For the robust Minneapolis/St. Paul restaurant scene, the start of 2026 was a rough one, with business down and widespread closures amid Operation Metro Surge. Grassroots initiatives like the Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund helped ensure the industry’s survival, as did locals’ quick action to support their favorite eateries. Even amid those turbulent times, restaurateurs got creative, coming out with updated menus, fresh concepts and brand-new eateries. Here are the top 8 new Twin Cities dining experiences of the year thus far.
Photography by Ana Garcia Castellanos
Indígena by Owamni
Since acclaimed Native American chef Sean Sherman opened Owamni five years ago, he has received three James Beard Awards, TIME100 honors and the Julia Child Award for his work moving Indigenous cuisine into the mainstream. The restaurant was also sold out on a nearly nightly basis in the former space, the Water Works Park Pavilion, given the massive demand for his decolonized fare. In June, Sherman debuted the next chapter of his vision: Indígena by Owamni, situated a stone’s throw away at the Guthrie Theater in the former Sea Change space. That expansive space is accompanied by an expanded menu as well as pre-show snacks, late-night bites and a full bar program. Some mainstays remain, like the crickets and popcorn, sweet potatoes, and hand-harvested wild rice, while the bigger kitchen allows for large-format meals such as the whole quail, elk rack and seafood platter.
Photography by Engle Olson
Bar Eloise
The Grocer’s Table was an instant Wayzata institution from the moment owner Lindsay Pohlad (bravely) opened the market meets cafe meets wine bar during the height of the pandemic. In 2024, she debuted adjacent neighborhood restaurant Eloise, which boasted moody vibes and delectable dishes coming out of the scratch kitchen. Now, Pohlad and her team have decided to make things a bit more casual, and the updated name reflects that shift. The good vibes and great eats remain, but with a more laid-back approach, TVs in the bar area and an expanded patio to soak in the Minnesota lake life. The menu has high/low favorites like caviar and potato chips, mini wagyu meatballs, steak frites, a lobster roll with all the fixins’, and yes, those beloved Parker House rolls. Bonus: Bar Eloise will offer Sunday brunch starting in late September. You know where you can find us.
Photography by Matt Lien for Saffron Restaurant
Saffron
Ask any Twin Cities foodie, and they’ll confirm: This is without a doubt Minneapolis’s most anticipated restaurant opening of 2026. Back in 2007, Palestinian-American brothers Sameh and Saed Wadi opened Saffron 1.0 (their first restaurant). Much to gourmands’ and critics’ dismay, they chose to close up shop after a decade-long run serving up Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delicacies in the Warehouse District. The duo continued on with their World Street Kitchen and Milkjam Creamery concepts, but there was definitely a collective mourning over the dining scene loss. Fast-forward to 2026, and Saffron has made its glorious return, in Northeast in the former Young Joni space (RIP). Nearly 20 years in, Sameh is reminding us all what he’s capable of in the kitchen, thanks to transportive dishes like lamb zarb, freekeh stuffed pepper, whipped labneh and poached fig pizza, kofta meatballs, muhamara dip, and slow-cooked green beans inspired by his grandmother. Welcome back, chef.
Photography provided by Tullibee
Tullibee
It’s hard to believe the Hewing Hotel is celebrating 10 years, but time flies when you’re having fun. To commemorate the anniversary, the North Loop boutique property — known for its Scandinavian-influenced industrial vibes — underwent a mini renovation refreshing the guest rooms and public spaces at the beginning of the year. Flagship eatery Tullibee was similarly re-envisioned under the guidance of recently appointed Executive Chef Nathan Kim (formerly of Chicago’s Obélix fame). Imbued with Korean influences, his “lake and woods” menu takes some big swings on Minnesota fare — and knocks them out of the park. The Juicy Lucy tartare pairs raw beef with smoked Cheddar mousse, pickles and toasted brioche in the most delightful way, and the group-friendly smoked bone-in short rib makes good use of the kitchen’s wood-fired hearth. As far as we’re concerned, this is the best chapter in the restaurant’s decade-long yearbook — meaning you’ve got a good excuse for a staycation so that you can properly experience breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Photography provided by Bill’s Bait Shop
Bill’s Bait Shop
Restaurateur Jami Olson is known for curated yet casual culinary concepts that she’s put serious thought into — but that don’t take themselves too seriously. Bill’s Bait Shop is the latest in that lineup, joining siblings Centro, Vivir, Everywhen Burger Bar, Hippo Pockets and Bina’s Bar. An ode to her grandpa and Up North culture (where she’s from), the South Minneapolis eatery is equal parts dive bar, supper club and neighborhood spot. The decor — think Northwoods nostalgia like cabin tchotchkes, fishing rods and even an upside-down canoe descending from the ceiling — sets the tone from the moment you walk in, and the menu doubles down on that bet: a walleye po’boy, campfire grilled oysters, Wisconsin cheese curds, corn on the cob and the aptly named Tackle Box snack sampler. The cocktail program is similarly cheeky, including a couple featured shots like the Fridge Cig (Diet Coke, vanilla vodka and sweet cold foam). Those who can’t get enough can take home a part of the Midwestern magic thanks to the merch shop.
Photography by Ellen Gustafson
Restaurant Aubergine
Lucky you, St. Paul. What started as a popular pop-up has become one of the Twin Cities’ hottest new eateries. Bjorn and Megan Jacobse, the husband-and-wife team behind Restaurant Aubergine, have impressive culinary pedigrees, including stints at institutions like Spoon and Stable, Bellecour, and Meritage. Their work took them across the continent, but they boomeranged back to the Twin Cities to set up shop in the Selby Dale neighborhood. There, they serve up many fan-favorite Lyonnaise dishes (like the to-die-for foie gras torchon) in the warm, welcoming dining room that feels like France meets Minnesota. We recommend starting with the appetizer sampler — featuring œuf en gelée, beef ham, pickled peppers and dinner rolls — followed by the duck leg confit salad then making your way into the Hidden Stream Farm lamb loin with jimmy nardello pepper and taggiasca olives. (If you’re at the bar, the off-menu burger topped with camembert fermier is the go-to.) No matter what’s on the seasonally changing menu, you can’t go wrong.
Photography by Ryan Dyer
Belle & Grey
The Wayzata food scene has been blowing up in recent years, and Belle & Grey is a welcome addition to the mix of restaurants rimming Lake Minnetonka. Situated inside the Hotel Landing, the modern supper club replaces ninetwentyfive and serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. For the name, owner Steve Bohl (of BohLand Companies) took inspiration from the storied waterway. “Belle” pays homage to the steamship that once graced Lake Minnetonka, while “Grey” refers to Gray’s Bay, upon which the restaurant sits. The vibe in the sun-drenched two-story dining room is coastal coziness, exemplified by comfy booths, fresh florals, nostalgic pattern play and a centerpiece bar. The menu is equally comforting, featuring reimagined classics such as wagyu beef tartare, smoked trout rillettes, lobster pot pie, and pan-roasted walleye. The sweetest way to conclude the evening is with the sticky toffee pudding. We recommend booking a room at the Hotel Landing and making a Wayzata weekend of it.
Photography provided by Risata Cucina
Risata Cucina
Travail put Robbinsdale on the culinary map back in 2010, and the unassuming western suburb has been keeping pace ever since. Case in point: this Italian neighborhood joint that feels like it’s always been there. It’s the brainchild of industry veterans Brendan Denne (formerly Travail’s culinary director) and Bryan Gooding (formerly Lake & Irving’s director of operations). Risata Cucina proves that good food doesn’t have to break the bank, with really delicious, reasonably priced food (there’s not an item over $30). During a time when date night has become increasingly pricey, that’s a welcome relief. The best bites list here is long, including the cacio e pepe beef tartare, grilled mortadella and mozzarella spiedini, potato gnocchi with lemon cream, carrot agnolotti with brown butter, and grilled pork chop (we warned you it was long). The pasta is housemade, the service is stellar and the dining room is welcoming. What more do you need to know?
