Best Historic Restaurants in University of Minnesota

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

1. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1100)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 9 times today

**Please note all reservations are for Nolo's Kitchen, the rooftop is first come, first serve. For cabana rentals please visit https://www.rooftopbarmpls.com/cabanas**Located at the historic Gardner Hardware Building at 515 Washington Ave N in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. The NOLO's team consists of Marty Collins, Brett Johnson and Peter Hoff, each native Minnesotans with extensive industry experience. Marty has owned over 10 restaurant concepts in Minneapolis, MN, Kansas City and Columbia, MO, and Iowa City, IA. Brett and his family have owned and operated The Hilltop Restaurant for the past 40 years. Pete, the head chef, brings his most recent culinary experience and creativity from California to NOLO’s, The Rooftop Bar and The Basement Bar. His culinary vision and passion for local ingredients create new modern comfort food dishes. The team shares a passion for the restaurant and bar industry and sees an opportunity to fill gaps in the market in the North Loop.

2. Zelo

4.8

Exceptional(4052)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 23 times today

At Zelo, we serve simple, fresh Italian cuisine made from local ingredients. Our handcrafted meals accompany a thoughtful, approachable wine selection. We believe dining is more than a menu: it is an experience, and ours is quality. When you’re our guest, our staff learn your name and remember your favorite glass of wine. We passionately commit to bring you the full dining experience – quality food and wine presented with welcoming service. Every meal. Every day. Please join us. An enduring Minneapolis destination, Zelo was opened in 1999 by Rick Webb, a Minnesota restaurateur whose pursuits have set the standard in Twin Cities dining for over 40 years. Looking for another unparalleled dining experience in the south metro? Visit Rick Webb’s acclaimed Ciao Bella, the restaurant that inspired Zelo’s handcrafted food and dedicated service.

A photo of Nicollet Island Inn restaurant

3. Nicollet Island Inn

4.9

Exceptional(3380)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 5 times today

The Nicollet Island Inn has stood witness to over a century of change on the shores of the Mississippi River. The Inn is consistently named the most romantic restaurant in the area and its river views have been voted some of the best in the city. An immediately recognizable Minneapolis landmark, the Inn offers world-class cuisine created by Executive Chef Michael Rain , whose innovative and constantly updated menu includes a variety of seafood, steaks and gourmet specialty dishes. Our wine menu has been chosen specifically to compliment the food and highlight producers from the world's leading wine regions.Nic's bar, just off the main dining room, is a casual, old-world tavern and the patio offers stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline. The Inn is a convenient, comfortable destination for breakfast or lunch meetings while the 3 or 5-course Sunday Brunch is the perfect weekend indulgence.

4. Masa & Agave

4.2

Awesome(63)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 8 times today

Welcome to Masa & Agave, a speakeasy-style cantina hidden below stairs at the historic Hotel Ivy in Downtown Minneapolis. On Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's from 8pm to Close we are first-come, first-served and do not accept reservations during this time.Worshipped as the Aztec gods of fertility and long life, venerated for their powers of sustenance, corn masa and agave have been central to Mexican culture and cuisine since ancient times. Using authentic techniques, we prepare corn masa-based starters and Mexico City-style tacos that are bursting with regional flavors, along with dinner classics like Pork Carnitas and Negro Monelo-Braised Beef Short Ribs. Our collection of 200 agave spirits pays homage to the jimadores and mezcaleros who have labored over their craft for generations. Sip on a copita or two, or gather friends for one of our signature Margaritas - try the Tradicionale, Tamarindo or a Margarita al Gusto mixed with your choice of spirit. Salud!

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

5. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.8

Exceptional(5247)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 9 times today

Café and Bar Lurcat, located next to Loring Park, is a hip, urban venue that boasts serious food and voguish design. Café Lurcat is a perfect blend of classic old world style with a Noveau twist. The expansive bar and lounge is ideal for casual cocktails and a la carte bites, while the romantic dining room creates the perfect ambiance for an exceptional foodie experience featuring sophisticated comfort food. We offer the perfect event venue for family celebrations, trendy parties, marriages, Bar Mitzvahs, showers, charity events, galas, graduations and black tie events. This iconic Minneapolis restaurant continues to age like a fine wine as it approaches its 20th year.

6. Blondette

4.1

Excellent(100)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 8 times today

Blondette is a French-inspired restaurant, concepted by award-winning Chef Daniel del Prado, offering traditional French cuisine fused with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Housed in a glass-covered atrium complete with an outdoor terrace and one of Minneapolis’ only retractable roofs, Blondette invites guests to mix and mingle under the stars all year long. In addition to dinner daily, each Saturday and Sunday, Blondette serves up elevated brunch fare from 9am - 2pm. Reservations recommended but not required. We also offer curated holiday menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve, Easter and Mother's Day. LOCATION: Blondette is located on the 5th floor of the iconic Rand Tower Hotel, conveniently attached to the Downtown Minneapolis Skyway. Each of Rand Tower Hotel’s restaurants and bars is a destination all its own, offering locals and travelers a unique culinary journey they won’t find anywhere else.PARKING: $10 valet parking is available with dining validation.

7. The Lexington

4.7

Exceptional(2936)

Price: Expensive

• American • Saint Paul

Booked 12 times today

The Lexington is more than a restaurant, it’s an institution. Located on the corner of Lexington Parkway and Grand Avenue, this St. Paul community was the most fashionable at the turn of the 19th century. The St. Paul elite lived just blocks away and the first electric trolley brought visitors up and down Grand Avenue. The Lexington opened in 1935, after the end of prohibition, and was a popular neighborhood bar to gather and socialize. Previously operating as a speakeasy, the expansive wood panels were perfect for hiding a little booze and one can only imagine the shenanigans going on beyond the hidden staircase behind the coat check. For decades following, The Lex, as it’s called by locals and enthusiasts alike, was the place to be seen; business dealings, cocktail hours, and milestone celebrations were a regular occurrence for St. Paul socialites.

8. P.S. Steak

4.8

Exceptional(43)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 7 times today

As the name suggests, P.S. Steak was established to continue the story of the historic space that was once famed La Belle Vie. As Chef Mike DeCamp spent 10 years at the former French restaurant, this will be his homecoming and opportunity to write his own chapter for the space. P.S. Steak disrupts the perceptions of a typical steakhouse while honoring the legacy of one of the great culinary foundations in the Twin Cities. The restaurant features an elevated yet accessible seasonal menu, along with a variety of cuts of meat, dry aged in a display case.The lounge has been given a modern makeover with chic furniture and marble table tops. A selection of living floor plants divides tables to create intimate seating. Bringing warmth to the room, the bar and adjacent fireplace keeps guests cozied up to a menu of progressive cocktails.

9. BANK

3.5

Very Good(55)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 2 times today

Located in the historic Farmers & Mechanic building, Bank restaurant provides spectacular ambiance, music, and above all outstanding food, served in a comfortable, easygoing setting.Bank can accommodate parties of 2 to 15 in the main dining room, private dining is also available at an additional cost (ask to speak to restaurant manager for details)Chef Justin Grecco, has been an outstanding addition to our team, and brings many years of experience, local flavor, and culinary expertise to each and every dish. Signature items include our MiniJuicy Lucy, Blackened Ribeye, and our Grilled Sea Bass. Conveniently local in the heart of the financial district, 1 block from light rail and bus lines. Bank is also ideally positioned between US Bank stadium and Target Center and Target Field.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Minneapolis restaurant

10. Buca di Beppo - Minneapolis

4.2

Awesome(709)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 20 times today

If you are looking for an Italian Restaurant in Minneapolis, MN then come to Buca. Our Italian Restaurant serves Authentic Family Style Italian Food. The Minneapolis, MN Buca at Harmon Place and South 12th Street is just down the street from the renovated Orpheum Theatre, perfectly situated for dinner and a show.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
margene
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We celebrated our 25th anniversary at Cafe Lurcat last night and the service was outstanding. They provided Prosecco for us to toast our celebration at the start of our meal and donuts to finish our meal. The food was excellent and our server was the best. Well done cafe Lurcat. We will be back.
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Cafe Lurcat - MinneapolisPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.8
J
jim
Minneapolis - St. Paul •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We have enjoyed Nicollet Island Inn since our honeymoon 33 years ago and are fortunate it is in our neighborhood. Reliable excellence and caring service.
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Nicollet Island InnPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.9
M
Mark
Minneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I went for lunch and had one of the lunch specials. I can't remember the name (pasta with a red sauce with wild boar). I chose solely because when my server was describing it, his eyes lit up for a second! I thought, if he got excited just describing it then I should try it! We paired the entree with one of the house Cabernets. Amazing! The server read my mind as he subtilty dropped off the dessert menu. I completed the meal with the chocolate torte and a coffee. Excellent way to finish! The service was flawless from the maitre 'd greeting me with a warm smile. My server was busperson was very attentive, warm and engaging. The only "downside" is the value. The bill was close to $100 for one, so not a "fast casual dining" but luxurious dining experience with supreme food and outstanding service!
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ZeloPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.8
M
Mike
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Fantastic, authentic Mexican food. Limited menu but everything is quality.
More info
Masa & AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown / Mill District
•
4.2
M
Martha
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Great food, absolutely wonderful server, fun atmosphere!
More info
Nolo's Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6

Best Historic Restaurants in University of Minnesota

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

2. Zelo

3. Nicollet Island Inn

4. Masa & Agave

5. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

6. Blondette

7. The Lexington

8. P.S. Steak

9. BANK

10. Buca di Beppo - Minneapolis

See what locals rave about

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