When Ben and I moved to Minnesota, we were already familiar with several places in the Twin Cities; because the Twin Cities are just about an hour away from where we lived in Wisconsin, we had visited many times over the years. But since Ben and I became official Minnesotans in 2021, we’ve discovered so many new places we love and recommend! Today, I’m excited to share my personal “best restaurants in the Twin Cities!”

Khâluna

Since its opening a few years ago, Khâluna has been my favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities. It’s a Laotion restaurant by Chef Ann — a beautifully decorated space located in a walkable neighborhood in Minneapolis. The restaurant’s location makes everything feel serene and relaxing — and its decor is every decorator’s dream. The menu is creative, colorful, flavorful, and delicious — with amazing vegan options. My favorite appetizers are Sakoo (Ben and I attended a cooking class with Chef Ann to learn how to make these!) and Rainbow Rice, and my favorite entree is Yellow Curry. Every dish is photograph-worthy and presented so beautifully. Best of all, The Shop at Khâluna is next door — so after dinner, you can explore curated products from Laos and Southeast Asia. Make a reservation at Khâluna here.

Rosalia

My favorite pizza place is called Rosalia. It’s a beautiful restaurant located in Linden Hills, Minneapolis — a neighborhood Ben and I have loved since before moving to Minnesota. Not only is the restaurant itself beautiful and modern, but the patio area is the place to be; it’s surrounded by the most beautiful landscaping and covered by big umbrellas, so being there feels like you’re on vacation! The food is absolutely delicious. Summed up, for pizza, Rosalia! Make a reservation at Rosalia here.

Hai Hai

Hai Hai is a Southeast Asian restaurant located in Northeast Minneapolis. When I’ve gone to Hai Hai for dinner, the atmosphere was fun, colorful, and somewhat loud — in a good way. The menu is designed to be shareable, so you’ll order a variety of small plates to share among your party — which makes the dining experience really fun. My favorites are the vegan Spring Rolls and vegan Hanoi Sticky Rice! Make a reservation at Hai Hai here.

Kim’s: Korean American Restaurant

Chef Ann Kim was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table: Pizza. Not only is her expertise as a chef and restaurant owner so inspirational, but hearing her story on Netflix made Ben and I get teary-eyed. Chef Ann Kim owns several restaurants throughout the Twin Cities — all of which are amazing. Right before welcoming Ollie, Ben and I went to Young Joni. (I was so pregnant I could hardly finish eating!) Since then, we’ve gone to Kim’s — for a Mother’s Day lunch — and it was an experience I really loved. The decor is so beautiful, the feeling is fresh and airy, and the menu is so delicious! My favorites were the Cashew Tofu Dip and Jjajangbap. 10/10 recommend! Make a reservation at Kim’s here.

Owamni

I had long been a fan of the Sioux Chef — so when his restaurant, Owamni, opened in one of my favorite Minneapolis neighborhoods, I was so excited! Ben and I were lucky enough to get a reservation during its opening week — and to be helped by the Sioux Chef himself. This restaurant was awarded ‘Best Restaurant of 2022’ and Sean Sherman, the Sioux Chef, has won numerous awards, too! Make a reservation at Owamni here.

Herbivorous Butcher

The Herbivorous Butcher isn’t a dine-in restaurant, and is actually a deli and shop. However, this all-vegan deli and shop is one of my favorite places to go. There are grab-and-go sandwiches, and my absolute favorite is the turkey dill havarti sandwich. (Ben usually gets whatever their panini special is!) You can grab a sandwich, sit in the nearby park, or walk along the river. Order from The Herbivorous Butcher here.

There you have it! These are my personal favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities — places I’d go again and again, because I love them so much! Before moving to the Twin Cities, I hadn’t realized how many diverse restaurants there are, how many award-winning chefs there are, and what a special and unique place the Twin Cities are for dining! I hope you have a chance to stop by any of these amazing places!