25 Best Restaurants in Minneapolis & St. Paul

© Meritage

Meritage is a sophisticated French-style bistro in St. Paul, opened in 2007 by married duo Desta and Russell Klein. The polished restaurant is housed within an historic 1919 space in the city's downtown district, named for a play on words combining the concepts of merit and heritage. Upscale brasserie fare includes Portuguese-style roasted Atlantic hake, seared Montauk-style porgy, grilled Minnesota pork neck, and herb-crusted lamb loin with pistachio cream and fava beans. Diners can also enjoy classic steakhouse fare such as beef tenderloin Oscar and steak frites or try the restaurant's signature hamburger, which is topped with shallot confit and Emmanthaler cheese. A fine wine program focuses on Old World styles from around America and Europe.

410 St Peter St, St Paul, MN 55102, Phone: 651-222-5670

© Borough

The welcoming atmosphere at Borough will draw you in and make you never want to leave. The restaurant opened in 2013 and has been serving contemporary American cuisine ever since.

Stop in and try the Pappardelle or the Pan-Seared Scallops paired with just the right wine from Borough’s impressive wine list. Relax in the Parlour, a lower level bar where you can munch on yummy pub fare and sip handcrafted signature cocktails. Executive Chef Drew Yancey has control of the kitchen, while one of city’s best bartenders, Jesse Held, mans the Parlour.

Pastry Chef Karyn Tomlinson whips up spectacular, must-try sweets and desserts. You’ll find Borough in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis.

730 North Washington Ave., Minneapolis, 612-354-3135

© Manny’s Steakhouse

Quality steaks await at the world-renowned Manny’s Steakhouse. With features in numerous publications, this landmark steakhouse has earned a reputation as one of the world’s great steakhouses. Their menu centers on premium cuts of beef from bone-in ribeye to porterhouse, all cooked to absolute perfection. Their beef is sourced from their very own herds at Manny’s Heritage Beef and is 100% genetically verified and hormone-free. Steaks are just the beginning, with a variety of sides, salads, seafood, and chops available on their various menus. Manny’s Steakhouse is also home to an excellent bar, which offers masterfully mixed cocktails and the perfect ambiance to start off your meal.

825 S Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, Phone: 612-339-9900

© WSK

If you are in the mood for international street food with bold flavors, then you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to WSK (World Street Kitchen).

Try delicious plates such as the Bangkok Burrito or the MFC (Moroccan Fried Chicken) Biscuit Sandwich. Thirsty? They’ve got wine and beer available too! Co-owners and siblings Sameh and Saed Wadi opened the Uptown Minneapolis restaurant in 2012 after their food truck of the same name gained incredible popularity.

You can still find the WSK food truck on the streets of downtown Minneapolis during the warmer months.

2743 Lyndale Ave. S. Minneapolis, 612-424-8855

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© Cossetta

Located in the heart of St. Paul, Cossetta is a community landmark for Italian cuisine and products. The market originally opened in 1911 and has gained the hearts of locals with its amazing pizza, homemade sauces, and genuine staff. After celebrating its 100th anniversary, Cossetta expanded to offer all the crowd-stoppers tourists would encounter in Italy without ever having to leave the country. Visitors can enjoy all the same delicious dishes at the Pizzeria & Eatery, shop around for quality imported ingredients and house-made Cossetta sauces in the Italian Market, and satisfy their sweet tooth with authentic Italian pastries at the Pasticceria. For all things deliciously Italian, Cossetta is a great stop for locals and visitors alike.

211 7th Street West, St. Paul, Minnesota 55102, Phone: 651-222-3476

© Murray’s

A true Minneapolis institution, Murray’s has been a go-to for deliciously tender steaks since its opening in 1946. The historic steakhouse is now continued by a third generation of Murray's, proudly carrying on all the values that promise a memorable experience for its diners. Murray’s offers a variety of classic steak cuts, but is best known for their signature Silver Butter Knife Steak for Two—an amazingly tender 28oz strip sirloin carved right at your table. Their menu also offers a selection of fresh seafood, handhelds, salads, and other delicious accompaniment. Complete your meal with a craft cocktail or glass of wine while you enjoy the timeless atmosphere and warm hospitality that make this a favorite amongst locals.

26 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, Phone: 612-339-0909

© Emmett's Public House

Emmett's Public House is a traditional Irish pub that serves savory Irish cuisine and offers a wide selection of whiskeys and both Irish and local beers.

It’s a friendly pub perfect for a happy hour meeting or for grabbing a bite to eat with friends. You won’t regret trying out this place, especially when you have delicious options like the Irish Mac and Cheese, the Claddagh Fries, or the 695 Brick-Pressed (Corned Beef) sandwich. If you enjoy traditional Irish pub ambiance, this is one of the best St. Paul restaurants to try.

You’ll find Emmett’s Public House on Grand Avenue right next to Dixie’s in downtown St. Paul.

695 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-225-8248

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© Himalayan Restaurant

Himalayan Restaurant highlights the bold flavors and traditions of the Himalayan regions of Nepal, India, and Tibet, bringing an unforgettable dining experience to Minneapolis.

Take in the intimate atmosphere while you dine on incredible dishes such as the Biryani or the Bhata Aaloo (eggplant and potato in flavorful spices). Otherwise, you can try something from their Tandoori Oven like the Choyala (a meat dish cooked in Kathmandu-style herbs).

Naveen Shrestha and Pravin Shrestha opened the Himalayan Restaurant in 2008, and they just recently moved to their new location on East Lake Street in Minneapolis. They are open Tuesday through Sunday for a lunch buffet and dinner.

2910 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, 612-332-0880

© Downtowner Woodfire Grill

The Twin Cities’ best dining experience is waiting for you at the Downtowner Woodfire Grill. Known for its fire-roasted cooking style and tradition, the Downtowner serves up plate after plate of mouthwatering meats and vegetables that carry a subtle smokey and savory flavor. Promising one satisfying mouthful after another, the Downtowner Woodfire Grill features a great selection of protein from traditional sirloin steaks to precious boneless legs of lamb, and unique menu offerings like center-cut swordfish. Beyond their grilled meats, the Downtowner is also known for dishing up fantastic oak-wood burning oven pizzas that are cooked to perfection quickly at 500 degrees.

253 West 7th Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55102, Phone: 651-228-9500

© Northbound Smokehouse Brew Pub

The award-winning Northbound Smokehouse Brew Pub in Minneapolis is known for tasty smoked American pub fare in addition to their renowned craft beers. You can’t go wrong when you order any one of their delicious smoked dishes.

The 18-Hour Porketta Sandwich, the Smoked Wings, and the Northbound Burger are just a few examples. Wash it all down with one of their award-winning brews, which include both year-round and seasonal beers. Their Snownami beer won the 2014 World Beer Cup.

General Manager Amy Johnson, Head Chef Jason Foster, and Head Brewer Jamie Robinson are responsible for keeping Northbound running smoothly. Open since 2012, you’ll find them in downtown Minneapolis on East 38th Street.

2716 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, 612-208-1450

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© Fika Cafe

If you are in the mood for something different, you’ll want to check out Nordic-inspired Fika Café in Minneapolis. In Sweden, ‘fika’ is a daily break, traditionally involving coffee, treats, and socialization.

The café blends delicious regional ingredients with Nordic cuisine traditions to create phenomenal dishes like the Swedish Hot Dog, the Braised Chicken Smorgas, Meatballs or the Potato Sausage. Owner and Executive Chef John Krattenmaker opened the café in 2012 after many years of gaining experience in renowned restaurants throughout the Twin Cities area.

Enjoy views of the historic Turnblad Mansion while dining at Fika Café, located inside the Nelson Cultural Center at downtown Minneapolis’ American Swedish Institute.

2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-871-4907

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© Mancini’s Char House

On the hunt for delicious cocktails, superbly cooked steaks, and an amazing throwback atmosphere? Mancini’s Char House could be exactly what you’re looking for. Mancini’s Char House, which is family owned and has been operated for over 70 years, is a generational restaurant that is nothing less than excellent. After all, their reputation is one that they spent decades building, and it’s founded upon good old-fashioned family values and a dedication to cuisine that is burning with passion. Mancini’s is popular for its steakhouse classics such as 30-day aged charbroiled steaks of various cuts, and succulent seafood offerings as well. Pair your choice with a fantastic bottle of wine and be sure to order an appetizer for the best Mancini experience.

531 7th Street W., St. Paul, Minnesota 55102, Phone: 651-224-7345

© Nighthawks

Nighthawks is one of the newest and hippest restaurants in Minneapolis. They have become incredibly well known for their post-modern rendition of America’s favorite diner foods.

Their menu offers five different kinds of hot dogs and other delicious options such as French Dip or Frito Pie. They’ve also got a number of beers, wines, and signature cocktails (like the Hopper) to quench your thirst. You might even want to stop in for weekend brunch. Chef and owner London Schoenefeld just opened Nighthawks in May 2015 and also owns HauteDish restaurant in Minneapolis.

Nighthawks Diner and Bar is located on Nicollet Avenue in the Kingfield neighborhood.

3753 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, 612-248-8111

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© Joan's in the Park

For an intimate night highlighted by extraordinary, seasonal North American fare, you’ll want to check out St. Paul’s charming restaurant Joan’s in the Park.

Start your meal off with a delicious appetizer like the Calamari and Mussels before diving into tasty à la carte-style dishes such as the Roasted Beef Short Ribs or the Herbed Spaetzle.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert. Joan’s in the Park also offers an extensive wine list. Long-time friends and co-owners Joan Schmitt and Chef Susan Dunlop opened the restaurant in 2011.

Enjoy organic, farm fresh dishes at Joan’s in the Park, located in the heart of St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood.

631 Snelling Avenue South, Saint Paul, 651-690-3297

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© Tongue in Cheek

Tongue in Cheek restaurant serves fresh, sustainable new American cuisine in a sophisticated environment.

Come in for the ten-course tasting menu or try a dish from their daily menu like the Corn Risotto. Poached Eggs & Grits and other yummy breakfast foods are available during weekend brunches.

When Chef Leonard Anderson opened the place in 2014, he founded it on a principle that he feels strongly about: the restaurant is committed to exclusively using animal products that are raised or caught in a humane and sustainable manner. You’ll find Tongue in Cheek in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood in St Paul’s East Side.

989 Payne Ave., St. Paul, 651-888-6148

© French Meadow Cafe

Founded in 1985, the French Meadow Café is an advocate and pioneer establishment in the city’s farm-to-table movement and organic eating. It is a title and accolade earned after much work as the French Meadow Café and Bluestem Bar have forged strong relationships with local farms, all of which contribute to the remarkably fresh, delicious, and memorable dishes served at the café. Visitors can dine on local favorites like the Petit Sirloin Steak Salad or the Salmon Nicoise as starters, or sample hearty soup options like the Vegan Black Bean Chili or the Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Meanwhile, heavier and heartier options are available through bowls, sandwiches, and wraps. Guests who want to add more protein to their meals also have the option to add a side of grass-fed beef, sustainably fished salmon, hormone-free chicken, or organic tofu to their selections.

2610 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, Phone: 612-872-7855

© Colossal Cafe

Colossal Café is a charming neighborhood café serving New American cuisine for breakfast and lunch at two locations in St. Paul.

Their fabulous dishes are made from the very best seasonal ingredients. Stop in and try the Roasted Vegetables Omelet and Feta or the Spiced Turkey Breast Sandwich. Although Colossal Café was originally opened in Minneapolis (and that location is still open today) in 2005, the Tinucci family purchased it in 2010 and has maintained its timeless traditions.

Visit them at either of their St. Paul locations – one on the corner of Grand and Hamline and the other on Como Avenue in the former St. Anthony Park Clinic.

1340 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-414-0543; 2315 Como Ave., St. Paul, 651-797-4027

© Black Sheep Pizza

Black Sheep Pizzais known for serving some of the best pizza in the Twin Cities area. All the dishes at this coal-burning pizza restaurant are made with the freshest ingredients. You can choose your own toppings or try a signature pizza like the Meatball, Ricotta, and Garlic Pizza or a thick crust Sicilian.

They also have fresh salads, appetizers, wine, and beer to complete your meal. Black Sheep Pizza is run by a husband-and-wife team, Jordan Smith and Colleen Doran. Black Sheep Pizza is Minnesota’s first coal-fired pizzeria, and has locations in both cities.

North Loop, 600 Washington Ave N., Minneapolis, 612-342-2625; Eat Street, 2550 Nicollet Ave S., Minneapolis, 612-886-1233

© Red Stag Supperclub

The Red Stag Supperclub opened in 2007 under the leadership of Kim Bartmann. Striving to be a restaurant that serves up great cuisine based on locally grown organic products, the Red Stag Supperclub is a great example of a sustainable business with earth-friendly practices. Red Stag offers a wide menu of meals with separate menus for weekend brunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekly specials. When it comes to crowd pleasers on their regular menu, first-time guests ought to sample the Nordeast Steamed Mussels, the Peterson Farms Limousin Steaks, or the Ginger-Apricot Glazed Grilled Salmon. The Up North Baby Back Ribs and the 40-Day Aged New York Strip are also fantastic options.

509 1st Avenue NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413, Phone: 612-767-7766

© Hola Arepa

One of Minneapolis’ favorite food trucks also has a great restaurant that serves dinner, drinks, and weekend brunch. Hola Arepa serves delicious, made-from-scratch Latin food and craft cocktails. They are known for their handmade Venezuelan stuffed arepas, made fresh daily.

Choose from a variety of arepa flavors such as the Black Bean & Queso Fresco or the Slow-Roasted Pork. Whatever you decide, don’t forget to try the yucca fries. Dine at the restaurant located on Nicollet Avenue or follow Hola Arepa on Twitter to find their food truck location in downtown Minneapolis from April through October.

3501 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-345-5583

© Smack Shack

If only three words could be used to describe the Smack Shack, they would have to be casual, coastal, and delicious. Famous for its lobster-based menu offerings, the Smack Shack started as a food truck back in 2010 that specialized in a variety of lobster sammies and rolls served alongside crisp cajun fries. Though the Smack Shack has expanded into a brick-and-mortar restaurant with four locations in Minnesota, the heart behind this eatery remains the same – delicious seafood, uncompromised quality, and sustainable fishing. Tuck into Smack Shack classics like the Smack Shack original and the Connecticut Style Lobster Roll, or sink your teeth into whole Maine Lobster, huge prawn, or king crab.

603 N Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, Phone: 612-259-7288

© Cafe Racer

Feasting on healthy and delicious Latin American cuisine at the Café Racer food truck and restaurant is always an experience to remember. The restaurant serves memorable dishes such as the Paella de Calle (a shrimp, chicken, and rice dish) or the Arepa Benedict, a specialty from their brunch menu.

When ordering from the food truck, you can completely customize your order with a variety of options. Both the restaurant and the food truck offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Good service, excellent quality, and passion-infused dishes are the most important aspects at Café Racer. Their restaurant is located on East 25th Street in downtown Minneapolis.

2929 East 25th Street, Minneapolis, 612-208-1695

© Spoon and Stable

The Spoon and Stable offers seasonal Midwest cuisine with European influences. Everything is made with fresh, regional ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you for ordering appetizing dishes like the Bison Tartare or Crispy Suckling Pork.

Their Sunday brunch menu includes tempting dishes such as the Spinach and Caramelized Onion Quiche. They also have tasty signature cocktails like the Salty Dog. Owner and Chef Gavin Kaysen, winner of the James Beard Award, really puts his heart into his cooking.

Spoon and Stable is situated in what was once a horse stable that dates back to 1906, right in the heart of the North Loop neighborhood in Minneapolis.

211 North First Street, Minneapolis, 612-224-9850

© Brasa

If you’re craving Southern comfort food while visiting the Twin Cities, you’ll definitely want to visit Brasa restaurant. Their cuisine is inspired by Southern, Caribbean, and Mexican flavors.

Treat your taste buds to something bold and fabulous, such as the Gumbo Fried Rice or the Spicy Masa Corn Cake Plate. They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options. Everything that comes out of the Brasa kitchen is made from scratch. Dishes are usually organic and created with locally sourced ingredients.

They have two locations – one on Hennepin Avenue between Minneapolis’ St. Anthony East and Marcy-Holmes districts and the other on Grand Avenue in downtown St. Paul.

600 Hennepin Ave. E., Minneapolis, 612-379-3030; 777 Grand Ave. St. Paul, 651-224-1302

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