Where to Eat Dinner in Minneapolis

Discover local eats in Minneapolis, whether it’s a quick bite or a three-course masterpiece.

The City of Lakes is home to an exquisite culinary scene. From cheese curds and pizza to curry and pho, Minneapolis has a flavorful solution for every craving. Explore our list of culinary hotspots around this gastronomic haven. Refuel for more happy hours, meetings, and fun evenings while enjoying Tourism Academy 2025.

Advance reservations recommended for all listed restaurants that support them.

Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for a genuine Minneapolis-based creation, we recommend trying a juicy lucy cheeseburger. Imagine melted cheese inside of the patty, rather than sandwiched between the other ingredients between the buns.

5-10 Minute Walk from Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

  • EaTo - Relish authentic Italian bites at this stylish bistro, where woodfired pizzas, savory arancini, and refreshing cocktails await.
  • Mara Restaurant and Bar - This Mediterranean restaurant showcases authentic dishes in a sleek setting.
  • Giulia - Make your way to this Parthenon-like restaurant and indulge in a modern twist on Italian cuisine.
  • Farmers Kitchen + Bar - Enjoy locally sourced food at this relaxed eatery—from the harvest salad to the crispy schnitzel.
  • Crooked Pint Ale House - Laid-back gastropub known for award-winning Juicy Lucys and rotating craft beers.
  • Klassics Kitchen + Cocktails - Southern-Caribbean-Guyanese comfort food (oxtail sliders, crab-boil wings) and creative cocktails.
  • Red Cow North Loop - Lively tavern offering gourmet burgers, craft beer and wine.
  • Runyon's - Local dive bar with buffalo wings, burgers, shakes; open daily until 11 pm (kitchen closes at 10pm).
A pizza topped with arugula, cheese, and a wedge of lemon from Giulia.

10-15 Minute Walk from Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

  • Pog Mahone's Pub & Grill - Located near U.S. Bank Stadium, this casual sports bar serves plenty of pub classics, including a mouthwatering Guinness pot roast.
  • Noa - Satisfy your appetite at Noa — an airy, Californian-themed eatery that serves a diverse array of dishes, from birria ramen to chicken shawarma satay.
  • 8th Street Grill - Treat yourself to cheese curds, “tachos,” and draft microbrews.
  • Normandy Kitchen - Experience the flavors of different European cuisines with the shrimp skagen, pomme frites, and a Henry VIII burger.
  • Clay Oven - Dosas, curries, and samosas abound at the Clay Oven.
  • Spice & Tonic - Travel to the northern parts of India with a variety of culinary specialties like paneer pakora and mango kulfi.
  • Hell's Kitchen - Employee-owned comfort-food hub, serving scratch breakfast to dinner with steak, seafood, vegan and gluten-free options.
  • Tom's Watch Bar - Energetic sports bar with wraparound TVs, wings and craft beers — great for catching a game.
  • Lyon's Pub - Classic pub in the theater district, serving fish & chips, sandwiches and plenty of TVs.
  • Pizza Luce Downtown - Late-night pizza joint downtown, offering handmade (including vegan/gluten-free) pies until about 2:30 am.
  • Kieran's Irish Pub - Iconic Irish pub (since 1994) near Target Center, known for pints of Guinness, live music and fish and chips.

North Loop (10-15 Minute Walk; Great for before the Fillmore)

  • Smack Shack - Casual seafood spot famed for sustainable lobster rolls and communal lobster boils.
  • Parlour - Intimate subterranean cocktail bar celebrated for its creative drinks and double-stack cheeseburger.
  • Salt & Flour Kitchen - Italian-Americana eatery serving handmade pasta, focaccia pizzas and lively patio dining.
  • Dario – New-to-Minneapolis restaurant serving pasta and globally-inspired cuisine in a hip dining space featuring pastel pink walls.
  • Red Rabbit - Cozy Italian-American spot with pizza, pasta and a great happy-hour vibe.
  • Graze Food Hall by Travail - Chef-driven food hall featuring stalls for dumplings, fried chicken, tacos, and more. TIP: The Fillmore is only a short, 3-minute walk to the Fillmore (host of the closing party).
  • NOLO's Kitchen & Bar - Elevated neighborhood tavern offering seasonal American comfort cuisine.
  • The Freehouse - Brewery-restaurant hybrid with house beers and scratch cooking in a taproom setting.
  • Bar La Grassa - Italian hotspot from a James Beard-recognized chef, known for standout handmade pasta.
  • Billy Sushi - Sleek North Loop sushi bar offering fresh rolls and sake in a casual-upscale setting.
  • Porzana - Modern Argentinian steakhouse specializing in grass-fed to wagyu beef and wood-fired cooking.
  • MaisonMargaux - Luxe French brasserie with multiple dining rooms, and rooftop chef's table.
  • J.D. Hoyt's Supper Club - Cozy North Loop steakhouse with Cajun-flavored charcoal-grilled steaks, seafood, full bar and patio.
  • Monte Carlo - Historic North Loop supper club (est. 1906) serving steaks, seafood and famous dry-rubbed wings in a classic, no-frills setting.
  • Butcher & The Boar - Reopened hearty meatery known for whole-animal BBQ, ribs, charred chicken, grits and extensive whiskey.

For more North Loop recommendations, check out Meet Minneapolis' neighborhood guide.

Fried chicken and fries from Malcom Yards.

Must-Eat Places Worthy of an Uber or Lyft

  • Pryes Brewing - Calling all craft beer lovers! Sip on a glass of golden suds and enjoy a slice of pizza in a charming outdoor patio area.
  • Aster Cafe - This cozy and picturesque cafe is a local-favorite among Main Street residents! Choose between the banh mi salad, BBQ steak sandwich, quinoa bowl, and so much more.
  • Surly Brewing Company - You “surly” can’t go wrong with mouthwatering tavern fare and microbrews in a lively space.
  • O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company - Whiskey isn’t the only star of this distillery—Irish chicken curry, Scotch egg, and butternut bruschetta also shine on the menu.
  • Market at Malcolm Yards - Nestled in the Prospect Park neighborhood and operating in a renovated industrial factory, this food hall serves a wide range of delectable meals for all palates.

Tip: Why not sample an array of cuisines and libations? Surly Brewing Company, O’Shaugnessy Distilling Company, and Market at Malcolm Yards are conveniently within walking distance of each other.

For more dining suggestions, expand your culinary horizons with guides from www.minneapolis.org.

Explore More

Where to Find Coffee & Morning Treats in Minneapolis

Discover local cafes near Tourism Academy in Minneapolis with our list of must-try coffee shops and...

Convince Your Boss

Here are helpful resources and tools to help you get approval to attend Tourism Academy 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions . . . we've got answers.