Travel Guide
5 Days of Eating in Minneapolis
From legendary delis and dollar slices to Michelin-starred temples — every meal planned across five unforgettable days. Organized from splurge-worthy dinners to budget-friendly gems.
Day 1
North Loop & Northeast Icons
Isles Bun & Coffee
A beloved Minneapolis morning ritual — grab a legendary caramel pecan roll and a perfectly brewed cup at this cozy neighborhood staple near Lake of the Isles.
Must Order
- Caramel pecan roll
- Drip coffee
- Blueberry muffin
Pro Tip: Arrive before 9 AM on weekends — the pecan rolls sell out fast.
World Street Kitchen
Chef Sameh Wadi's fast-casual gem brings together global flavors — Korean BBQ burritos, Moroccan bowls, and yum yum rice — all at wallet-friendly prices.
Must Order
- Yum Yum Rice Bowl
- Korean BBQ burrito
- Rotating soup
Pro Tip: The rotating specials are always worth trying — follow them on Instagram for the latest.
Martina
Chef Daniel del Prado's neighborhood gem blends South American fire with Italian soul. Wood-fired meats, handmade pastas, and an unforgettable wine list.
Must Order
- Empanadas
- Wood-fired ribeye
- Handmade pasta of the day
Pro Tip: Sit at the bar for a more casual vibe and great cocktails. Reservations recommended.
Day 2
Northeast Arts & Eats
Aki's BreadHaus
A wonderfully unique bakery blending German baking traditions with Japanese precision. Pretzels, milk bread, and seasonal pastries that are unlike anything else in the city.
Must Order
- Bavarian pretzel
- Shokupan milk bread
- Seasonal Danish
Pro Tip: Limited quantities — get there early, especially on Saturday mornings.
Holy Land Deli
A Northeast Minneapolis institution serving incredible Middle Eastern and North African food since 1987. The attached grocery store is a treasure trove of spices and imported goods.
Must Order
- Lamb shawarma plate
- Falafel wrap
- Baklava
Pro Tip: Grab extra hummus and pita from the grocery side — it's some of the best in the Midwest.
Young Joni
Ann Kim's James Beard Award-winning restaurant serves blistered pizzas from a wood-fired oven alongside Korean-inspired dishes. The secret back bar, 'Back Bar,' is a speakeasy worth discovering.
Must Order
- Korean BBQ pizza
- Blistered shishito peppers
- Wood-fired whole fish
Pro Tip: Ask about the Back Bar — it's a hidden cocktail lounge behind a secret door. No reservations, first come first served.
Day 3
Mill District & Downtown
Rustica Bakery
Artisan breads, flaky croissants, and some of the best pastries in the Twin Cities. Rustica is a flour-dusted love letter to old-world baking in the heart of the North Loop.
Must Order
- Almond croissant
- Cardamom roll
- Rustic sourdough loaf
Pro Tip: The cardamom roll is a local favorite and a nod to the city's Scandinavian roots.
Owamni
James Beard Best New Restaurant winner — Sean Sherman's groundbreaking Indigenous cuisine uses only pre-colonization ingredients. No wheat, dairy, or cane sugar. A truly singular dining experience.
Must Order
- Bison tartare
- Corn sorbet
- Sunflower seed hummus with wild rice chips
Pro Tip: Book well in advance — this is one of the hardest reservations in the Midwest.
Spoon and Stable
Gavin Kaysen's flagship restaurant in a converted horse stable. Refined New American cuisine with French technique, seasonal Midwest ingredients, and impeccable service.
Must Order
- Duck liver mousse
- Seasonal tasting menu
- Kaysen's famous pasta
Pro Tip: The bar menu offers a more casual (and affordable) way to experience the kitchen's brilliance.
Day 4
Eat Street & Midtown Global
Quang
A legendary Eat Street institution serving massive bowls of pho and crispy Vietnamese crepes since 1989. It's comfort food at its finest — steamy, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.
Must Order
- Pho dac biet (combination pho)
- Bánh xèo (Vietnamese crepe)
- Vietnamese iced coffee
Pro Tip: Perfect for a cold Minneapolis morning — nothing warms you up like a giant bowl of Quang's pho.
Midtown Global Market
A vibrant international food hall with vendors from dozens of cultures — Somali, Mexican, Hmong, Ecuadorian, and more. This is the Minneapolis melting pot at its most delicious.
Must Order
- Lamb suqaar from Safari Express
- Pupusas from Andy's Garage
- Mango lassi from Bombay Bistro
Pro Tip: Come hungry and graze from multiple vendors — it's the best way to experience the market.
Demi
Gavin Kaysen's intimate 20-seat counter restaurant serves a multi-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. Every dish is a miniature work of art — this is Minneapolis fine dining at its peak.
Must Order
- Full tasting menu (it's the only option)
- Wine pairing
Pro Tip: Book the moment reservations open — Demi sells out in minutes. It's the best restaurant in Minnesota.
Day 5
The Grand Finale
Cafe Alma
Alex Roberts' neighborhood café delivers one of the best brunches in the city with farm-to-table ingredients, house-baked pastries, and a warm, sunlit dining room.
Must Order
- Buttermilk pancakes
- Farm egg scramble
- House-made granola
Pro Tip: Weekend brunch gets busy — arrive early or be prepared for a short wait.
Revival
The fried chicken that put Minneapolis on the national food map. Thomas Boemer's crispy, Tennessee hot-style bird with Southern sides is an absolute must before you leave town.
Must Order
- Half bird Tennessee Hot
- Mac and cheese
- Smoked collard greens
Pro Tip: Get the Tennessee Hot if you can handle the heat — it's the move. Pair with a cold beer.
Alma
James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Roberts' flagship. Alma is a love letter to Minnesota — local farms, seasonal ingredients, and a warm elegance that makes every meal feel special.
Must Order
- Seasonal tasting menu
- Cheese course
- House-made bread
Pro Tip: End your Minneapolis food trip on a high note — this is one of the most important restaurants in the Midwest.
By Budget
Splurge ($$$$)
- Spoon and Stable
- Demi
- Alma
Upscale ($$$)
- Martina
- Young Joni
- Owamni
Moderate ($$)
- Cafe Alma
- Revival
Budget ($)
- Isles Bun & Coffee
- World Street Kitchen
- Aki's BreadHaus
- Holy Land Deli
- Rustica Bakery
- Quang
- Midtown Global Market
Want the Full Top 25?
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