Unearth The Voyage
Minneapolis and St. Paul have become serious food destinations, with restaurants earning national awards and chefs creating unforgettable experiences. From James Beard winners to cozy neighborhood spots, the Twin Cities dining scene is buzzing with energy and flavor. Whether you crave French bistro elegance, hand-pulled noodles, or inventive Hmong cuisine, there’s something incredible waiting for you. Get ready to explore 25 restaurants that are making waves right now.
1. Bûcheron (Minneapolis – South Minneapolis)
Winning a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2025 is no small feat, especially for a neighborhood bistro tucked into a south Minneapolis corner. Bûcheron opened in early 2024 and immediately caught national attention for its thoughtful approach to French cooking with Minnesota heart. Chef-driven seasonal vegetable dishes and rich, carefully crafted sauces define the menu here.
The space itself feels warm and inviting, designed for lingering conversations over multiple courses. It’s the kind of place where every detail matters, from the lighting to the plating. Locals love bringing out-of-town guests here to prove just how sophisticated Minneapolis dining has become.
Reservations fill up fast, so plan ahead if you want to snag a table on weekends or special occasions.
2. Diane’s Place (Minneapolis – Northeast)
Food & Wine named Diane’s Place their 2025 Restaurant of the Year, and once you taste Chef Diane Moua’s cooking, you’ll understand why. Opened in April 2024, this Northeast gem blends Hmong home-cooking traditions with Moua’s classical pastry training in ways that feel both deeply personal and wildly creative. Every dish tells a story about heritage, skill, and passion.
The dining room feels like stepping into someone’s dream dinner party, bright and comforting with a menu that invites exploration. Moua’s desserts alone are worth the trip, showcasing her pastry expertise in unexpected ways. But don’t sleep on the savory dishes either.
Serious food lovers and award-chasers have already marked this spot as essential eating in the Twin Cities.
3. Cafe Yoto (Minneapolis – North Loop)
Chef Yo Hasegawa made a name with his Yo Monday pop-up in 2024, and now Cafe Yoto brings his vision to permanent life in the historic Duffey building. Opened in March 2025, this spot focuses on house-made udon and rice bowls with precision and care. The minimalist design lets the food do the talking, with about 65 seats and counter-service simplicity.
Karaage chicken over thick, chewy udon noodles is a fan favorite, along with the Kado don rice bowl topped with fresh sashimi and tangy pickled radish. Non-alcoholic drink options shine here too. Try the hojicha latte or yuzu shiso spritz for something refreshing and different.
Perfect for a quick but quality lunch or a laid-back dinner before exploring the North Loop nightlife.
4. Meet Up Noodle (Minneapolis – Eat Street)
Northwestern Chinese flavors take center stage at Meet Up Noodle, where hand-pulled noodles arrive thick and satisfying, swimming in rich broths. Cumin-dusted lamb dishes have earned serious praise from local food writers, and the warming spices make this spot ideal for cold Minnesota nights. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, perfect for groups looking to share multiple dishes.
Braised beef noodle soup comes loaded with scallions and a generous drizzle of chile oil, delivering comfort in every spoonful. Lamb dishes seasoned with Sichuan peppercorns offer a tingling, aromatic experience that noodle lovers dream about. The menu invites exploration and repeat visits.
Come hungry, bring friends, and prepare to leave completely satisfied and planning your next visit.
5. St. Pierre Steak and Seafood (Minneapolis – North Loop)
Isaac Becker and Nancy St. Pierre brought back the magic of their beloved Burch Steak and Pizza when they opened St. Pierre Steak and Seafood in March 2025. Located in the former Snack Bar space, this North Loop destination pulls together greatest hits from their past projects while adding a serious seafood lineup. Niman Ranch beef cuts anchor the menu with quality and flavor.
Coconut curry mussels, lobster cutlet, and black cod swimming in crazy water showcase the seafood side beautifully. The polished atmosphere makes it ideal for date nights or celebrations where you want to linger over cocktails and wine. Service matches the upscale vibe without feeling stuffy.
Expect to spend a few hours here, savoring every course and enjoying the North Loop energy.
6. North Star Deli (Minneapolis – Kingfield/South Minneapolis)
Hockey nostalgia meets serious sandwich craft at North Star Deli, where chef Pedro Wolcott honors the old Minnesota North Stars with every menu item. Opened in 2025 near 46th and Grand, this tiny spot packs big flavors into sandwiches named after legendary players. Memorabilia covers the walls, creating a mini museum vibe that locals already love.
Bread shipped directly from New Orleans forms the foundation for authentic muffaletta and po’ boy sandwiches that transport you straight to the French Quarter. The smoked salmon BLT adds avocado and wasabi mayo for a creative twist on a classic. Portions run generous, so come with an appetite.
Perfect for pre-game fuel or post-game celebrations, especially if you love messy, delicious sandwiches and hockey history.
7. Jade Dynasty (Minneapolis – LynLake / West Lake Street)
A 60-page menu might sound overwhelming, but at Jade Dynasty, it means endless possibilities for exploration and discovery. Veterans behind Nankin and Hong Kong Noodles opened this massive Cantonese restaurant in early 2025, taking over the former Fuji Ya space with style and ambition. The dramatic dining room feels designed for celebrations and big groups gathering around lazy Susans.
Dim sum service on weekends draws crowds eager for har gow, shumai, and other classic bites. Peking duck arrives tableside with ceremony and crispy, golden skin that crackles with every bite. Vegetarians will find plenty of options scattered throughout that enormous menu.
Bring your whole family, order way too much food, and enjoy the banquet-hall energy that makes every meal feel special.
8. Pikok Lounge at Minari (Minneapolis – Northeast)
Attached to the acclaimed Minari, Pikok Lounge reimagines the old Peacock Lounge space with Korean-inspired flair and seriously creative cocktails. The dim lighting and stylish design create perfect conditions for drinks-and-snacks evenings or late-night bites after exploring Northeast. Playful menu items range from oysters to squid-ink dumplings, each designed for sharing and sampling.
The kimchi cheeseburger has already developed a cult following among regulars who appreciate the fusion of Korean flavors with American comfort food. Snow crab hand rolls and caviar-topped nuggets showcase the kitchen’s willingness to have fun while maintaining quality. The cocktail program deserves equal attention, with inventive drinks that change seasonally.
Come for pre-dinner drinks, stay for multiple rounds of small plates, and enjoy the sophisticated lounge atmosphere.
9. Palace Pub (St. Paul – Downtown, next to Palace Theatre)
Timing matters when you’re hungry before a show, and Palace Pub understands that perfectly. Opened in 2025 in the former Wrestaurant space, this downtown St. Paul spot exists to feed concertgoers and downtown workers with classic bar fare done right. Thin-crust pizza, juicy burgers, and crispy wings dominate the menu, all served quickly enough to catch your curtain time.
The atmosphere adjusts to the Palace Theatre schedule, buzzing with pre-show energy or offering a relaxed late-night hang after performances. Happy hour deals make it budget-friendly for regular visits. Tavern-style pizzas come with that perfect crispy edge that pizza lovers crave.
Whether you’re catching a concert or just exploring downtown St. Paul, this pub delivers reliable comfort food and cold drinks.
10. The Commodore Bar & Restaurant (St. Paul – Cathedral Hill)
F. Scott Fitzgerald once frequented this Jazz Age icon, and after a five-year closure and meticulous renovation, The Commodore returned in fall 2025 looking absolutely stunning. The Art Deco interior transports you straight to the 1920s, with mirror-lined walls and period details preserved with obvious care and respect. Every corner whispers stories of glamorous nights and literary legends.
Classic cocktails like martinis, gimlets, and Old Fashioneds flow from the bar with perfect proportions and presentation. The kitchen is still ramping up, but shareable snacks pair beautifully with drinks while you soak in the atmosphere. Dress codes aren’t enforced, but you’ll want to look sharp in this setting.
Perfect for anyone who dreams of time travel or just wants to feel fancy for an evening in Cathedral Hill.
11. Razava Bread Co. (St. Paul – Grand Avenue)
When historic Baldinger Bakery closed, St. Paul mourned the loss of a beloved institution. Razava Bread Co. stepped in to carry that legacy forward, opening on Grand Avenue in December 2024 with head baker Omri Zin-Tamir at the helm. He describes it as a noisy, clunky pirate ship bakery, which perfectly captures the old-world craft meeting modern energy.
San Francisco-style sourdough loaves emerge from the ovens with crackling crusts and tangy, chewy interiors. Two bagel styles, Jerusalem and New York, offer different textures and flavors, both excellent topped with schmear, lox, and roasted tomatoes. Challah arrives golden and braided, perfect for weekend brunch at home.
Early morning bread runs here have become a neighborhood ritual worth waking up for.
12. Altera (St. Paul – Highland Park)
Highland Park residents finally have the upscale neighborhood spot they’ve been craving since Altera opened in December 2024. The InnerBloom group behind Josefina, Layline, and Yumi Sushi brought their expertise to this cozy but polished space featuring globally inspired small plates. The serious bar program creates cocktails that deserve Instagram posts and slow sipping.
Hamachi crudo showcases pristine fish with delicate accompaniments, while dan dan noodles deliver Sichuan heat with tender pork and bok choy. Creative cocktails include a whey-infused apricot sour and pasilla-spiced Old Fashioned that push boundaries while remaining delicious. The casual elegance vibe makes it perfect for date nights without driving downtown.
Highland locals are already claiming this as their special-occasion spot, and it’s easy to understand why after one visit.
13. D’s Banh Mi (Minneapolis – South Minneapolis)
After a car accident damaged the building, D’s Banh Mi reopened to cheers from the South Minneapolis community who missed their Vietnamese sandwich fix. The walk-up window and patio setup keeps things casual and accessible, perfect for grabbing lunch on sunny days. Prices hover around $14 for banh mi packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and flavorful proteins.
Noodle bowls offer a heartier option when you want something more substantial than a sandwich. Spring rolls arrive fresh and light, ideal for sharing or adding to your meal. Gluten-free and vegan options ensure everyone can find something delicious here.
The patio becomes prime real estate in warm weather, where you can enjoy your meal while watching the neighborhood bustle by with laid-back vibes.
