Most Popular Restaurants in the Twin Cities

Spotlight on New Favorites

• Stock & Bond (Downtown Minneapolis)
  A luxe new steakhouse that recently opened in the Westin Hotel, melding art-deco flair with high-end beef (Linz Heritage Black Angus) and an impressive whiskey selection—seating up to 250 with a 40-foot bar centerpiece. Ready for breakfast, lunch, brunch soon, and dinner now.

• Vagabondo (Excelsior)
  A cozy Sicilian-style eatery by Chef David Fhima featuring Neapolitan pizzas made with a 130-year-old family sourdough starter, classic pasta dishes, baked fish, tiramisu, cannoli, and a morning coffee lounge.

• Football Pizza (Eden Prairie)
  A fun, halal-friendly pizza spot serving football-shaped pies with creative toppings (meat lovers, Mediterranean, Hawaiian), along with gyros, kebabs, salads, wings—perfect for gameday dining.

Local Standouts & Cult Classics

• Vinai (Northeast Minneapolis)
  A notable newcomer spotlighting Hmong cuisine in a meaningful way. Chef Yia Vang’s restaurant appears on The New York Times 2024 list of the 50 best U.S. restaurants, celebrated for rewriting the Hmong American culinary narrative.

• Babani’s (St. Paul’s West Side)
  Celebrated as the first Kurdish restaurant in the U.S., this family-run gem offers a warm, homey experience with dishes like chicken kebabs with biryani, Friday/Saturday chicken tawa, vibrant vegetarian-friendly sides, and Kurdish lemonade.

• Readers’ Poll Favorites (Mpls.St.Paul Magazine 2025)
  In the annual readers’ poll, Hell’s Kitchen earned Gold among "Drinks & Nightlife," while Surly Brewing Co. stood out as a favorite brewery/taproom. These spots remain beloved for their lively atmosphere and quality offerings.

Minneapolis Favorites (Yelp & OpenTable)

• Yelp’s Top Picks (Twin Cities):

  1. Local Rumor

  2. Baldamar

  3. Estelle

  4. GusGus

  5. Minari

  6. Owamni
     

• Yelp’s Top Restaurants in Minneapolis:

  1. Minari

  2. Porzana

  3. Spoon and Stable

  4. Red Rabbit

  5. EaTo
     

• OpenTable Favorites (as of August 2025):

  • Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Known for ultra-hot USDA Prime steaks served on sizzling plates.

  • Patrick’s Bakery Café: A modern French-American bistro offering classics like coq au vin, steak frites, and escargot, plus lovely pastries.

  • Rincon 38: A cozy Spanish tapas bar with rotating craft beers and wine by the glass.

August 2025 Blogger's Guide: Highlights & Vibes

1. Upscale Newcomers

• Stock & Bond – Perfect for a stylish night out or occasion, merging classic steakhouse energy with modern cocktail culture.

• Vagabondo – Great for lovers of rustic Italian flavors and warm Insular ambience with sweet morning café vibes.

2. Flavorful & Inclusive Favorites

• Football Pizza – A playful neighborhood choice for families, sports fans, and halal diners alike.

• Vinai – A city gem for adventurous, culturally resonant dining experiences that celebrate Hmong heritage.

• Babani’s – A must-visit for authentic Kurdish dishes served with genuine hospitality—a cultural gem in St. Paul.

3. Beloved Locals

• Hell’s Kitchen & Surly Brewing Co. – Long-standing favorites that continue to deliver crowd-pleasing food and drink.

• Minari, Estelle, Spoon and Stable, and Owamni – Consistently rated top-tier dining experiences across review platforms.

• Ruth’s Chris & Patrick’s – Reliable for indulgent meals; Steak perfection and French-inspired comfort in one.

• Rincon 38 – Ideal for a relaxed tapas night with friends or elegant small bites.

Summer Dining Standards: Why They're Still on Top

• New Restaurants Make a Splash: Stock & Bond, Vagabondo, and Football Pizza highlight the ongoing innovation energizing the dining scene.

• Cultural Flavor Matters: Local places like Vinai and Babani’s offer more than meals—they’re experiences steeped in heritage.

• Loyal Crowd-Pleasers: Established favorites like Surly, Hell’s Kitchen, and Spoon and Stable continue to draw crowds and accolades.

• Balanced Dining Choices: Whether you want refined, casual, cultural, or festive—all the Twin Cities have it covered.

Widget Summary: August 2025 Twin Cities Eats

If you're looking to explore the Twin Cities food scene this summer, August 2025 offers a deep, delicious mix of bold new venues, cultural gems, and timeless favorites.