My first visit to DD was several weeks ago; I passed by the shop and thought it might be a decent place to check out. The dumplings were solid (Korean beef), but it was the brussel sprouts that really knocked my socks off. After my second visit today (pork and cabbage dumplings with the obligatory brussel sprouts), this place has officially made it on my list of go-to eats in Iowa City.
The cutest lil' spot ever! Highly recommend Dumpling Darling for anyone who loves dumplings (obviously) with a fusion twist. Very lovely staff; so happy they got their own place now!
First time going here, food was great! Tried a little of everything. Dumplings and ramen salad was the best, the bun was also on point. Service was quick as well, value was good, we will be back!
Went to DD for lunch today (first time). I can’t rave enough about how good it was. Nice, polite person at the counter who explained different options to us. Wonderful food and a good value. I make potstickers occasionally for friends and family, so I know how much work goes into the prep. We had the Korean bulgogi bao buns, the steamed pork and cabbage dumplings, and the chicken Korean bbq fried dumplings (my favorite). All wonderful. I see many trips to Dumpling Darling in my future.
Amazing food! Small place but the food is what matters! Only been here a few times but it has been amazing! I love that they have many vegetarian and even vegan choices.
Hard not to give this place five stars. Recently just moved to California (which has great food) and I find myself STILL missing Dumpling Darling! Especially since I had almost trying all of their dumplings! Their dumplings are amazing and I was so thankful to be able to have their food selection in Iowa City. My favorite is the steamed Lesley's lamb dumplings or the hoisin pork bao buns!! I have really enjoyed watching Dumpling Darling grow from a popular farmers market stand to a thriving entrepreneurial venture. On top of the amazing food, the owners are wonderful and passionate people. I am honestly amazed with how much heart Lesley and Brian have put into Dumpling Darling and I am so happy they did!
The beautiful variety of flavors and options for all sorts of diets and palates make this a great stop for just about anyone. Every time I walk in I find myself debating on trying something new or going to back to the lovely Hoisin Pork buns I enjoy so dearly. I highly recommend this spot for delicious, skillfully made food.
Such a good food experience. Soup dumplings are the best thing there and the taro ice cream mochi was on point. Now they just need to get those at the newbo location so it's closer to us.
Words cannot describe how much I love this restaurant, the food they serve, and the lovely human beings running it � The food is made with incredible amounts of love and Lesley has truly done her research to make her food as authentic as possible, while still leaving room for unique fusion dishes!
Great concept by a lovely local couple that has traveled the world together and was inspired to share their love of dumplings with IC after great success and the longest lines at multiple farmers markets + concert festivals. Leslie puts her heart + soul into these dumplings and it SHOWS. Highly recommend!!
The food here is phenomenal, the people who own it are amazing, and it's a great experience! Definitely recommend.
Sarah Geniesse Wojtila
+5
The concept of the product and brand are outstanding, I would recommend anyone visiting Iowa City to stop by! The dumplings are absolutely delicious, and if you happen to get a chance to chat with Lesley or Brian (the masterminds and heart behind DD!) you are in for a real treat.
Damn that food was good!!! Anyone with a little curiosity and willingness to try new things will not go unrewarded at this place. Wish i would have discovered Kimchi a long time ago.
We loved this place! We will definitely be back. And I'd have to say what a cute little restaurant you have!
The best in the business!! Always have to go when I'm in town. Love this place!
Their vegan options are to die for! Will keep coming back!
Delicious food! We tried two vegetarian things and were impressed with both. Very nice customer service. Love that they compost everything!
Food is delicious!!! We even had it delivered via grub hub and it still tasted great once it got to our house!
Dumpling Darling rules! The staff is great and the selections enhance an already stellar dining scene here in Iowa City!
I couldn't be happier with the addition of Dumpling Darling to downtown Iowa City. Thoughtful and creative ideas applied to some of my favorite styles of cuisine. I can't wait to get back.
This place is great! The dumplings taste awesome and it's cool to watch them being made in front of you! Can't wait to be back in Iowa City for more!
Had one of the best meals of my life last night - your dumplings are truly delightful. We will definitely be dining here again!! ��
Dumpling Darling catered the Maggie's Farm Employee Christmas Party I attended this evening and everything was delicious!!! What a nice change!!
Jeanne Tanquary Egizio
+5
The dumplings were fabulous . Staff was friendly and helpful. Will definitely come back. Thank you for a great experience.
Eating at the stall at newbo market every time the wife and I go there and we've been meaning to come to their actual brick and mortar store.... totally amazing. We had our 10 month old son with us and it sucked not having a baby set, but totally ok with the size of the front end. 12/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone.
My daughter and I stopped in and just loved everything!! And great music!!
Flavorful! Delicious! We will be back! Daughter � it!
Fantastic food, fantastic service, love seeing someone's passion and dream coming true and nailing it!
Great place, great food and great people
This joint rocks. Outstanding food, really cool vibe.
Dumpling darling offers a wide range of delicious offerings. We enjoyed the bibimbap, pierogies, chipotle tofu, and pork soup. Oh, and the fried Brussels sprouts were amazing!
Great little place with awesome delicious food! I did not like that I had to kill 4 flies while eating inside the restaurant though. Please work on that. Would definitely like to see their extended menu at their branch at Newbo Cedar Rapids. I love Korean food!
I loved the Kimchi mandu...I really like it that they have so many vegetarian options, and the fusion that they've introduced into the flavours works really well with the dumpling concept. It can work as a quick snack, or a meal of you order enough.
A restaurant that specializes in dumplings? There is an interesting menu offered here. They have quite a variety of fried and steamed dumplings. Dumpling stuffings vary and include things like lamb and mac and cheese. They also have sweet, dessert type dumplings. I've heard they also sometimes offer soup dumplings. Their ramen salad side was very good but I myself could have done without the uncooked, hard ramen noodles sprinkled on the top. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Staff is friendly and prices are reasonable.
Lydia Johnson (ShutterBugLyd)
+5
My husband and I stopped in for dinner on our way through town. We were looking for something different and delicious and we sure did find it! The staff was so friendly and made some really awesome suggestions on what to get. The flavors of everything were incredible. I can't wait to return and try other items. Next on my list is the Avocado Rangoon!
Stopped here for dinner while visiting the university. Was looking for something unique, something that was not pizza and burgers and was not disappointed. Ordered two "buns" and a flight of dumplings. It was enough to feed two people and the variety of flavors was awesome! Very yummy.
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I wasn't sure how I'd feel when I went here, it was either going to be very good or very 'meh'. I am delighted to say this was a VERY good on many fronts!
The cashier greeted us with a smile and was very friendly. She gave us a run down of our options because we really couldn't decide what we wanted and she was honest and didn't try to sell us on what we were eating.
We ordered the lamb steamed dumpling, Korean Chicken dumpling, Perogies and dessert dumplings to get an even sample. The food came out amazingly fresh but much to my dismay very hot (I was hungry and am often impatient, needless to say i burnt my tongue... I deserved that :P )
All the dumplings had a wonderful fresh taste, good flavors and didn't feel too heavy. I don't do well with spicy so I was leery of the Korean Chicken but it had just the right heat that wasn't over powering.
Our dessert (it rotates I'm told) was an ice cream filled mochi. It was divine.
The prices are a bit high but you get a decent amount. I paid 14 total for two orders of dumplings and a soda.
The soda is also incredibly amazing, zero corn syrup (I have a corn food allergy so it's a total win for me!) and they taste amazing.
The environment is certainly a bit cramped for my tastes but it's cozy and you can always get your food to go or order frozen dumplings to make later which is awesome.
Food is a language and I have to say I love what they were saying. :)
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