Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Downtown St. Paul

Price

$$
$$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Regions

Twin Cities / MinneapolisTwin Cities / Northern SuburbsTwin Cities / St. PaulTwin Cities / Western Suburbs

Neighborhoods

BlaineBloomingtonCalhoun IslesDowntown / Loring ParkDowntown / Mill DistrictDowntown / North Loop

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

59 restaurants available nearby

1. Tullibee

4.6

Exceptional(1442)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 11 times today

Tullibee celebrates the lakes and woods cuisine that is so deeply woven into the fabric of Minnesota. Named for a fish native to our Minnesota waters, Tullibee is a tribute to our beautiful state and brings its fresh and authentic flavors to each dish we serve. Under Chef Marque Collins lead, Tullibee's new menu is curated with intention to allow guests to try multiple items on the menu. We will be serving more smaller portions of the menu items meant to be ordered many at a time on a rolling basis throughout the meal allowing guests to experience different options. Come and experience the flavors of the North! Tullibee is a taste of Minnesota. *Reservations are for Tullibee only. Our lounge and rooftop bar are seated on a first come, first served basis.

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

2. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1127)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 52 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.

A photo of Manny's Steakhouse restaurant

3. Manny's Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(8474)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 84 times today

Masculine, bright, accented with wood & leather, Manny's evokes the great steakhouses of New York & Chicago - & eclipses them in critical & popular acclaim. Rated Top Five in the U.S. by the Zagat Guide, named one of America's top Steakhouses by the Knife & Fork Club, Men's Journal & the Independent Cattleman's Association, & a perennial winner of newspaper & magazine reader polls, Manny's commands a fanatical local following & a national reputation. Wrote the New York Times: "There's good news in Minneapolis for those who still share the secret pleasures of red meat, well-cut & seriously served." In addition to USDA-certified, dry- aged, center-cut beef, Manny's offers chops, chicken, fresh seafood & a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list.

4. Young Joni

4.8

Exceptional(871)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Northeast Minneapolis

Booked 60 times today

Young Joni is James Beard award-winning chef Ann Kim's restaurant located in the Arts District of Northeast Minneapolis. The menu is inspired by wood fire cooking and features an array of globally influenced dishes and signature pizzas. Dining Room reservations are offered for dinner and weekend brunch; walk-ins are available at our bar and community table.Young Joni is the recipient of 2019's James Beard Award for "Best Chef Midwest"; it has been featured in the New York Times and Vogue, and on Netflix's "Chef's Table: Pizza." Tucked discreetly behind Young Joni is the back bar, serving full and no-proof craft cocktails and pizzas in a warm, analog setting. Esquire named it one of 2019's Best Bars in America and Eater called it an "Essential Minneapolis Bar." Walk down the alley alongside Young Joni and look for the red light; when the light is on, the back bar is open!

A photo of Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge restaurant

5. Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(6223)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 35 times today

Welcome to Murray's Restaurant. Minneapolis' original restaurant for steak since 1946 & home of the award winning Silver Butterknife Steak dinner for two. Also known for mouth watering garlic toast, Hickory Smoked shrimp appetizer, and home baked pies. Well into its third generation of family ownership, Murray's stands out among local and out of town diners alike as a true Twin Cities landmark & continues to provide the best in food and service as it did in 1946.

A photo of 801 Chophouse - Minneapolis restaurant

6. 801 Chophouse - Minneapolis

4.8

Exceptional(1191)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loring Park

Booked 23 times today

## 801 Chophouse: Where Classic Steakhouse Meets Modern Elegance Step into a world of culinary excellence at 801 Chophouse, Minneapolis' premier destination for discerning steak lovers. Here, you'll find only the finest, aged USDA Prime steaks, expertly prepared and served with impeccable attention to detail. Each bite is a symphony of flavor, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. But 801 Chophouse is more than just a steakhouse. It's an experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a touch of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. The attentive staff ensures your every need is met, creating a truly memorable dining experience. Beyond the steaks, 801 Chophouse offers a tantalizing selection of fresh seafood, delectable appetizers, and decadent desserts. The extensive wine list features award-winning selections from around the globe, perfectly complementing your meal. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night of culinary delight, 801 Chophouse is the perfect destination. Come experience the epitome of fine dining in the heart of Minneapolis.

A photo of Butcher & the Boar restaurant

7. Butcher & the Boar

4.6

Exceptional(133)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 36 times today

We are fine-casual dining with a fire at the core of its heart. Through the smoke and whiskey ashes of the previous iteration which closed its doors in 2020 rises a new haze of smoke and whiskey as we bring back this iconic brand, smoked meats, bourbon, beer, deep hues, and various spaces to a new location in the North Loop. Butcher & The Boar will honor its beloved roots, while spreading new ones in the fresh foundation that will help our guests embark on a journey with notes of nostalgia that carry the torch forward with new tastes and experiences. With immense gratitude, we invite you to Live Full Boar with us.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Minneapolis restaurant

8. Fogo de Chao - Minneapolis

4.3

Awesome(5100)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 112 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

9. Zelo

4.9

Exceptional(4100)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 53 times today

At Zelo, we serve simple, fresh Italian cuisine made from local ingredients. Our handcrafted meals accompany a thoughtful, approachable wine selection. We believe dining is more than a menu: it is an experience, and ours is quality. When you’re our guest, our staff learn your name and remember your favorite glass of wine. We passionately commit to bring you the full dining experience – quality food and wine presented with welcoming service. Every meal. Every day. Please join us. An enduring Minneapolis destination, Zelo was opened in 1999 by Rick Webb, a Minnesota restaurateur whose pursuits have set the standard in Twin Cities dining for over 40 years. Looking for another unparalleled dining experience in the south metro? Visit Rick Webb’s acclaimed Ciao Bella, the restaurant that inspired Zelo’s handcrafted food and dedicated service.

A photo of The Capital Grille - Minneapolis restaurant

10. The Capital Grille - Minneapolis

4.9

Exceptional(4748)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 24 times today

Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Robert
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Service was fantastic, had a minor issue with our meal and had half our bill compt, above and beyond service. Would definitely return. Highly recommend.
More info
Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail LoungePrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.8
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
T
Todd
Minneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious food and cocktails. Had the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and the Bison Steak Frites.The Brussels were very roasted and still moist and delicious. The Bison Steak was perfectly done and the accompanying fries tasty all alone or with the optional dill aioli. Only not was the food took a bit to arrive, but was well worth the wait.
More info
TullibeePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6
K
Kathryn
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Great place to celebrate a birthday with family! Salads and apps were terrific, followed by an excellent assortment of pizza. Tess, our server, was friendly, attentive and made our evening one to remember!
More info
Young JoniPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Northeast Minneapolis
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Manny's is an incredible experience. Fantastic service, phenomenal food and all around great time.
More info
Manny's SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.8

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