The 35 Best Restaurants in Minneapolis in 2024
While you may not think it, restaurants in Minneapolis have become the stuff of legends for foodies on a quest for the best places to dine. Eating out here represents the vibrant cross-section of cultures that make this Midwestern metropolis such a shining example of American diversity.
Are you a fan of domestic American classics or more of an international adventurer when it comes to dining out? Either way, restaurants around Minneapolis offer a balanced selection of both. With this extensive list of the best restaurants in Minneapolis, you're guaranteed to discover your new favorite place to grab a bite!
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The 35 Best Restaurants in Minneapolis
1. Spoon and Stable
Somehow, Spoon and Stable make upscale elegance feel down-to-earth, an impressive feat among restaurants in Minneapolis. But gourmet creativity doesn't get in the way of making guests feel warm and welcome.
The Vibe
This clean and comfortable space filled with modern charm allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the food.
What to Order
Pasta made from heritage grains makes classic dishes like rigatoni and cappelletti feel fresh and new. Finish your meal with a delicious and decadent housemade dessert.
Spoon and Stable | 211 N. First St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$
2. Demi
Run by James Beard-winning chef Gavin Kaysen, Demi uses seasonal ingredients to present some of the most inventive dishes found in any restaurant in Minneapolis. Local ingredients and attention to detail infuse this eatery with a delicious sense of imagination.
The Vibe
A dramatic interior design creates a uniquely cinematic atmosphere that makes dining at this restaurant in Minneapolis a one-of-a-kind experience.
What to Order
Sample creations like foie gras or rabbit meatballs to get a feel for the gourmet excellence celebrated here.
Demi | 212 N. Second St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$$
3. Young Joni
Sink into the heat at Young Joni, a wood-fired specialty restaurant Minneapolis diners will be enchanted by. Owner and chef Anna Kim fills the menu of her award-winning eatery with pizzas that redefine the familiar recipe.
The Vibe
Fixtures of honeyed wood and slate tile wrap guests in comfort.
What to Order
A Perfect Pickle Pie merges ranch dressing, potato chips and pickles in a tangy, rule-breaking concept pizza that stands out on the menu at this creative restaurant in Minneapolis.
Young Joni | 165 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 | $$
4. Gluek's
Live music features on the menu at Gluek's as much as the enticing pub specialties. European tavern-style restaurants in Minneapolis have rarely been so authentic or fun.
The Vibe
Authentically friendly bar and grill energy rules at this laid-back restaurant in Minneapolis.
What to Order
A schnitzel sandwich with breaded pork tenderloin and spaetzle-style mac and cheese brings hearty German classics to the table.
Gluek's | 16 N. Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$
5. Lotus Restaurant
Vietnamese restaurants in Minneapolis have a crown gem in Lotus Restaurant. This easygoing spot is a favorite among locals looking for incredible Asian bites.
The Vibe
This small, cozy space is perfect for a date night dinner or a catch-up with a friend.
What to Order
Find favorites like kung pao and sweet and sour chicken sharing the menu with savory discoveries, such as potatoes with oyster sauce.
Lotus Restaurant | 113 W. Grant St., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$$
6. Pimento
Jamaican specialty kitchen Pimento is at the center of multicultural restaurants in Minneapolis. An award winner for its slow-cooked French-infused heritage dishes, Pimento brings a taste of sunshine to the Midwest with authentic island creations.
The Vibe
Quaint beachside food-stand stylings showcase the color and spirit of Jamaica.
What to Order
If your goal at this popular restaurant in Minneapolis is to sample the soulful flavors of Caribbean cooking, the slow-cooked jerk pork with coconut rice and beans is a sure winner.
Pimento | 16 N. Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$
7. The Local
The Local makes no bones about setting up an unpretentious pub among the myriad of restaurants in Minneapolis. Enjoy lunch, brunch or dinner with a round-up of familiar bar fare created with a nod to old English delights.
The Vibe
Cozy nooks invite private moments, while the bar, tables and televised English football encourage communal cheer.
What to Order
Go for the fish and chips to get a real taste of jolly old England. Alternatively, try a Buffalo chicken flatbread for something more contemporary.
The Local | 931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$
8. Chimborazo
Ecuadoran dining is a champion among Downtown Minneapolis restaurants at Chimborazo. Simple South American recipes come to life with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients for a unique experience among global restaurants in Minneapolis.
The Vibe
Brightly-colored walls make the close quarters seem homey and happy.
What to Order
The vegetarian sandwich is as hearty as produce can possibly be, filled with grilled peppers, onions and tomatoes and topped with queso fresco.
Chimborazo | 2851 Central Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55418 | $$
9. Pizza Lucé
Pizza Lucé doesn't serve your usual pizza creations; you'll have to find other restaurants in Minneapolis for regular pies. Here, you'll find pizzas designed for brunch along with those loaded with international toppings. Pasta dishes and dynamic entrée salads are also available to round out the menu.
The Vibe
The family environment at this popular pizza restaurant in Minneapolis is perfect for enjoying pies with the whole crew.
What to Order
Order the Baked Potato Pizza and enjoy a layer of mashed potatoes spread over a hand-tossed crust, topped with bacon or vegan bacon, cheese and tomatoes. Or go with the Mexican-style Elote Pizza or a Hulapeno with pineapple and hot peppers.
Pizza Lucé | Multiple Locations | $$
10. Bar La Grassa
With Italian restaurants in Minneapolis like Bar La Grassa, fans of Old World specialties have a place to indulge their adoration. Families of up to 32 members can book a room and enjoy celebratory trattoria dining in private luxury.
The Vibe
Brick and wood interiors, plus warm lighting, equals a soothing setting for romantic evenings.
What to Order
Red wine spaghetti topped with pine nuts or pappardelle dressed with veal ragù are your best options at this elevated Italian restaurant in Minneapolis. Save room for salted caramel crespelle, a dessert crêpe worth savoring.
Bar La Grassa | 800 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$
11. Hola Arepa
Latin street food is all the rage at Hola Arepa! This hip Venezuelan restaurant in Minneapolis started as a food truck in 2011 before becoming a full-fledged eatery in 2014.
The Vibe
Tropical touches and seaside energy make this space feel like a vacation destination.
What to Order
The menu of arepas, sandwiches made with pancake-like cornbread, features fillings like black bean and sweet potato, slow-roasted pork or mortadella and cheese.
Hola Arepa | 3501 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | $$
12. Hell's Kitchen Inc.
Hell's Kitchen Inc. may look rough around the edges, but this spot is one of the 100% employee-owned restaurants in Minneapolis, showing a golden heart beneath the tough exterior. The toughness is actually just a motif for an eatery that offers relatable fare prepared with loving care and served with an emphasis on kind hospitality.
The Vibe
Checkered floors with black-and-red décor pull together in a classic diner style that feels refreshed.
What to Order
The Classic Comfort menu includes mac and cheese, street tacos and shrimp and grits, giving a delicious variety of bites to try.
Hells Kitchen Inc. | 80 S. Ninth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$
13. The Oceanaire Seafood Room
The Oceanaire Seafood Room sets the gold standard for high-end seafood restaurants in Minneapolis. Daily deliveries of seafood ingredients ensure delicious premium dishes.
The Vibe
The inside of this striking modern space is modeled after a cruise ship's luxe interior, tying in the design of this seafood restaurant in Minneapolis with its dishes.
What to Order
Crab cakes made in the Chesapeake Bay style and Mediterranean branzino turn aquatic specialties into showpieces, and their sushi menu elevates your typical roll selection to luxurious heights. Steak lovers can also find an array of prime cuts to slice into.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room | 50 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$$$
14. 112 Eatery
Gastronomy is art at 112 Eatery, where restaurants in Minneapolis take a turn for the upscale. Creative chef-driven recipes make the most of intriguing ingredients for dishes you won't forget.
The Vibe
With tin ceilings and aged wood, this eatery feels cozily vintage.
What to Order
How many chances do you get to try sautéed frog legs and octopus with avocado purée? An encounter at this singular restaurant in Minneapolis is your golden opportunity!
112 Eatery | 112 N. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$
15. Red Rabbit
With friendly neighborhood restaurants in Minneapolis like Red Rabbit, feeding your family with hearty, well-made food is an easy accomplishment. Opened as an offshoot of the successful Red Cow restaurant in 2016, this new iteration expands the brand into Italian dining territory.
The Vibe
Rustic industrial interiors give this restaurant in Minneapolis a laid-back spirit worth settling into.
What to Order
Impossible Bolognese lets plant-forward diners enjoy meat-style sauce without the meat. Go for an Italian Grinder sandwich or a four-cheese pizza if lunch out is on your to-do list.
Red Rabbit | 201 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$
16. Zelo
Zelo simplifies the concept of Italian restaurants in Minneapolis with food that's tasty and uncomplicated. Fresh, local ingredients mean feel-good favorites are made with well-being in mind.
The Vibe
Geometric table arrangements nestle beneath pillared arches for a minimalist and modern Italian feel.
What to Order
The vegetarian lasagna here is rich enough to entice the most die-hard carnivores, while spicy crab spaghetti is on deck to satisfy seafood and pasta lovers.
Zelo | 831 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$
17. Smack Shack
Smack Shack takes its standout name from lobster-catching boats and evolved from a food truck to one of the few restaurants in Minneapolis that offers lobster rolls as a menu staple. Other favorites from regional American cuisine join fish and seafood to create a selection of delicious domestic delights.
The Vibe
If relaxed, friendly wharf chic is a décor principle, this comfy space takes it to the hilt.
What to Order
Choose a braised lamb po' boy or Smack Shack Original (their famous lobster roll) from the Sammies & Rolls menu for a filling lunch or dinner paired with Cajun-style fries.
Smack Shack | 603 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$
18. Hen House Eatery
Breakfast restaurants in Minneapolis as friendly as Hen House Eatery are sure to be a hit with early risers. Locally sourced ingredients become breakfast served all day long, making it easy to enjoy your favorite morning dishes no matter when you're ready for them.
The Vibe
Citrusy ’70s colors make this homey breakfast nook pop with joyous energy.
What to Order
The Herbie Sandwich puts Gouda and caramelized onions together with veggie sausage and eggs on a croissant adorned with a swipe of zesty pesto.
Hen House Eatery | 114 S. Eighth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$
19. Brasa Rotisserie
Brasa Rotisserie features slow-roasted meats with homestyle sides for a familiar mix that families are sure to enjoy. There's also a vegan menu, proving that even meat-centered restaurants in Minneapolis can appreciate guests with a taste for plant-based fare.
The Vibe
Artful friendliness abounds among warm gold walls stamped with oversized versions of the Brasa rooster logo.
What to Order
A roasted chicken, pork or fried fish plate will load you up with one-third of a pound of meat, plus a side dish and cornbread or coleslaw.
Brasa Rotisserie | 600 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55414 | $$
20. Manny's Steakhouse
Black-tie service restaurants in Minneapolis, like Manny's Steakhouse, lend a classy sheen to the Minneapolis restaurant scene. You can enjoy meals from breakfast through dessert, each with its own unique menu of top-shelf creations.
The Vibe
Dress for the special occasion that this fancy New York steakhouse-style dining room has in store for you.
What to Order
If price is no object, then go for the double porterhouse with loaded mashed potatoes on the side.
Manny's Steakhouse | 825 S. Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$$$
21. Red Cow
Red Cow, one of the most popular burger restaurants in Minneapolis, is more than just a place for patties and fries. This fast-casual favorite among the Twin Cities dining locales offers a rich selection of comfort food and craft cocktails.
The Vibe
Booth, table and bar service will make diner aficionados feel right at home.
What to Order
The Red Cow signature burger is 60% Angus beef and 40% ground bacon, giving these patties a special smoky flavor.
Red Cow | Multiple Locations | $$
22. Quang Restaurant
Quang Restaurant has been providing true Vietnamese dining to visitors at this authentic restaurant in Minneapolis since 1978. The Tran family has slowly expanded this eatery into a staple on the Downtown dining landscape.
The Vibe
Exposed beams and string lights provide chic details to this simple space.
What to Order
Pho made with certified Angus beef, tender chicken or tofu lets diners of all tastes enjoy traditional Vietnamese specialties.
Quang Restaurant | 2719 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | $$
23. Brit's Pub
The name Brit's Pub says it all! Other restaurants in Minneapolis may aim to capture true English public house details, but this authentic spot waves the flag the highest.
The Vibe
England is in the air, from the vibrant bar to the charming backyard garden.
What to Order
Go unique with the loaded fries topped with housemade tikka masala curry sauce.
Brit's Pub | 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$
24. J.D. Hoyt's Supper Club
Cajun steakhouse specialties make J.D. Hoyt's Supper Club an exciting fusion option among the pricier restaurants in Minneapolis. You'll find the nostalgic setting a throwback to the mid-20th century supper clubs the eatery is named from.
The Vibe
There's a distinctive taste of yesteryear in the air around this bar and dining room.
What to Order
Cajun pork chops or catfish arrive fresh from the grill, each a perfect partner for sides of cornbread and dirty rice.
J.D. Hoyt's Supper Club | 301 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$
25. The Anchor Fish and Chips
The Anchor Fish and Chips gives Irish restaurants in Minneapolis a reputation for authenticity. Come around for a pint and bar bites with friends who favor warm and cozy restaurants with character.
The Vibe
No-nonsense diner décor feels as casual as broken-in shoes.
What to Order
With fish and chips, shepherd's pie and pasties on the menu, you'll have satisfying Irish fare no matter what dish you choose.
The Anchor Fish and Chips | 302 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 | $$
26. Ichiddo Ramen
Ramen fans can fill up on their favorite dish at Ichiddo Ramen, where restaurants in Minneapolis get a splash of authentic Japanese flavor. This location holds the distinction of being the first restaurant opened by this expanding chain.
The Vibe
An unassuming exterior gives way to an expansive and modern ramen dining room.
What to Order
Char Siu Ramen blends roasted pork belly with fish cake, eggs, bamboo shoots and mushrooms for a flavor smorgasbord in a bowl.
Ichiddo Ramen | 2710 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | $$
27. Hi-Lo Diner
Hi-Lo Diner may have originated in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, but its commitment to vintage styling has made it a jewel among restaurants in Minneapolis for more than 60 years. Diner fans will delight in the retro spirit here.
The Vibe
The restored roadside diner design makes for fun and flashy casual dining anytime.
What to Order
The Minneapolis Bliss is a sumptuous stack of pancakes topped with apples, sea salt caramel and candied pecans. Breakfast or dessert? Either works!
Hi-Lo Diner | 4020 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55406 | $$
28. Dakota
Dakota is a rarity among restaurants in Minneapolis, one that arranges its food around music. Menu headers like Intro, Headliner and Side Acts prepare guests for the thrilling musical acts entertaining them as they dine.
The Vibe
Two levels of seating and a first-rate stage make this musical supper club top-note.
What to Order
Blackened braised cabbage is sure to entice the plant-based eaters in your crew, while duck breast and wagyu zabuton steak will delight omnivores.
Dakota | 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$$
29. The Lowry
Does The Lowry offer fancy food in a relaxed setting or relaxed food in a fancy setting? Whichever it is, burger restaurants in Minneapolis have seldom been so inviting.
The Vibe
The interiors are deceptively swanky for such a chilled-out environment.
What to Order
Blue Plate Specials give daily selections a shot at the Lowry limelight, creative fare like beer cheese soup and bourbon-toffee bread pudding are just a few of the dishes that you may get to try.
The Lowry | 2112 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55405 | $$
30. Marhaba Grill
Get your fill of Mediterranean cuisine at Marhaba Grill, where great service and fantastic food share top billing. Meat, vegetable and even burger dishes make this one of the most versatile restaurants in Minneapolis for pleasing a selective crowd.
The Vibe
Stone edifices and picture-window paintings transport diners to far-off lands.
What to Order
A falafel pita with a side of tabbouleh is just the kind of authentic Mediterranean feast that sends your culinary imagination soaring.
Marhaba Grill | 2801 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | $$
31. Edwards Dessert Kitchen
Sweet times await at Edwards Dessert Kitchen, one of the best restaurants around Minneapolis for a sweet treat. From pies and pastries to ice cream and plated desserts, this sugar shack runs the gamut of gourmet goodness.
The Vibe
Brick arches stand as passageways to a true sweet spot among restaurants in Minneapolis.
What to Order
Try a pizza toast starter before digging into spiced blood orange cheesecake, a blackberry lemongrass sundae or coriander and salted caramel ice cream.
Edwards Dessert Kitchen | 200 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$
32. Modern Times
Modern Times gives funky restaurants in Minneapolis a fresh coat of excitement. This psychedelic eatery serves a deep menu of sandwiches, wraps and breakfast plates.
The Vibe
Fun throwback colors give this spot as much vintage glow as contemporary shine.
What to Order
Good Morning Healing Earth is a hippie-healthy heap of roasted vegetables mixed into a tahini-topped tofu scramble.
Modern Times | 3200 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55407 | $$
33. Milkjam Creamery
If you haven't heard the news about artisinal ice cream restaurants in Minneapolis, Milkjam Creamery has the scoop you've been waiting for. Creative bases cradle imaginative mix-ins for some of the most indulgent ice cream in the city.
The Vibe
The glowing red neon ice cream cone beckons you into the tight squeeze of a scoop shop with limited seating.
What to Order
A triple-scoop of ice creams studded with chunks of red velvet, carrot and Swiss roll cakes is like eating six desserts in a single cone.
Milkjam Creamery | 2743 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | $$
34. Al’s Breakfast
Down-to-earth restaurants in Minneapolis, like Al's Breakfast, are a welcome treat for early-morning eaters. Scramble in for a scramble or stack before 1 p.m. to get your day off to a smashing start.
The Vibe
This quaint counter displays an eye-popping collection of historic curios.
What to Order
The New Orleans Omelette introduces shrimp, capers and almonds to fluffy eggs topped with lemon-forward hollandaise sauce.
Al’s Breakfast | 413 14th Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 | $$
35. Sebastian Joe’s
Sebastian Joe's splits the difference between being an ice cream shop and a classic café. A magnificently multifunctional restaurant in Minneapolis, this lovely spot makes an ideal stop-off for an after-dinner dip or a hideaway for a sugar-as-supper situation.
The Vibe
Eclectic and family-friendly, with a patio serving live music as a sweet bonus.
What to Order
Flavors shift daily, so get mindboggling combinations like Pavarotti, with bananas, caramel and chocolate chips while they're cool!
Sebastian Joe’s | Multiple Locations | $$
Try Cooking Minneapolis Foods
Put your own spin on local eating by taking a few cooking classes in Minneapolis. You’ll find a catalog of lessons that feature step-by-step education from the city's most talented chefs. Choose a cuisine and select a date, then create delicious homemade meals that rival what you'll find in restaurants around Minneapolis.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
There’s an abundance of restaurants in Minneapolis just waiting to challenge your taste buds with phenomenal food. The concentration of Downtown Minneapolis restaurants only makes it easier to find special flavors on a dining crawl or progressive dinner party-style evening out. The more you sample restaurants around Minneapolis, the more you realize the culinary adventure that awaits!
For even more ways to explore Minneapolis and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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