Top 10 Restaurants in Minneapolis

What is it? Vinai sits on NE 2nd St in Minneapolis, an eleven-minute walk from the Mill City Museum. The restaurant features a blend of Vietnamese and modern Asian influences and earned a spot on the New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list.

Why we love it: This is an expensive, fine-dining destination that manages a 4.80 rating across hundreds of reviews. It offers a rare marriage of modern culinary precision and a romantic, beautiful terrace that separates it from the more casual dining options near the Stone Arch Bridge.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Vinai reflects its reputation for high-end service, so plan your attire accordingly for an evening near Mill Ruins Park.

What is it? Owamni by The Sioux Chef sits at 806 S 2nd St in Minneapolis. The restaurant is a ten-minute walk from the Mill City Museum and resides just beyond the Stone Arch Bridge.

Why we love it: It bypasses common restaurant tropes to focus entirely on farm-to-table, traditional, and contemporary indigenous ingredients. Its location at a luxury price point makes it an outlier in Minneapolis, balancing the refined nature of fine dining with a rare, direct view of the waterfront.

Good to Know: The terrace at Owamni by The Sioux Chef offers the best vantage point for guests to engage with the venue’s contemporary take on traditional cuisine while overlooking the water.

What is it? Spoon and Stable sits at 211 N 1st St in Minneapolis. It is a creative, contemporary restaurant located a ten-minute walk from the Mill City Museum and the Stone Arch Bridge.

Why we love it: The kitchen treats modern technique as a playground, justifying a price point well above the casual neighborhood average. With 2,862 reviews averaging 4.79, it balances the demands of high-end, romantic dining with a rigorous commitment to its contemporary culinary vision.

Good to Know: The dining room at Spoon and Stable highlights the beautiful architecture of the building, so request a table near the glass to capture a view of the space during your meal.

What is it? Gai Noi sits on Harmon Place, a ten-minute walk from Loring Park. The restaurant serves a menu of Thai and South East Asian-inspired contemporary cuisine, leaning into a fine dining aesthetic.

Why we love it: The space balances its mid-tier price point with a level of design and presentation rarely found at this cost in Minneapolis. With a terrace that provides a view of the surrounding blocks and a polished, romantic interior, it feels like an occasion space that doesn't demand an excessive bill for the experience. The near-perfect 4.71 rating across more than 1,400 reviews suggests a consistency that makes it a reliable pick for an evening near the Walker Art Center.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Gai Noi suggests a crisp, tailored look that mirrors the refined plating of their contemporary South East Asian menu.

What is it? Mara sits at 245 Hennepin Ave, an eighteen-minute walk from the Walker Art Center. This contemporary, modern, and seafood-focused restaurant operates within a price tier that reflects its fine dining approach.

Why we love it: While many Minneapolis venues lean into casual fare, Mara prioritizes a polished, romantic atmosphere that justifies the premium price. Its proximity to the city's cultural centers makes it a logical stop after a long afternoon spent exploring the nearby galleries.

Good to Know: The seafood-forward menu at Mara rewards those who lean into the contemporary preparation techniques, so pair your selection with a crisp white wine to cut through the richness of the modern plating.

What is it? Gianni’s Steakhouse sits on Lake Street East, an eight-minute walk from the Wayzata Depot. The restaurant holds a Wine Spectator Excellence Award and serves a menu defined by grills, Italian, and classic steakhouse plates.

Why we love it: This is a high-priced destination that leans into the formality of fine dining, holding a 4.77 rating across 662 reviews. It separates itself from the nearby Wayzata Beach crowds by offering a romantic, views-oriented setting that prioritizes a quiet, elevated experience over the bustle of the local shopping district.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Gianni’s Steakhouse is strictly observed, so expect a jacket-required atmosphere that matches the intensity of their heavy-hitting grill menu.

What is it? Khâluna sits on Lyndale Avenue South, less than a twenty-five-minute walk from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This Thai and South East Asian contemporary restaurant is a James Beard finalist for Best Chef Midwest.

Why we love it? It stands out as a fine dining destination that remains accessible, pulling a 4.75 rating from over 1,000 diners who value the balance of its contemporary menu against the formal, smart and elegant atmosphere. The design leans into luxury and romance, providing a rare sense of intentional space that is distinct from the more casual dining found near Lake Harriet or the Uptown district.

Good to Know: Khâluna makes full use of its terrace for guests looking to pair their meal with a view, provided the Minneapolis weather cooperates.

What is it? Demi is a contemporary restaurant at 212 N 2nd St Suite 100 in Minneapolis. It sits within a ten-minute walk of both the Mill City Museum and the Stone Arch Bridge.

Why we love it: This is an expensive, luxury-focused destination that relies on a creative approach to modern cuisine. Its consistently high guest feedback—garnering a 4.92 rating across nearly 500 reviews—reflects a precise execution of fine dining that rewards those looking for a romantic setting.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Demi matches the intensity of its creative tasting menus, so expect a formal pacing that complements the contemporary style of the room.

What is it? Myriel sits on Cleveland Avenue South, roughly an eighteen-minute walk from Summit Avenue and just over twenty minutes from the Cathedral of Saint Paul. The kitchen holds a Michelin star for its farm-to-table approach, earning the team a spot among the 2024 Food & Wine Best New Chefs.

Why we love it: This is modern, creative cooking that manages to feel both luxurious and intimate. While the price point reflects a fine dining standard, the guest rating of 4.81 from 264 reviews confirms that the execution at Myriel consistently meets the ambition of its menu.

Good to Know: The kitchen’s commitment to farm-to-table sourcing means the menu rotates frequently; wear smart and elegant attire to match the beautiful, romantic interior.

What is it? Oro by Nixta sits at 1222 NE 2nd St in Minneapolis, roughly a twenty-minute walk from the Stone Arch Bridge. This fine-dining destination holds a Michelin star and is a finalist for the James Beard Best New Restaurant award.

Why we love it: The restaurant distinguishes itself through a high-concept approach to modern Mexican cuisine. It earns its reputation as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America and a Best New Restaurant according to Bon Appétit by balancing creative techniques with a rigorous, luxury-focused service style.

Good to Know: The formal, smart and elegant atmosphere at Oro by Nixta is specifically designed to complement the precision of their modern Mexican menu.