Minneapolis, Minnesota Restaurants With James Beard Honors You Need To Visit

A remarkable meal can reshape your idea of what great dining feels like, blending creativity with a sense of place. In Minneapolis, Minnesota that spirit thrives in kitchens where technique meets imagination and long-standing traditions are treated with care.

Chefs push boundaries while staying rooted in the flavors that define the region. Some dishes feel bold and unexpected, others whisper familiarity in new ways.

Together they show why Minneapolis continues to earn admiration from the James Beard Foundation and diners seeking something truly memorable.

Owamni By The Sioux Chef

Winner of Best New Restaurant in 2022, this Indigenous eatery redefines what American cuisine means. Chef Sean Sherman built something extraordinary by focusing entirely on native ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

The menu features no dairy, wheat flour, or cane sugar – ingredients that weren’t available to Indigenous peoples before colonization. Dishes like bison tartare, wild rice cakes, and cedar-braised fish showcase the rich flavors of the region.

Spoon And Stable

Chef Gavin Kaysen earned his Best Chef: Midwest title in 2018, and one meal here shows you why. His French training shines through every carefully crafted plate, but local Minnesota ingredients keep things grounded.

Housed in a restored stable from the 1900s, the space feels both historic and modern. The menu changes seasonally, highlighting whatever’s freshest from regional farms and producers. Reservations fill up quickly, so plan ahead for this North Loop gem.

Young Joni

Ann Kim made history as the first woman in Minnesota to win Best Chef: Midwest in 2019. Her restaurant blends American, Korean, and Japanese flavors in ways that feel completely natural.

The wood-fired pizzas steal the show, topped with unexpected combinations like Korean fried chicken or miso. Small plates and creative cocktails round out a menu that encourages sharing and exploration. The Arts District location buzzes with energy most nights of the week.

Diane’s Place

Chef Diane Moua earned a Best Chef: Midwest nomination in 2025 for her heartfelt Hmong-American cooking. Her small Northeast Minneapolis spot serves food that tells stories of family, heritage, and adaptation.

Traditional Hmong dishes get thoughtful updates without losing their soul. The papaya salad, larb, and egg rolls reflect generations of culinary knowledge passed down through Moua’s family. Prices stay reasonable, making this a neighborhood favorite for good reason.

Hai Hai

Chef Christina Nguyen has been nominated several times for Best Chef: Midwest, and Hai Hai remains one of Minneapolis’s most celebrated restaurants. Bright Southeast Asian flavors drive the menu, with dishes like turmeric fish noodles, grilled Laotian sausage, and coconut-milk curries layered with herbs and spice.

Every plate feels vibrant and full of life. The tropical décor and fun atmosphere make the space feel like a cheerful getaway, turning even casual dinners into memorable outings.

Martina

Another Ann Kim creation, Martina brings rustic Italian cooking to the Linden Hills neighborhood. The wood-fired oven produces pizzas with perfectly charred crusts and simple, quality toppings that let ingredients shine.

Handmade pastas and seasonal vegetable dishes round out a menu that feels like Sunday dinner in the Italian countryside. The cozy space fills up with families and couples seeking comfort food done right. Kim’s James Beard recognition extends across all her restaurants.

The Bungalow Club

Chef Andrew Kraft has earned James Beard recognition for his thoughtful approach to handmade pastas and modern Italian cooking. The tasting-menu format keeps meals interesting, offering several small courses that highlight seasonal ingredients and crafted sauces.

Guests see familiar Italian dishes transformed with fresh techniques and balanced flavors. Its cozy Longfellow setting keeps the experience down-to-earth, making high-quality cooking feel relaxed and accessible.

Pizzeria Lola

Ann Kim’s first restaurant put Minneapolis pizza on the national map. The Korean BBQ pizza – topped with bulgogi, scallions, and sesame seeds – became legendary and inspired countless imitators across the country.

Traditional options sit alongside creative combinations, all featuring that signature wood-fired crust. The Southwest Minneapolis, Minnesota location maintains a casual, welcoming vibe despite the James Beard fame. Weekend waits can stretch long, but the pizza makes it worthwhile.

Ann Ahmed’s Khaluna

Chef Ann Ahmed, nominated for Best Chef: Midwest, blends Lao, Thai, and broader Southeast Asian traditions into one polished, transportive dining experience. Khaluna’s menu features dishes like hand-rolled dumplings, aromatic curries, and wok-tossed noodles with bright herbs and spices.

The flavors stay bold yet harmonious, highlighting both tradition and innovation. The serene, airy dining room creates an escape from the city, enhancing meals with its calm, almost resort-like feel.

Alma

Alex Roberts’ Southeast Minneapolis, Minnesota restaurant has earned multiple James Beard nominations over the years. The constantly changing menu reflects whatever’s available from local farms and producers that week.

Cooking here feels deeply connected to place and season, with techniques that highlight rather than mask ingredients. The casual neighborhood setting makes award-winning food feel accessible and unpretentious. Alma helped establish Minneapolis as a destination for thoughtful, ingredient-driven dining.