It’s been a busy year so far in the greater Iowa City corridor, and the local dining scene is setting the pace. From new bakeries, cocktail lounges and sit-down restaurants, here is what has opened up since the start of 2026.
Claude
Claude is the newest dining concept to open in Iowa City’s northside neighborhood. Housed in a charming, restored 1870s building, the intimate French-inspired cocktail lounge and bistro oozes with charm. Claude transports guests to a speakeasy atmosphere evocative of early-20th-century Parisian cafés, serving curated small plates, craft cocktails, and a wide selection of wines and champagne.
Details: 215 N. Linn St., Iowa City, claudeic.com
Chipotle
A new Chipotle opened in March near the intersection of Highway 1 and Riverside Dr., making it the fourth location in Johnson County. Like the Chipotle in North Liberty, the newest store features a drive-thru lane for pickup orders, better known as the “Chipotlelane.”
Details: 21 Sturgis Corner Dr., Iowa City, 319-259-8074
The Eat Shop
Solon-based bakery, The Eat Shop, opened its fifth location in the greater Iowa City corridor on Saturday, May 9. The latest location in Coralville’s Iowa River Landing brings the bakery’s signature pastries, sandwiches and bread to the popular retail and dining district. The eatery sells treats once sold by owner Cheryl Maloney’s great-aunt, Mary Ann Drahos, whose bakery by the same name closed in Cedar Rapids almost 75 years ago…