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Top Spots: For an Award-Winning Meal

Looking for top-of-the-line food in Minneapolis? Our culinary scene is heating up: find amazing food without the pretension of other cities. Be sure to plan ahead: many of these gems are only open for dinner and late night, and many may require reservations.

La Belle Vie

Repeatedly voted Best Restaurant by Minneapolis residents, the chef behind the legend Tim McKee won the 2009 Best Chef Midwest James Beard Award (that’s a big deal, folks). Belle Vie is the place to go for a no-corners-left-uncovered romantic dinner. Be sure to splurge with the tasting menu and wine pairing.

And hey, McKee also owns Barrio, Solera Smalley's Caribbean Barbeque & Pirate Bar and the soon-to-debut new restaurant at the Guthrie Theater.

112 Eatery

This is where the chefs go after work. A late night menu and a no-frills attitude on gourmet, James Beard Award-finalist chef Isaac Becker serves some of the best meats in town, without pretension—or a high price tag.

Heidi’s Minneapolis

Arguably the best neighborhood restaurant in the city, this South Minneapolis gem has garnered raves from eaters since it opened in 2007. Chef and Owner Stuart Woodman (do we sense a pattern? James Beard Award nominee), along with his wife (Heidi!) and friend Frank Thorpe combine to offer an incomparable, intimate Minneapolis dining experience.

Saffron

Brothers Sameh and Saed Wadi teamed up to open this Warehouse District Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant in 2007. They’ve been getting rave reviews ever since: major props have come from Zagat, plus chef Sameh was nominated as a 2009 James Beard Award “Rising Star.”

Corner Table

Nestled in South Minneapolis, this restaurant touts food that is “farm driven – not chef driven.” Under the tutelage of Chef Scott Pampuch (a James Beard Award nominee), the menu changes monthly, incorporating local ingredients as they come into season.

Restaurant Alma

This casual dining spot located in Dinkytown is under the helm of (James Beard Award semifinalist chef) Alex Roberts and specializes in three-course tasting menus. The restaurant itself is a historically restored building, adding to the experience’s rustic charm.