Although 2023 seemed to fly by in a blur, this year served up some stellar new culinary staples across the Twin Cities. If you’re ready to make your list of local eateries to check out during the holiday season and beyond, we’ve got your back. Including Daniel del Prado‘s magnum opus and Ann Ahmed‘s nationally renowned hot spot, here are the 12 best new Twin Cities restaurants of 2023.
Photography by Monique Sourinho
Gai Noi
It’s no secret that we’ve long been fangirling over chef Ann Ahmed, whose inspired eateries — Lat14, Khâluna and now Gai Noi — transport foodies to Laos. Her latest hit in Minneapolis‘s Loring Park is earning her some much-deserved national attention (we see you, New York Times). You’ll come for the heartwarming dishes and inventive cocktails and stay for the fun, convivial vibe.
Photography provided by Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand
Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand
While this new neighborhood joint is somewhat unassuming tucked into St. Paul‘s St. Anthony Park, the ambiance and food are far from ordinary. Quite the opposite — Herbst served up one of the best meals we’ve had all year. Every dish on the regularly rotating menu is worthy of savoring, plus you can snag some of the housemade ingredients in the adjacent shop.
Photography provided by El Sazon Cocina & Tragos
El Sazon Cocina & Tragos
What began as an Eagan gas station sensation has evolved into one of Tangletown‘s hidden gems. Cristian and Karen De Leon have found a Southwest Minneapolis home for their standout tacos, tortas and other Latin American delights. The menu also features some surprises, like ramen and tinga, as well as handcrafted cocktails (and mocktails). Bonus: The eatery also offers Sunday brunch.
Photography by Sergio Rapu
Indigenous Food Lab Market
Renowned Native American chef Sean Sherman has done it again, this time serving up his nourishing Indigenous-focused fare at Midtown Global Market. The Indigenous Food Lab Market is the fast-casual counterpart to Owamni, dishing up decolonized meals like bison birria grain bowls and tepary bean chili soup. You can also support tribal sovereignty by stocking up on the Native-produced goods on offer.
Photography provided by Porzana
Porzana
Would this even be a Twin Cities restaurant article without a mention of Daniel del Prado? As far as we can tell, Argentinian steakhouse Porzana is his magnum opus, paying homage to his heritage and breathing new life into the old Bachelor Farmer space in the North Loop. Chipas (trust us), oysters, prime cuts — what more could you ask for? Oh, brunch? That’s now available, too.
Photography by Roy Son
Kim’s
Chef Ann Kim is no stranger to evolution, so we 100% trusted her judgment in shifting the former Sooki & Mimi to her most personal offering yet. Foodies line up down the block to grab a table at her walk-in-only Uptown restaurant, where Korean American standards like bibimbap and bulgogi mingle with fun takes like KFC wings and a house burger.
Photography by Dennis Becker
Chloe by Vincent
French fare is at its finest at chef Vincent Francoual‘s Mill District outpost, named for his daughter (who shares his love of cooking). All the Francophile favorites shine here — French onion soup, Niçoise salad, mussels mouclade — but without the fussiness that typically accompanies such fine dining.
Photography by Morrissey Hospitality
Momento
Downtown St. Paul is having a major moment, and Momento is part of that (get it?). What was once Pazzaluna is now a Mediterranean-inspired eatery with mouthwatering meze, pasta and seafood on the menu. It’s a perfect pre-show spot and an opportunity to explore everything new that’s popping up on the eastside.
Photography by Travis Anderson
Oro by Nixta
There’s a reason Oro by Nixta is on the tip of everyone’s tongue (and on every best restaurant list): It’s that good. Gustavo and Kate Romero share their love of corn in all its iterations in a warm Northeast Minneapolis locale. In dining here, you’re supporting their mission to preserve heirloom Mexican corn varieties. Good food for a good cause? That’s a win-win.
Photography provided by Jester Concepts
Butcher & the Boar
How lucky are we that Jester Concepts brought back this Minneapolis institution? The original downtown eatery once helmed by the late, great Jack Riebel has begun a fresh chapter in the North Loop, with smoked meats, bourbon and craft beer aplenty. In addition to the moody dining room, there’s also the intimate Char Bar, primed for sipping on fine whiskey and noshing on bar snacks.
Photography by Caitlin Abrams
Breva
Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis has a duo of new restaurants, including flagship eatery Breva. Elevated comfort food is the name of the game here, which translates to dishes like smoked walleye dip, suya honey chicken wings, braised short rib and the like. If you’re looking for a post-dinner drink, you can head downstairs to speakeasy Masa & Agave.
Photography provided by Pimento on the Lake
Pimento on the Lake
Tomme Beevas is a Twin Cities champion and changemaker. His latest accomplishment? Bringing his beloved Pimento Jamaican Kitchen to the shores of Lake Bde Maka Ska in the brand-spanking-new pavilion. That means foodies can nosh on jerk chicken, braised oxtail and sweet fried plantains while taking in the water views, then swing by the market for culinary goodies and other gifts.
