Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Minneapolis - St. Paul

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Minneapolis - St. Paul? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

joan's in the Park

5.0

5 (2088)

$50 and over

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

joan's in the Park restaurant and full service bar is an elegantly cozy dining destination, located on Snelling Avenue in Highland Park. We offer a 4 course menu designed by Chef /owner Susan Dunlop, which includes distinctive American cuisine . We offer only the finest ingredients, sourced locally when possible. Maître d'/owner Joan Schmitt (and Highland Park native) offers first-class hospitality. Our carefully selected wine, beer and signature cocktail list will also appeal to all tastes. joan's is a must try, if you enjoy great food and amazing hospitality in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Top review

Megan

Dined 1 day ago

We always have a great time at Joan’s in the Park. The seasonal menu offers something new every visit, but they also have regular favorites, like the filet mignon and the brown butter pudding. Highly recommend!

Crasqui

4.9

4.9 (87)

$50 and over

Venezuelan

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Crasqui is a lively Venezuelan restaurant in Saint Paul. Recipes are inspired in our chef-owner Soleil Ramirez childhood, family and friends in her home-country Venezuela.

For us Crasqui is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vessel for memories, dreams, flavors, and connections. We will keep infusing our passion, dedication and love into every dish to make every guest experience memorable.

Top review

Erik

Dined 7 days ago

I've had several positive experiences at Crasqui. Free on-site parking is a gamechanger considering its proximity to downtown. The bar is a great place to settle for a cozy cocktail - I would highly recommend trying some of the imported rums. It's also a great place to celebrate milestones with loved ones. The elevated, authentic cuisine nourishes the soul, and the staff is welcoming and unpretentious.

Stonegarden

4.9

4.9 (22)

$30 and under

Breakfast

South Minneapolis

About the restaurant

Minutes from Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport (MSP), Stonegarden blends global influences with French technique to create a chef-driven destination for breakfast and brunch. Join us when meeting friends, enjoying a date day, or business lunch; our modern, bright, and warm space is perfect for groups and individuals.

Start with our nourishing bone broths, the Scotch Egg or Maryland Crab Cake. Perhaps, indulge in the Poutine with smoked tomato gravy and sunny egg. Favorites include the French Onion Omelette, Norwegian Benedict with house-cured gravlax, Challah French Toast or delectable tartines.

Pair your meal with our handcrafted cocktails, like the Espresso Martini or Sage 75, mocktails, unique wines, or espresso beverages. Vegan, vegetarian, halal-friendly, and gluten-free choices make Stonegarden inclusive and welcoming.

Open early, Stonegarden is perfect for travelers, locals, and business persons seeking delicious breakfast and brunch.

Top review

RyanVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Overall great food and service. We enjoyed everything and are hoping they think about adding dinner maybe with small plates to enjoy the great bar later than brunch. Highly recommend.

Juniper's

4.8

4.8 (174)

$31 to $50

American

Lanesboro

About the restaurant

Fast casual cuisine by Executive Chef Tyler Shipton consists of a more inviting sit-down ambiance with counter side ordering and food delivered to your table. Fast Casual has something for everyone and welcomes all, including vegetarian, allergy friendly, families & kids.

Award winning burgers - Handmade pastas and soups - organic/scratch kitchen - rotating season items and chef’s specials
Hand crafted cocktails, wines from around the world, rotating craft beer on tap
Located along the stunning Root River - Lanesboro, MN
*Indoor dining (April/May/November/December)
*Outdoor dining (Memorial weekend to to mid October)

Top review

Michael

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

We had the fish. Very good. Cabbage slaw was delicious. Burgers great. Would return.

Billy Sushi

4.8

4.8 (14)

$30 and under

Sushi

Downtown / Mill District

About the restaurant

There are ninety-nine different ways to write “sushi” in the Japanese script of kanji. Each with its own unique interpretation and meaning. It was with great deliberation that our founder, Billy, chose 寿司 to best represent his personal interpretation of the word - Celebration of Fish!

That’s exactly how Billy feels about the art of making sushi and the atmosphere that surrounds it - it should be a celebration! Which is why Billy Sushi is more than just a restaurant, it is an experience for anyone who allows themselves to take part.

A three-ring performance of sorts - sushi bar, sake bar and dining room - brought to life by the performances of sushi chefs, bartenders and servers. And the Ring Master and your host, Billy.

Top review

Chris

Dined 5 days ago

Best sushi in MSP by a wide margin. Love the food and ambiance. Still hoping to get down to the private Japanese whiskey collection one of these days!

Young Joni

4.7

4.7 (808)

$31 to $50

Pizzeria

Northeast Minneapolis

About the restaurant

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. Back bar reservations are available, and walk-ins are always welcome.

Top review

Barb

Dined 2 days ago

Great server - fabulous food - attentive staff - we WILL be back!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Experience

NYE Celebration Dinner

Experience

Chef's Counter

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Minneapolis, MN | Lyndale & Lake (Lyn-Lake)

4.7

4.7 (315)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Uptown

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

Makayla

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

First time ever having Japanese BBQ and it was delightful had a wide variety of meats and really enjoyed it!

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Experience

Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at...

The Ball Park TC

4.5

4.5 (22)

$31 to $50

American

Blaine

About the restaurant

Every plate at The Ball Park is thoughtfully curated to serve you the best quality ingredients, robust flavors, and unforgettable experience. We are proud to source locally.

Top review

BobVIP

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

We were nearby at a kid basketball tourney. I was able to book 2 tables for 16 people fast. The service was excellent. Very friendly and fun staff. It's a new place so I know they are still getting their systems together but overall it was a well run operation. Good food and drinks. A fantastic selection of beer too. I would highly recommend you give them a shot. The batting cages and all of that are in the back so the main part of this place is set up like a cool sports bar more than anything else. I also enjoyed the mezcal margarita.

Missi's Sip & Savor at The Confluence Hotel

4.4

4.4 (321)

$30 and under

American

Hastings

About the restaurant

Embark on an extraordinary dining journey at Hastings newest culinary haven. Our restaurant offers an unmatched experience, where stunning river views converge with exceptional cuisine and a subtle hint of charcoal in the air. A destination like no other, it enchants your senses in ways beyond compare.

Top review

Judy

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Everything was just right! Beautiful ambience, great food & service.

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3.9

3.9 (100)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / Mill District

About the restaurant

Welcome to Breva, the quintessential neighborhood gathering spot in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. At Breva, we invite you to experience the essence of conviviality, served up with a touch of elegance in a casual chic setting.

Our culinary journey is guided by the expert hands of Chef Bjorn Thomson and a team of seasoned hospitality professionals. Together, they've crafted a menu that's a true celebration of the New American spirit – elevated, unpretentious, and discerning.

Breva is just minutes from the Convention Center and Orchestra Hall, and a short drive from local theaters and sports stadiums.

Breva is an ideal destination for all groups and occasions!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Dec 5, 2024

Service amazing, drinks good and burger was ok but squared so it rose the issue was it all real ground beef? Their fries were really good! Could get ketchup but not BBQ The shrimp scampi was not to be desired. Came in a yellow orange sauce that tasted a bit curry-ish. Now I like curry but was expecting more of a butter garlic taste? Plus the noodles were rigatoni’s and not long noodles? Am I missing something here? And no option of garlic bread. Ate half was ok. The bill came to 91 US dollars. Two meals, two drinks and a 45 tip… because the service was great!

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Experience

2-Course Prix Fixe Dinner $27

Experience

2-Course Prix Fixe Lunch $20

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