Top Places to Eat in the Twin Cities: Your Ultimate Minneapolis & St. Paul Dining Guide

Discover the Twin Cities’ Food Scene: 10 Must-Eat Spots Recommended by Cari Ann Carter Group

As the Cari Ann Carter Group, we're not just passionate about helping you find your dream home — we also know that part of truly loving where you live means having incredible restaurants just around the corner. Whether you’re new to the Twin Cities or simply looking to elevate your dining game, here are 10 standout places to eat in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, curated for flavor, ambiance, and local charm.

1. Vagabondo (Excelsior)

Tucked into the historic Bacon Drug building in Excelsior, Vagabondo  is chef David Fhima’s tribute to his Sicilian heritage. https://vagabondomn.com

• Cuisine & Menu: Expect bold Mediterranean flavors, handmade pasta, Neapolitan- and Sicilian-style pizza, and fresh seafood. Vagabondo Excelsior

• Atmosphere: By day, it's a cozy coffee lounge; by night, a warm, elegant dining room and basement wine bar. 

• Location & Hours: 205 Water St, Excelsior, MN. Coffee lounge opens at 8am; dinner service nightly with a lively bar. 

• Why Go: This restaurant brings a piece of Old World Sicily to the Twin Cities, with a legacy sourdough starter from Fhima’s family behind their pizzas.

2. Spoon & Stable (North Loop, Minneapolis)

A true Minneapolis gem, Spoon & Stable is helmed by James Beard–winning chef Gavin Kaysen. https://www.spoonandstable.com

• History & Design: Set in a beautifully converted 1906 horse stable, the space features exposed brick, high ceilings, and an open kitchen — it's part theater, part cozy bistro. 

• Cuisine: French-influenced, seasonally driven, rooted in Midwest ingredients. You’ll find dishes like bison tartare, pot roast, and rotating seasonal specialties.

• Ambiance: It's both elegant and approachable — perfect for special nights out or a refined dinner with friends.

• Accolades: A local darling with national recognition — Kaysen’s return to Minneapolis has given rise to one of the region’s most-loved fine-dining spots.

• Location: 211 N. First Street, Minneapolis, MN.

3. The Grocer’s Table (Wayzata)

Out in Wayzata, along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, The Grocer’s Table is a beloved market-café-wine bar. https://thegrocerstablemn.com

• Concept: A beautifully curated market meets café and wine bar — you can shop, dine, or savor a glass of wine. 

• Food Philosophy: Scratch kitchen, seasonal and rustic menu, with quality ingredients. 

• Vibe: Relaxed and neighborhood-focused — it's the kind of place you can pop into for a casual breakfast, lunch, or evening out.

• Why It Stands Out: It feels both familiar and refined, making it a great stop whether you're entertaining clients or enjoying a quiet evening.

4. Demi (North Loop, Minneapolis)

Demi is Chef Gavin Kaysen’s ultra-intimate tasting-menu restaurant, tucked into the North Loop. https://demimpls.com

• Dining Style: 20-seat, reservation-only tasting menu experience.

• Cuisine: French technique meets bold, seasonal creativity.

• Atmosphere: Quiet, refined, and perfect for anniversaries, celebrations, or when you want a truly memorable evening.

• Why Go: This is for the foodie in you who’s ready to be wowed — a premium, curated experience that highlights the best of Kaysen’s vision.

5. Maison Margaux (North Loop, Minneapolis)

Maison Margaux brings Parisian elegance to the North Loop, with a nod to Moulin Rouge-era charm. https://maisonmargauxmpls.com

• Design & Concept: Three distinct spaces — a light-filled main dining room, an upstairs event space, and a sultry lower-level bar cloaked in crimson velvet. 

• Cuisine: Classic French brasserie fare — think steak au poivre, French onion soup, racks of lamb — executed with precision and passion. 

• Wine & Bar: Extensive wine list curated by sommeliers, with over 860 selections.

• Why It’s Unique: Maison Margaux is more than dinner — it’s an experience. The decor, menu, and service make it feel like a Parisian escape in the heart of Minneapolis.

6. RH Rooftop Restaurant (Edina)

Perched atop the RH design gallery in Edina, the RH Rooftop Restaurant is a skylit garden oasis.https://rh.com/us/en/minneapolis/restaurant

• Cuisine & Menu: A menu of timeless American classics, paired with fine wines and champagnes. 

• Ambiance: Elegant yet laid-back — the third-floor terrace offers indoor-outdoor dining, making it ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

• Design Appeal: It feels like dining in a lush, stylish home — perfect for a design-lover or someone who appreciates curated spaces.

• Why It’s an Insider Pick: The rooftop setting gives you stellar views, and the design-driven atmosphere aligns with sophisticated real estate sensibilities.

7. Martina (Linden Hills, Minneapolis)

Martina is an Argentine-Italian fusion restaurant in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood. https://www.martinarestaurant.com

• Flavor Profile: Rich, comforting dishes blending Italian and South American influences — pasta, steak, seafood, and more.

• Atmosphere: Cozy, lively, welcoming — a favorite for date nights, family dinners, and neighborhood gatherings.

• Why Visit: Martina captures a romantic, worldly charm while staying grounded in neighborhood warmth

8. Burcheron (Minneapolis)

Burcheron is a chic, upscale spot in Minneapolis known for fine dining sophistication.https://bucheronrestaurant.com

• Cuisine: Contemporary American / New American fare — elevated plates, lovingly composed, with attention to detail.

• Ambience: Modern, refined, and intimate — perfect for special occasions or a luxury night out.

• Why Dine Here: For clients or friends who appreciate creativity and high-end dining, Burcheron delivers a memorable, elevated restaurant experience in the heart of the city.

9. Mr. Paul’s Supper Club (Edina)

In Edina, Mr. Paul’s Supper Club brings New Orleans–style flair to the Twin Cities. https://www.mrpaulssupperclub.com

• Menu: A mix of steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, and Cajun favorites — think gumbo, boudin, shrimp, and more.

• Drinks: Award-winning cocktail program with creative options like Sazeracs, frozen Irish coffee, and Hurricane. 

• Atmosphere: Energetic, fun, and slightly theatrical — the spirit of New Orleans meets Midwest hospitality.

• Why It’s Great: Whether you're hosting clients, entertaining friends, or just looking for a lively dinner spot, this supper club combines sophistication and joyful dining.

10. Milly’s Wine Bar & Bistro (Minneapolis)

Milly’s Wine Bar is a welcoming, community-driven wine bar in the Mill District. https://millysmpls.com

• Philosophy: Makes wine accessible, affordable, and fun — perfect for both wine novices and connoisseurs. 

• Food: Light fare that pairs beautifully with wine — think deviled eggs, burrata, salads, charcuterie boards. 

• Vibe: Cozy, neighborly, and relaxing — an ideal spot to unwind after a busy day or to host a small gathering.

• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: For those who love to explore wine but don’t want pretension, Milly’s feels like a warm, inviting home base in the city.