Introduction
Nestled in the historic North Loop district of Minneapolis, a culinary renaissance unfolds, echoing the district’s past as a warehouse hub. Today, it thrives as the epicenter of upscale dining, boasting a diverse array of restaurants that capture the essence of Minneapolis’s gastronomic scene. This guide explores 15 essential restaurants, each contributing a unique flavor to the vibrant tapestry of North Loop.
112 Eatery: A Classic Culinary Journey 4.7(1,300) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A classic in the warehouse district, 112 Eatery, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Isaac Becker, offers sophisticated yet accessible dishes in a cozy bistro setting. From the tantalizing octopus with avocado puree to the famed tres leches cake, every bite is a celebration of culinary craftsmanship.
Address: 112 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 343-7696
Website: 112 Eatery
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“I LOVE THIS PLACE. There is passion for food and service. The people here are very friendly and pay attention. The food is supreme.” – Bjorn Ledwig
Specials:
- Octopus with Avocado Puree
- Tagliatelle with Foie Gras
- Tres Leches Cake
Billy Sushi ビリー寿司: A Symphony of Sushi and Cocktails 4.5(863) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Billy Sushi, a “three-ring performance” of sushi, sake, and ambiance, beckons with a unique Japanese cocktail menu. The Oh Em Gii, a tempura and spicy tuna roll topped with 24-karat gold, exemplifies the creativity that defines this establishment. A reservation is a wise move to experience the culinary spectacle.
Address: 116 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 886-1783
Website: Billy Sushi
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“WOW. This spot is tucked away but BUMPIN. The music is great and very clubby and the atmosphere is not pretentious but impressive.” – Jennifer Johnson (Local Guide)
Specials:
- Oh Em Gii Roll
- Billy’s Live Bait Sake Cocktail
Kado no Mise: Japanese Culinary Excellence 4.7(572) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In the same culinary enclave, Kado no Mise invites patrons to savor fine Japanese dishes on an omakase prix-fixe tasting menu. Across the hall, Gori Gori Peku serves premium Japanese whisky, creating an immersive experience for enthusiasts of Japanese cuisine.
Address: 33 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 338-1515
Website: Kado no Mise
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“What a wonderful authentic Japanese Zen experience. I came to love Kaiseki from my time living in Japan and was thrilled to find a place in Msp to experience this rich tradition. ” – rose San (Local Guide)
Specials:
- Omakase Tasting Menu
- Premium Japanese Whisky Selection
Sanjusan: A Fusion of Japanese and Italian Flavors- 4.7(479)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chefs Danny del Prado and Shigeyuki Furukawa masterfully blend Japanese and Italian cuisines at Sanjusan. The menu features vibrant dishes like beef carpaccio and squid ink pappardelle, creating a dining experience that transcends culinary boundaries.
Reviews:
“Sanjusan is a super trendy dining experience that does not disappoint at any step along the way. Make sure you get an early reservation to avoid the crowd and you’ll get treated like royalty. ” – Makenna Parnell
Specials:
- Beef Carpaccio
- Squid Ink Pappardelle
Porzana: Argentinian and American Cuts in Style- 4.8(172)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chef Dani del Prado’s Porzana, a new addition to the North Loop, showcases a fusion of Argentinian and classic American cuts. From picanha to 44-ounce tomahawks, the menu offers a diverse range, complemented by pastas, small dishes, and a seafood cold bar.
Reviews:
“This is a very nice addition to North Loop restaurant list. Everything was very tasty. Service was excellent. Atmosphere is so nice.” – Asena Kok Yucebilgic
Specials:
- Picanha
- 44-Ounce Tomahawks
Spoon and Stable: Urban-Chic Dining Extravaganza- 4.7(2,404)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable, a James Beard Award-winning gem, presents an urban-chic dining room with a glass-encased wine “closet” and a bustling open kitchen. The menu, ever-changing with Midwest seasonality, features delights like butternut squash cappelletti and tamarind-glazed pork chops.
Address: 211 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (612) 224-9850
Website: Spoon and Stable
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“Excellent service and still a great experience! We ordered a delicious cocktail, the heirloom tomato salad, halibut and lobster mushroom pasta. All tasted so fresh and were presented beautifully.” – Sara Dickey
Specials:
- Cappelletti with Butternut Squash
- Tamarind-Glazed Pork Chops
- Lobster Deviled Eggs
Maison Margaux: French Brasserie Elegance- 4.6(186)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chef David Fhima’s Maison Margaux captures the essence of a traditional French brasserie. From French onion soup to steak au poivre, the menu invites patrons to savor classic French flavors, complemented by an extensive wine selection.
Address: 224 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 900-1800
Website: Maison Margaux
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
Maison Margaux is a slice of Paris in Minneapolis. The French onion soup is soul-warming, and the wine selection is unparalleled. A true gem in the North Loop.” – WineConnoisseur99
Specials:
- French Onion Soup
- Steak au Poivre
Monte Carlo Restaurant: A Timeless Throwback- 4.4(1,317)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A throwback to a bygone era, Monte Carlo remains virtually unchanged for decades. The glossy polished bar invites patrons to enjoy an ice-cold martini, while the dining room offers classics like Monte Carol wings, coated with a secret spice rub, and an expansive patio for fair-weather cocktails.
Reviews:
“Monte Carlo is a time capsule of flavors. The Monte Carol wings are legendary, and the atmosphere takes you back in time. A Minneapolis classic.” – NostalgiaSeeker
Specials:
- Monte Carlo Wings
- Secret Spice Rub
Guacaya Bistreaux: Latin-Caribbean Tapas Delight- 4.4(203)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chef Pedro Wolcott’s Guacaya Bistreaux is a Latin-Caribbean tapas bar, offering a culinary journey through dishes like orange-marinated skirt steak skewers, empanadas, and Louisiana-style boudin sausage. The tropical-mod rum bar enhances the vibrant atmosphere.
Address: 337 N Washington Ave Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 345-4981
Website: Guacaya Bistreaux
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“Guacaya Bistreaux is a carnival of flavors. The orange-marinated skirt steak skewers are a highlight, and the tropical-mod rum bar adds a festive touch. A delightful culinary escapade.” – FlavorExplorer2
Specials:
- Orange-Marinated Skirt Steak Skewers
- Empanadas
- Louisiana-Style House Boudin Sausage
Union Hmong Kitchen - North Loop: A Fusion of Hmong Flavors- 4.1(257)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chef Yia Vang’s Union Hmong Kitchen showcases the fusion of Hmong flavors in zoo siab meals, translating to “happy meals” in Hmong. Proteins like chile-glazed pork shoulder and Hmong sausage, served with purple sticky rice and pickled veggies, offer a delightful culinary experience.
Address: 520 N 4th St Ste 4, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 431-5285
Website: Union Hmong Kitchen
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“Union Hmong Kitchen is a celebration of Hmong culture. The zoo siab meals are comforting, and the flavors transport you. A culinary journey worth experiencing.” – CulturalExplorer
Specials:
- Zoo Siab Meals
- Chilled Khao Sen Noodles
SOUL BOWL: Customizable Soul Food Bowls- 4.3(514)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chef Gerard Klass and Brittney Alise Klass’s SOUL BOWL is celebrated for its customizable soul food bowls. From creamy mac and cheese to Cajun salmon, patrons can create their soulful culinary masterpiece, making each visit a unique and personalized experience.
Reviews:
“SOUL BOWL is a soulful journey through flavors. The customizable bowls allow for a personal touch, and each combination is a delight. A must-visit for soul food enthusiasts.” – FlavorHarmony
Specials:
- Customizable Soul Food Bowls
- Signature Mac and Cheese
- Cajun Salmon Delight
Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza: Crispy Coal-Fired Delights- 4.5(1,649)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Black Sheep’s coal-fired pizzas, delicately charred and crispy, redefine the pizza experience. From spicy salami to bacon and chili pepper pineapple, the diverse toppings cater to every palate, making it a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.
Address: 600 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 342-2625
Website: Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“Black Sheep sets the standard for coal-fired pizzas. The crispy crust and inventive toppings make every bite memorable. A haven for pizza lovers.” – PizzaAficionado
Specials:
- Coal-Fired Pizzas
- Spicy Salami Delight
- Bacon and Chili Pepper Pineapple
North Loop Galley: Culinary Incubator Extravaganza- 4.6(191)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
North Loop Galley stands as a culinary incubator, birthing innovative and buzzy Twin Cities restaurants. From gooey Detroit-style pizza to chicken katsu and tori ramen, the food hall promises a diverse and delectable culinary journey.
Address: 729 N Washington Ave Suite 102, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 354-7450
Website: North Loop Galley
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“North Loop Galley is a melting pot of culinary creativity. The variety is astounding, from Detroit-style pizza to ramen. A perfect spot for food enthusiasts seeking something new.” – CulinaryExplorer
Specials:
- Gooey Detroit-Style Pizza from Wrecktangle
- Chicken Katsu from Ono Hawaiian Plates
- Tori Ramen from Ramen Kawae
Borough: Casual Elegance in Dining- 4.5(745) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Borough strikes a perfect balance between fancy and casual, making it ideal for both date nights and post-work meals. The patio offers an enchanting setting for warm evenings, while the dining room, adorned with lush fabrics and metal accents, provides a cozy retreat in fall and winter.
Reviews:
“Borough is a culinary gem. The ambiance is sophisticated yet inviting, and the braised lamb spaghetti is a revelation. A perfect spot for a date night or a casual meal.” – EleganceSeeker
Specials:
- Duck Fat Shortbread
- Braised Lamb Spaghetti
- Cocktails and Burgers at Parlour Bar
Bar La Grassa: Italian Sultriness- 4.7(2,039) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
James Beard Award-winning chef Isaac Becker’s Bar La Grassa embodies Italian sultriness. The restaurant, always bustling, encourages patrons to share small and large plates. While waiting, a visit to the adjoining Snack Bar for pizza and cocktails sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Address: 800 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (612) 333-3837
Website: Bar La Grassa
Direction: Map URL
Reviews:
“Bar La Grassa is a culinary masterpiece. The red-wine spaghetti is a revelation, and the ambiance is unmatched. A must-visit for lovers of Italian cuisine.” – ItalianFoodConnoisseur
Specials:
- Red-Wine Spaghetti
- Soft-Eggs-and-Lobster Bruschetta
- Signature Pizza and Cocktails at Snack Bar
Conclusion
As you embark on a culinary odyssey through North Loop’s 15 essential restaurants, each venue promises a unique and delightful experience. From classic French brasseries to coal-fired pizza joints, the district’s gastronomic landscape offers a diverse array of flavors, inviting you to savor the rich culinary heritage of Minneapolis. Indulge, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of North Loop.
