Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Downtown / Loring Park

62 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis restaurant

1. Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(5645)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 121 times today

Comfort food with an upscale twist...In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, appropriately located in a beautiful underground space, you'll discover Hell's Kitchen, an employee-owned restaurant known for its damn good food. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks 7 days a week, and enjoy REAL comfort food made by chefs who care, described by food writers as "unique but not fancy; interesting but not fussy". Almost everything is made from scratch, from our award-winning peanut butter to our unique dips and dressings, winning us over 67 "best" awards as well as accolades in Gourmet Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Midwest Living, and other national magazines. And bring the kids along... you should see the cheeky notes they write to us!"Rather than rave on, let us just say if you're in Minnesota and want to wow your tastebuds, go to Hell's Kitchen. It is inspired and inspiring." (Jane & Michael Stern, NPR)

2. Zelo

4.8

Exceptional(4051)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 26 times today

At Zelo, we serve simple, fresh Italian cuisine made from local ingredients. Our handcrafted meals accompany a thoughtful, approachable wine selection. We believe dining is more than a menu: it is an experience, and ours is quality. When you’re our guest, our staff learn your name and remember your favorite glass of wine. We passionately commit to bring you the full dining experience – quality food and wine presented with welcoming service. Every meal. Every day. Please join us. An enduring Minneapolis destination, Zelo was opened in 1999 by Rick Webb, a Minnesota restaurateur whose pursuits have set the standard in Twin Cities dining for over 40 years. Looking for another unparalleled dining experience in the south metro? Visit Rick Webb’s acclaimed Ciao Bella, the restaurant that inspired Zelo’s handcrafted food and dedicated service.

A photo of CRAVE - LaSalle Plaza restaurant

3. CRAVE - LaSalle Plaza

4.4

Awesome(4284)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 63 times today

CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar was built out of a passion to create a dining experience unlike any other. We combine quality-sourced ingredients, chic ambiance, outstanding service, and diverse menu choices to create an unforgettable dining experience. The energy of the restaurant is all encompassing – the buzz of guests and staff, the warm and open design, the modern sushi bar, the fresh spin on American cuisine, and the sense of discovery around every corner. A CRAVE guest will leave knowing they experienced just the right mix of great food, entertainment, and service in what can only be defined as The CRAVE Experience.

4. The News Room

4.3

Awesome(1324)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 11 times today

The News Room is a special occasion spot because of its unique vibe and versatile space. As one reviewer put it, 'fun atmosphere - a lot to look at', and another said 'great place to get together with a group of friends for drinks and dinner'. The food is consistently praised as delicious, and the service is often noted as attentive and friendly. Located on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, it's conveniently close to hotels, theaters, and other attractions.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Minneapolis restaurant

5. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(3517)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 34 times today

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.Ruth's Chris Steak House in Minneapolis, MN serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

A photo of The Melting Pot - Minneapolis restaurant

6. The Melting Pot - Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(2858)

Price: Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 48 times today

Bring your big appetite to the big city. In downtown Minneapolis, The Melting Pot is your quintessential fine-dining restaurant. Start with freshly made salads and handcrafted dressings before you skewer succulent strips of steak, and finish the smorgasbord with our famous chocolate fondue. Desserts rank high here, and just like the complex taste of our entrées, there’s something to be said of our artisan cheeses and luscious chocolates. But in our cozy corner of dessert paradise, we’re more than just a classy addition to Minnesota’s culinary scene. We are casual and approachable, which makes us an excellent choice for reconnecting with long-lost friends, updating loved ones about your life, or simply breaking the ice on a romantic date.

A photo of Manny's Steakhouse restaurant

7. Manny's Steakhouse

4.7

Exceptional(8384)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 80 times today

Masculine, bright, accented with wood & leather, Manny's evokes the great steakhouses of New York & Chicago - & eclipses them in critical & popular acclaim. Rated Top Five in the U.S. by the Zagat Guide, named one of America's top Steakhouses by the Knife & Fork Club, Men's Journal & the Independent Cattleman's Association, & a perennial winner of newspaper & magazine reader polls, Manny's commands a fanatical local following & a national reputation. Wrote the New York Times: "There's good news in Minneapolis for those who still share the secret pleasures of red meat, well-cut & seriously served." In addition to USDA-certified, dry- aged, center-cut beef, Manny's offers chops, chicken, fresh seafood & a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list.

A photo of 801 Chophouse - Minneapolis restaurant

8. 801 Chophouse - Minneapolis

4.8

Exceptional(1142)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loring Park

Booked 17 times today

Experience only the finest, aged, USDA prime steaks and attentive, personable service in an authentic New York style steakhouse right in the heart of Minneapolis. Combined with a daily fresh sheet that includes Maine lobster, innovative side dishes, small-batch bourbons and scotches, and an award-winning wine selection from vineyards around the world, you're sure to have an amazing culinary experience you won't find anywhere else in the Twin Cities.Please contact the restaurant directly for parties 6 or more and for private dining options.

A photo of Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge restaurant

9. Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(6166)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 49 times today

Welcome to Murray's Restaurant. Minneapolis' original restaurant for steak since 1946 & home of the award winning Silver Butterknife Steak dinner for two. Also known for mouth watering garlic toast, Hickory Smoked shrimp appetizer, and home baked pies. Well into its third generation of family ownership, Murray's stands out among local and out of town diners alike as a true Twin Cities landmark & continues to provide the best in food and service as it did in 1946.

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

10. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.8

Exceptional(5247)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 23 times today

Café and Bar Lurcat, located next to Loring Park, is a hip, urban venue that boasts serious food and voguish design. Café Lurcat is a perfect blend of classic old world style with a Noveau twist. The expansive bar and lounge is ideal for casual cocktails and a la carte bites, while the romantic dining room creates the perfect ambiance for an exceptional foodie experience featuring sophisticated comfort food. We offer the perfect event venue for family celebrations, trendy parties, marriages, Bar Mitzvahs, showers, charity events, galas, graduations and black tie events. This iconic Minneapolis restaurant continues to age like a fine wine as it approaches its 20th year.

‘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

C
Charles
Atlanta Metro •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I thoroughly enjoyed everything. The food, the Irish Old Fashioned, the service, the decor, I loved it. And so did my kids.
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The News RoomPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.3
M
Mark
Minneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I went for lunch and had one of the lunch specials. I can't remember the name (pasta with a red sauce with wild boar). I chose solely because when my server was describing it, his eyes lit up for a second! I thought, if he got excited just describing it then I should try it! We paired the entree with one of the house Cabernets. Amazing! The server read my mind as he subtilty dropped off the dessert menu. I completed the meal with the chocolate torte and a coffee. Excellent way to finish! The service was flawless from the maitre 'd greeting me with a warm smile. My server was busperson was very attentive, warm and engaging. The only "downside" is the value. The bill was close to $100 for one, so not a "fast casual dining" but luxurious dining experience with supreme food and outstanding service!
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ZeloPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.8
S
Sheri
Minneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great evening with family and birthday celebration.
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Ruth's Chris Steak House - MinneapolisPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.7
N
Nancy
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Had the pear sandwich for dinner, the queso for the chips was homeade and next level good. My date had the bison tacos, they were delicious. We had the lemon ricotta hot cakes and bison Benedict for breakfast the next morning. The service was excellent, I am going to recommend it to everyone going to Minneapolis and I will definitely go again.
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Hell's Kitchen MinneapolisPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.7
L
Laurievip
Minneapolis - St. Paul •33 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great calamari and good burger with mushrooms just the way I like it. And good service from Daniel.
More info
CRAVE - LaSalle PlazaPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.4

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Downtown / Loring Park

Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Downtown / Loring Park

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62 restaurants available nearby

1. Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

2. Zelo

3. CRAVE - LaSalle Plaza

4. The News Room

5. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Minneapolis

6. The Melting Pot - Minneapolis

7. Manny's Steakhouse

8. 801 Chophouse - Minneapolis

9. Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

10. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

See what locals rave about

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