10 Great Restaurants And Diners In Minneapolis Minnesota

Famous for forming one half of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis also has a strong culinary reputation, and its dining scene has something for everyone. From the best all-American burger, to an exotic Greek dish, to the finest cocktails, and restaurants overlooking the waters of many lakes. This article is an updated version of the previous article listing the 10 best cultural restaurants in the Mill City.

The Bachelor Farmer

Despite its strange name, The Bachelor Farmer is known as one of the top restaurants in Minneapolis; it sits in a historical 1881 building located in the North Loop neighborhood. The Bachelor Farmer is dedicated to working with local farmers to buy organic and fresh ingredients, which it uses to craft unique and interesting Nordic recipes. Appetisers include Boston lettuce with aged goats’ milk cheese, and fermented radishes. The Sunday specialty brunch and dinner are served with meals such as the duck liver pâté; the lemon pancakes; and the grilled pork tenderloin, served with marinated broccoli with roasted carrots.
The Bachelor Farmer, 50 2nd Ave N, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 206 3920

1. Birchwood Café

Restaurant, Cafe, Contemporary, American

Popular among Minneapolis residents thanks to a long-established relationship with its neighbours, Birchwood Café is respected for its simple environment, and creative, fresh and organic dishes. Guests are able to come at any time of the day to savour the simple breakfast menu, such as the bacon and egg sandwich or the savoury waffle; but Birchwood also offers gourmet sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, and pizzas baked on a homemade crust. Home-style dinners consist of Birchwood signature sofrito vegetable hand pie or the sweetcorn risotto, along with traditional homemade pies and crème brûlée, to pick one tempting example. Open seven days a week, Birchwood Café is Minneapolis’ place to go for a casual meal.

Bringing the best of American-crafted food and bourbon to the city, Butcher & the Boar offers a casual atmosphere with a lively vibe. Within a menu that specialises in meats and fish, some of the recommended dishes are the Berkshire pork spare ribs served with rum chilli and a daikon and carrot salad, the Colorado lamb shank prepared with pappardelle pasta and habanero gremolata, and the seasonal dish of seared Hawaiian marlin, accompanied by scallion, asparagus soya and Thai basil. Alongside its food menu, Bucher & the Boar offers a large range of locally brewed beer and a selection of wines.

Butcher & the Boar Restaurant, 1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 238 8888

2. Chino Latino

Restaurant, Beer, Sushi

Serving street food from the hot zone regions of the Caribbean, South-East Asia, Latin America, and Africa, in Chino Latino’s intimate and classy decór guests can enjoy unique global street food hand-made to eloquent recipes. When it comes to Chino Latino’s menu, on certain days guests have the choice between fresh marlin ceviches, Philippines paella, or jerk chicken; and on regular days, guests can choose from any type of sushi rolls, or big and small dishes to share. Not only does Chino Latino offer exceptional food, but also signature hot zone cocktails, drinks and desserts.

3. Christos

Restaurant, Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian

Originally opened in 1988 with the aim of bringing the warm island culture of Greece and Cyprus to Minnesota, Christos specialises in all types of Greek cooking. Its menu offers a diverse range of Greek recipes, where guests can not only enjoy the warm Greek atmosphere, but also the deliciousness of a Greek lunch buffet, or traditional favourites like moussaka and koupepia. For vegetarians, options include spanakopita or dolmathes, along with traditional Greek pizza. Some of the signature dinner recipes include the succulent lamb kebab, shrimp Myconos, and the pork chops piperato, accompanied by either Greek coffee or tea.

4. Hola Arepa

Restaurant, Central American, Venezuelan

After it started as a food truck in 2011, establishing its reputation among the Twin Cities residents, Hola Arepa opened its first house restaurant in 2014. It now continues to enjoy great popularity with its creative blue décor and seasonal patio. In addition to serving the best-crafted Latin small platters such as the arepitas, shiitake chachapas or the roasted pork and Cuban ham, Hola Arepa also crafts fabulous signature margaritas and other cocktails. Among the popular items are the Hola Fashioned, Temper Tantra, and the Aviso. Draft beer and wine are also on the list.

5. La Belle Vie

Restaurant

La Belle Vie

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, La Belle Vie’s award-winning Executive Chef and founder Tim McKee’s passion is to bring the finest of French and Mediterranean traditional cuisines together – and, perhaps unsurprisingly, its wine list is considered one of the top in the Twin Cities region. The authentic French menu starts with first-course dishes such as the sautéed rabbit loin with foie gras, truffles and beets, to the chef’s own special tasting menu such as the Dulcey mousse with hazelnut sponge and spiced passion fruit, or the oven-steamed salmon with braised fennel, black olives, and apples. La Belle Vie’s French elegance makes it one of the top must-try dining spots in the city, so a reservation ahead of time is highly recommended.
La Belle Vie Restaurant, 510 Groveland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 874 6440

Tilia

An exquisite place to enjoy a traditional brunch along with a variety of other meals, Tilia is the place to be. Located in the heart of the Linden Hills community, Tilia is family-oriented, with each meal carefully cooked with the finest ingredients: among its popular recipes are the fish taco torta served with creamy Peppadew pepper slaw, cilantro, and lime; the grilled lamb shoulder mixed with smoked raisin and Greek yogurt; or the cavatelli, consisting of Italian salami and charred zucchini. Along with its diverse dishes, Tilia offers about 20 kinds of beer and about 35 choices of wine.
Tilia Restaurant, 2726 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 354 2806

6. Victory 44

Victory 44

Serving seasonal dishes, Victory 44 is all about the finest contemporary American brunch cuisine. Its menu offers guests a diverse range of foods, such as the stir-fried grains with fried eggs, the fresh pasta, or the perfect, succulent burger, while the coffee bar has its own signature coffees, lattes, or the Gray Duck chai tea latte, plus a comprehensive range of wine and brewed beer. With its friendly environment and unique dishes, Victory 44 is a highly recommended spot, much-loved by locals and visitors alike.
Victory 44, 2203 N 44th Ave, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 588 2228

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