Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University of Minnesota

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Blondette

3.8

Excellent(109)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 3 times today

Blondette in Downtown Minneapolis is a culinary gem that reimagines American cuisine with a delightful French twist. Nestled in the iconic Rand Tower Hotel, this restaurant combines "fantastic food, drinks, and service" with an "amazing ambiance" that leaves diners eager to return. Guests rave about the perfectly cooked dishes, such as the exquisite duck l’orange and seared scallops, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. With a retractable roof allowing for year-round starlit dining, Blondette ensures a unique and memorable experience. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, Blondette stands out as a must-visit destination in the city.

2. Milwaukee Road

4.0

Excellent(219)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 7 times today

Milwaukee Road, nestled in the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, offers an unparalleled Contemporary American dining experience in the heart of Minneapolis. With a commitment to blending regional culinary specialties with innovative dishes, every meal promises to be a “delicious” adventure. Diners rave about the “excellent, healthy food selection” and the exquisite attention to detail, from “tempting desserts” to perfectly crafted cocktails like the Maple Old Fashioned. Whether enjoying a meal in the elegant dining room or the inviting seasonal patio, guests are treated to a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making Milwaukee Road a must-visit destination for authentic Contemporary American cuisine.

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

3. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1108)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 60 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.

4. noa

4.3

Awesome(160)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 3 times today

Nestled in the IDS Center, Noa in downtown Minneapolis is a culinary gem that elevates Fusion/Eclectic cuisine to new heights. With its chef-crafted dishes, Noa offers a menu that is both upscale and accessible, delighting diners with innovative flavors and creative presentations. The restaurant's cozy ambiance, emphasized by earthy hues and natural light, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests rave about the "delicious crab-crusted Walleye" and "some of the best Scallops" they've ever tasted, highlighting the authenticity and quality of the dishes. Whether you're planning a business lunch or a date night, Noa promises an exceptional dining experience.

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

5. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(5269)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 17 times today

Cafe Lurcat in Minneapolis is a shining star of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a dining experience that blends classic charm with a modern twist. Nestled by Loring Park, this restaurant has been delighting patrons with its "fantastic food" and "wonderful service" for nearly two decades. Guests rave about the "delicious" sea bass and the refreshing apple, cheese, and chive salad. The ambiance, described as "fun for a special occasion," complements the sophisticated comfort food offering. With creative cocktails, an impressive wine list, and a setting that feels both intimate and grand, Cafe Lurcat is a must-visit gem in the Twin Cities.

6. Breva

3.9

Excellent(101)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 5 times today

Breva in Downtown Minneapolis is a haven for grill cuisine enthusiasts, offering a delightful blend of taste and authenticity. Guided by the skilled hands of Chef Bjorn Thomson, Breva's menu is a celebration of the New American spirit, with grill dishes that leave a lasting impression. One patron raves about the "roasted brick chicken," highlighting its crispy skin and juicy interior. The "short rib with great smoky sauce" is another standout, praised for its tenderness and flavor. With every dish crafted to perfection, Breva ensures a dining experience that is both "cozy and elevated," making it a must-visit for grill lovers.

7. Borough

4.7

Exceptional(1510)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 15 times today

Borough was created to represent the chefs point of view of simplicity. We are a casual eatery with an ever changing menu that focuses on simple ingredients that are seasonal and sourced locally. This ever changing menu allows our chefs to stay creative with the changing of the seasons and the food that is offered by foragers during them.Parlour seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

A photo of Nicollet Island Inn restaurant

8. Nicollet Island Inn

4.8

Exceptional(3406)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 19 times today

Nicollet Island Inn, nestled in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, offers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience that is both authentic and exquisite. The talented Executive Chef Michael Rain crafts an innovative and ever-evolving menu featuring delicious seafood, steaks, and gourmet dishes that capture the essence of the Mediterranean. Diners are consistently impressed by the "delicious food and exceptional service," ensuring each visit is memorable. With stunning river views and a cozy, elegant atmosphere, the Inn is the perfect spot for any occasion. Patrons rave about its "great ambience" and "fantastic holiday experiences," making it a true culinary gem in the city.

9. TEN 01 SOCIAL - Hilton Minneapolis

4.4

Awesome(199)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 3 times today

Ten01 Social offers a, energetic atmosphere with approachable food & beverages. Join us for Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4pm-6pm for half priced bottled beers, $5 house wines and $6 cocktails. Our cooked to order menu is available from 7am-10pm daily.

10. Stray Dog

4.2

Awesome(487)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 6 times today

Stray Dog in Downtown Minneapolis offers an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience that truly stands out. With a menu that boasts "amazing burgers, fabulous tots, and a variety of vegan choices," this restaurant caters to a wide range of tastes while maintaining authenticity and quality. Diners rave about the "delicious food and great service," and the establishment’s fun and comfortable atmosphere. The extensive menu includes delightful options such as the "Bourbon Brown Butter Burger" and innovative dishes from their Monday pop-up, Captain Yum Yum. Whether you're seeking a relaxed meal or a lively brunch, Stray Dog promises a memorable dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
StevenVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Absolutely fantastic meal… the service was great, loved speaking with Nick the Sommelier. Only disappointing factor was the restaurant did nothing to make our anniversary feel extra special.
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Cafe Lurcat - MinneapolisPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.7
J
Joey
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
One of our favorites in the north loop! Great food and cocktails
More info
Nolo's Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6
M
Michael
Minneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
Great food and service. Best coffee and cocktails in the whole world!
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BrevaPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Mill District
•
3.9
P
Pat
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 23, 2024
Most lobby restaurants are not the greatest experience. The Milwaukee, however, was a pleasant surprise. From a gracious hostess to a joyful waitress, to a very, very good meal for the four of us. The only food negative was a relatively bland dressing on the Caesar salad. T”My pappardelle was outstanding and the others felt the risotto, burger and salmon were very fine.
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Milwaukee RoadPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4
A
Avery
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 23, 2024
Our server Katie was amazing and funny however we didn’t feel the food was worth the price. Salmon with no real sides just squash underneath it. Only 2 tacos per order.
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noaPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.3

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University of Minnesota

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Blondette

2. Milwaukee Road

3. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4. noa

5. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

6. Breva

7. Borough

8. Nicollet Island Inn

9. TEN 01 SOCIAL - Hilton Minneapolis

10. Stray Dog

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