The Red Avocado is an outstanding vegetarian restaurant in Iowa City featuring locally grown, organic ingredients. Robin and I dined here Friday night before going on the Iowa Wine Trail. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior reminded me of a cozy stone basement with unique decorations and Himalayan salt candles on each table. We shared the Appetizer Deluxe which consisted of three spreads, freshly baked pita triangles, and veggies to dip. The yellow hummus was a little runny but had excellent flavor of middle-eastern paste of chick-peas, tahini, and other seasonings. The orange carrot-chipotle pate had a perfect balance of sweetness and spicy flavor; this was our favorite. The green white bean pate had smooth flavors of cilantro, lime juice, beans and spices. Robin had the Vegetable Peanut Satay entree. It was served with quinoa, the grain of the day. The waitress recommended that Robin order Tempeh because it pairs well with peanut sauce. The peanut sauce had a nice consistency; not too heavy. The Tempeh was extremely good. I had the College Green Sunset entree. The polenta was very smooth and creamy. Flavors inside filo purse blended perfectly with a light and delicate flavor. I especially enjoyed the red pepper sauce and red pepper mix. This dish was beautiful and tasteful; I could eat it every day! We split a slice of gluten free chocolate cake for dessert.
Appetizer Deluxe
All three delicious spreads with homemade pita & fresh crisp vegetables.
Vegetable Peanut Satay
Seasonal vegetables steamed in a peanut sauce flavored with onion, garlic, spices & sorghum. Sweet & delicious! Served with whole oats & the grain of the day. With your choice of tofu, tempeh, chickpeas or black beans.
College Green Sunset
Layered herbed white bean pate, tempeh sausage, tofu ricotta, and caramelized onions wrapped in a flaky filo pastry purse on spinach polenta with horseradish-root vegetable-sweet-corn relish, roasted red pepper sauce & a fine drizzle of sweet balsamic reduction.
Dessert
gluten free chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Moist and perfect sweetness.
As a meat eater, I was pleasantly surprised at how well prepared, artistic, and tasty this food was. I only wished that the portions were a tad more filling. The prices are fair; most entrees are $10-20. The food is so healthy, fresh, and full of flavor! The atmosphere is relaxed and casual. I am likely to dine here again if I am in Iowa City.
The Red Avocado
521 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 351-6088
Google Map
I hope you both enjoyed your stay and I welcome you to stay with me the next time you visit. Next up…Lincoln Cafe in Mount Vernon, Iowa. It was featured in Oprah’s magazine! Fine dining in Iowa? Yes, I give you my word!