The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are a culinary paradise, offering an eclectic mix of cuisines from around the world. From upscale fine dining to casual eateries, there’s something for every taste and budget. Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities, according to critics and diners alike.
Fine Dining
The Bachelor Farmer
- Cuisine: American
- Atmosphere: Modern, upscale
- Price: $$$
The Bachelor Farmer is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that showcases locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. The menu changes seasonally, but always features a selection of tasting menus, along with a la carte options.
Lucia’s
- Cuisine: Italian
- Atmosphere: Romantic, elegant
- Price: $$$
Lucia’s is a classic Italian restaurant that has been serving the Twin Cities for over 40 years. The menu features traditional Italian dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and seafood, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Spoon and Stable
- Cuisine: New American
- Atmosphere: Sophisticated, casual
- Price: $$$
Spoon and Stable is a modern American restaurant that has been named one of the best restaurants in the country by various publications. The menu features a variety of dishes, from small plates to entrees, all made with carefully sourced ingredients.
Casual Eateries
The Blue Door Pub
- Cuisine: American
- Atmosphere: Casual, friendly
- Price: $
The Blue Door Pub is a popular neighborhood pub that serves up classic American comfort food. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and salads, all made with fresh ingredients.
Matt’s Bar
- Cuisine: American
- Atmosphere: Lively, casual
- Price: $
Matt’s Bar is a Twin Cities institution, known for its juicy burgers and crispy fries. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and a large outdoor patio.
The Corner Table
- Cuisine: American
- Atmosphere: Cozy, modern
- Price: $$
The Corner Table is a quaint restaurant that serves up a variety of American dishes, from salads to sandwiches to entrees. The menu changes seasonally, but always features a selection of vegan and gluten-free options.
Ethnic Cuisine
Gandhi Mahal
- Cuisine: Indian
- Atmosphere: Elegant, upscale
- Price: $$$
Gandhi Mahal is a long-standing Indian restaurant that serves up authentic North Indian cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, from tandoori dishes to curries to biryanis.
Zen Box Izakaya
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Atmosphere: Casual, modern
- Price: $$
Zen Box Izakaya is a popular Japanese restaurant that serves up a variety of small plates, or izakaya dishes. The menu features a variety of sushi, sashimi, and tempura, as well as a selection of grilled and fried dishes.
Hola Arepa
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
- Atmosphere: Casual, friendly
- Price: $
Hola Arepa is a popular Venezuelan restaurant that serves up traditional arepas, or cornmeal patties. The menu features a variety of fillings, from grilled meats to stews to vegetables.
Tables
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Bachelor Farmer | American | $$$ | Modern, upscale |
| Lucia’s | Italian | $$$ | Romantic, elegant |
| Spoon and Stable | New American | $$$ | Sophisticated, casual |
| The Blue Door Pub | American | $ | Casual, friendly |
| Matt’s Bar | American | $ | Lively, casual |
| The Corner Table | American | $$ | Cozy, modern |
| Gandhi Mahal | Indian | $$$ | Elegant, upscale |
| Zen Box Izakaya | Japanese | $$ | Casual, modern |
| Hola Arepa | Venezuelan | $ | Casual, friendly |
| Cuisine | Number of Restaurants |
|---|---|
| American | 6 |
| Italian | 1 |
| Indian | 1 |
| Japanese | 1 |
| Venezuelan | 1 |
| Price Range | Number of Restaurants |
|---|---|
| $ | 3 |
| $$ | 2 |
| $$$ | 4 |
| Atmosphere | Number of Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Casual | 4 |
| Modern | 3 |
| Elegant | 2 |
| Romantic | 1 |
| Sophisticated | 1 |
| Lively | 1 |
| Cozy | 1 |
| Friendly | 2 |
| Upscale | 2 |
