Coralville’s Watermill Kitchen + Bar offers modern Midwestern cuisine with a taste of home

At Watermill Kitchen + Bar, you'll experience flavors inspired by traditional Midwest flavors, with a fresh twist. It's not your grandma's or mom's kitchen, but every bite carries the comfort of beloved and sometimes nostalgic tastes.

Watermill Kitchen + Bar is the newest restaurant in the Iowa River Landing.

It marks the final phase of the multi-million-dollar renovation at the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center, which was previously part of the Marriott portfolio.

Though only having operated for a few months, the restaurant is already finding its stride, embracing the traditional flavors of the Midwest through an elevated yet classic menu. Executive chef Cody Sammons and executive sous chef Tony Zinn, both Iowa natives, are veterans of the kitchen. They wield a wealth of experience in Coralville, from fine dining in major cities to hotels, casinos, and resorts across the country.

"We wanted to be a destination restaurant. I see that we are connected to a hotel, and there's a responsibility we have regarding that. But this should be its own entity and its own standalone restaurant," Sammons said. "We are located in the Iowa River Landing, and there are a lot of opportunities to eat here, but we have a great Midwestern menu with a nice innovative twist on everything. I think we're a lot different than a lot of these other places."

More: From shakes to soft serve, here are the 10 best ice cream spots in Johnson County

An ode to local history

The restaurant's name, Watermill Kitchen + Bar, is inspired by the old mills that operated along the banks of the Iowa River. The menu is a contemporary homage to tradition.

"Watermill Kitchen + Bar is a modern nod to the past," said Matthew Hill, director of food & beverage of Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center. "As with the rest of the renovation being inspired by our local community, the essence of Watermill Kitchen + Bar is to honor our Midwestern and Iowan history with classic yet elevated comfort food we all know and love."

The menu was thoughtfully crafted to be distinctly Midwestern, inviting diners to feel a sense of connection while also encouraging them to venture beyond the "usual."

Highlights include classics like meatloaf and half-roasted chicken, alongside standout dishes such as the Chilean sea bass, herb-crusted with tarragon butter sauce and served over a bed of corn succotash, and the braised short ribs, delicately coated in a red wine demi-glace and served with a textural mix of saloon slaw and apple cabbage colcannon.

"It's very important for us, specifically being here, to focus on that and showcase what Iowa has to offer at a slightly more elevated level," Hill said.

Watermill sources locally whenever possible to curate a menu in tune with tradition and the seasons. They've established partnerships with The Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse, Farmers Hen House and Dan and Debbie's Creamery.

More: Lavender fields forever: Calyx Creek offers flower-filled vacation destination

More: From musicals to a county fair, four things to do in Johnson County this weekend

Adding a unique touch to dessert

While the menu was created with traditional flavors in mind, it also includes a few personal touches, inviting patrons to enjoy long-standing traditions. Barbara's Orange Cake is more than just an average dessert, it is a nod to Zinn's childhood.

"My mom wasn't a great cook. It was my grandma. She was a good cook. But this is one of those things that she got right. She nailed it, and I ended up continuously asking for it every year for my birthday," Zinn said. "(The cake) is a testament to the memories that food has. She put her heart and soul into it, and I will always cherish that…because now I can present it to other people."

Zinn says the cake is simple, admitting his mother, Barbara, always made it with a sugar and butter glaze. Watermill serves it with a Grand Marier glaze, chocolate flake, and Dan and Debbie's vanilla ice cream.

"We are focusing on being creative," Zinn said.

More: After 50 years, Coralville Recreation Center may triple in size with additional pools, gyms

The creativity also carries over to the bar, which embraces Iowa themes. The "Iowa Nice" is an Empress gin cocktail with a flavor-filled bubble that, when it pops, releases aromatic smoke that enhances the flavor.

Watermill Kitchen + Bar plans to offer weekly live music performances by local musicians on the patio. They also have happy hour deals and are often seen at the Coralville Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings.

Watermill Kitchen + Bar is located at 300 E 9th St, Coralville. It is open year-round from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Coralville’s Watermill Kitchen + Bar offers modern Midwestern cuisine with a taste of home