7 Exceptional Minneapolis Restaurants Worthy of Michelin Stars

Minneapolis is the coldest major city in the continental U.S., a claim to fame that might turn off many people. However, its reputation as a city with an excellent cultural scene, vibrant arts and theatre, and delicious dining entices people to visit and keep returning. Like any highly-populated city, Minneapolis has several award-winning restaurants. Yet, as great as they are, none have the coveted Michelin Star.

You might question whether Minneapolis simply lacks restaurants deserving of this prestigious honor. The answer is a resounding no. Minneapolis doesn't have any Michelin Star restaurants because there is no Michelin Guide for Minneapolis.

There are currently only seven U.S. locations with Michelin Guides. Despite the lack of a Michelin Guide, some restaurants in Minneapolis may be worthy of a Michelin Star. Keep reading to find out which restaurants are deserving of the rating. 

Restaurants in Minneapolis That Are Michelin Worthy

Even though Michelin has yet to create a guide for Minnesota or Minneapolis, there are a handful of restaurants in the area that could make the cut. Locals from Minneapolis and the surrounding areas are proud of their local restaurants, including these Michelin-worthy establishments:

• Demi
• Travail Kitchen and Amusements
• Spoon and Stable
• Alma
• Fhima’s Minneapolis
• Petite Leon
• Borough

Each of these restaurants offers the quality of ingredients and consistency that Michelin looks for when evaluating restaurants. Let’s look closer at what makes each restaurant worthy of a star.

Demi

Demi is likely the first restaurant you’ll see mentioned by any Minneapolis local or foodie who has visited the area. When you think of fine dining in Minneapolis, Demi immediately comes to mind. At this unique restaurant, the staff focuses on serving delicious food with fresh, local ingredients as well as creative ingredients from around the country.

Due to the small dining area, you can only dine at Demi with a reservation. This only adds to the luxury and exclusive feel of the restaurant. Demi is open for dinner from Wednesday through Sunday each week, and reservations open at the beginning of the month.

Demi offers an ever-evolving menu that changes with the seasons, but you can get the full experience by choosing the Barrington Menu. The Barrington Menu is a 7-course tasting experience you can enjoy from the intimate kitchen counter. This gives you a full view of what’s going on behind the scenes while enjoying your delicious meal.

Travail Kitchen and Amusements

Travail Kitchen and Amusements offers a combination of fine dining and a relaxing atmosphere. Led by the culinary team of Mike Brown, Bob Gerken, and James Winberg, this restaurant has a menu inspired by local ingredients and French cuisine.

The team behind Travail Kitchen and Amusements was recognized for their efforts as James Beard semi-finalists. Now they’ve brought their talent to the unique menu of Travail Kitchen and Amusements. The Signature Chef’s Tasting Menu is one way to enjoy all that this luxury restaurant has to offer.

You can enjoy your meal from the Sky Lounge Rooftop if you please. No matter what entrée you choose, you'll be surprised by how delicious each item is. The menu is made up of signature dishes such as the ham hock with caviar, steak tartare, and the chocolate mousse with a coconut rice crispy.

Spoon and Stable

Spoon and Stable is a beautiful, New American restaurant in Minneapolis. At Spoon and Stable, the staff creates a memorable dining experience for each guest. The dining room, which was once a horse stable, is filled with natural light that creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Chef Gavin Kaysen was raised in Minneapolis and always dreamed of opening his own restaurant back in his hometown. As a James Beard award-winning chef, his talent shines through in each delectable dish.

At Spoon and Stable, the cuisine is focused on local culture as well as the French cuisine Chef Gavin Kaysen is known for. Their dinner menu is full of sensational dishes, such as the Rigatoni with pork sausage ragu or the Scallops with crispy pancetta and Brussels sprouts. For dessert, try their Toffee Butter Cake or their Chocolate Earl Gray Torte.

Alma

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, Alma has a nationally recognized seasonal menu and is open for dinner only. Their menu features a variety of small plates, sandwiches, and desserts. Try their Seasonal Tasting Menu for the ultimate dining experience. This particular menu costs $95 per person.

Since 1999, this restaurant has offered an excellent dining experience. Their ingredients are locally sourced and they have close relationships with their suppliers and local farmers.

The seasonal dining experience includes 10 plated and shared dishes, with the option of adding an expert wine pairing. Their menu is seasonal, so make sure to check their website for the latest offerings. As of December 2023, some dishes on the seasonal tasting menu include Celery Root Soup with black truffle and Pan-roasted New York Strip with smoked cauliflower.

Fhima’s Minneapolis

At Fhima’s Minneapolis, you’ll find a bright, modern atmosphere with delicious meals inspired by French and Moroccan cuisine. Chef David Fhima is the visionary behind the restaurant. He partners with local farmers to source the highest-quality and freshest ingredients.

The atmosphere and concept behind Fhima’s was inspired by Chef David Fhima’s childhood. He grew up in an environment where cooking and eating were the center of the home, and he was inspired by a combination of French, Moroccan, Spanish, and Sicilian food in his family.

The bar within Fhima’s Minneapolis is historic and was previously run by some of the most well-known and recognized chefs in the country. You can enjoy the atmosphere at Fhima’s from the bar, which serves a variety of craft cocktails and wine. If you come for dinner, you’ll be delighted by some of the unique entrees on the menu, such as the Pulpo a la Gallega, which includes octopus, a potato crust, and paprika. Or you can choose something lighter, such as the Ras Al Hanout Cauliflower Salad with pomegranate, figs, and tahini cream.

Petite León

Petite León is another elegant restaurant in Minneapolis worthy of Michelin recognition. This establishment in south Minneapolis is considered a neighborhood bistro. Award-winning Chef Jorge Guzmán leads his team in the kitchen to create delicious meals inspired by his own love for food, especially related to his home state of Yucatán.

This bistro also specializes in perfect wine pairings and expertly crafted cocktails, with a team led by the Bar Manager and part-owner, Travis Serbus. Petite León has been recognized in a number of publications, including the New York Times and the Zagat Guide.

Their diverse menu includes unique dishes such as Steak Frites, with chili sauce and chipotle butter. They also offer refreshing cocktails, such as the Tennessee Hot, which includes lime, lemon, habanero, and soda.

Borough

From the time you walk into Borough, the atmosphere and lighting set the tone for an incredible night. Borough has been open since 2013, and the culinary team is led by Executive Chef Mike DeCamp.

The menu includes small plates that allow guests to explore multiple dishes on the menu, with cuisine inspired by the fresh, local, and seasonal flavors of Minnesota. Their dinner menu includes dishes such as the Cavatelli with carrot and goat butter and the Octopus with yam, soy, and cilantro.

If you want the most intimate and exclusive experience at Borough, you can dine at the Apartment. This restaurant experience combines the classic elegance of dining in a restaurant with the warmth and comfort of eating at home. The Apartment holds 22 guests and can be booked for private events or a private dining experience.

The Best Restaurants in An Underrated Food Scene

Some say that the food scene in Minneapolis is underrated, but the locals know that their city is home to a number of Michelin-worthy restaurants. If you've wondered about Michelin Star Restaurants in Minneapolis, remember that there isn't a guide for this city yet, but hopefully, Michelin will make its way to Minnesota in the future. When they do, some of these restaurants are sure to be considered.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©f11photo/Shutterstock.com.