Restaurant Alma is a seasonal american restaurant in Northeast, Minneapolis.
Alex Roberts's Alma on University Avenue has run Minneapolis's seasonal-American room since 1999. James Beard Best Chef Midwest 2010 winner.
Editorially verified May 18, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Signature dishes: Three-course prix fixe, Seasonal tasting
Must order: The three-course prix fixe with the heritage pork main and the seasonal stone fruit dessert.
Tip: The cafe at the front serves all-day pastries; book the dining room three weeks out. The B+B upstairs is the splurge.
Address: 528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Christina Nguyen's Hai Hai on University NE has run Southeast Asian street food in Minneapolis since 2018. Located in Northeast. Priced at $$$.
Signature: Banh xeo crepe, Khao soi
Order: Banh xeo turmeric crepe and the khao soi northern Thai curry noodles.
Tip: Saturday lunch dim sum cart pulls hot bites from a steamer. Tiki-style cocktails on the back patio in summer.
Steven Brown's Tilia on West 43rd has run a Linden Hills neighbourhood bistro in Minneapolis since 2011. James Beard semifinalist French-American room.
Signature: Tilia burger, Buttermilk biscuits
Order: The Tilia burger with bone marrow butter and the buttermilk biscuits at brunch.
Tip: Walk-ins only for the bar; book the dining room a week out. Weekend brunch line forms by 09:30.
Isaac Becker's Bar La Grassa on Washington Avenue has run the North Loop's defining Italian in Minneapolis since 2009. James Beard Best Chef Midwest 2011.
Signature: Soft egg and lobster bruschetta, Gnocchi with cauliflower
Order: Soft egg and lobster bruschetta and the gnocchi with cauliflower.
Tip: Bar walk-ins open at 17:00; the bruschetta menu prints 12 options daily. Order three to share.
Christina Nguyen's Hai Hai on University NE has run Southeast Asian street food in Minneapolis since 2018. Located in Northeast. Priced at $$$.
Signature: Banh xeo crepe, Khao soi
Order: Banh xeo turmeric crepe and the khao soi northern Thai curry noodles.
Tip: Saturday lunch dim sum cart pulls hot bites from a steamer. Tiki-style cocktails on the back patio in summer.
Ann Ahmed's Lat14 in Golden Valley runs refined Southeast Asian cooking in the Twin Cities since 2017. James Beard semifinalist; menu maps the 14th latitude.
Signature: Salt-baked branzino, Wagyu yum nua
Order: Salt-baked branzino with green nam jim and the Wagyu yum nua.
Tip: Sunday lunch family-style is the easy seat. Book three weeks out for Friday or Saturday dinner.
Matt's Bar on Cedar Avenue has poured the Jucy Lucy in South Minneapolis since 1954. The original cheese-stuffed burger; Anthony Bourdain ate here in 2009.
Signature: Jucy Lucy
Order: The Jucy Lucy with American cheese and grilled onions, fries on the side.
Tip: Cash and cards both accepted. Note the spelling on the sign: Jucy Lucy, no 'i' in Jucy. Be patient with the molten cheese.
The 5-8 Club on Cedar Avenue South claims the original Juicy Lucy in Minneapolis, contested with Matt's Bar. The other side of the cheese-burger debate.
Signature: Juicy Lucy
Order: The original Juicy Lucy with the Juicy Lucy Sampler if dining as a group.
Tip: Lunch crowd thins after 13:00. The patio in summer makes the cheese-burn waiting easier.
