Explore Minnesota Travel Guide - 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide

Dining

2025-12-15 08:56:33

SAVOR A CELEBRATED FOOD SCENE

Minnesota’s dining landscape has earned national recognition thanks to a standout collection of chefs and restaurants, including those featured here, who have all been honored by the James Beard Foundation. Remember: It’s always a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time as many of these hotspots book up in advance. Here's where in Minneapolis-St. Paul to dig in first.

BÛCHERON

James Beard Award winner for the nation’s Best New Restaurant in 2025, Bûcheron, which translates to ‘lumberjack’ in French, features French- American cuisine drawing inspiration from the skill and craftsmanship of generations of Minnesota lumberjacks. This elevated neighborhood restaurant offers a simple yet dynamic farm-to-table menu and a charming, convivial atmosphere.

DIANE’S PLACE

Helmed by a six-time James Beard Award nominated chef, this bakery and café serves as an homage to chef Diane Moua's Hmong-American heritage. With a range of technically perfect and creative pastries (like a scallion Danish that evokes garlic bread and a coconut pandan croissant) as well as thoughtful and well-balanced savory dishes, there are no misses here.

MYRIEL

Led by chef Karyn Tomlinson, a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Midwest in 2025, Myriel is a neighborhood restaurant that blends Nordic and French influences with heartfelt storytelling. The menu changes frequently and offers both à la carte dishes and a multi-course tasting menu.

VINAI

A heartfelt tribute to Hmong traditions, Vinai celebrates the flavors, stories and spirit of Hmong cooking – smoky, soulful dishes rooted in family recipes. Led by chef Yia Vang, and named after the Thai refugee camp where his parents met before emigrating to Minnesota, the restaurant was a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant and has earned national praise from TIME, Esquire and more.

HAI HAI

Chef Christina Nguyen took home the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest in 2024, and it’s easy to see why with Hai Hai’s Vietnamese street foods and inventive cocktails. The menu features some more common dishes like spring rolls, beef larb and khao soi (all done to perfection), while dishes like the Vietnamese crepe with pork belly and shrimp taste like they’re right from the streets of Hanoi. For best results, grab a spot on the patio and a Mekong Manhattan before placing your order.

PORZANA

Twice a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest, chef Daniel Del Prado's Porzana shakes up the tried-and-true steakhouse tradition with primal cuts and unique sides. Think grilled broccoli with jalapeño and thick slices of bread slathered with bright tomatoes, anchovies, oregano and a spicy Bolivian chili sauce. For dessert, try the grilled pineapple with olive oil cake, lime curd and gelato – or order another exceptional cocktail.

OWAMNI BY THE SIOUX CHEF

Led by chef Sean Sherman, Owamni won the James Beard Award for best new restaurant in 2022. Owamni partners with Indigenous food producers and employs staff from various Tribal Nations, including Anishinaabe/Ojibwe, Mdewakanton Dakota, Navajo, Northern Cheyenne, Oglala Lakota and Sisseton- Wahpeton Dakota. Their “decolonized” menu (free from wheat, beef, dairy and cane sugar) features Indigenous ingredients like bison, wild rice, duck, corn and foraged plants and berries. In the spring of 2026, Owamni is slated to move just down the Mississippi River to the space inside the Guthrie Theater and will continue to have amazing river views.

SPOON AND STABLE

Located inside a former horse stable, this fine dining restaurant is run by James Beard Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen. The restaurant expertly combines Midwestern ingredients with French techniques to produce meals that are familiar yet unique. Also consider making a reservation at its sister restaurant nearby, Demi, which offers an elevated tasting menu experience.

Outdoor Dining Delights

DINING WITH SCENIC WATER VIEWS OUTSIDE THE TWIN CITIES

6Smith (Wayzata): On the shores of Lake Minnetonka, savor modern dining with sweeping lake views and a rooftop patio. The menu features fresh seafood, wood-fired steaks and a curated selection of wines and craft cocktails. Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge (Spring Park): A longtime favorite on Lake Minnetonka, this lodge: style restaurant has welcomed guests since 1968. The menu highlights classic American fare with a focus on fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. Sprawling outdoor decks and lakeside seating make it a quintessential summer gathering spot.
Birch’s on the Lake (Long Lake): Enjoy seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and paired with house-brewed beers in this traditional-style supper club. The expansive patio offers prime seating with lovely lake vistas. New Scenic Café (Duluth): This North Shore café pairs artful, seasonal dishes with mesmerizing views of Lake Superior. The ever-evolving menu highlights regional ingredients like wild-caught fish and locally foraged produce in a cozy, design-forward space.
Burntside Lodge (Ely): In the heart of Minnesota's Boundary Waters region, this remote lodge offers cozy lakeside dining and a rustic retreat on the shores of Burntside Lake. The menu features scratch-made dishes, including breads and desserts, emphasizing seasonal ingredients.

PATIO DINING IN MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL

W.A. Frost & Company (St. Paul): A romantic, historic gem, W.A. Frost is known for its enchanting garden patio decked out with string lights and cozy flame tower heaters. Enjoy the award‑winning wine list and seasonal American cuisine.
El Burrito Mercado (St. Paul): This family-owned Latino marketplace has a mouthwatering menu featuring traditional dishes made with ingredients from their on-site specialty grocery store. The outdoor patio features a bar, live music and a food trailer serving street-style tacos and elotes.
Bang Brewing (St. Paul): An urban brewery with a spacious patio, Bang Brewing offers a variety of craft beers brewed on-site. Enjoy a pint with friends and try the food trucks that frequent the location.
Aster Cafe (Minneapolis): This serene patio offers views of the Mississippi River and downtown skyline. The menu features globally inspired dishes and creative cocktails, while the outdoor space hosts live music and cultural events.
Jax Cafe (Minneapolis): Known for hearty portions and comfort food, this northeast Minneapolis institution has a supper club feel and has served hand-cut steaks since the 1930s. The lush garden patio is a hidden oasis in the city.
Monte Carlo (Minneapolis): The iconic copper bar has been a downtown staple for decades. Lined with umbrellas and string lights, their patio is a favorite for sipping cocktails and sharing signature dishes like steak sandwiches and ahi tuna.

The Iconic Juicy Lucy

Matt’s Bar and Grill (Minneapolis): There's an ongoing debate about which restaurant first served Minnesota's infamous Juicy Lucy, a cheeseburger with the cheese stuffed inside the patty rather than served on top. But there's no question that the Juicy Lucy you get at Matt's Bar is one of the most definitive versions.
5-8 Club (Minneapolis & St. Paul): Originally opened in 1928 as a speakeasy, 5-8 has a storied history and one of the most genuine Juicy Lucy experiences in the Twin Cities. Don’t miss this mouthwatering Minnesota icon.
The Nook (St. Paul): Perched on the edge of Highland Park and Mac-Groveland, The Nook doesn’t claim to have invented the Juicy Lucy (we’re looking at you, Matt’s Bar and 5-8 Club), but many savvy food folks say it may just be the best. The Nook’s basement bowling alley makes it a destination worth visiting.
Blue Door Pub (Minneapolis & St. Paul): With creative spins on the classic Juicy Lucy – known here as the “Blucy” – this local favorite puts a bold twist on the beloved burger. Pair it with local craft beer and tater tots for the full Blue Door experience.

Scan or visit ExploreMinnesota.com/dining to discover more of Minnesota's food scene.

Dining
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