‘Taste the South’ at a New Soul Food Restaurant in the Corridor

Earlier this month (June 2025), a brand new restaurant opened in Iowa City that's already getting some great reviews! Let us introduce you to Lo Gottis Soul Cafe.

Location

Lo Gottis Soul Cafe has moved into the space at 316 E Burlington Street in Iowa City, the ground level of the Summit St Apartments. It's on the same block as Cactus, Szechuan House, and Thai Flavors, in the former home of Enjoyabowl Fusion Grill.

Menu

As you probably assumed from the name, Lo Gottis' menu features all sorts of classic soul food items. The restaurant's website reads:

"'Taste the South' when you dine at Lo Gottis Soul Cafe - where traditional family recipes meet modern twists. Immerse yourself in a cozy atmosphere while savoring mouthwatering delicacies prepared with fresh ingredients and served by our friendly staff."

Entree options include fried and baked chicken, fried catfish, stuffed salmon, beef ribs, grilled and jerk oxtails, and more. You can also choose from three different pasta dishes: chicken alfredo, shrimp alfredo, and 'Rasta Pasta.' And, no soul food dish would be complete without sides! There's baked mac & cheese, collard greens, candied yams, fries, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, broccoli, and green beans with potatoes.

On Sundays, Lo Gottis offers a special brunch menu with dishes like chicken & waffles, buffalo chicken wraps, jerk chicken rolls, shrimp & grits, and more. You can check out the full menu below:

Reviews

The very first review I saw from Lo Gottis was on the Cedar Rapids Area Foodies page, and it was from user Kimberly Clements. The first two sentences tell you everything you need to know:

"Run don’t walk!!! Absolutely everything was full of flavor."

Another review on Facebook from user Lindsey Amber Marvella says that she completely cleared her plate, and even posted a photo to prove it!

READ MORE: New Eastern Iowa Restaurants & Bars That Have Opened in 2025 [GALLERY]

Hours

According to the business' website, Lo Gottis Soul Cafe is open Tuesday & Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the latest updates from the new restaurant, you can follow their Facebook page HERE.

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