Food & Wine

When we set out to talk about restaurants, we understood that we couldn't   possibly talk about all of them. Instead, we wanted to recommend some of our   favorites and say a little about why we enjoy them. That way you could try   them if you like and decide for yourself. We will keep giving you new ideas   but here are some for now.

Bistro

· A Rebours - 410 St. Peter Street, St. Paul

  From steak frites with béarnaise to a let the chef pair with your wine wild card this  little place has become the sweetheart of the Twin Cities.

·        112 Eatery - 112 N 3 rd Street Mpls

    The entire restaurant scene sighed in relief when this easy going, late night eatery finally opened in the heart of downtown.   The rest of the dining public followed.

·        Zander Café - 525 Selby Ave., St. Paul

  One of our favorites. It's small, cozy, and intimate. Check out their wine bar for a more casual dinner or a bottle of wine while listening to live   jazz (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).

Chinese

·        Rainbow Chinese - 2739 Nicollet Ave

  Once located in the strip mall across the street, they have now moved and   updated the space but the menu remains the same, authentic and delicious.   Try the tofu salad!

·        My Le Hoa (mee-lee-wa) - 2900 Rice Street, Little Canada

  Yes, it's a drive but well worth it! As authentic as it gets, the specials   are great and if you are up for Sunday Dim Sum this is a place to check   out!

Caribbean

·        West Indies Soul Café - 625 University Ave. W., Ste. 102,   St. Paul

  Love the food; jerk chicken, Jamaican rice and peas, plantains, etc. These   guys don't mess around.

·        Babalú - 800 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis

  Authentic upscale, caribbean food, cuban/brazilian atmosphere and live  latin jazz. Hot!

Eclectic

·        Chino Latino   - 2916 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls

  Great mix of atmosphere and dining. Whether it is their beautifully lit candle   wall or their giant platters of food, you won't be disappointed. Stop at   the bar for a mojito to mingle with the suburban chic.

·   The Craftsman Restaurant & Bar · A Rebours - 410 St. Peter Street, St. Paul

    Creative, quality, seasonal menu where the kitchen is all flex with no attitude. A      great patio in the summer too.

·        Loring Pasta Bar - 327 14 th Ave. SE, Mpls

  In the heart of Dinkytown, it boasts a theatrical décor. A far cry   from the Bohemian vibe of the old Loring Café (now café & bar Lurcat). Of course, you must try their signature artichoke ramekin.

Fine Dining

·        D'Amico Cucina - 100 6 th Street N-In Butler Square

  Northern Italian menu with a fabulous, all Italian wine list. One of the   best private rooms for small parties of 14 or less. Where else can you   dine off the bed of Maharaja? The bar is also a great hang when you are   feeling fancy (live jazz on Friday and Saturdays)

·        La Belle Vie - 510 Groveland, Mpls

  The new spot is not as charming but it's still a haven for foodies and the creativity keeps getting better and better.

·        St Paul Grill - Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul

  Thus far, the only four star restaurant in St Paul. An all American menu   with exceptional steak and lobster. Enjoy the view of the park, and walking   distance of the Ordway theatre.

Indian

·        Taste of India - 1745 Cope Ave. E., Maplewood; 5617 Wayzata Blvd.,   St. Louis Park

  Probably the best Indian food in the cities, but get there early for lunch   and dinner or you'll be waiting outside.

·        Passage to India   - 1401 W. Lake St., Mpls

  Great Indian food and they use some of the authentic serving pieces. The   chicken vindaloo is great if you love spicy food & their nan is one of   our favorites.

Italian

· Osteria I Nonni - 981 Sibley Hwy - Lilydale

   This may be a drive for some but the relaxed atmosphere and a wine list that is     fine study of Italy it is worth it. Be sure to ask your bartender for the daily specials.

·        Pane Vino Dolce - 819 W. 50 th St., Mpls.

  Authentic peasant style cooking, using fresh, and vibrant high-end ingredients.   Best  chandelier in town too.

·        Ravello   - 1935 W Wayzata Blvd, long lake

  Casual, upscale Italian with Asian and French influences. Great wine list with an Italian focus but many wonderful, international choices as well.

Japanese

·        Fuji-Ya - 600 W. Lake St., Mpls.

  Now with the bar open later on weekends, you can have your sushi or sake   at the bar, which has a New York touch (SOHO).

·        Martini Blu   - 615 2 nd Ave. S-In the Grand Hotel

  Great Sushi by sushi chef, Thong Jyang. Sit at the bar and ask for one of   his special rolls!

·        Origami - Market Hotel, 30 N. 1 st St., Mpls.

  Its reputation speaks for itself. Ace san will create an entire menu of surprises   for you if you put your palate in his hands. He is a true artist. The upstairs   lounge is a great place to hang out. Also, they are now open on Sundays.

·        Sakura - Carriage Hill Plaza, 350 St. Peter St., St. Paul)

  Great food, excellent service. By far the best sushi spot on that side of   the river.

·        Tanpopo - 367 Selby Ave., St. Paul

  If it's soup you're looking for, then look no further. This is an authentic   Japanese noodle shop.

Mexican

·        El Mariachi - 2750 Nicollet Ave, Mpls

  Menudo and carne asada are hits here although the torillas are a must. More than  Likely you will also be able to find your favorite Mexican beer here too.

·        El Burrito Mercado- 175 Cesar Chavez St, St Paul

  A multitude of guisados and salsas fresh daily to fill your burrito or take away with  you by the pint.   Or do it like us and do both!

Nigerian/Efik

·        Wazobia Nigerian cafe & catering - 2817 Lyndale Ave   So

  Finally a place in Mpls to get, fufu, rice and stew, coconut rice, and  pepper soup to name a few.

Night Owls (for those who need a bite after partying)

·        Mickey's Diner - 36 W. 7 th St., St. Paul

  Open 24hrs, classic American diner serving soups, burgers, sandwiches, and   daily changing specials. Worth the drive across the river.

·        Pizza Luce - 119 N. 4 th St., Mpls.

  Open 'til 3am on Fridays & Saturdays, try their shrimp pesto pizza, or their   lasagna.

·        Solera - 900 Hennepin Avenue

  Some of the best food in the heart of downtown and they serve it until 1am   Monday  through Thursday and until 2am on Friday and Saturday!

Seafood

·        The Oceanaire Seafood Room - Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1300 Nicollet   Mall, Mpls.

  By our account the best seafood restaurant in the cities. Classic seafood   house, with a forties/fifty's cruise liner appeal. Must try the crab cakes,   and the tin roof sundae for dessert. If you are an oyster fan get a seat   right at the bar and choose from a huge, fresh selection.

Steakhouse

·        Manny's - Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1300 Nicollet   Mall, Mpls.

  Of course! Best pitch in town, best martini in town, best boys in town and of course the best steak in town. Does it get bigger than this?

Thai

·        The King and I - 1346 LaSalle Ave., Mpls.

  Mmm - our personal favorite and most authentic. Traditional in their presentation   of food. The bar serves food until midnight!

·        Sawatdee Bar & Café - 118 N. 4 th St., Mpls.

  Good, quick, and kick back.

Vietnamese

·        Jasmine Deli - 2532 Nicollet Ave. S, Mpls

They have the best hot salads and their sandwiches are great too. Make sure   you try a Vietnamese coffee. Once you try this you will be delighted. Once   you see the bill ($4-$6) you will be thrilled! Closed Mondays.

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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