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Minneapolis is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse and dynamic culinary landscape that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for classic comfort food, innovative fusion cuisine, or global flavors, you will find it in the Twin Cities. In this article, I will share some of the latest trends, news, and highlights of the Minneapolis food scene in 2024.
What’s New: The Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2024
One of the most exciting aspects of the Minneapolis food scene is the constant influx of new restaurants, cafes, and bars that keep the dining options fresh and varied. Here are some of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2024 that I can’t wait to try:
- Dario: This is a pasta lover’s dream come true. Chef Joe Rolle and sommelier Stephen Rowe are opening their own restaurant in the North Loop, featuring handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and natural wines. The restaurant will also have a back room with a large table for ravioli making and private dining. I’m already drooling over the menu, which includes dishes like squid ink tagliatelle with lobster, saffron, and fennel; and ricotta gnocchi with braised lamb, mint, and pecorino.
- Vinai: This is the long-awaited full-service restaurant from chef Yia Vang, who has been serving his delicious Hmong food at pop-ups, food trucks, and catering events for years. Vinai will be located in the former Dangerous Man brewing site in Northeast Minneapolis, and will showcase Vang’s family recipes and stories, as well as his modern interpretations of Hmong cuisine. I’m looking forward to trying his signature dishes like the purple sticky rice with grilled pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and soft-boiled egg; and the khao poon, a coconut curry noodle soup with chicken, herbs, and lime.
- Pink Ivy Kitchen: This is a new venture from chef Michael Shaughnessy, who has worked at acclaimed restaurants like Young Joni and Advellum. Pink Ivy Kitchen will be a main street eatery in Hopkins, serving American comfort food with a twist. The menu will feature dishes like fried chicken and waffles, mac and cheese with smoked brisket, and apple pie with cheddar cheese crust. Shaughnessy will also use his pastry skills to create desserts like sticky toffee pudding and chocolate cake.
What’s Hot: The Trending Cuisines and Concepts of 2024
The Minneapolis food scene is always evolving and adapting to the changing tastes and preferences of the diners. Here are some of the trending cuisines and concepts that are making waves in 2024:
- Natural Wine Bars: Natural wine, which is made with minimal intervention and additives, is gaining popularity among wine lovers and enthusiasts. Natural wine bars are popping up all over the city, offering a curated selection of organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines, along with small plates and snacks that pair well with the wines. Some of the best natural wine bars in the city are Gia, a rustic Italian restaurant and wine bar in South Minneapolis; Bûcheron, a French bistro and wine bar in Kingfield; and Bar Brava, a Spanish tapas and wine bar in Northeast Minneapolis.
- Vegan and Plant-Based Options: Vegan and plant-based eating is not just a niche or a fad, but a mainstream and growing movement. More and more restaurants are offering vegan and plant-based options, or even dedicating their entire menus to them. Some of the best vegan and plant-based restaurants in the city are Revival, a Southern-style restaurant that serves fried chicken, barbecue, and soul food made with plant-based ingredients; J. Selby’s, a casual and cozy restaurant that serves burgers, tacos, salads, and desserts made with vegan ingredients; and Trio Plant-Based, a soulful and social restaurant that serves comfort food made with plant-based ingredients .
- Global Flavors: Minneapolis is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and the food scene reflects that diversity and richness. You can find authentic and delicious food from all over the world, from Asia to Africa, from Europe to Latin America. Some of the best global restaurants in the city are Hola Arepa, a Venezuelan restaurant that serves arepas, cornmeal cakes stuffed with various fillings; Keefer Court, a Chinese bakery and cafe that serves dim sum, buns, pastries, and noodles; and Gai Noi, a Thai restaurant that serves street food, curries, and noodles.
What’s Delicious: The Best Restaurants and Cafes of 2024
Of course, the Minneapolis food scene is not just about the new and the trendy, but also about the tried and true, the reliable and the consistent, the best and the delicious. Here are some of the best restaurants and cafes of 2024 that I always go back to and recommend to others:
- Spoon and Stable: This is one of the most acclaimed and awarded restaurants in the city, and for good reason. Chef Gavin Kaysen and his team create seasonal and creative dishes that celebrate the bounty of the Midwest, influenced by his French training and his travels around the world. The restaurant is located in a former horse stable, giving it a rustic and elegant ambiance. Some of my favorite dishes are the scallop crudo with grapefruit, avocado, and pistachio; the duck breast with parsnip, apple, and foie gras; and the chocolate soufflé with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream.
- Young Joni: This is another gem from chef Ann Kim, who also owns Pizzeria Lola and Hello Pizza. Young Joni serves wood-fired pizzas, Korean-inspired dishes, and craft cocktails, in a cozy and chic setting. The pizzas are made with fresh and local ingredients, and the dishes are influenced by Kim’s Korean heritage and her travels across Asia. The restaurant also has a hidden back bar that offers a more intimate and speakeasy-like experience. Some of my favorite dishes are the Korean BBQ pizza with beef short ribs, mozzarella, scallions, and arugula; the cauliflower with gochujang, bonito flakes, and furikake; and the bibim grain salad with farro, quinoa, kale, and kimchi.
- Spyhouse Coffee: This is my go-to place for coffee, whether I need a morning boost, an afternoon break, or a late-night treat. Spyhouse Coffee is a local chain of coffee shops that roasts and brews high-quality coffee from around the world. You can savor a cup of coffee, espresso, or tea, and pair it with a pastry, sandwich, or salad. The coffee shops have a stylish and hip decor, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Some of my favorite drinks are the Spygirl latte with lavender and honey; the nitro cold brew with oat milk; and the chai tea latte with almond milk.
These are just some of the highlights of the Minneapolis food scene in 2024. There are many more restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore and discover in the Twin Cities, so don’t hesitate to try something new and exciting. Happy eating and drinking!
