In the Land of 10,000 lakes, Minneapolis is quickly becoming the land of 10,000 flavors.
Fresh, bold, highly inventive menus have become the norm in our fare city -- and hungry residents (and tourists, alike) are rejoicing.
So if you're new to town or just looking to try a new spot, here are a few restaurants (both getting the most buzzworthy attention this year.
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165 13th Ave. NE,
Minneapolis, MN 55413
The newest restaurant from pizza genius Ann Kim has been making major waves among food enthusiasts. Well-known for her pizza creations at both Pizzeria Lola and Hello Pizza, Young Joni explored a bit of new territory for Kim, and allowed her to really get creative with the blended cultures of her childhood (think Korean staples with a side of American comfort food). The result has earned her multiple awards for best restaurant, including a handful from national outlets.
211 N. 1st St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Perhaps one of the most well-known restaurants in Minneapolis, thanks to the homegrown celebrity chef who runs it, is North Loop's Spoon and Stable. Chef Gavin Kaysen brings his James Beard award-winning skill and technique to this highly sought after restaurant, which focuses its menu on the freshest, most seasonably available ingredients in Minnesota -- all under the guise of Kaysen's impeccable French cooking.
Corner Table
4537 Nicollet Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55419
What's been known to many residents as the place you go to celebrate, Corner Table is truly a Minneapolis gem. The menu is ever-changing and always evolving, featuring some of the freshest seasonal and locally sourced offerings. The restaurant was known as one of the early masters of the farm-to-table movement and has never wavered in quality.
Revival
4257 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Fried chicken. Is there anything else we really need to say? The fact that lines wrap around the building for a spot in this cozy restaurant should be all the confirmation you need that this is a must if you're in Minneapolis. Choose from southern fried, Tennessee hot, poultrygeist or gluten-free preparation and make sure to get some extra sides (hello, mac + cheese).
Heyday
2700 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
This bright, sun-soaked restaurant right off Lyndale has been keeping diners on their toes since it opened. The food is super inventive, beautifully crafted and perfectly shareable (if you're so inclined). Beyond the food, the cocktails are worth a visit on their own. Under the banner of a lyric from The Replacements, the bar area offers up the classics with a twist plus seasonal concoctions.
Hi-Lo Diner
4020 E Lake St
Minneapolis, MN 55406
If it's good enough for Adele ... Yes, the superstar vocalist famously stopped at this super fun, throwback spot while on tour. And for good reason -- the food is not only super delicious, it's highly hip and oh-so-comforting. Get the Hi-Tops -- a combination of airy, scrumptious donuts with highly dangerous, stick-to-your-bones fillings, like mac and cheese or fried chicken and gravy.
HaiHai
2121 University Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
The much-anticipated restaurant that turned a dive bar and strip club (Deuce, Deuce) into an Asian street food hotspot (Hai Hai means two two in Vietnamese). Here the food ranges from tasty, expertly crafted spring rolls to Vietnamese crepes with pork belly and shrimp. The experience is meant to go beyond the "typical" Southeast Asian dishes with flavors and spices that will awaken all your senses.
Saint Genevieve
5003 Bryant Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55419
From the mastermind of Chef Steven Brown, Saint Genevieve is a hip twist on your French bistro. It's been said to be a quick trip to Paris without the plane ticket. Situated on the corner of 50th and Bryant, the menu moves from shareable sweetbreads to oysters on the half shell and classically prepared lamb and duck breast.
Hola Arepa
3501 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Hello Hola! From the creators of the previously mentioned Hai Hai, this summery spot is what happens when a food truck hits mass popularity and success. In the summer, the patio is the perfect place to pop in for a cocktail and incredible arepa. In the winter months, it's where you want to be to forget the drab, dreary cold. Share some small plates, stop in for weekend brunch, you can't go wrong.
The Kenwood
2115 W 21st St.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Did someone say brunch? The Kenwood takes many diners' favorite meal and elevates it to the next level. The menu starts with brilliant breakfast pastries and expert bacon then hits high notes with a wild mushroom, leeks and gruyere omelette and an elevated "caesar" with egg yolk emulsion and grilled romaine.
Beyond the newcomers and the always-hopping favorites, there's also the Minneapolis stand-bys, all deserving of honorable mentions:
Bar LaGrassa
800 N Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
112 Eatery
112 N 3rd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
World Street Kitchen
2743 Lyndale Ave S #5
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Brasa Premium Rotisserie
600 E Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
