Each summer, we like to round up our picks of the best new dining experiences around town. So far, 2024 has seen restaurant openings aplenty — from Yia Vang’s long-awaited homage to his Hmong heritage to Jorge Guzmán’s Mexican-inspired spot situated along Lake Bde Maka Ska. Here are 12 new Twin Cities eateries that are worthy of your attention and your appetite.
Photography by Lauren Cutshall
Vinai
This might be the most anticipated opening of not only the year but of the decade (seriously). Hmong chef Yia Vang, who became beloved thanks to his early pop-up dinners, his Union Hmong Kitchen and his fan-favorite Minnesota State Fair stand, has had this in the works for years. Much to the delight of Twin Cities foodies, his love letter to his parents (as he dubs it) finally opened in Northeast and offers delectable dishes like braised beef rib, grilled lamb heart and crabby fried rice alongside cocktails courtesy of Steady Pour.
Photography by Destiny Western/Libby Anderson
Bûcheron
Pure culinary magic. That’s what you get when two Gavin Kaysen alums — former Demi Chef de Cuisine Adam Ritter and former Bellecour General Manager Jeanie Janas Ritter — open up a restaurant of their own. The South Minneapolis neighborhood spot pairs inviting environs with can’t-go-wrong cuisine that both beckon you to stay awhile, thanks to highlights like venison tartare, rabbit ragù and grilled rainbow trout.
Photography by Jordan Wipf
A Bar of Their Own
The Twin Cities got its first dedicated women’s sports bar this year, and the immediate and abundant love for A Bar of Their Own proved any and all naysayers wrong. Sure, sports are the main event here, but all that action is accompanied by a welcoming, spirited atmosphere, an enticing bar menu (obviously) and elevated bar food — think fried pickles, totchos (nacho tater tots) and a kimchi carnitas pulled-pork sandwich.
Photography by Megan Stezka
Pink Ivy
Downtown Hopkins is hotter than ever thanks to the addition of this enticing eatery from Michael and Viorica Shaughnessy. The cuisine is sure to satisfy any palate, with delicious plant-forward options plus plenty of meat-centric entrées. A must-try? The chicken-bacon meatballs with shawarma cream sauce. The floral statement wall, meanwhile, is just begging to be a backdrop for your social media selfies.
Photography provided by Parcelle/Labor Studios
Parcelle
Healthy and convenient don’t always go hand-in-hand — that is, until now. The team behind Parcelle, led by chef/restaurateur Kamal Mohamed of StepChld and Nashville Coop fame, has officially married the two attributes at this Northeast cafe. But here’s the best part: This good-for-you fare also tastes good, which can be tough to nail. From smoothies to salads to macro bowls, it is all organic and can be savored in the light-filled space or taken on the go.
Photography by Roy Son
Picnic
Sometimes you just need a place to linger with good drinks, good food and good friends. For those who live in or frequent Linden Hills, Picnic is that place. So-called picnic boards (because of course) range from classic to adventurous, and the dinner offerings — steak tartare, duck confit, mussels in cream sauce — take bar food to a new level. Bonus: You can take a food-filled picnic basket to go, perfect for lunch on Lake Harriet.
Photography provided by Jester Concepts
Starling
Jester Concepts has added another eatery, Starling, to the foodie family (P.S. Steak, Borough, Butcher & the Boar). This one’s in the ’burbs, bringing global flavors such as butter chicken, Balinese fried rice and Filipino adobo pork to Edina. The cocktails are equally inventive, including a kumquat sour and a shiso mojito. It’s all set in convivial environs that’ll transport you far from the 50th and Highway 100 locale.
Photography provided by Wrap/Graze Provisions + Libations
Wrap
From the brains behind Wrecktangle Pizza comes Wrap, which has the best handhelds in town. It is one of the latest additions to Graze food hall in the North Loop and proves that food needn’t be fancy to be good. Fun takes on the titular item include the Alex breakfast burrito with eggs, sausage, bacon and hashbrowns as well as the Gloria, with its crispy chicken, habañero honey butter and B&B pickles.
Photography by Tim Gruber/Gemma Weston
Diane’s Place
Former Spoon and Stable/Bellecour/Demi executive pastry chef Diane Moua struck out on her own this spring with this Northeast gem, which serves up way more than just pastries. The cozy spot boasts daily brunch, with dinner being unveiled soon. Favorite dishes include the Hmong sausage, the sweet pork bowl, and the Spam and nori croissant. And of course there are plenty of pastries to take home, too.
Photography by Wing Ho/Isabel Subtil
Dario
This North Loop hot spot is a pink-hued pasta paradise. Handmade agnolotti, spaghetti and tortelli are stuffed and topped with shrimp scampi, tomato-braised lamb and fennel sausage. Vegetables also play a star role thanks to hits like cauliflower with brown butter bagna cauda and marinated beets with candied pecans. The hardest part? Deciding what to order.
Photography provided by Bina’s
Bina’s
Northeast is known for its stellar dive bars, and Bina’s fits right into the neighborhood. The name is an ode to restaurateur Jami Olson’s grandparents, and the locale couldn’t be more convenient, situated right next to Centro. The vibe is spot on, while the playful menu includes burgers, tots, mozz sticks, deviled eggs and bars for dessert — an homage to Olson’s rural Midwestern upbringing.
Photography provided by Chilango/Daniel Klein
Chilango
Mexico-born, Yucatán-raised Jorge Guzmán has been on a journey of his own, including helming the kitchen at the Surly Brewer’s Table and opening his acclaimed Petite León a few years ago. Now, he’s taking foodies on a culinary journey at Chilango, his Mexican-inspired spot situated along Lake Bde Maka Ska. Both the atmosphere and the fare are fun and festive, with can’t-miss options from cochinita pibil to lamb birria.
