34 Best Contemporary American Restaurants In Downtown / Loring Park

A photo of Nicollet Island Inn restaurant

1. Nicollet Island Inn

4.8

Exceptional(3472)

££££

• Contemporary American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 10 times today

Nicollet Island Inn was such a cool anniversary dinner spot. The drive into the city was a little stressful for me since I’m not super familiar with the area, but once we got there, I really liked it. The building is beautiful, historic, and feels a little hidden away. I loved the chandeliers, the dim lighting, and the bar area looked especially nice. It definitely has that old-school, romantic feel. It was surprisingly quiet when we went, which honestly made it even nicer. We got to choose our table, and our server was very friendly and gave us great service throughout the meal. We started with the deviled eggs and chicken wild rice soup. The deviled eggs were a hit, and the soup was good, although I did add a little salt and pepper. I had the prime New York strip, which had a really nice crust and was cooked the way I asked. The portion was plenty for me. My husband had the Chicken Bryan and really liked it. I tried a little and thought it had a garlicky, tomato flavor that worked well. For dessert, we shared the signature chocolate cake. It was very rich and chocolatey, and it ended up being a nice way to finish the meal. They didn’t have mocktails, so I just had a Coke, which was fine. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the experience. It feels like one of those places people forget about, even though it has so much character and is genuinely beautiful inside and out. I would definitely come back.

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

2. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1224)

££££

• Contemporary American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 35 times today

This was my first visit and it won't be my last. I can't wait to try out the Happy Hour menu. Cait was a terrific server, checking in and also leaving us alone for our chat time. The menu was varied enough that I want to try out other things.

3. Breva

4.4

Awesome(151)

££££

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 9 times today

We had a wonderful dinner. Our server Allie was amazing. She was super friendly, knowledgable about the menu and the wine, and just a really delightful server. A real people pleaser. We both had the butter poached Walleye which was excellent. We shared a roasted beet salad with goat cheese and mandarin oranges with candied walnuts! Everything was great, we'll be back again!

4. Blondette

3.6

Very Good(129)

££££

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 9 times today

The staff was great & the food & drinks were fantastic. The only negative is that they were out of pineapple juice, so 3 of us had to change our beverage orders (we survived).

A photo of Hazelwood Bloomington restaurant

5. Hazelwood Bloomington

4.7

Exceptional(7310)

££££

• Contemporary American • Bloomington

Booked 158 times today

We were at Hazelwood to have conversation and staff helped us find a table table outside that was quieter. With rain they came back and helped us adjust a cover and also suggested how we could get another table inside. We felt very well cared for. Food came in time so we finished before the downpour. An excellent experience.

A photo of Hazelwood Food & Drink - St. Louis Park restaurant

6. Hazelwood Food & Drink - St. Louis Park

4.7

Exceptional(2754)

££££

• Contemporary American • St. Louis Park

Booked 88 times today

Our server was wonderful! Enjoyed the happy hour specials.

7. TEN 01 SOCIAL - Hilton Minneapolis

3.8

Excellent(209)

££££

• Contemporary American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 2 times today

Great experience and Wonderful food! Thank you. :)

8. Bar Rufus

3.8

Excellent(6)

££££

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 1 time today

One of the few full service restaurant choices downtown at 6:30am. Food was fantastic! Pricey.

A photo of Cedar + Stone, Urban Table restaurant

9. Cedar + Stone, Urban Table

4.7

Exceptional(1436)

££££

• Contemporary American • Bloomington

Booked 14 times today

Food & service was excellent. Minnesota Wild Rice Soup was delicious. My Minnesota cousin said it was the best she'd ever had. The Shrimp and Grits were reminiscent of the best of New Orleans cuisine...just enough spicy with succulent shrimp and creamy grits. Our great waiter (name?/young blondish male) advised well on wine pairing. Cousin had the Artisanal Seasonal Pasta which she found refreshing and rich, but not heavy. Our waiter was excellent, attentive, personable, and professional. Would return anytime, even if just for a bowl of the wild rice soup.

A photo of Mill Valley Kitchen restaurant

10. Mill Valley Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3002)

££££

• Contemporary American • Calhoun Isles

Booked 29 times today

The daily omelet special at lunch I always delicious.

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Downtown / Loring Park

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Top Rated

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34 restaurants available nearby

1. Nicollet Island Inn

2. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

3. Breva

4. Blondette

5. Hazelwood Bloomington

6. Hazelwood Food & Drink - St. Louis Park

7. TEN 01 SOCIAL - Hilton Minneapolis

8. Bar Rufus

9. Cedar + Stone, Urban Table

10. Mill Valley Kitchen

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