Downtown has many great restaurants, what type of food are you looking for?
I like:
Steakhouses
Tapas/Spanish
South American [Peruvian, Argentinian, Brazilian (steakhouses, lol), etc.]
French
Low-brow City Staples (nothing like a Wisconsin fish fry or a St. Lous gyro or Memphis BBQ)
Italian (mmm veal)
Seafood
etc
Yeah...I eat pretty much anything, lol. I just really, REALLY enjoy great food.
If the question is what is a personal favorite, then the field is wide open, without regard to quality.
Haute Dish, in the warehouse district, has a clever take on comfort food and is pretty good.
Solera, near the Orpheum, does tapas pretty well -- eclectic and fun.
Manny's in the W, is a good, reliable steakhouse.
McCormick and Schmicks, does a ghastly thing with seafood on a chain-wide basis.
Belle Vie, between downtown and uptown, is, IMHO, way overrated. Unimaginative, overpriced food in a dreary room inside an even drearier building, with peculiar service.
The Twin Cities produce reasonably good food, but nothing to compete with Chicago or the coasts if you're looking for a truly exceptional meal. This is not just my opinion...Andrew Zimmern, local food critic gone national, beats his head against the wall at the resistance that the TC gives to truly great food and its apparent preference to bland, large portions and low prices.
steaks- Murrays
Sushi-Origami
French- cafe barbette
Middle east- Saffron
Italian-.Bar la Grassa
best but tough reservation- 112 Eatery
One of the perks of staying downtown Minneapolis, is you are most likely to be connected to the skywalk system. This is great for touring to Minneapolis, because you really NEVER have to go outside! 
...(you can even walk to Target). Here is a map for the skywalk system: http://www.skywaymyway.com/ It may come in handy if you need spa, laundry/tailor services, restaurants or even a martini...
As for restaurants....For downtown Minneapolis I love to dine at:
1. Fire Lake can be found through the skywalk system in Minneapolis. Centrally located in downtown. http://firelakerestaurant.com/
Do not be fooled, this Hotel restaurant is brilliant. I love the mix of flavors and atmosphere. The waitstaff knows their wine list. And they usually refrain from telling you what you want to hear by saying the wine is good or they really like it.
2. The Oceanaire is a great choice if you want seafood. They are also in the skywalk system, but at the very western end of it. http://www.theoceanaire.com/locations/minneapolis/Locations.aspx
Well, this one is simple. I love king crab. The only thing I do not like is shelling it. Problem solved. They do it for you at Oceanaire. That is not the only reason I prefer Oceanaire.
....I heard a rumor they were switching locations...Is this true?
3. La Belle Vie is not 'exactly' downtown, but an inexpensive cab ride..and WORTH it!
http://www.labellevie.us/
Also, I do want to mention my St. Paul favorites...
1. Heartland Restaurant. http://www.heartlandrestaurant.com/index2.php#/home/
This is probably my AFT. Even if you are unable to go to St. Paul, you should read the 'about' section of their website.
2. Forepaugh's in St. Paul is historical in atmosphere and contemporary in flavor and presentation.
http://www.forepaughs.com/
Enjoy your visit to Minneapolis!
Soft and pink,
Samantha Good
ps ...back to the game...OMG they just gave the ball to Raji!! Go-Pack-Go!!
Thank you so much for the great intel and suggestions! I'm going to have to come back just to visit them all.
Totally agree on Heartland Restaurant. THAT is Minnesota fine dining 
Pheasant is in these days... with a nice Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, mmmmmm. It seems like a poor pairing but the pheasant is bold and they go together very well.
Posted By: termsofdelicious
Also, I do want to mention my St. Paul favorites...
1. Heartland Restaurant.
http://www.heartlandrestaurant.com/index2.php#/home/This is probably my AFT. Even if you are unable to go to St. Paul, you should read the 'about' section of their website.
Though it is not directly downtown, it is a short cab ride away.
Lucia's is great for interesting food, mostly organic and the menu changes often depending on what is available. The food is excellent!
Enjoy your visit.
I like to sit at the bar. Fun atmosphere and delicious food.
Ike's weekend brunch is exceptional.
Just in case youre in the mood For casual sometime I recommend
Eli's
Mannys
Wonderous kitchen
The new Rosa mexicano place is best for their happy hour otherwise its kind of expensive for what it really is.
its not downtown but the Lowry on hennipen ave has very good food and happy hour.
I also like Masu sushi NE & Monte Carlo.
if you are looking for a fun upscale take on local staples like swedish meatballs definitely try the bachelor farmer
Posted By: Rorykreece
What fine food purveyor in the Downtown Minneapolis area is your favorite?
I really do have to plan a return visit now. Thank you so much everyone for the wonderful suggestions. I am very much looking forward to sampling some of the city's best!
Monte Carlo is great for the retro atmosphere without irony.
The Dakota is really great. It is a jazz club, but has some of the best food in Mpls IMHO.
Please do come back! You look and sound very "intriguing." Dates weren't good for me this time...maybe next time? Here's hoping.
Posted By: Rorykreece
I really do have to plan a return visit now. Thank you so much everyone for the wonderful suggestions. I am very much looking forward to sampling some of the city's best!
when i make a trip to minnesota there are only 2 places where i dine
the first is donnatelli's in white bear lake.
the second is at the Y
both are orgasmic!!
ill be on my way there in the morning.
Posted By: erik_reilly
when i make a trip to minnesota there are only 2 places where i dine the first is donnatelli's in white bear lake.
Ever since Diners Drive-ins & Dives did their piece on Donnatellis it's been swamped. Been there twice, and frankly I don't get it. The pizza is good, but not Totonno Pizzeria Napoletana good. The pasta is fresh (home made), which for many people is NOT a plus. It's very soft.
It's good, but great? D'Amico and Sons is better IMO.
Murray's, Manny's, Capital Grill or Ruth's for steak
Dakota for Jazz
Ike's and Monte Carlo for more casual dining
you will have to head at least 1000 miles south...
However, Fogo de Chao has good Brazilian food.
Al Vento for Italian.
Victor's Cafe for Cuban.
Brit's Pub if you are drunk and need a fried mess.
Head to the Hyatt if you want the best bread pudding in about 800 miles. The rum sauce is to die for.
I like food and the food at the mentioned places is decent. If you want great food I suggest Louisiana.
