Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Cedar-Riverside

Price

$$
$$$
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Regions

FargoTwin Cities / MinneapolisTwin Cities / Northern SuburbsTwin Cities / Southern SuburbsTwin Cities / St. PaulTwin Cities / Western Suburbs

Neighborhoods

BloomingtonBurnsvilleCalhoun IslesDowntown / Mill DistrictDowntown / North LoopEdina

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Blondette

3.7

Very Good(112)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 2 times today

Blondette in Downtown Minneapolis is a culinary gem that reimagines American cuisine with a delightful French twist. Nestled in the iconic Rand Tower Hotel, this restaurant combines "fantastic food, drinks, and service" with an "amazing ambiance" that leaves diners eager to return. Guests rave about the perfectly cooked dishes, such as the exquisite duck l’orange and seared scallops, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. With a retractable roof allowing for year-round starlit dining, Blondette ensures a unique and memorable experience. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, Blondette stands out as a must-visit destination in the city.

2. Milwaukee Road

3.9

Excellent(227)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Milwaukee Road, nestled in the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, offers an unparalleled Contemporary American dining experience in the heart of Minneapolis. With a commitment to blending regional culinary specialties with innovative dishes, every meal promises to be a “delicious” adventure. Diners rave about the “excellent, healthy food selection” and the exquisite attention to detail, from “tempting desserts” to perfectly crafted cocktails like the Maple Old Fashioned. Whether enjoying a meal in the elegant dining room or the inviting seasonal patio, guests are treated to a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making Milwaukee Road a must-visit destination for authentic Contemporary American cuisine.

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

3. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1127)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 53 times today

**Please note all reservations are for Nolo's Kitchen, the rooftop is first come, first serve. For cabana rentals please visit https://www.rooftopbarmpls.com/cabanas**Located at the historic Gardner Hardware Building at 515 Washington Ave N in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. The NOLO's team consists of Marty Collins, Brett Johnson and Peter Hoff, each native Minnesotans with extensive industry experience. Marty has owned over 10 restaurant concepts in Minneapolis, MN, Kansas City and Columbia, MO, and Iowa City, IA. Brett and his family have owned and operated The Hilltop Restaurant for the past 40 years. Pete, the head chef, brings his most recent culinary experience and creativity from California to NOLO’s, The Rooftop Bar and The Basement Bar. His culinary vision and passion for local ingredients create new modern comfort food dishes. The team shares a passion for the restaurant and bar industry and sees an opportunity to fill gaps in the market in the North Loop.

4. Bar Rufus

new

4.3

Awesome(1)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 1 time today

NEWLY REOPENED! Bar Rufus is a sophisticated restaurant and bar located on the street level of the historic Rand Tower Hotel. Open for breakfast, dinner, coffee, and cocktails, Bar Rufus features an all-new modern American menu with an elevated twist on classic gastropub fare like braised beef, cheese curds with spicy honey, and charcuterie & cheese along with inventive cocktails and a curated wine list. Coffee connoisseurs can enjoy the finest Italian Lavazza coffee, including the signature Lavazza espresso martini, which pays homage to the timeless appeal of café culture. Whether starting the day with an indulgent breakfast or winding down with an elegant dinner, Bar Rufus promises to be a gathering place where history and modernity meet in perfect harmony. Diners visiting Bar Rufus during the month of February will enjoy a complimentary Lavazza coffee with any breakfast entree. Mention this offer to your server to redeem.

5. noa

4.3

Awesome(169)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 21 times today

Nestled in the IDS Center, Noa in downtown Minneapolis is a culinary gem that elevates Fusion/Eclectic cuisine to new heights. With its chef-crafted dishes, Noa offers a menu that is both upscale and accessible, delighting diners with innovative flavors and creative presentations. The restaurant's cozy ambiance, emphasized by earthy hues and natural light, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests rave about the "delicious crab-crusted Walleye" and "some of the best Scallops" they've ever tasted, highlighting the authenticity and quality of the dishes. Whether you're planning a business lunch or a date night, Noa promises an exceptional dining experience.

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

6. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(5278)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 17 times today

Cafe Lurcat in Minneapolis is a shining star of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a dining experience that blends classic charm with a modern twist. Nestled by Loring Park, this restaurant has been delighting patrons with its "fantastic food" and "wonderful service" for nearly two decades. Guests rave about the "delicious" sea bass and the refreshing apple, cheese, and chive salad. The ambiance, described as "fun for a special occasion," complements the sophisticated comfort food offering. With creative cocktails, an impressive wine list, and a setting that feels both intimate and grand, Cafe Lurcat is a must-visit gem in the Twin Cities.

7. Borough

4.6

Exceptional(1515)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 10 times today

Borough was created to represent the chefs point of view of simplicity. We are a casual eatery with an ever changing menu that focuses on simple ingredients that are seasonal and sourced locally. This ever changing menu allows our chefs to stay creative with the changing of the seasons and the food that is offered by foragers during them.Parlour seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

8. Breva

4.1

Excellent(112)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 5 times today

Breva in Downtown Minneapolis is a haven for grill cuisine enthusiasts, offering a delightful blend of taste and authenticity. Guided by the skilled hands of Chef Bjorn Thomson, Breva's menu is a celebration of the New American spirit, with grill dishes that leave a lasting impression. One patron raves about the "roasted brick chicken," highlighting its crispy skin and juicy interior. The "short rib with great smoky sauce" is another standout, praised for its tenderness and flavor. With every dish crafted to perfection, Breva ensures a dining experience that is both "cozy and elevated," making it a must-visit for grill lovers.

A photo of Nicollet Island Inn restaurant

9. Nicollet Island Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3419)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 11 times today

Nicollet Island Inn, nestled in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, offers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience that is both authentic and exquisite. The talented Executive Chef Michael Rain crafts an innovative and ever-evolving menu featuring delicious seafood, steaks, and gourmet dishes that capture the essence of the Mediterranean. Diners are consistently impressed by the "delicious food and exceptional service," ensuring each visit is memorable. With stunning river views and a cozy, elegant atmosphere, the Inn is the perfect spot for any occasion. Patrons rave about its "great ambience" and "fantastic holiday experiences," making it a true culinary gem in the city.

A photo of The Jolliet House at Marquette Hotel restaurant

10. The Jolliet House at Marquette Hotel

4.2

Awesome(41)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Mill District

Located in Downtown Minneapolis, on the third floor of The Marquette Hotel, Jolliet House is the ideal location for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and now Top Golf Swing Suite. We invite you to indulge in a full breakfast buffet, weekend brunch, or savor one of our delicious lunch or dinner entrees, including seasonal fresh salads, American Wagyu Burger, Roasted Chicken, Hawaiian Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and much more.**Now open** our all-new Topgolf Swing Suite with two bays available for virtual play and a featured menu of snacks and drinks. Reserve your playtime through Open Table or give us a call. Groups, parties, meetings, and families welcome. Come experience a new way to play in Minneapolis year round.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
GretchenVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
The ambience is great, fun atmosphere. Food was delicious. Unfortunately our server was not attentive and quite rude to our group. Aside from that, our experience was great.
More info
Nolo's Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.7
J
JanVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •35 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
We had a lovely Restaurant Week dinner at Noa on Friday night. We selected Noa because they had a more interesting Restaurant Week menu. Despite the very exuberant happy hour group at the bar, we had a great meal. Service was efficient and friendly and we really enjoyed our food choices.
More info
noaPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.3
M
Michael
1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 16, 2025
It was a great experience for my wife and I. The food was fantastic along with the service. The espresso martini is a must try!
More info
Bar RufusPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / Mill District
•
4.3
C
Callie
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Loved my meal! And the chai old fashioned was great.
More info
Milwaukee RoadPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
3.9
T
thomasVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 19, 2025
Lovely setting, attentive service, delicious meal and exciting cocktails. We loved every aspect of our date night dinner. Beef tartare, scallops and duck were all outstanding and beautiful. Passionfruit tart also very nice. Don’t miss the passionfruit cocktail with bubbles, sidecar or espresso martini. Exceptionally good.
More info
BlondettePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / Mill District
•
3.7

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