Minneapolis has quietly built one of the Midwest’s most impressive food scenes, with chefs drawing on Nordic heritage, global experience, and the region’s agricultural bounty.
These five relatively new or recently buzzed‑about spots capture the city’s creative, ingredient‑driven approach.
1. Owamni
Owamni, from chef Sean Sherman (known as the “Sioux Chef”), focuses on Indigenous ingredients and decolonized cooking—meaning no wheat flour, cane sugar, dairy, or beef.
The setting along the Mississippi River underscores the restaurant’s deep sense of place.
The menu highlights game meats, river fish, corn, beans, squash, wild rice, foraged herbs, and berries, presented in modern, beautifully plated dishes.
It’s both educational and delicious, offering a perspective on North American food that many diners have never experienced.
2. Mara
Located inside the Four Seasons, Mara brings a polished Mediterranean experience to downtown Minneapolis.
The room is elegant but not overly formal, blending hotel‑restaurant glamour with a warm, welcoming vibe.
The menu spans the Mediterranean basin, with dishes like crudos, charcoal‑kissed meats, seafood with bright sauces, and vegetable dishes that stand on their own.
House‑made pastas, flatbreads, and a strong mezze lineup make it easy to share. Cocktails and a deep wine list support the wide range of flavors.
3. Myriel
Myriel is an intimate neighborhood restaurant that emphasizes seasonal Midwestern ingredients, subtle French technique, and a sense of calm.
The room is small and thoughtfully designed, with a menu that changes frequently. Guests can often choose between a tasting format and à la carte options.
Dishes are delicate but comforting—think carefully sourced meats, local vegetables handled with restraint, and sauces that tie everything together without overwhelming.
The wine list leans natural and European, curated to match the food’s nuance.
4. Petite León
Petite León, set in a cozy south Minneapolis space, feels like an instant classic neighborhood bistro. It’s informal and lively, but the food shows serious skill and attention.
The menu marries European and Latin influences—perhaps crispy potatoes with bold aioli, expertly cooked steaks, rich braises, and bright, acid‑driven vegetable sides.
Cocktails are a major draw, with a focus on balanced, inventive flavors, and the bar is as much of a hangout as the dining room.
5. Hai Hai
Hai Hai brings a vibrant, tropical energy to Minneapolis with Southeast Asian street‑food flavors and a colorful, fun space. Inside and on the patio, it feels like a warm‑weather escape, even in the depths of winter.
The menu leans heavily on herbs, chiles, citrus, and fish sauce—salads with big crunch and brightness, grilled skewers, noodle dishes, and creative small plates.
Many options are naturally gluten‑free or flexible for different diets. Cocktails echo the tropical theme with fresh juices, bold spices, and playful presentations.
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