12 Awesome Restaurants in Minneapolis, MN For a Unique Experience

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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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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!)

9. 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.

10. 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!

11. 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.

12. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Minneapolis

Searching for more content to help you decide where to eat in Minneapolis? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Minneapolis’s best restaurants.

What food is unique to Minneapolis?

Minneapolis boasts a rich culinary heritage, influenced by its diverse population and Midwestern roots. Some of the city’s unique dishes include:

• Juicy Lucy: A mouthwatering burger with cheese stuffed inside the patty rather than on top. It’s a Minneapolis classic and a must-try for burger enthusiasts.
• Walleye: A freshwater fish that’s popular in the region. Whether it’s pan-fried, baked, or grilled, it’s a staple in many of Minneapolis’s best restaurants.
• Wild Rice Soup: Wild rice is native to Minnesota, and this creamy soup is a comforting dish, especially during the colder months.
• Lefse: A soft Norwegian flatbread made from potatoes, often served with butter and sugar.
• Hotdish: A casserole that typically contains a starch, a protein, and a canned or frozen vegetable, all mixed together with canned soup.

What food is good in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis, often paired with its twin city, St. Paul, boasts a diverse and vibrant food scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage and the bounty of the Midwest. Here are some foods and dishes that are popular or originated in Minneapolis:

1. Juicy Lucy: This iconic burger features cheese stuffed inside the patty rather than on top. When you bite into it, the melted cheese oozes out. Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club both claim to be the original creators.
2. Walleye: A freshwater fish native to the region, walleye is often served fried, grilled, or in sandwiches. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Minneapolis.
3. Lefse: A nod to the city’s Nordic heritage, lefse is a soft Norwegian flatbread made from potatoes and flour, often served with butter and sugar.
4. Wild Rice Soup: Wild rice is native to Minnesota, and this creamy, hearty soup often includes chicken or turkey, vegetables, and almonds.
5. Hotdish: A quintessential Minnesotan casserole, hotdish typically consists of a starch, a protein, canned or frozen vegetables, and a canned soup.
6. Scandinavian Pastries: Reflecting the city’s Scandinavian roots, you’ll find delicious pastries like kringles, cardamom buns, and rosettes in many bakeries.
7. Craft Beer: Minneapolis has a thriving craft beer scene with numerous microbreweries and taprooms offering a wide range of locally brewed beers.
8. Spoonbridge and Cherry: While not a food, this iconic sculpture has become a symbol of the city and is often associated with its culinary scene.
9. Farmers Markets: Minneapolis has several farmers markets that showcase the region’s fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and artisanal foods.
10. International Cuisine: The city has a diverse population, and you can find excellent Somali, Hmong, Ethiopian, and other international cuisines.

Does MN have any Michelin star restaurants?

The Michelin Guide currently does not cover Minnesota, and therefore, no restaurants in Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, have been awarded Michelin stars. The Michelin Guide covers select cities around the world, and in the U.S., it has traditionally focused on cities like New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles. However, Minnesota, and especially the Twin Cities, has a vibrant and growing culinary scene with many restaurants that are highly regarded nationally.

What is the most famous food in Minnesota?

The most famous food in Minnesota is arguably the Juicy Lucy (or “Jucy Lucy,” depending on where you go). It’s a cheeseburger with a twist: instead of the cheese being on top of the burger, it’s stuffed inside the meat patty. When cooked, the cheese inside melts, leading to a gooey, cheesy center. When you bite into a Juicy Lucy, the melted cheese oozes out, making for a delicious and unique burger experience.

Two bars in Minneapolis, Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club, both claim to be the original creators of the Juicy Lucy, and there’s been a friendly rivalry between them for years over the title. Each establishment has its loyalists who swear by their preferred version of the burger.

In addition to the Juicy Lucy, Minnesota is also known for other foods like wild rice, walleye fish dishes, hotdish (a type of casserole), and various foods reflecting its Nordic and German heritage. However, the Juicy Lucy stands out as the state’s most iconic culinary creation.

What are some of the best vegan restaurants in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a haven for vegans and vegetarians alike. With a growing demand for plant-based options, many restaurants have curated vegan-friendly menus. Some of the best vegan restaurants in Minneapolis include The Herbivorous Butcher, J. Selby’s, and Trio Plant-based.

How diverse is the food scene in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis boasts a diverse food scene, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry. From authentic Ethiopian eateries to Scandinavian bakeries, the city offers a culinary journey around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for Asian fusion, Middle Eastern delicacies, or traditional American fare, Minneapolis has it all.

Are there any themed restaurants in Minneapolis, MN worth visiting?

Absolutely! Minneapolis offers a variety of themed restaurants that provide not only delicious food but also a unique dining experience. Here are a few standout themed establishments:

• Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge: A tiki bar and restaurant that transports diners to a tropical paradise. With its Polynesian decor, exotic cocktails, and island-inspired menu, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
• Betty Danger’s Country Club: Dubbed as a “country club for the 99%,” this quirky spot offers mini-golf, a rotating Ferris wheel dining experience, and a Tex-Mex menu. The whimsical decor and fun atmosphere make it a unique place in Minneapolis to eat.
• The SafeHouse: A spy-themed restaurant where diners embark on a mission. With secret passageways, coded menus, and espionage decor, it’s an adventure from start to finish.
• Chino Latino: A lively restaurant that celebrates street food from the hot zones – the tropical areas of Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean. The decor is as eclectic as the menu, which makes it one of the coolest places to eat in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Where can I take out of town guests in Twin Cities?

The Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) offer a plethora of attractions and activities for out-of-town guests. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Minnehaha Falls: A stunning urban waterfall that’s especially beautiful in the summer. There are walking trails, picnic areas, and the Sea Salt Eatery nearby.
2. Mall of America: Located in Bloomington, just outside the Twin Cities, it’s the largest shopping mall in the U.S. with an indoor amusement park, aquarium, mini-golf, and hundreds of stores.
3. Stone Arch Bridge: A historic bridge offering panoramic views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River. It’s a great spot for walking and photography.
4. Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Contemporary art museum paired with an outdoor sculpture garden featuring the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture.
5. St. Paul’s Cathedral: A stunning Beaux-Arts cathedral that dominates the St. Paul skyline.
6. Minnesota State Capitol: Located in St. Paul, it’s a beautiful building with guided tours that delve into the state’s history and government.
7. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: Located in St. Paul, it offers both a zoo and a conservatory with beautiful gardens.
8. Guthrie Theater: Even if you don’t catch a show, the modern architecture and the “Endless Bridge” with views of the Mississippi are worth a visit.
9. Mill City Museum: Learn about the history of the flour industry in Minneapolis and enjoy views from the observation deck.
10. Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska: One of the city’s most popular lakes, perfect for walking, biking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the water.
11. Grand Avenue in St. Paul: A charming street with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
12. Uptown Minneapolis: A trendy neighborhood with a mix of boutiques, restaurants, bars, and the nearby Lake of the Isles.
13. Summit Avenue: A historic avenue in St. Paul lined with beautiful Victorian homes, including the James J. Hill House.

Where can I find the best fine-dining restaurants in Minneapolis?

If you’re looking to indulge in a luxurious dining experience, Minneapolis doesn’t disappoint. The city boasts several upscale restaurants that offer exquisite dishes, impeccable service, and a sophisticated ambiance. Some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Minneapolis include Alma and Restaurant 112.

Where are the best areas to stay in Minneapolis for food lovers?

For those passionate about food, Minneapolis offers several neighborhoods that are culinary hotspots. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best areas:

• North Loop: Known for its trendy eateries, from upscale dining spots to cozy cafes. It’s a haven for those seeking unique restaurants in Minneapolis.
• Northeast: A diverse area with a mix of traditional eateries and innovative new establishments. Perfect for those looking for unique places in Minneapolis to eat.
• Downtown: The heart of the city’s dining scene, with a range of options from cheap eats in Minneapolis to high-end establishments.
• Uptown: A vibrant neighborhood with a mix of international cuisines and trendy bars. Ideal for those searching for Minneapolis’s coolest restaurants.
• Kingfield: A residential area known for its brunch spots and bakeries.

Discovering Unique Restaurants in Minneapolis: Recap

Minneapolis truly is a paradise for food enthusiasts. From the crispy delights of Revival’s Southern cuisine to the innovative fusion dishes at Young Joni, there’s a culinary adventure waiting around every corner. And who could forget the mouthwatering Italian offerings of Bar La Grassa or the nostalgic charm of Monte Carlo?

Each restaurant we’ve explored brings its own unique flair to the table. Whether you’re craving a gourmet burger, a plate of fresh pasta, or a taste of Nordic heritage, Minneapolis has got you covered. The city’s dining scene is as diverse as its population, offering a range of options that cater to both discerning palates and tight budgets.

The best part? This list is just the tip of the iceberg. Minneapolis is brimming with eateries, each more enticing than the last. The next time you find yourself in this vibrant city, remember to bring your appetite. With so many unique restaurants in Minneapolis, every meal promises to be an unforgettable experience.