées and desserts, including Andy Schumacher, executive chef and owner of Cobble Hill and Caucho in Cedar Rapids; Chad Cushman, chef and owner of the Kitchen Brigade in Davenport; and Barry Greenbery, executive chef of University of Iowa dining. There were three judges for mixology, including Joanna Mouming of Joanna’s Premium Tonic Syrups in Iowa City; David Basinger, bar manager at Rodina in Cedar Rapids; and Laura Neuzil, events and bar program manager at Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Venue in Iowa City.

People’s Choice winners are determined by the attendees of Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City, with 290 votes cast.

Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or 319-519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City winners include the Webster, Baroncini