Stacy Brooks
Stacy Brooks is Minneapolis-based freelance writer and lifelong Minnesotan. Her work has been published in Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Hemispheres, Atlas Obscura, Civil Eats, Midwest Living, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. She is a frequent contributor to the Heavy Table, a Twin Cities publication that covers the food and drink scene of the Upper Midwest.
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Oro By Nixta
Northeast Minneapolis’s Oro uses extraordinary heirloom masa in everything from chips and tacos to tamales and pastries.
Marty’s Deli
The line at Marty’s in the Arts District will probably be out the door, but don’t let that discourage you: service is efficient and the enormous sandwiches really are that good.
Bebe Zito Ice Cream & Burgers
Bebe Zito in Lowry Hill East has some wild ice cream flavors and solid burgers.
Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Cafe
Sebastian Joe’s is a Minneapolis dessert icon with two locations and nearly 200 flavors.
Afro Deli
For a satisfying lunch, stop by Afro Deli in Cedar-Riverside for rice bowls, sandwiches, and gyros.
Al’s Breakfast
Al’s Breakfast is a 14-seat diner in Dinkytown where you should order the blueberry pancakes.
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen
You need to try the braised oxtail with Kingston Kick sauce at Pimento Jamaican Kitchen in Whittier.
Manny’s Steakhouse
Manny’s Steakhouse is a classic restaurant downtown that’s known for serving huge steaks and strong cocktails.
The Bungalow Club
The Bungalow Club in Cooper does an Italian three-course, prix-fixe menu that's served family-style.
Zen Box Izakaya
Zen Box Izakaya is a laid-back spot in Downtown East where you should order tonkotsu ramen.
Martina
Martina is an Argentinian-Italian spot in Linden Hills with a beach house vibe and excellent cocktails.
Union Hmong Kitchen
Union Hmong Kitchen is a counter inside the Graze Provisions & Libations food hall where you should try the whole fried fish with tamarind crab sauce.
Matt’s Bar
Matt’s Bar is a neighborhood spot in Powderhorn that’s famous for their cheese-stuffed, juicy lucy burgers.
Back Bar at Young Joni
Back Bar at Young Joni in Northeast Minneapolis is a speakeasy that feels like a 1970s basement.
Petite León
Petite León is a great choice for a date night in Kingfield. Try the Oaxacan Old Fashioned.
Tenant
Tenant is a small East Harriet restaurant serving a six-course tasting menu that’s great for date night or a special occasion.
Alma
Alma in Marcy-Holmes is home to a really good prix-fixe restaurant, an all-day cafe, and a boutique hotel.
Owamni
The menu at Owamni by the Sioux Chef in the Gateway District relies on decolonized ingredients indigenous to North America.
Spoon & Stable
if you're celebrating a special occasion at Spoon & Stable in the North Loop, you might receive a giant cone of cotton candy.
The Best Restaurants In Minneapolis
Where to have a great meal after the obligatory cheese-stuffed burger.