The Mill City Pantheon: A Guide to Minneapolis’ Best Restaurants
The Minneapolis culinary scene is defined by a unique “dual-engine” structure. It’s not a static list of old favorites; it’s a dynamic landscape where foundational, 70-year-old icons exist alongside a new wave of narrative-rich restaurants that are currently winning the highest national honors.
This isn’t just another list; it’s the Minneapolis Pantheon. We’ve synthesized critical reviews, local buzz, and national awards to bring you the definitive guide to the top 10 restaurants in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From James Beard Award-winning fine dining to legendary dive bar burgers, this is your ultimate guide to the essential restaurants in Minneapolis.
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Cuisine | Price Guide | Vibe / Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bûcheron | Kingfield | French-American | $$$$ | The Nation’s “Best New Restaurant” |
| Owamni | Downtown East (Riverfront) | Modern Indigenous | $$$ | A Globally Recognized Culinary Revolution |
| Spoon and Stable | North Loop | French / Modern American | $$$$ | The Pinnacle of Downtown Fine Dining |
| Bar La Grassa | North Loop | Modern Italian | $$$ | A Buzzy, Iconic Pasta Destination |
| Vinai | Northeast | Hmong-American | $$$ | A Wood-Fired “Love Letter” to Heritage |
| Restaurant Alma | Marcy-Holmes | Seasonal American | $$$$ | The Original Standard-Bearer for Fine Dining |
| Matt’s Bar | Corcoran | Burgers (Jucy Lucy) | $ | The Legendary Home of the Jucy Lucy |
| Pizzeria Lola | Southwest | Wood-Fired Pizza | $$ | A Beloved, Nationally Acclaimed Pizzeria |
| Kramarczuk’s | Northeast | Eastern European / Deli | $$ | A Historic “America’s Classic” Institution |
| Broders’ Pasta Bar | Southwest | Italian | $$ | The Quintessential Neighborhood Pasta Spot |
1. Bûcheron
📹 Video Source: WCCO-CBS
- 🍴Cuisine:French-American
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Kingfield
- 💰Price:$$$$
- ✨Vibe:The Nation’s “Best New Restaurant”
- 📍Location:4257 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Bûcheron is the current standard-bearer for Minneapolis’s national acclaim and easily tops any list of the best new restaurants in Minneapolis. In 2025, it won the James Beard Award for “Best New Restaurant” in the entire country. The cuisine is French-American, inspired by the craftsmanship of Minnesota’s logging history, serving dynamic dishes like venison tartare and bone marrow in a charming, elevated neighborhood setting.
Foodie Quote: “Standout dishes include the ‘venison tartare, bone marrow, and fontina fonduta cappellacci with white truffles.'”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Consensus #1 New Restaurant in America. Winning the 2025 James Beard Award for “Best New Restaurant” makes it the undisputed leader of the new pantheon in Minneapolis.
2. Owamni
📹 Video Source: Slot Bunny
- 🍴Cuisine:Modern Indigenous
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Downtown East (Riverfront)
- 💰Price:$$$
- ✨Vibe:A Globally Recognized Culinary Revolution
- 📍Location:420 S 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
No restaurant has had a more profound impact on the American food conversation than Owamni. Opened by Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman, it won the 2022 James Beard Award for “Best New Restaurant” and is globally recognized for its “decolonized” approach. The menu removes all colonial ingredients (wheat flour, cane sugar, dairy) to highlight the true flavors of North America. It’s one of the most unique and important restaurants in Minneapolis downtown.
Foodie Quote: “It’s more than a restaurant; it is a nonprofit-owned entity dedicated to Indigenous food revitalization, located on land sacred to the Dakota people.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A Global Culinary Landmark. Its James Beard win and revolutionary “decolonized” concept make it an essential, world-class dining destination.
3. Spoon and Stable
📹 Video Source: WCCO-CBS
- 🍴Cuisine:French / Modern American
- 🏙️Neighborhood:North Loop
- 💰Price:$$$$
- ✨Vibe:The Pinnacle of Downtown Fine Dining
- 📍Location:211 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Opened by James Beard Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen, Spoon and Stable is widely regarded as the pinnacle of fine dining restaurants in Minneapolis. Housed in a renovated 1906 horse stable in the North Loop, it is celebrated for its sophisticated, French-meets-Midwest cuisine. It is a perennial “special occasion” destination for locals and a must-visit for travelers.
Foodie Quote: “It is frequently cited in community forums as a top choice for an anniversary or upscale date night.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Gold Standard for Modern Fine Dining. Its consistent excellence, historic setting, and celebrity chef pedigree make it a foundational pillar of the city’s luxury dining scene.
4. Bar La Grassa
📹 Video Source: MetromixTwinCities
- 🍴Cuisine:Modern Italian
- 🏙️Neighborhood:North Loop
- 💰Price:$$$
- ✨Vibe:A Buzzy, Iconic Pasta Destination
- 📍Location:800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Bar La Grassa is arguably the most beloved and “classic” modern Italian restaurant in the city. Created by James Beard Award-winning chef Isaac Becker, it has been a dominant force since opening. It’s consistently named a favorite by locals for its lively, buzzy atmosphere and extensive list of fresh pastas and small plates. It’s one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in Minneapolis.
Foodie Quote: “The ‘Soft Eggs & Lobster’ bruschetta is a legendary dish that has defined the restaurant for years.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Definitive Modern Italian Icon. Its energetic atmosphere and legendary pasta dishes make it a perennial favorite and a must-visit.
5. Vinai
📹 Video Source: Eater
- 🍴Cuisine:Hmong-American (Wood-Fired)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Northeast
- 💰Price:$$$
- ✨Vibe:A Wood-Fired “Love Letter” to Heritage
- 📍Location:1300 NE 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Vinai is a pillar of Minneapolis’s new-wave dominance. Helmed by chef Yia Vang, it is a “love letter” to his Hmong parents, illuminating Hmong food and history. Since opening in July 2024, it has accumulated massive national praise, including being named one of Bon Appétit’s 20 best new restaurants and a 2025 James Beard semifinalist. It’s one of the hottest Minneapolis restaurants right now.
Foodie Quote: “The wood-fire cooking imparts a signature smoke flavor to dishes like its famous 2-pound ‘thiccc boy’ pork chop.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A Nationally Acclaimed Cultural Touchstone. Its immediate critical success and powerful storytelling through Hmong-American cuisine make it an essential new dining experience.
6. Restaurant Alma
📹 Video Source: OCEANS VIEW
- 🍴Cuisine:Seasonal American (Fine Dining)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Marcy-Holmes
- 💰Price:$$$$
- ✨Vibe:The Original Standard-Bearer for Fine Dining
- 📍Location:528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Restaurant Alma is the original standard-bearer for the Minneapolis food scene. For over two decades, it has championed seasonal, locally sourced fine dining under Chef Alex Roberts, a James Beard Award winner. It operates as a unique three-part entity: a fine-dining restaurant with a seasonal prix-fixe menu, a popular casual café, and a small boutique hotel. It remains a top choice for best dinner restaurants in Minneapolis.
Foodie Quote: “It has been a semifinalist for the national James Beard ‘Outstanding Restaurant’ award, a testament to its enduring excellence.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Enduring Pioneer of Seasonal Fine Dining. Its decades of consistency and national recognition make it a foundational institution in the city.
7. Matt's Bar
📹 Video Source: All World Travel Channel
- 🍴Cuisine:Burgers (Home of the Jucy Lucy)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Corcoran
- 💰Price:$
- ✨Vibe:The Legendary Home of the Jucy Lucy
- 📍Location:3500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Matt’s Bar is not just a restaurant; it is a Minneapolis landmark and home to a culinary hero: the “Jucy Lucy”. Opened in 1954, this no-frills, cash-only dive bar is famous for inventing the burger with molten-hot cheese sealed inside the patty. It’s a cultural icon that has hosted presidents and food TV shows, making it one of the fun places to eat in Minneapolis.
Foodie Quote: “Matt’s famously spells it ‘Jucy’ (no ‘i’) and warns customers, ‘if it’s spelled correctly, you just might be eating a shameless ripoff!'”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A Legendary Cultural Icon. As the home of the Jucy Lucy, it’s an essential, historic, and uniquely Minneapolis culinary experience.
8. Pizzeria Lola
📹 Video Source: One Bite Pizza Reviews
- 🍴Cuisine:Wood-Fired Pizza
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Southwest
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:A Beloved, Nationally Acclaimed Pizzeria
- 📍Location:5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Pizzeria Lola is the wood-fired pizzeria that first brought national acclaim to chef Ann Kim. Famous for its perfectly blistered crusts and creative, Korean-influenced pies like the “Korean BBQ” and “Lady Zaza,” it remains a beloved, bustling, and award-winning neighborhood institution. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top 10 restaurants in Minneapolis City in Minnesota for casual dining.
Foodie Quote: “Signature pies include the ‘Korean BBQ’ (beef short rib, scallion, soy-chili vinaigrette) and the ‘Lady Zaza’ (napa kimchi, Korean sausage).”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Nationally Recognized Pizza Star. Its inventive, high-quality wood-fired pizzas launched a culinary empire and remain a city favorite.
9. Kramarczuk's
📹 Video Source: WCCO-CBS
- 🍴Cuisine:Eastern European / Deli
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Northeast
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:A Historic “America’s Classic” Institution
- 📍Location:215 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
A Minneapolis landmark since the 1950s, Kramarczuk’s is the heart of Eastern European food and culture in the city. This bustling combination of restaurant, Old World-style deli, and bakery was started by Ukrainian immigrants. It is so foundational that it received the 2013 James Beard “America’s Classic” award. It’s one of the best affordable restaurants in Minneapolis for a hearty, historic meal.
Foodie Quote: “It is a beloved regional restaurant honored for its timeless appeal and quality food that reflects the character of its community.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A James Beard “America’s Classic”. Its status as a beloved, historic cultural institution makes it an essential part of the city’s culinary fabric.
10. Broders' Pasta Bar
📹 Video Source: The Hunger Diaries TV
- 🍴Cuisine:Italian (Classic Pasta)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Southwest
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:The Quintessential Neighborhood Pasta Spot
- 📍Location:5000 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
For over 30 years, Broders’ Pasta Bar has been the city’s quintessential neighborhood pasta institution. Revered by locals for its “homey” and authentic dishes, extensive wine list, and vibrant patio, it represents the generation-spanning, family-owned restaurant at its absolute best. It’s a top contender for best Italian restaurants in Minneapolis.
Foodie Quote: “Locals revere it for its ‘homey’ and authentic fresh pasta dishes.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Definitive Neighborhood Classic. Its decades of consistency and beloved status make it the gold standard for a comforting, high-quality Italian meal.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Based on a deep analysis of critical acclaim, history, and local love, the top 10 restaurants in Minneapolis City in Minnesota are: 1. Bûcheron, 2. Owamni, 3. Spoon and Stable, 4. Bar La Grassa, 5. Vinai, 6. Restaurant Alma, 7. Matt’s Bar, 8. Pizzeria Lola, 9. Kramarczuk’s, and 10. Broders’ Pasta Bar.
Downtown Minneapolis is home to several world-class dining destinations. Owamni offers a revolutionary Indigenous dining experience on the riverfront. Spoon and Stable is the pinnacle of fine dining in the North Loop. Bar La Grassa is a legendary modern Italian spot nearby. These are all top choices for best restaurants Minneapolis downtown.
The Jucy Lucy is Minneapolis’s most iconic culinary contribution. It’s a cheeseburger with the cheese stuffed inside the meat patty, creating a molten core. Matt’s Bar is the legendary home of the original Jucy Lucy and a must-visit for any food lover.
Minneapolis has many! Owamni won “Best New Restaurant” in 2022. Bûcheron won the same award in 2025. Chefs from Spoon and Stable, Bar La Grassa, and Restaurant Alma have all won “Best Chef: Midwest.” Kramarczuk’s won an “America’s Classics” award.
The city is experiencing a culinary renaissance. Bûcheron (2025 James Beard Winner) and Vinai (2025 James Beard Semifinalist) are the undisputed leaders of the new wave. Diane’s Place, a Hmong-American spot from a renowned pastry chef, is another top contender mentioned as an honorable mention.
For a truly elevated experience, Spoon and Stable and Restaurant Alma are the long-standing standard-bearers. For newer, nationally acclaimed fine dining, Bûcheron is the current top choice. These are the premier fine dining restaurants in Minneapolis.
For a fun, unique experience, Matt’s Bar offers a classic dive-bar vibe with its famous burgers. Bar La Grassa has a lively, buzzy energy perfect for groups. Hai Hai (Honorable Mention) is known for its vibrant Southeast Asian street food and fun, plant-filled setting. These are all great fun places to eat in Minneapolis.
Yes! Matt’s Bar is a cash-only spot famous for its affordable Jucy Lucys. Kramarczuk’s offers hearty Eastern European fare at a great value. These are excellent options for the best affordable restaurants in Minneapolis.
Locals on best restaurants in Minneapolis Reddit threads frequently recommend Bar La Grassa for its pasta, Matt’s Bar for the authentic Jucy Lucy experience, and Broders’ Pasta Bar as a quintessential neighborhood favorite.
This list is verified for late 2024/2025. It includes the newest national stars like Bûcheron (2025 JBF Winner) and Vinai (opened July 2024), ensuring it is the most current guide to the best restaurants in Minneapolis 2025.
