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 dishes: Sai oua sausage, Hmong sticky rice
Must 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.
Address: 1717 NE 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55413
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.
Safari on 4th Avenue South has run Minneapolis's defining Somali dining room since 2003. Goat suqaar, sambusas, anjero pancakes and a halal banquet hall.
Signature: Goat suqaar, Sambusas
Order: Goat suqaar with rice and the lamb sambusas.
Tip: Lunch buffet weekdays runs $12. Ramadan iftar evenings pull a community crowd.
David Fhima's Fhima's on 7th Street has run a North African-Mediterranean room in downtown Minneapolis since 2018. Tagines, hummus, kosher-style brasserie.
Signature: Moroccan tagine, Hummus and lamb
Order: Lamb tagine with prunes and almonds; the hummus with braised lamb starter.
Tip: Sunday brunch runs shakshuka and Moroccan pastries. The art deco room is a former bank lobby; book the velvet booths.
Gavin Kaysen's Spoon and Stable on North 1st Street has anchored Minneapolis fine dining since 2014. James Beard Best Chef Midwest 2018 winner.
Signature: Hand-cut pasta, Bone marrow
Order: The hand-cut pasta course and the wagyu bone marrow with sourdough toast.
Tip: Book six weeks out; the chef's counter seats four and goes fast. Bar seats hold space for walk-ins from 17:00.
Sean Sherman's Owamni on the Mississippi runs the country's most serious Indigenous kitchen in Minneapolis since 2021. James Beard Best New Restaurant 2022.
Signature: Cedar-braised bison, Wild rice
Order: Cedar-braised bison with smoked blue corn and the maple-glazed walleye when in season.
Tip: The tasting menu books out three months ahead. Walk-in bar seats open at 17:00; the patio over the river is the summer seat.
