savor a celebrated food scene Diane's Place pastries Credit: Gemma Weston Photography 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. 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. 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. 64 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 64
