Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University of Minnesota

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Blondette

4.2

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 4 times today

Blondette, nestled atop the Rand Tower Hotel in the heart of Minneapolis, offers a culinary experience that marries traditional French cuisine with the unique flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Praised for its "incredible" French dishes and "fantastic food," patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of offerings like the "perfection" that is their duck l'orange and the "best desserts I've ever had." The restaurant's ambiance, enhanced by its glass-covered atrium and retractable roof, allows for an "amazing" dining experience under the stars. Award-winning chef Daniel del Prado brings a touch of French excellence, making Blondette a must-visit for connoisseurs seeking a blend of classic and contemporary French dining.

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

2. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1101)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 34 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.

3. Milwaukee Road

4.4

Awesome(203)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 8 times today

Milwaukee Road, nestled in the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, is a gem for Contemporary American cuisine enthusiasts. Located in the vibrant Downtown/North Loop area of Minneapolis, it offers an inviting blend of local flair and innovative dishes. Guests rave about the "delicious meal out on the patio" and the "excellent, healthy food selection" that truly showcases the best of regional culinary specialties. The Strawberry Avocado Salads and craft burgers are particularly highlighted, with patrons describing them as "DELICIOUS!" The restaurant's ambiance, combined with its dedication to crafting memorable dishes and tempting desserts, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and high-quality Contemporary American dining experience.

4. noa

4.5

Awesome(152)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 12 times today

Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, Noa is a gem in the Downtown/Mill District that offers a quintessentially American dining experience. Celebrated for its chef-crafted, "fresh, great, and amazing" dishes, Noa brings a unique blend of upscale yet accessible American cuisine. The restaurant's cozy ambiance, vibrant energy, and thoughtful use of natural light and greenery enhance the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Customers rave about the menu, highlighting favorites like the "delicious crab-crusted Walleye filet" and the "scrumptious shrimp tacos and Herb fries." With glowing reviews for both its food and service, Noa stands out as a must-visit for authentic and innovative American fare.

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

5. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.8

Exceptional(5248)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 35 times today

Café and Bar Lurcat in Downtown Minneapolis is a culinary gem, celebrated for its exquisite Global, International cuisine. Nestled next to Loring Park, this venue combines old world charm with a modern twist, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that complements its diverse menu. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, with one noting, "One of the best meals I've ever had," highlighting the exceptional quality and creativity of the dishes. The restaurant's ability to cater to various events, from casual cocktails to black-tie galas, underscores its versatility and commitment to excellence. Whether it's the praised sea bass, unique mussels dish, or the family-style Easter brunch, Café Lurcat continues to deliver outstanding flavors and service, making every visit memorable.

A photo of Nicollet Island Inn restaurant

6. Nicollet Island Inn

4.9

Exceptional(3381)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 15 times today

Nicollet Island Inn, nestled in the heart of Minneapolis's Downtown/North Loop, stands as a beacon of Mediterranean culinary excellence. Celebrated for its "world-class cuisine," the Inn offers a Mediterranean menu that receives consistent praise for its authenticity and creativity. Guests often rave about dishes like the salmon salad and the lobster roll, highlighting the fresh, high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is described as "enchanting," perfectly complementing the exquisite food. The restaurant's commitment to an exceptional dining experience is evident, with one guest noting, "The food was outstanding and the service was excellent." Nicollet Island Inn isn't just a meal; it’s a Mediterranean escape in the heart of Minneapolis.

7. Stray Dog

4.4

Awesome(485)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 4 times today

Stray Dog in Minneapolis's vibrant Downtown/North Loop area offers an authentic slice of American cuisine with a unique twist. Renowned for its "fantastic burgers" and a variety of fries, this spot earns accolades for both its expansive vegetarian menu and classic American dishes. Patrons adore the “incredible tap list” and the “fun atmosphere,” making it a haven for food lovers. A standout feature is their tater tot hotdish, hailed as a “blast from the past” and “wonderful.” With glowing reviews like "the food was great, and the service was friendly," Stray Dog promises a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of American comfort food with a modern flair.

8. Breva

4.0

Excellent(96)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 7 times today

Breva, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Minneapolis, is a gem for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine. Chef Bjorn Thomson's culinary prowess shines through a menu that celebrates the New American spirit with both elegance and approachability. Diners rave about the "amazing food and attentive service," highlighting signature dishes like the "best club sandwich I've ever had" and the "flavorful Skirt Steak & Frites." The ambiance of Breva, described as casual chic, perfectly complements its sophisticated yet unpretentious fare, making it a favored destination for both locals and visitors. Whether it’s a quiet dinner or a lively group gathering, Breva promises an unforgettable dining experience with its exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere.

9. TEN 01 SOCIAL - Hilton Minneapolis

4.4

Awesome(199)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 1 time 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.

A photo of Axel's - Roseville restaurant

10. Axel's - Roseville

4.2

Awesome(881)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Roseville

Booked 11 times today

Axel's - Roseville, nestled in the charming suburb of Roseville, is a beacon for steakhouse aficionados, offering a classic American dining experience that stands out in its authenticity and quality. Renowned for its succulent steaks, Axel's has received glowing reviews, with one patron exclaiming, "the ribeye with blue cheese crust was delish." Another review highlights the steakhouse's ability to cater to large groups without compromising on service or food quality, noting, "The stakes were awesome and the service was excellent." The restaurant's commitment to creating a memorable dining experience is evident, as guests often mention the exceptional service and the inviting atmosphere. Axel's - Roseville is truly a place "where traditions and memories are made," perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a top-notch steak in a welcoming setting.

‘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

R
Rachel
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I thoroughly enjoy my experience every time I am at Cafe Lurcat. I appreciate the ambiance as much as the knowledge of the staff. The food is always amazing. I’m extremely grateful for gluten free accommodation and attention to ensure my selections are safe to eat. This is the only restaurant that truly makes me tear up by dessert from the pure joy of the flavor explosion in my mouth. Truly wonderful.
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Cafe Lurcat - MinneapolisPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.8
R
Randy
Memphis / West Tennessee •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The Northern Starlight Express Experience was such so fun and entertaining! It provides a fun, holiday ambience, along with some extremely high quality small bites and cocktails! Although I wouldn’t recommend coming extremely hungry, we left very satisfied and would highly recommend!
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Milwaukee RoadPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.4
R
Robertvip
Indiana •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
All the food was great, and our server (Troy) couldn’t have been better!
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Nolo's Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6
M
Marcelyn
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We were in the first (11:00] seating for the Thanksgiving dinner. That probably influenced the very prompt service and quiet surroundings. The turkey roulade was some of the best turkey I have ever eaten, the breast meat was moist and nicely flavored by the abundant dressing rolled into it. The beans were crisp and bright green; the sweet potatoes were flavorful, The pumpkin praline cheesecake was incredibly rich and nicely presented. We only wished we had split one piece and taken the other home for later.
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BrevaPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Mill District
•
4
L
Lvip
Minneapolis - St. Paul •140 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 22, 2024
The food was flavorful and delicious! What a nice change from other local restaurants that persist in over-salting their dishes. It was also nice that the background music was just that—background, not deafening, no thumping bass. We look forward to our next date night at Noa!
More info
noaPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.5

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University of Minnesota

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Blondette

2. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

3. Milwaukee Road

4. noa

5. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

6. Nicollet Island Inn

7. Stray Dog

8. Breva

9. TEN 01 SOCIAL - Hilton Minneapolis

10. Axel's - Roseville

See what locals rave about

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