Top Chef: Downtown | Iowa City Downtown District

Top Chef: Downtown Iowa City

Monday, February 24th, 2025 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The Iowa City Downtown District is excited to announce the return of our 15th annual Top Chef: Downtown on Monday, February 24th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Graduate Iowa City. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, December 3rd at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are individual and required for entrance into the event. The ticket button will go live right at 10:00 a.m. on 12/3 so set your alarms!

Top Chef: Downtown, sponsored by Hills Bank and Performance Food Group, is Downtown Iowa City’s most popular and beloved annual culinary event. Downtown and Northside Marketplace restaurants prepare signature dishes from some of the area’s favorite restaurants, while area mixologists craft exquisite cocktails. This year, we are adding a barista category to the menu to represent downtown coffee shops! The title “Top Chef” is awarded by a panel of culinary experts and all guests can weigh in to determine the People’s Choice winner!

Top Chef: Downtown Tickets:

Tickets for the 14th annual Top Chef: Downtown will go on sale Tuesday, December 12th at 10:00 a.m. online. Tickets are individual and required for entrance into the event. The ticket button will go live right at 10:00 a.m. on 12/12 so set your alarms!

Upon arrival, please show your electronic ticket. This electronic ticket will have a QR code and can easily be added to your Apple Wallet. In the case that you can’t find your ticket, we’ll have a physical copy of the attendee list on-hand. Please email katie@downtowniowacity.com with any ticket or event inquiries.

How does the event work?
Top Chef: Downtown’s in-person event will allow all attendees to sample 14 entrees, 10 cocktails, 4 desserts, and 3 coffee beverages from local Downtown Iowa City bars, restaurants, and cafes. Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award for each category. A panel of culinary, cocktail, and coffee connoisseurs will also be judging and will present the Top Chef: Downtown awards at the end of the evening.

Where should I plan on parking?
Attendees should park at the Dubuque St parking ramp next to the Graduate hotel. All ticket buyers will receive a free parking voucher for the Dubuque St parking ramp at check-in.

Do I need to bring my ticket?
Please bring your online ticket with the QR code. If you’re unable to find your ticket, we’ll have a printed list of attendee names.

*If you sell your tickets, please contact katie@downtowniowacity.com to change the ticket buyer’s last name.

What else do I need?
All attendees will need to provide an ID if wanting to consume alcoholic beverages.

ENTREE
Baroncini Ristorante
Basta Ristorante
Bollywood Grill
Cortado
Downtown Iowa City Reunion
Get Fresh
Graduate Iowa City
Harry’s Bar & Grill
La Wine Bar & Restaurant
Masala
Pullman
Roxxy
the Webster
Vue Rooftop

MIXOLOGY
Camp
Coa Cantina
Donnelly’s Pub
Gabe’s
Micky’s Irish Pub
Quinton’s Bar & Deli
Scout’s Honor
SpareMe Bowl & Arcade
The Stuffed Olive
Wild Culture

DESSERT
La Tea
Yotopia
Hamburg Inn No. 2

BARISTa
La Tea
fix! Coffee
Tru Coffee