7 James Beard-Awarded Restaurants in Minneapolis You Should Try

If you're heading to the North Star State, you should definitely head over to Minneapolis, a city known for its incredible outdoor activities, from hiking trails and waterways to lakes - there are 22, which earned it the nickname, "City of Lakes." It's also has an array of art museums, like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Guthrie Theater, and the Minneapolis Art Institute, and you can't miss the Mall of America, the largest mall in the U.S.

But Minneapolis has much more to offer than culture and recreational activities. It has several James Beard-awarded restaurants that warrant a visit. To narrow down your choices, Moms Who Think compiled a list of 7 James Beard-awarded restaurants in Minneapolis you should try. (When you're dining in, check out these healthy options.)

If you've never tried a restaurant with true Native American cuisine, you are missing out. This restaurant offers diners a full experience with "adventurous" flavors (think: popcorn crickets or elk tacos). However, if that's too bold for your tastes, Owamni also offers tasty dishes such as braised duck and sweet potato mash.

Housed in a cool speakeasy-like setting, Young Joni is a vibe all its own. Dine on familiar dishes like margherita pizza or creamy burrata. Or even branch out to some of their specialties including lamb meatballs or chili glazed prawns. Enjoy that with a craft cocktail, and you have the perfect meal.

Housed in an early-1900s horse stable, Spoon and Stable serves French-inspired dishes as well as other local and Midwest roots. The food is refined yet still unpretentious and approachable. Expect to dine on dishes like Genovese Duck Ragu and Bison Tartare.

Since the 1940s, the Kramarczuks have been creating quality food that locals have frequented for years. This popular eatery, which is both a bakery and a European restaurant, offers traditional Ukrainian dishes such as pierogies, cabbage rolls, and Borshch.

If you're looking for an eclectic and comforting menu of New American food in Minneapolis, look no further than 112 Eatery. Residents and visitors alike keep coming back to this restaurant for its Gnocchi with Lobster and Arrabbiata Sauce and Tagliatelle with foie gras meatballs.

Alma is known for its casual, laid-back vibe, delicious food, and craft cocktails. While the tasting menu changes seasonally, the commitment to quality ingredients remains unchanged. If you're ever in the Minneapolis area, dine at this restaurant. Be sure to make a reservation!

Who doesn't love an excellent diner-style breakfast at an award-winning restaurant? Al's Breakfast has made a name for itself with dishes like its special scrambles and variety of omelets.