Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Minneapolis - St. Paul

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Minneapolis - St. Paul? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Our Paladar

4.9

4.9 (226)

$31 to $50

American

Rochester

About the restaurant

Chefs Nick Diaz and Kiefer Manning have been hard at work renovating the historic Chicago & Great Western Railroad Depot into a cozy and inviting restaurant for you to enjoy. Our Paladar offers a locally sourced, seasonal dinner menu most evenings. You can look forward to handmade breads and pastas along with small and main plates. Patio seating is available when the season allows. The team at Our Paladar cannot wait to welcome you!

Top review

Bob

Dined 3 days ago

Completely enjoyed dinner at the bar. Definitely recommend.

Crasqui

4.9

4.9 (70)

$50 and over

Venezuelan

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Crasqui is a lively Venezuelan restaurant in Saint Paul. Recipes are inspired in our chef-owner childhood, family and friends in her home-country Venezuela. For us Crasqui is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vessel for memories, dreams, flavors, and connections. We will keep infusing our passion, dedication and love into every dish to make every guest experience memorable.

Top review

Gail

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

We enjoyed every dish we ordered. The chicken/avocado arepa was very flavorful and would be perfect for a light meal. Our entrees (sea bass, pork chop and ribeye/chorizo) were cooked perfectly. My pork was wonderfully seasoned and juicy.

Bleu Duck Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (1254)

$31 to $50

American

Rochester

About the restaurant

Our Chef’s take inspiration from Billy Madison who drew a blue duck because he had never seen one before, and he wanted to see a blue duck! Well, since our chefs love classic Adam Sandler humor and innovative cooking, we thought that Bleu Duck was the perfect name to showcase our fun environment and staff as well as our unique and creative menu. Just like Billy, we like to try things that you’ve never seen before!

Bleu Duck Kitchen and Oyster Bar is a full service restaurant that provides a fun and welcoming atmosphere where white linens meet a casual feel to create the new concept of “fun-dining”. Co-Owners Erik Kleven and Jennifer Lester regard each customer as a welcomed friend, and aim to provide them with an experience that is both personal and unique every time they visit.

Top review

Michelle

Dined 4 days ago

It is no wonder this is such a popular restaurant! The menu offers a variety of unique and exciting dishes. We were blown away by the bold and innovative flavors. Definitely a culinary gem! Everything from the food to the service was top-notch. It’s rare to find a place that delivers on every level, and this restaurant exceeded my expectations. A must-visit!

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4.8

4.8 (1137)

$31 to $50

Italian

Eagan

About the restaurant

With a focus on quality ingredients, simplicity and execution, the menu features James Beard award-winning chef, Ann Kim’s take on familiar favorites. Located on the first floor, Kyndred Hearth is a comfortable, modern setting. It will serve as a welcoming neighborhood gathering space for the community, and gives out of town visitors a taste of the Minneapolis food scene during their stay at Viking Lakes.

Top review

Vicky

Dined 1 day ago

Service was impeccable, drinks and food delicious! Would definitely recommend!

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Popular dish

Margherita

Popular dish

Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich

Bravi's Craft Mexican Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (97)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Shakopee

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Mike

Dined on Sep 21, 2024

Bravi's really went out of their way to make a very nice night for me and my wife to celebrate our anniversary. From a personalized anniversary card to the strawberry margarita waiting at our table when we got seated. You guys really helped a guy out who missed the date by a day. Thank you again for the wonderful food and personal touch you guys gave us.

Latitude 44

4.8

4.8 (183)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Rochester

About the restaurant

Latitude 44 is a Modern American restaurant, featuring thoughtful food and beverage offerings within an energetic, casual chic ambiance. Our service driven mentality provides a welcoming and memorable experience for each guest.

Located in the historic Castle building in downtown Rochester, MN, Latitude 44 delivers an unparalleled atmosphere whether our guests are dining or enjoying an evening of cocktails in our comfortably appointed cocktail lounge.

The kitchen creations are driven by award winning “Chef Spiccoli” who utilizes his talents to bring an elevated, yet welcoming approach to both traditional and modern cuisine.

The cocktail program consists of an array of offerings from playful to sophisticated. Our mixologists have an extensive knowledge of both wine and spirts.

Simply stated, Latitude 44 is a "vibe" you don't want to miss.

Top review

Marylouahughes@gmail.com

Dined 2 days ago

We're in Rochester for appointments at Mayo Clinic and read about Lattitude 44. We loved using Open Table for our reservation, which was only the beginning of our perfect dining experience. Our adult children were also with us and the filets, salmon, mushroom risotto and bread pudding we ordered were all absolutely wonderful! The restaurant is lovely and unique. Our waiter couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. We will be back.

Juniper's

4.7

4.7 (165)

$31 to $50

American

Lanesboro

About the restaurant

Fast casual cuisine by Executive Chef Tyler Shipton
Fast casual dining consists of a more inviting sit-down ambiance with counter side ordering and food delivered to your table. The menu consists of higher quality ingredients, flavors and presentations. Fast Casual has something for everyone and welcomes all, including vegetarian, allergy friendly, families & kids.

Award winning burgers - Handmade pastas and soups - organic/scratch kitchen - rotating season items and chef’s specials
Hand crafted cocktails, wines from around the world, rotating craft beer on tap
Located along the stunning Root River - Lanesboro, MN

Top review

Amy

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

We had a lovely lunch on the patio. Great food! It’s a must visit in Lanesboro.

Twigs Tavern & Grille

4.6

4.6 (796)

$30 and under

American

Rochester

About the restaurant

Fresh American Fare at Twigs
In July 2008, Twigs Tavern and Grille opened to bring fresh flavors in a relaxing atmosphere to Rochester, Minnesota. Featuring Rochester's only restaurant with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and a diverse menu of small plates, entrées, and the Hot Rock, our dishes feature an innovative mix of cultural flavors from around the world and fresh ingredients. Share small plates with your friends or fill up with one amazing entrée. Find a personalized and memorable dining experience waiting for you at Twigs Tavern and Grille.

Gluten-Free Dining
In addition to our lunch and dinner menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrées, our restaurant offers one of the most extensive gluten-free menus in Rochester. All gluten-free meals are prepared by our specially trained staff in a separate kitchen area with dedicated equipment to help prevent cross contamination.

Top review

Julievip

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was fantastic - will be going back Chicken pineapple waffles and meatloaf with ceasar salad and pear salad oh and dessert

Blondette

4.1

4.1 (91)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Downtown / Mill District

About the restaurant

Blondette is a French-inspired restaurant, concepted by award-winning chef Daniel del Prado, offering traditional French cuisine fused with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Housed in a gorgeous glass-covered atrium complete with an outdoor terrace and one of Minneapolis’ only retractable roofs, Blondette invites guests to mix and mingle under the stars all year long.

In addition to dinner daily, each Saturday and Sunday, Blondette serves up elevated brunch fare from 9am - 2pm. Reservations recommended but not required.

LOCATION: Blondette is located on the 5th floor of the iconic Rand Tower Hotel, conveniently attached to the Downtown Minneapolis Skyway. Concepted by acclaimed Minneapolis chef Daniel del Prado, each of Rand Tower Hotel’s restaurants and bars is a destination all its own, offering locals and travelers a unique culinary journey they won’t find anywhere else.

PARKING: Complimentary valet parking for up to two hours is available with dining validation.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

Loved the food and atmosphere was great will be coming back again

Pizzeria Social & The Pop Up Series

3.8

3.8 (18)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Apple Valley

About the restaurant

Welcome to Pizzeria Social, where Chef Chris Pare brings his culinary expertise to create a vibrant dining experience unlike any other. Known for our Oysters, Small Plate Appetizers, and Wood-fired Pizzas, every bite is crafted with care and passion.
Our open-kitchen design allows guests to witness the magic as our talented chefs prepare each dish with precision and flair. Step outside to our cozy backyard oasis, complete with an unparalleled outdoor bar and patio.
Be sure to check out our ever changing "Pop-up Experience" where chefs, bartenders, and food entrepreneurs set up a limited-time dining experience at Pizzeria Social. Our current rotation is Farmer and the Fishmonger:

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Farmer and the Fishmonger stands as a beacon of coastal charm and culinary excellence, bridging the gap between the ocean shores of Maine and the heartland. From the lobster shacks to the catch of the day, the flavors of Maine's ocean and rivers are

Top review

Susan

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

We sat on their beautiful patio. Service was great. Had one of the sqaure cut pizzas. Very good. A little expensive, but we will probably go back sometime.

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