The 15 best restaurants in Minneapolis

Recently opened, Hai Hai has brought Southeast Asian street food to Northeast Minneapolis. In addition to unique dishes that you can’t get anywhere else, the new establishment also serves brilliantly presented cocktails that will quench your thirst and your craving for a well-concocted drink. The venue’s decor—designed to transport patrons to the exotic streets of Southeast Asia—adds to the entire experience, especially during a Minneapolis winter.

From hushpuppies to heaping plates of fried chicken, Revival offers southern comfort food at its two locations, one in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul, for those who find themselves on the eastern side of the river. Gluten-free options cater to those who usually have to pass on fried chicken while just about any sort of eater will revel in sides like white cheddar grits—a real menu standout.

Once just a small restaurant, Alma eventually bought the building next door and added a café and boutique hotel to the original space. It’s entirely possible to spend a full weekend in the thoughtfully designed building, eating seasonally-inspired dinners complete with a whole lot of wine while snacking on pastries in-between meals.

Holy Land is a Minneapolis staple and a local favorite. Stop by the shop in the Midtown Global Market or have a taste of the offerings while flying through the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport to see what all the fuss is about. The key is to order a dish (probably falafel) and choose humus as the side—the staff will  give you enough to take home and last the rest of the week.

This tiny, unassuming Ecuadorian restaurant flew under the radar for years until it started scooping up award after award and making its way into the Minneapolis food scene proper. In addition to offering authentic Ecuadorian flavors you can’t get anywhere else in the Twin Cities, Chimborazo is incredibly affordable. The menu is pretty meat heavy but vegetarians will definitely enjoy the beans and yucca fries.

Found in the Northeast part of town, Young Joni has taken the Minneapolis pizza and craft cocktail scene by storm. Check out the speakeasy-ish bar in the back, aptly called Back Bar, before browsing through the delicious looking menu. A really fun place to spend your evening at, the space also happens to be gorgeous. The best part? The photo booth on premise, set up next to a wall filled with pictures of those who dined here before you.

Nestled in the South Minneapolis section of Nicollet Avenue, Hola Arepa also reps food from south of the border, with a special focus on Venezuelan arepas. The expansive, dog-friendly patio is a great place to lull away a summer afternoon while sipping on fresh and delicious cocktails with names like We Surfed Here (try it—it's got cinnamon in it!).

Found in an old house in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood, this quaint little spot with a front yard patio cooks classic South Asian dishes from Nepal and India, so expect a lot of curry and chai. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth stopping by Namaste to have a cup of chai tea from the extensive menu that has been declared the very best in town.

There’s no doubt about it: Martina is having a moment in Minneapolis right now. Although pricier than other venues around town, this Argentinian-inspired restaurant is an absolute must-visit, serving dishes cooked by Buenos Aires-born chef Daniel del Prado. Given the spot’s popularity, we suggest you make a reservation in advance.

When winter descends upon Minneapolis, it’s ramen that gets people through it. Given the variety of spots that offer the delicacy, it’s hard to pick a favorite—but Ramen Kazama wins the title because it just does ramen and it does it well. Plus: Patrons get to drink Japanese coffee and kombucha. Yummy indeed.

Located on an eponymous street, Grand Cafe is a cozy French spot that has been scooping up awards left and right. In addition to serving excellent food, the staff delivers on all other fronts. Expect rolling marble carts, ham that’s been aged for a couple of years, French pastries to die for and, arguably most importantly, a 70-year-old venue that reeks of beauty and old-class charm.

Head to Victor’s 1959 Cafe for a Cuban breakfast to end all breakfasts. Think mago pancakes (yes, they’re so good—get them), beans on beans on beans, and all the eggs you can handle with plenty of cilantro and hot sauce on the side. Don’t forget to leave a message on the wall that’s available to be written on.

Anyone who has spent time in Baltimore and has developed a passion for Old Bay seasoning should eat at 4 Bells. Have no idea what Old Bay seasoning even is? You should definitely head to the restaurant, then. Bordering the scenic Loring Park, the seafood eatery serves some of the best oysters you can get in Minneapolis alongside plenty of wine to wash ‘em down.

The food at Bachelor Farmer is fresh, simple and boasts an appealing Nordic influence. Certainly have dinner at the restaurant but you’ll also want to visit the smaller cafe when looking for a place to get some work done while snacking on yummy bites and even yummier coffee.

You’ll likely have to make reservations to get into Spoon and Stable. Once you’re inside, you’ll immediately realize why it’s so hard to secure one. Chef and owner Gavin Kaysen, a James Beard award winner, works on highlighting the seasonality of Midwestern food while adding a French flair to all dishes served at this North Loop outpost. Talk about creative deliciousness.