Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Minneapolis/St. Paul

This classy bar and grill has been a pioneer among local restaurants by offering regional, home-produced food. This casually chic establishment has evolved into the best place to hear local and national jazz acts. An intimate stage separates the bar from the dining room. The acoustics are considered some of the best in the Upper Midwest. The menu features trout from a Wisconsin farm and local game fowl, mushrooms, and wild rice. It is all put together with the utmost care and a lot of imagination. The wine (including some by local wineries), beer and liquor selection is impeccable.

Portraits of Minnesota's well-known politicians and personalized wine lockers of the city's power brokers and local celebrities clue you in to the clientele here. The club-like atmosphere combined with superb service makes for a dining experience you will not soon forget. The menu is a la carte and the portions are huge. Start with the cold shellfish platter, a gleaming silver tower of cold baby lobster, little neck clams and fresh oysters. The steaks are proudly displayed in a refrigerator case where they are dry-aged to perfection. The porterhouse, New York strip and the lighter sirloin or filet mignon will satisfy any appetite. If seafood is what you are craving, lobster, salmon filet or blackened tuna steak should suffice. Large baked potatoes, creamed spinach or asparagus in Hollandaise sauce are fine accompaniments. Chocolate cake, cheesecake or Creme Brulee will bring things to a fine end. More than 300 bottles of wine and an impressive selection of beers are offered.

Bar La Grassa is one of Minneapolis's finest Italian restaurants that celebrates the cuisine with flair. The rustic decor adds to the charm of this place which serves small and large plates of wonderful dishes. Everything is made fresh and handmade, lending an authenticity of taste that is irreplaceable. An expertly curated wine list complements your meal, making it a memorable one.

Travail Kitchen and Amusements is a lively local restaurant with a unique concept and menu. A truly bright splash of creativity and quality in both conceptualization and execution of the dishes, has people coming back for more. A blend of the traditional American classics fused with the playfulness of molecular gastronomy ensures a novel experience each time. The menu is fixed price at USD130 for two and includes 10 courses. The entertainment section of the meal is a lively, unique affair with chefs and waiters sweeping past at various times, occasionally bursting into song and interacting with guests. They do have special deal nights, like Date Nights when the price is USD110. Seating is communal style, and you can reserve a table for a group or party, though regular reservations aren't accepted.

Enjoy a memorable meal at the trendy Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis. This cozy restaurant is open for dinner on all days of the week. It is owned by Chef Gavin Keysen who specializes in classy American cuisine. There is a bar that serves drinks and libations to complement the meal. The bar is open till late. Private events are also organized here.

Using mostly organic and farm fresh ingredients, Joan's In The Park offers an exquisite fine dining experience. It is a neighborhood favorite that is visited by locals to celebrate special occasions. Their wine bar has an extensive menu that mainly focuses on American-made wines but also features popular imports from around the world. The food is thoughtfully presented and garnished, packing tons of flavor in every bite. Guests can enjoy various meats such as the Crab Toast, Steak Tartare, Braised Beef Cheek and sides like Caramel Carrots and Roasted Cauliflower. For dessert, classic chocolate cakes and spiced apples, as well as the restaurant's signature brown butter pudding can be availed. The white-clad tables and dim lighting add an ambiance of intimacy, which is good for initiating conversations.