21 Awesome Restaurants in Minneapolis, MN For a Unique Experience

515

Minneapolis is bursting with dining spots that mix Midwestern comfort with global flavors. From cozy Nordic-inspired eateries to hip spots with live jazz, this city’s food scene has something for everyone. Known for its love of locally sourced ingredients, Minneapolis dishes up everything from inventive takes on classic walleye to fusion flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re after a chill night with craft beers or a memorable chef’s tasting, these unique restaurants make Minneapolis a must-visit for food lovers. Dive into the city’s best eats and get ready to discover a new favorite spot!

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour! This tour is a fantastic way to dive into the Twin Cities’ vibrant craft beer scene, with stops at some of the best local breweries. You’ll sample an unlimited range of brews from spots like Fair State Brewing Co-op and Modist Brewing, all while being guided by a local expert. With transportation by minibus and snacks included, it’s a stress-free way to explore the city’s top beer spots. Perfect for craft beer lovers or anyone looking for a taste of Minneapolis’s unique flavors—this tour is a total must-do!

Unique Restaurants in Minneapolis

Are you ready to discover the most unique restaurants in Minneapolis? As mentioned above, there are incredible places to eat in Minneapolis for every taste and budget. Keep reading to find out where to eat in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Are you looking for a cozy spot to savor artisanal dishes? Or would you prefer a lively venue where innovative cuisine takes center stage? Whatever you’d like to eat, there are incredible places to eat in Minneapolis that can accommodate your needs. Here’s your tried-and-tested guide to the most unique restaurants in Minneapolis, MN.

1. Martina

If you’re craving wood-fired Argentinian fare with a contemporary twist, Martina is a must. Housed in a converted old laundromat in Linden Hills, this spot exudes neighborhood charm blended with sophisticated coolness. The open kitchen lets you catch the action as your grilled octopus or housemade pasta comes to life. Their show-stopping Dulce de Leche Flan is a dessert you’ll dream about, and the gin & tonic program is legendary – order one for an Insta-worthy presentation with all the botanicals. The polished concrete, sleek bar, and copper accents create a modern, lively vibe. Plus, after dinner, Lake Harriet is just a short stroll away for a lakeside walk. Honestly, I’m still thinking about their empanadas.

2. Victor’s 1959 Cafe

• 📍 Location: Kingfield
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cuban / Breakfast & Brunch / Counter-Service
• 🔥 Standout Features: Walls covered in customer graffiti, tiny vibrant space, authentic home-style cooking, legendary lines.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Patient brunch-goers, Cuban food purists, and a loud, lively breakfast.

Get ready to get cozy! Victor’s 1959 Cafe is a tiny, super-bright shack where every single inch of the walls is covered in messages from past diners. The air is thick with the incredible smell of strong coffee and sizzling garlic. It’s loud, it’s cramped, and it feels like you just stepped into a real family kitchen in Havana.

The menu is pure Cuban comfort, and you can’t go wrong. People wait in long lines for the savory Cuban hash with eggs and the ridiculously flavorful, slow-roasted lechon asado. Another perfect order is the simple but amazing tostada con huevos, which is basically the best toast and eggs you’ll ever have.

3. Khâluna

Khâluna brings a slice of Southeast Asia’s tranquil jungles to South Minneapolis. This place dazzles with soft earth-toned walls, hanging greenery, rattan lights, and an airy, bright dining room that feels like a dreamy spa retreat. Laotian and regional dishes shine here – the Mushroom Larb is a vegan revelation, and the coconut-packed Khao Soi Noodles are mandatory. Their cocktail menu features drinks with unexpected infusions (think makrut lime and galangal), presented in beautiful glassware. Pro tip: Make a reservation and ask for a table by the massive windows if you love natural light. The Lyndale neighborhood setting puts you close to quirky shops and bakeries. I left feeling relaxed, happy, and more than a little obsessed with their chili oil.

4. Momo Sushi

• 📍 Location: Northeast
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese / Sushi & Sashimi
• 🔥 Standout Features: Fresh/high-quality sushi, creative specialty rolls, modern/sleek decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sushi connoisseurs, date nights, and contemporary Japanese dining.

Get ready for a wave of fresh, artful sushi at Momo Sushi in Northeast Minneapolis! This sleek and modern spot is a haven for sushi lovers, known for its high-quality fish and creative specialty rolls. The ambiance is contemporary and stylish, perfect for a sophisticated yet fun meal. The precision of the sushi chefs is evident.

You’ll be delighted by their fresh sashimi platters showcasing pristine fish. Popular rolls often include the “Momo roll” itself and creative options like a spicy salmon crunch roll. For those who love variety, their bento boxes also receive high marks.

5. Centro

If you’re on the hunt for flavor-packed Mexican food that won’t break the bank, get yourself to Centro in Northeast. This vibrant, playful eatery is all terrazzo floors, neon signs, loud music, and communal tables – perfect for groups or solo bites. The birria tacos and chorizo nachos are serious crowd-pleasers, but don’t sleep on their boozy slushies. The vibe is energetic and casual, with friendly staff to match. Centro is right next door to Indeed Brewing if you want to make it a mini food and drink crawl. I always feel instantly welcomed every time I walk in, and the food never disappoints.

6. Hai Hai

• 📍 Location: Northeast
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southeast Asian / Vietnamese-Inspired / Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Christina Nguyen, vibrant/tropical former “20s Gas Station” decor, bold/flavorful SE Asian street food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous SE Asian food fans, trendy group dinners, and unique, shareable plates.

Experience vibrant Southeast Asian street food at Hai Hai in Northeast Minneapolis! Led by renowned Chef Christina Nguyen, this unique venue is in a renovated 1920s gas station, now a tropical oasis. The atmosphere buzzes with energy and aromas of lemongrass, chili, and spices.

You’ll definitely want to explore their menu of shareable plates. Diners consistently rave about the crispy fried rice paper rolls, the flavorful turmeric and dill fish (cha ca la vong), and the unique banana blossom salad. It’s a true taste of Vietnamese-inspired street food, elevated with creativity and passion.

7. Hola Arepa

Hola Arepa has become Minneapolis legend for their colorful patio and inventive Latin American comfort food. Their signature: perfectly griddled arepas stuffed with everything from slow-roasted pork to zippy black beans, topped with bright cabbage slaw. If the weather cooperates, the palm-fringed, turquoise outdoor space channels full-on tropics. Sip a passion fruit margarita for major vacation vibes. Indoors, you’ve got a funky, sun-soaked dining room with pops of teal and orange. It’s right by Pat’s Tap if you want to challenge friends to a round of skee-ball. Honestly, the sweet plantains here—paired with their spicy green sauce—are pure magic.

8. Matt’s Bar (Home of the Jucy Lucy)

• 📍 Location: South Minneapolis
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Dive Bar / Burgers / Historic
• 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary birthplace of the “Jucy Lucy” burger, no-frills historic dive bar, cash-only institution.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Jucy Lucy purists, iconic dive bar experiences, and a true taste of Minneapolis history.

Experience Minneapolis history at Matt’s Bar, the birthplace of the iconic “Jucy Lucy” burger! This no-frills, cash-only dive in South Minneapolis has served its famous cheese-stuffed patties since the 1950s, with the aroma of sizzling burgers and grilled onions evoking nostalgia.

There’s really only one main event here: the original Jucy Lucy – a simple burger with a molten core of American cheese (be careful on that first bite!). Served with a side of grilled onions and simple fries, it’s an unpretentious, delicious, and absolutely essential Minneapolis culinary pilgrimage. This is where the legend began!

9. Petite León

This Kingfield gem is all about cozy-chic vibes and chef-driven small plates with global influences. Petite León’s exposed brick, eclectic art, and low lighting make it an ideal date night spot or place to treat yourself. Don’t miss the paprika-smoked carrots or the iconic burger loaded with tangy pickles and a mystery sauce that’s pure umami. Their inventive cocktail list pairs beautifully with the menu (try the yuzu margarita for something refreshingly different). Just a block from Nico’s Taco Bar for a two-stop food tour. I’m still raving about their silky vanilla flan; it’s worth saving room for dessert.

10. Lat14 Asian Eatery

• 📍 Location: Golden Valley (Minneapolis suburb)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southeast Asian / Laotian / Thai / Filipino
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Ann Ahmed, vibrant/diverse SE Asian flavors, stylish/modern decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: SE Asian food adventurers, sharing flavorful small plates, and a trendy suburban gem.

Take your taste buds on a vibrant tour of Southeast Asia at Lat14 Asian Eatery in Golden Valley! Chef Ann Ahmed crafts an incredible menu that draws inspiration from Laotian, Thai, Filipino, and other regional cuisines, resulting in dishes that are bursting with bold, aromatic, and wonderfully complex flavors. The decor is stylish and modern.

You absolutely have to try their amazing Lao sausage, the fragrant khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup), or their creative Filipino-inspired small plates. It’s a fantastic spot for sharing a variety of unique and exciting dishes.

11. Pizzeria Lola

Pizzeria Lola is Minneapolis’ pizza personality: quirky, bustling, and beloved by locals. The wood-fired pies feature inventive toppings like kimchi and house-made sausage. The Lady ZaZa pizza, with Korean sausage and serrano peppers, rocks the flavor spectrum. Lola feels welcoming and fun, with mismatched chairs, playful art, and a photobooth (yes, really – I have three strips from past visits). Their spicy honey is the ultimate pizza drizzle. Head down Xerxes for a quick trip to Minnehaha Creek after. It’s the sort of place where you’ll hear laughter, see families and dates, and realize why Minneapolis pizza is legit.

12. Monte Carlo

• 📍 Location: North Loop
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American / Supper Club / Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic Minneapolis institution (since 1906), old-school supper club vibe, classic cocktails/comfort food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Nostalgic dining fans, classic American comfort food, and strong, well-made cocktails.

Step back into a bygone era of classic Minneapolis cool at Monte Carlo in the North Loop. This legendary institution, serving patrons since 1906, exudes an timeless, old-school supper club vibe with its dark wood, cozy booths, and a long, inviting bar. The air is filled with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of happy conversations.

A visit here is an invitation to savor their perfectly executed classic cocktails (their martinis are famous!). For food, you can’t go wrong with their comforting chicken pot pie, a juicy burger, or their satisfying walleye sandwich. It’s a true taste of Minneapolis history.

13. Boludo

Boludo takes the humble empanada to new levels. Their small, cozy South Minneapolis shop is all dark wood, playful Argentine soccer memorabilia, and a soundtrack that makes you want to dance. Bite into a Pollo empanada (jalapeño, chicken, cheese) or their outrageously cheesy Fugazza pizza—the crispy, tangy dough is like nothing else around. Pair it with a glass of Malbec or one of their sodas made in-house. There’s a tiny counter for people-watching while you eat, or grab it to go and stroll to Eat Street’s cafés. I regret not ordering two pizzas last time – Boludo’s is crave-worthy comfort food.

14. Tilia

• 📍 Location: Linden Hills
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Neighborhood Bistro / Farm-to-Table
• 🔥 Standout Features: Beloved neighborhood gem, Chef Steven Brown, creative/seasonal American cuisine.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale neighborhood dining, foodies seeking local flavors, and intimate, quality meals.

Discover a true neighborhood culinary treasure at Tilia in Linden Hills. This beloved bistro, from acclaimed Chef Steven Brown, is renowned for its incredibly delicious, creative, and seasonal New American cuisine, all served in a warm, inviting, and unpretentious atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that feels like a special secret.

You’ll certainly want to explore their ever-changing menu, which might feature dishes like their famous fish taco torta, inventive pasta creations, or perfectly cooked local meats and vegetables. It’s a consistently excellent spot for a thoughtful and deeply satisfying meal.

15. STEPCHLD

STEPCHLD has to be Minneapolis’s coolest Southside newcomer. The menu is creative, spanning everything from clams with nduja to a katsu fried chicken sandwich, reflecting the team’s diverse backgrounds. The setting reads boho-lounge with exposed brick, moody blue walls, and a mix of velvet sofas and high-top chairs. Try their signature “Chicken from Chickens,” juicy and delicate, or the ultra-crispy brussels sprouts. Ask about their off-menu drinks – the bartenders love to experiment. Located at the edge of Eat Street, STEPCHLD is perfect for dinner then drinks at Icehouse across the street. I was blown away by the playful menu and killer hospitality.

16. Bar La Grassa

• 📍 Location: North Loop
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian / Handmade Pasta / Wine Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed handmade pasta, bustling/energetic warehouse vibe, extensive Italian wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pasta perfectionists, lively group dinners, and authentic, upscale Italian.

Prepare for a pasta pilgrimage to Bar La Grassa, a true Minneapolis institution in the vibrant North Loop! This acclaimed spot is renowned for its incredible, authentic, house-made pastas that will transport you straight to Italy. The industrial-chic warehouse setting is always buzzing with energy, and the aroma of simmering sauces and fresh pasta is irresistible.

A meal here requires you to dive into their amazing pasta selection – the soft egg and lobster bruschetta is a legendary starter, followed by dishes like rich tagliatelle with bolognese or delicate agnolotti. Their Italian wine list is also superb. (Reservations or a willingness to wait are key!)

17. Animales Barbeque Co.

If you follow the aroma of smoked brisket in Northeast, it’ll lead you to Animales Barbeque Co., a food truck parked outside Bauhaus Brew Labs. Pitmaster Jon Wipfli’s Texas-style barbecue is the real deal: thick slices of brisket, fat-ribboned ribs, and incredible smoked sausage. Their green chile mac is creamy, spicy, and next-level good. Seating is all outdoors, picnic-style, with string lights and a casual, bustling beer garden energy. Go on a sunny afternoon and grab a local pint at Bauhaus to complete the experience. Don’t miss the nearby Mississippi walking trail for a post-feast stroll. I’m still swooning over their smoked wings.

18. Owamni by The Sioux Chef

• 📍 Location: Water Works Park, Mississippi Riverfront
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Indigenous / Native American / Decolonized Ingredients
• 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on pre-colonial Indigenous ingredients, James Beard Award winner, stunning riverfront setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Unique cultural/culinary experiences, supporting Indigenous cuisine, and thoughtful, ingredient-driven dining.

Experience a groundbreaking and deeply meaningful culinary journey at Owamni by The Sioux Chef, located at Water Works Park on the Mississippi riverfront. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant is dedicated to revitalizing Native American cuisine, focusing exclusively on decolonized ingredients indigenous to North America. The setting is beautiful and deeply connected to the land.

You’ll be captivated by dishes that showcase ingredients like wild rice, bison, foraged greens, and native fruits and berries, prepared with modern artistry. Reviews often praise their bison tartare, wild rice sorbet, and cedar-braised bison. It’s a powerful, educational, and utterly unique dining experience.

19. Young Joni

• 📍 Location: Northeast
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Wood-Fired Pizza / Korean-Inspired Grill / Speakeasy Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Ann Kim restaurant, amazing wood-fired pizzas/Korean grilled meats, hidden back bar.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pizza/grill lovers, cool/trendy dining, and discovering a secret speakeasy.

Get ready for a double dose of deliciousness and cool at Young Joni in Northeast Minneapolis! This acclaimed spot from Chef Ann Kim offers two fantastic experiences: a bustling main dining room serving up incredible wood-fired pizzas and Korean-inspired grilled dishes, and a hidden, intimate speakeasy-style bar in the back. The aroma of woodsmoke and exotic spices is intoxicating.

A wise choice involves sharing some of their amazing wood-fired pizzas (the “Korean BBQ” pizza is a must!) or trying their flavorful Korean short ribs from the grill. And definitely try to find your way to the back bar for an expertly crafted cocktail. It’s a true hotspot for a reason!

20. Spoon and Stable

• 📍 Location: North Loop
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / French Influenced / Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Gavin Kaysen, stunning renovated stable setting, refined/seasonal Midwest cuisine.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasion splurges, sophisticated fine dining, and experiencing a culinary icon.

Prepare for an unforgettable fine dining experience at Spoon and Stable, Chef Gavin Kaysen’s celebrated restaurant in the North Loop. Housed in a stunningly renovated historic stable, this spot offers an atmosphere of rustic elegance and a menu that showcases refined, seasonal Midwest cuisine with French influences. The open kitchen buzzes with quiet intensity.

A meal here is an invitation to savor artfully plated dishes that highlight the best of regional ingredients – think perfectly prepared Dorothy’s pot roast (a signature), delicate seafood creations, or inventive pasta dishes. The service is impeccable. It’s a true Minneapolis culinary destination.

21. Smack Shack

• 📍 Location: North Loop
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / American / Lobster Shack
• 🔥 Standout Features: Famous lobster rolls, industrial-chic warehouse, lively patio, food truck roots.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Seafood lovers, casual celebrations, and patio dining.

What started as a food truck is now a full-blown seafood party in a massive warehouse. Smack Shack is loud, fun, and always packed. The energy is electric, and the open space buzzes with happy crowds. You can smell the garlic butter and fresh seafood the moment you walk through the door. It’s pure, casual fun.

This place is famous for one thing: lobster. You have to get the original Smack Shack lobster roll, served chilled, but the warm, butter-drenched Connecticut-style roll is also amazing. Another top-tier order is the rich and creamy lobster mac & cheese. It’s a simple menu that absolutely nails the classics.

• Read Next: 12 Unreal Minnesota Destinations