About
Welcome to Soseki Café, a delightful culinary haven nestled in the heart of Iowa City at 227 S Dubuque St. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive menu, Soseki Café seamlessly combines traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary flair. From sushi rolls that promise freshness in every bite to hearty donburi bowls that warm your soul, this café is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts.
One of the standout aspects of Soseki Café is its impressive array of raw rolls. The Philadelphia Roll, featuring succulent salmon paired with smooth cream cheese, is a must-try at merely US$7.00. For those enchanted by flavors of the sea, the Tuna Avocado Roll and Smoked Salmon Roll beckon with their rich textures and taste. The café also highlights inventive offerings like the Sushiritto, providing guests with the generous filling that feels like a two-for-one sushi experience!
In addition to sushi, Soseki Café delivers savory delights through its donburi selections. The Curry Pork Donburi and Curry Chicken Donburi boast crispy, panko-battered proteins served over rice with a warming curry sauce that brings comfort in every mouthful. Each bowl is beautifully crafted with vibrant vegetables that add freshness to the dish.
Soseki Café doesn't just shine in its food but also in its welcoming service. Diners consistently praise the friendly staff and efficient service, making each visit a pleasant experience. Brandon Soldner remarked on the superb quality of sushi he enjoyed with his family, claiming it to be among the best he had tasted outside major metropolitan areas. Feedback such as this catapults Soseki Café to a top contender in the local dining scene.
Furthermore, customers like Sara Cathi highlighted the well-balanced flavors in dishes like the Sushiritto, while Seren Shank expressed delight over beautifully presented takeout sushi and delicious gyoza. It's clear that Soseki Café offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're dining in to enjoy the cozy ambiance or opting for a quick takeaway, Soseki Café aims to please with its diverse menu and quality ingredients. Next time you're in Iowa City, we wholeheartedly recommend setting aside time to dive into the culinary wonders that await you at this charming café.
“ Tori no Kaarage - It was nice and crisp! It is dark meat with the chicken skin fried with it. Came with a sweet sauce. Overall I don’t think I would get this again just because it didn’t “wow” me. It’s also not the traditional kaarage I’m used to. Sushiritto - Honestly it’s more “bang for your buck.” It made me full and feels like the quantity of two rolls in one sushiritto. The ingredients complimented well with each other and I’d definitely get it again! ”
“ Great place for sushi and poke bowls. Our family agreed this was some of the best sushi we have had in a long time outside a major metropolitan area. Service was quick and servers were super nice. They were short staffed so certain things were unavailable, which is understandable in our current environment. ”
“ Ordered takeaway last night so we could eat outside with friends. The service was friendly and very fast for takeout. I ordered the avocado cucumber sushi combo-the sushi was arranged very prettily even in the takeout container, and it also came with very tasty miso soup. Also ordered the gyoza- savory flavor with just a hint of sweetness. The green tea with roasted rice was delicious - brewed at the right temperature, so it wasn't bitter at all. Next time, we'll dine in! ”
“ Nice staff. Great food. Wide variety of options from sushi to ramen to Mongolian. Beer and Saki available. I had the Teriyaki chicken rolls- highly recommend. Staff wears masks and you are expected to as well. ”
“ First time at a sushi place and this was an awesome first time! Food was excellent. Ordered boba tea, crab rangoons, takoyaki, Philly sushi combo, and mongolian beef. boba tea was excellent as was the crab rangoons (although just 3 seems a bit skimpy), takoyaki was a first too & while I dont think Ill order it again it was good, the Philly roll was excellent, nigiri seemed high quality but might not be my thing, the miso soup that came with the combo was very good. My partner ordered the mongolian beef and they said it was excellent as well. We came at a weird time so our wait time was very low and service was fast. Minor nitpicks: the menu pics here and on their website were outdated, messed with my price estimates. A couple the portions seemed very small while the mongolian beef was almost to large. But overall very happy and will definantly try coming back ”
“ First time to this restaurant and to Iowa City for that matter! My daughter ordered an 8 piece Crazy Horse and Jasmine Green Tea to go. A set of chopsticks were given. She really enjoyed it. Very authentic and fresh! Full menu of authentic Japanese cuisine. Order was taken and prepared efficiently. Very happy with the service. Fun little stop along our route! ”
“ I love Soseki and reccomend it to anyone whenever I can. I have never been disappointed by their sushi, and all the employees are extremely friendly. My personal favorite roll is The Executive, if you are in Iowa City this is a must go. ”
“ This place is absolutely incredible. My date and I were thoroughly impressed with the quality of food, presentation, and overall vibe. I got a poke bowl and a sushi burrito, both were delicious. I also tried the takoyaki and it's the best I've had so far. It was cooked correctly and had great flavor. It's hard to get takoyaki right but they hit the nail on the head. They also have a mini convenience area where you can get snacks and drinks. I really recommend giving this restaurant a try! Parking is super easy too, it's right by a parking ramp. ”