The Twin Cities has quickly become one of America’s most vibrant and surprisingly inventive culinary destinations, boasting a roster of in-demand chefs and exceptional restaurants. While fine dining hotspots like Bûcheron and Myriel are stealing the spotlight with James Beard Awards buzz, the city’s outstanding fast-casual eateries deserve just as much recognition, and some of them have their own awards too.
If you’re looking to add new regulars to your dining rotation—spots that pair bold flavors with wallet-friendly prices—here are five restaurants you absolutely can’t miss, all run by beloved local community members.
Tolis Puposeria
The recently opened Tolis Pupuseria is what Salvadoran-Mexican fusion dreams are made of, or more specifically, it’s what their pupusas are made of, replicating some the same recipes one of the owners, Zoila Lemus, used when she was a little girl in the kitchen with her grandmother and innovating some for more adventurous eaters. She and her husband, Christian Espejel wanted to bring all the vivid flavors of their heritage to their Brooklyn Park community. Beyond the tortilla-style doughy goodness filled with different toppings, Tolis also offers traditional Latin staples like ceviche, tacos, and enchiladas. A perfect place to bring your kids and not break the bank.
Asian Duck
Plymouth residents have a reason to celebrate, as Asian Duck has relocated to the neighborhood. This is where stir-fry meets its match. The food is exactly the kind of comforting Chinese cuisine you want in your weekly rotation. Not to mention the phos, the bánh mìs, and the noodles—you really can’t go wrong. If you work in the area, it’s also a great way to turn what might have been a sad desk lunch into a flavorfully satisfying meal for one. The owners, Nina and her daughter Mary Slater, along with their staff in this hidden gem, are genuinely delightful.
Hola Arepa
Who says fine dining is the only kind of food worthy of culinary excellence? Christina Nguyen, chef and owner of Minneapolis’s Hola Arepa, was named the 2024 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Midwest. The local favorite serves all sorts of mouthwatering concoctions stuffed inside Venezuelan-style arepas. Nguyen’s journey to become one of the most respected chefs in Minneapolis started with opening a bright turquoise food truck in 2011 with her husband. Top Minnesota editors dream about their griddled cornmeal dough patties overflowing with local meat, veggies, and spicy sauces.
Namaste Cafe
Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners can rejoice in the bold, saucy flavors and plentiful options at Namaste Cafe, located in Uptown. With a focus on quality ingredients and sustainable practices, the eatery’s menu is made to “honor the divine in you,” as its name means. Walk through their charmingly renovated Victorian house and indulge in fresh curries, exciting chaats and spiced cocktails. The recipes draw from Indian and Nepali cuisine, elevated with a creative twist by owner and chef Saujanya Shrestha, known as “Sunny.”
Francis Burger Joint
Francis Burger Joint has been giving every other burger in Minneapolis a run for their money since 2021. While a burger may seem simple in theory, Lindsey Johnston, one of the co-owners and head chef, proves why it’s truly an art. Don’t give it a second thought and go on in and order the Juicy Lucy with choppsed cheese fries. Go right now.
Are you opening a restaurant? Contact Contier at (952) 994-8408 for all your kitchen equipment needs. (Installation available in the Twin Cities metro area.)
Contier is a DBA of Minneapolis Contractor’s Choice.