Not a euphemism! I believe the twin cities food scene is criminally underrated compared to other major metro areas. Some standouts in 2026 were Martina, Herbst, and Demi. Any spots I should check out on my next visit? Recs for your favorite ethiopian spots, diners, taquerias, and pho are also welcome

You might want to check out Spoon and Stable, it’s the same Chef as Demi.
You also might want to check out Owamni which is Native American fine dining,  I haven’t eaten here, but it has amazing reviews and is a unique menu.

Personally I’m low class so don’t eat at these places often, but one of my favs is Nongs Thai in a suburb about 20 minutes from downtown.

Quang Restaurant has nice Pho.  
For sushi, check out Kado no Mise or Billy Sushi.

I have some foodie friends who spent their careers working in NYC and retired here in mpls.  They say the reason we have so many good restaurants is because all the top chefs come to Hazelden to get sober and stay.

Owamni has been on my list for ages! Still sad I missed the paw paw ice cream. Appreciate your recs xx

Love Quang!

Hahaha that checks out. Good on them for cracking the code

I like porzana, great vibe and food. There’s a hidden bar in the back “flora” definitely worth checking out if you have to wait for a table as well as Berlin next door (open mic on Wednesday after 10pm)

While I haven’t had a steak in years, my family has always had a fondness for Lyndey’s Prime Steakhouse

Respectfully, Owamni is not fine dining and more as a focused expression of authentic Native American cuisine.

The TC food scene genuinely deserves better press than it gets so I'm glad someone said it.

 
Spoon and Stable is a reliable yes. Porzana is always a go-to... I went there for a birthday dinner once, it was Aquatennial weekend. So dimly lit with fireworks visible from our table. *Chef's kiss*. One of those evenings that just accidentally becomes a memory. Bûcheron earned the James Beard for a reason and I've never seen someone leave disappointed. Gai Noi is a place I've been introducing people to lately and the reaction is consistently "why didn't anyone tell me about this sooner." Khaluna is a client favorite. The atmosphere does as much work as the food. Kado no Mise if you want something quieter and precise.

 
On Billy's Sushi, I know some people feel like you're paying for the name and maybe there's something to that. But Billy is genuinely there almost every night, his team clearly knows what they're doing, and I have never had a bad meal there. Sometimes the vibe IS the experience and that's not nothing. Also Billy After Dark (BAD) after dinner is a solid move if you want the evening to keep going somewhere interesting. They don't tell you what's in the cocktails, you just get the "vibe". It's rather fun!

 
Owamni I love in theory. But in practice, as someone who is part Native American, so I feel genuinely obligated to say this... I have been there with people and we have ended up somewhere else afterward for something to snack on because the food is beautiful and historically honest. And in the same breath, my ancestors clearly had extraordinary willpower that I did not inherit. No sugar, no dairy, no wheat? Respect... truly.  

 
Ethiopian spots, taquerias, and pho... someone else take those, that's not my lane and I'd rather admit that than send you somewhere wrong.

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This seems rather timely with this discussion, National Geographic named Minneapolis in the top 15 food destinations in the world, only US city to make the list

I appreciate this reply so much! Truly perfect intel

Porzana has been mentioned enough times on this thread that it feels like a necessary visit. I enjoyed Bucheron last time I went but am spoiled enough by good options that I probably won't go back without an enticing invitation. Gai Noi is going to the top of my list for sure unless a client wanted to swoop in and take me to Khaluna for the sake of comparison...

Grateful for your take on owamni, will go on a day where I also plan on getting a blucy

Pineda stands the test of time for me xx

It's an interesting choice to include Minneapolis and not any other US food capitals. The variety & quality of things you can find in Minneapolis that you can't find at all in other places feels like justification enough, though I'm curious what metrics nat geo was using when they decided.