Dine Like a Local: Where to Find the Best Food in Minneapolis
Are you planning a trip to Minnesota and looking for the best food in Minneapolis? Look no further. This is your guide to great eats.
Dine Like a Local: Where to Find the Best Food in Minneapolis
As a local foodie, I’ve scoured the city to find the most delicious and authentic dining experiences. From farm-to-table restaurants to ethnic eateries, Minneapolis has a thriving food scene that is sure to satisfy any palate. Join me on a culinary tour of the city as we explore the top spots to dine like a local. Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime resident, this guide will help you discover the best food in Minneapolis.
There’s More to Minnesota than Hotdish and Lutefisk!
Need some Twin Cities food suggestions? We’ve got you covered…and you might just be surprised to learn that there’s more to Minnesota than just tater tot hotdish and lutefisk! Hehe.
Well, this was a tough assignment, but someone had to do it. Jack and I have eaten our way through some of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities to present to you our top five picks for your next meal. And, I promise, by the end of this article you’re going to be hungry!
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My first overall pick is a healthy option with locations all over the Twin Cities metro area. But don’t let the word “healthy” scare you…this is health food, that’s actually delish!
1. Crisp & Green
Chef-crafted and scratch-made, Crisp and Green offers salad-inspired bowls that are wholesome and unique, keeping your palate satisfied and your body nourished.
My fave pick is the Fiesta Bowl. I legit get this every time we travel up from Winona to Minneapolis. The Fiesta is an amazing combo of brown rice, avocado, napa cabbage, jalapeño, black beans, fajita peppers & onions, queso fresco, pepitas, roasted tomatillo salsa, lime squeeze, & jalapeño-lime vinaigrette. I sub out the chicken for tofu. It’s amazing!
2. Lotus Restaurant
With a fun location near Loring Park and a convenient second location in the suburb of Maple Grove, Lotus Restaurant is on a mission to provide amazing Vietnamese cuisine at great prices with outstanding customer service. They have been serving the local Minneapolis community since 1983.
I always ordered the green curry with mock dock, it’s vegan and oh-so-good. But meat-eaters will not be complaining with the menu.
3. Namaste Cafe
Namaste Cafe is a homey venue with outdoor tables featuring Nepalese fare with lots of vegetarian items, herbal teas and the best chai you can find this side of Nepal.
Namaste Café is housed in a charmingly renovated Victorian house with warm hardwood floors and cheerful walls painted in rustic orange and saffron hues. The beautiful patio and porch, complete with a water fountain and a lush garden, is a cool urban oasis providing welcome respite from the summer heat.
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My go-tos at Namaste are the Coconut, Tofu, Mushroom and Green Peas and a refreshing warm chai. There’s a lot of chai options unique to the cafe from spicy masala to vanilla, ginger cardamom to coconut creme, you won’t be disappointed by this delicious drink made with tea, milk and sugar. Chai is widely enjoyed all across South Asia…and now you can experience it right here in Minnesota.
4. J. Selby’s
Meat-eaters will love J. Selby’s…and be tricked when finding out there’s no meat on the menu! This inclusive and welcoming space serves only plant-based comfort foods, such as burgers and wraps made with meat and cheese alternatives, as well as vegetable-based dishes, such as stir-fries and salads. Everything is vegan, meaning no meats, cheeses, dairy or eggs are used…but they make their vegan food so good, you’ll never know the difference!
Now is the time I was gonna tell you guys a joke about a girl who only eats plants, but you’ve probably never heard of herbivore. LOL. Ok, no more jokes…back to food recommends. Hehe.
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A good starter is an appetizer of chips and cheesy queso (remember it’s not really cheese) and for a main course I usually get a gyro. The house-made gyro ‘meat,’ (which is made from plants) pairs oh so well with cucumber, lettuce, tomato & onion. It’s drizzled with green goodness sauce then wrapped in warm pita. Yummo city!
Speaking of a visit to Yumtown, your palate will thank you when you try a slice of Minnesota’s Best Pizza. I’m talking about a place called Pizza Luce.
5. Pizza Luce
The whole family can enjoy Pizza Luce‘s pasta, deli-style hoagies and appetizers.
Jack and I usually get the “Lucky Bird Nuggets”. Why are they lucky birds? Because they are plants, and not really feathered friends. These breaded and baked Buffalo style vegan mock chicken drummies are served with celery sticks and your choice of two dipping sauces: Buffalo, BBQ, sweet chili peanut, sweet chili sauce, blue cheese or ranch.
✔ Don’t miss: Glam Doll Donuts – Best Donuts in the Twin Cities
But save some room because pizza is the name of the game here. My fave is the Wrangler. This little doggie is topped with barbeque chicken, banana peppers, red onion, mushrooms and cheddar and mozzarella cheeses all on Pizza Luce’s incredible BBQ/red sauce.
You’ll definitely need to switch to sweat pants after dining at Pizza Luce…it’s just so good!
Conclusion
Minneapolis is a city that takes its food seriously, and there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants to explore. From classic American comfort food to innovative fusion cuisine, Minneapolis has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ve highlighted just a few of our favorite places to eat in the city, but there are many more to discover. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the vibrant food scene in Minneapolis and try something new. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a great meal, the Twin Cities have plenty to offer. So grab your appetite and head out to discover the best food in Minneapolis!
Have a super day!
