Iowa does have some deep celebrity roots, including in its small towns – but one area where that doesn’t seem to have translated yet is in celebrity-owned restaurants! While Guy Fieri has plans to expand into Council Bluffs in 2023, celebrity chef restaurants are few and far between – unless you head to the famous river town of Dubuque. That’s where you’ll find Brazen Open Kitchen, an acclaimed New American restaurant. If head chef and owner Kevin Scharpf looks familiar, that’s because millions of people have seen him already – as a contestant on season 16 of Top Chef! The high-octane cooking competition has kick-started the careers of countless chefs, and Dubuque native Scharpf is one of them – and you can taste his inventive Iowa-inspired fare for yourself at this celebrity-owned restaurant in Dubuque, Iowa.

Dubuque native Kevin Scharpf competed on Top Chef Kentucky, and although he didn't win, he won over the crowd with his Hawkeye State pride.
Brazen Open Kitchen
Today, he's the head chef and owner of Brazen Open Kitchen, an inventive New American restaurant located only minutes from the Mississippi River.
Marina V/Google Local
As the name implies, the restaurant has an open kitchen plan where you can see your food being prepared.
Jason S/Google Local
You'll definitely want to start your meal with the leek fondue, an indulgent way to elevate a bread course.
Jennifer Hong/Google Local

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The restaurant has a lot of elevated Southern and Midwestern staples, including this fantastic fried chicken and cornbread.
Jennifer Hong/Google Local
However, many of the composed entrees, like this short rib with goat cheese polenta, are among the best at any fine dining restaurant in Dubuque.
Jennifer Hong/Google Local
The desserts are equally impressive, usually combining a gorgeous appearance with delicious old-school flavors.
Quek Song/Google Local
The cocktail program is just as creative, so adults will love finishing up with an after-dinner drink at this Top Chef alum's restaurant.
Dave Donahue/Google Local

Have you eaten at Brazen Open Kitchen? Let us know what you thought of this celebrity restaurant in Dubuque, Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about the menu at Brazen Open Kitchen on the the restaurant’s website and its Facebook page. This is just one of the many best places to eat in Iowa that you’ll need to try.

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Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar, 955 Washington St #101, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA