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Map of the Most Expensive Twin Cities Restaurants
When people think of the Twin Cities they don’t think of fine dining or a dynamic food scene, but despite broader perception the Twin Cities has a lot of incredible and diverse high end dining experiences. Twin Cities chefs as a whole are cooking a wide variety of cuisine including Japanese, French, New American, Native American, Argentinean, and more. In this article we explore some of the best and most expensive fine dining experiences (based on dinner entree price) that the Twin Cities has to offer.
Rating - 4.9⭐️ (62)
Kaiseki Furukawa, renowned for its authentic Japanese culinary art, is rooted in the tea ceremony traditions of 16th-century Kyoto, Japan. Kaiseki cuisine is more than just a meal; it is a philosophical experience. It embodies the belief in cherishing every moment as a unique and once-in-a-lifetime gathering. As a culinary art form, kaiseki mirrors the season, showcasing a symphony of taste and texture through a series of meticulously crafted courses.
Rating - 4.9⭐️ (62)
Demi is renowned for its intimate chef’s counter dining and innovative tasting menus. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, the cuisine at Demi blends creativity with precision, offering visually stunning and flavorful dishes. The ambiance is elegant yet cozy, providing a unique, interactive dining experience as guests observe the skilled chefs at work. Demi represents not just a meal, but a celebration of culinary artistry and a journey through a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Rating - 4.8⭐️ (265)
Porzana is the latest creation of restaurateur Daniel del Prado. This destination Argentinian steakhouse, situated in the former Bachelor Farmer venue, embraces del Prado’s Argentinian and Italian roots. It’s known for its vibrant ambiance and a charming patio setting. The menu emphasizes beef and chilled seafood, with a diverse range of options for a multicourse feast, including a notable selection of steaks. Noteworthy dishes include the bone marrow flambadou oysters and the sweet corn agnolotto. Porzana also offers a comprehensive drink menu with thoughtful wine and cocktail options.
Popular Items
4. Sweet Corn Agnolotto: A viral dish, featuring a swirl of filled pasta with hazelnuts and shaved black truffle.
Rating - 4.7⭐️ (318)
801 Chophouse offers a classic upscale steakhouse experience. Known for its refined atmosphere, the restaurant specializes in high-quality, aged USDA prime steaks. The menu boasts a selection of expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list, providing a perfect setting for special occasions, business dinners, or a luxurious dining experience. The ambiance of 801 Chophouse, characterized by its sophisticated decor, makes it a popular choice for those seeking a traditional New York style steakhouse in the heart of Minneapolis.
Popular Items
Rating - 4.5⭐️ (832)
Meritage, located in Saint Paul, is an elegant French restaurant renowned for its refined dining experience. Established in 2007 by Russell and Desta Klein, it is known for its service excellence and commitment to hospitality. The restaurant features a seasonal menu that includes consistent favorites with flourishes from local farmers and inspirations from the chefs. It perfectly blends traditional French cuisine with Seasonal New American dishes. The menu at Meritage changes monthly to reflect the shifting seasons.
Popular Items
1. Their Oysters
2. Soupe À L’oignon Grâtinée: A classic French onion soup, renowned for its rich flavor and comforting warmth.
3. Teeny Tiny Tuna Tartare Taco: A creative and flavorful dish blending the freshness of tuna tartare with the convenience of a taco form.
Rating - 4.8⭐️ (942)
Travail Kitchen and Amusements, led by chef-owners and James Beard semi-finalists Mike Brown, Bob Gerken, and James Winberg, is located in downtown Robbinsdale, Minnesota. It offers a unique dining experience with a variety of innovative tasting menu experiences, rotating menu concepts, and pop-ups in their Basement Bar. Known for its interactive, fun, and entertaining dining, Travail’s signature tasting menu, Art Class Dinner Party, features a 10+ course menu that immerses all senses, blending familiar visual art techniques into delicious, edible art on a plate. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and visual delights.
No Menu Available
Rating - 4.5⭐️ (1,590)
The Oceanaire Seafood Room in downtown Minneapolis is celebrated for its exceptional dining experience, specializing in an array of seafood dishes. The menu features classic seafood preparations alongside innovative, seafood-focused cuisine crafted by Executive Chefs. Emphasizing fresh, sustainable seafood sourced from the world’s finest purveyors, Oceanaire presents these ingredients in creative and delightful ways. The restaurant’s stylish and upscale décor provides a warm and inviting environment, making it ideal for romantic dinners, celebratory events, or professional gatherings.
Popular Items
- Crab Cakes: Highly praised by patrons, the crab cakes at Oceanaire are often described as some of the best available, even when compared to those found in coastal regions.
- Oysters on the Half Shell: These are a popular choice for seafood lovers, offering a fresh and authentic taste of the ocean.
- Lobster Mac & Cheese: A luxurious and indulgent dish that combines rich, creamy macaroni and cheese with succulent lobster, making it a favorite among guests.
Rating - 4.6⭐️ (1,797)
Alma Restaurant in Minneapolis is known for its nationally recognized seasonal tasting menu, making it a perfect destination for special occasions. They offer gluten-friendly, dairy-free, and vegan options upon request. The restaurant operates dinner service from Thursday to Sunday, between 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm, and reservations are recommended. Alma also features a casual and laid-back cafe, open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, offering house pastries, sandwiches, signature items, coffee, wine, and cocktails.
Rating - 4.9⭐️ (464)
The culinary experience at Tenant is centered around a multi-course tasting menu, usually comprising six courses. The chefs at Tenant focus on crafting dishes that are both inventive and seasonally inspired, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu changes frequently, reflecting the chefs’ commitment to creativity and the use of the best available seasonal produce.
No Menu Available
Rating - 4.7⭐️ (1,462)
The Capital Grille is a well-known upscale steakhouse chain, renowned for its classic American fare with a focus on expertly prepared steaks and fresh seafood. The atmosphere in The Capital Grille is typically sophisticated and refined, making it a popular choice for business dinners, special occasions, and fine dining experiences.
The menu at The Capital Grille is anchored by a selection of high-quality, hand-carved steaks, including aged beef options like the bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip. These steaks are known for their rich flavor and tenderness, often highlighted by the restaurant’s signature seasonings and preparations.
Popular Items
- Porcini Rubbed Bone-In Ribeye with 15-Year Aged Balsamic
- Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Filet Mignon
The Twin Cities offer a remarkable culinary journey for those willing to indulge in bit of opulence. The top ten most expensive restaurants in this area are not merely dining establishments; they are temples of gastronomy where every dish is a masterpiece of flavor, presentation, and innovation. These restaurants, with their exquisite menus, world-class chefs, and exceptional service, provide more than just a meal—they offer an unforgettable experience that justifies the expense. Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a visitor seeking culinary adventures, these high-end establishments in Minneapolis and St. Paul are must-visit destinations that promise to leave an indelible mark on your palate and memories.
AJ Beasley
I've lived in the Twin Cities for the last three years and in that time I've been able to visit hundreds of restaurants around Minneapolis and St. Paul.
