Ann Kim's Pizzeria Lola on Xerxes Avenue has run wood-fired Neapolitan-Korean pizza in Minneapolis since 2010. The room that put Kim on the James Beard track.
Signature dishes: Wood-fired Margherita, Lady ZaZa
Must order: The Lady ZaZa pizza with Korean sausage and kimchi or the wood-fired Margherita.
Tip: Reservations on Tock; walk-ins go on the list at 17:00. The photo-booth dating from 2010 still works.
Address: 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Russell Klein's Meritage in downtown Saint Paul runs the Twin Cities' defining French bistro since 2007. Beard semifinalist; an oyster bar through happy hour.
Signature: Coq au vin, Steak frites
Order: Coq au vin with mashed potatoes and the steak frites au poivre.
Tip: Oyster happy hour 16:00 to 18:00 in the bar, three for $9. Book the dining room a week out.
The Lexington on Grand Avenue has run Saint Paul's old-school supper club since 1935. Renovated by Jack Riebel in 2017; walleye, prime rib, Manhattans.
Signature: Walleye, Prime rib
Order: Walleye with brown butter and the prime rib Friday or Saturday only.
Tip: Book a booth in the Library Room. Friday and Saturday prime-rib runs out by 21:00.
Mateo Mackbee and Erin Lucas's Tenant on Bryant Avenue runs a 14-seat Minneapolis tasting room since 2024. Beard-finalist chef pair; six-week menu rotations.
Signature: Five-course tasting, Seasonal kaiseki
Order: The full prix fixe; menu changes every six weeks. Beverage pairing recommended.
Tip: Tickets release on the website the first of every month; book the same day. No walk-ins.
Yia Vang's Vinai on Northeast 2nd Street has run a Hmong fine-dining room in Minneapolis since 2024. Beard finalist; named for the Vinai refugee camp.
Signature: Sai oua sausage, Hmong sticky rice
Order: Sai oua Hmong sausage and the lemongrass-grilled chicken with sticky rice.
Tip: Book three weeks out; the dining counter overlooks the open kitchen. Communal sai oua family-style serves four.
Ann Ahmed's Khaluna on Lyndale runs a refined Southeast Asian dining room in Minneapolis since 2021. James Beard nominee; sister to Lat14 in Golden Valley.
Signature: Khao soi, Whole branzino
Order: Khao soi northern Thai curry noodles and the whole salt-roasted branzino.
Tip: Book the chef's counter; the cocktail program leans tropical. Closed Mondays.
Travail in Robbinsdale has run a theatrical tasting room in the Twin Cities since 2010. The casual Pig Ate My Pizza sister-room sits next door.
Signature: Tasting menu, Bubbles bar
Order: The full tasting menu; let the kitchen pick. Pair with the bubbles flight.
Tip: Tickets sell on Tock; release windows are tight. Pig Ate My Pizza next door is the walk-in alternative.
