Key Findings:
- Minneapolis is home to nationally acclaimed chefs like Gavin Kaysen, Sean Sherman, Ann Kim and Daniel del Prado, all of whom operate standout restaurants with strong culinary reputations.
- Fine-dining experiences such as Demi and Owamni offer tasting menus priced around $125–$175, ideal for special occasions and food lovers seeking immersive meals.
- Casual Chef-led spots like Young Joni, Hai Hai and Bellecour Bakery offer more affordable solo meals, typically ranging from $15–$60, making them accessible for weekday dining or casual meetups.
- Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for high-demand venues like Demi, Spoon and Stable and Owamni. Platforms like Tock, Resy and OpenTable help secure spots or join waitlists early.
- Nearly all featured restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan-friendly options, with spots like Owamni, Hai Hai and Colita standing out for plant-based creativity and menu flexibility.
Minneapolis has emerged as a dining hotspot, drawing food lovers from across the country. The city’s restaurant scene is driven by world-class celebrity Chefs whose creativity and achievements have raised culinary standards for locals and visitors alike.
These ten restaurants, led by acclaimed celebrity Chefs, offer memorable experiences and showcase the flavors that make Minneapolis special.
Best Celebrity Chef Restaurants in Minneapolis
Expect a mix of award-winning tasting menus, inventive multicultural cuisine and creative twists on classics as you discover what makes each spot essential to the city’s food culture.
For an inside look at the best practices in restaurant operations that help these establishments stand out, be sure to explore industry advice from hospitality experts.
1. Spoon and Stable by Gavin Kaysen
[Source: Spoon and Stable]
Housed in a historic former horse stable, Spoon and Stable is where Chef Gavin Kaysen delights guests with French-inspired Midwestern dishes in a welcoming, modern space. Signature offerings like the duck à l’orange and Bison tartare pay homage to Minneapolis roots with international flair.
Chef Kaysen is a James Beard Award winner and a renowned figure on the national dining scene, ensuring Spoon and Stable remains one of Minneapolis’s most sought-after culinary destinations.
- Solo dining estimate: $80–$90
- Reservations: Spoon and Stable
2. Demi by Gavin Kaysen
[Source: Demi]
Another restaurant by Chef Kaysen, Demi provides an intimate tasting menu experience for just a handful of guests each night. Chef Kaysen himself often greets guests and guides them through a series of artful, seasonal dishes.
With just 20 seats and a service model emphasizing connection and surprise, Demi stands out as a high-end, Chef-driven adventure for true food enthusiasts. Reservations here fill up fast (think 4–6 weeks out), but you can hop on a waitlist for last-minute cancellations.
- Solo dining estimate: $125–$175
- Reservations: Demi
3. Bellecour Bakery at Cooks of Crocus Hill by Gavin Kaysen
[Source: Cooks Bellecour]
This is the third restaurant on the list by Chef Gavin Kaysen, and it shows his range beyond fine dining. Bellecour Bakery is his take on classic French pastries and breads, now operating inside Cooks of Crocus Hill. From buttery croissants to delicate fruit tarts, every item is crafted with precision and care. It’s a must-stop for fans of Kaysen—or anyone with a serious sweet tooth. Plan ahead: popular pastries often sell out before noon, especially on weekends.
- Solo dining estimate: $15–$20
4. Owamni by Sean Sherman
Chef Sean Sherman’s Owamni celebrates Indigenous cuisine, spotlighting pre-colonial ingredients and traditional techniques. Dishes are thoughtfully crafted, using native grains, fish and wild herbs, offering diners a unique taste of ancestral foodways.
Winning the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, Owamni delivers both acclaim and a powerful message about honoring Indigenous food traditions. If you love learning stories behind your plate, Owamni’s menu and service team excel at sharing them.
- Solo dining estimate: $175
- Reservations: Owamni
5. Martina by Daniel del Prado
[Source: Martina]
Chef Daniel del Prado’s Martina impresses with Argentine flavors, wood-fired meats and housemade pastas in a stylish, lively setting. Standouts include seafood crudo, wood-roasted chicken and expertly crafted cocktails.
Del Prado's growing reputation and creative energy make Martina a steady favorite among discerning Twin Cities diners. Great spot for groups—book ahead for weekend buzz. To learn about hiring key positions for restaurants like Martina, take a look at how to hire restaurant staff efficiently.
- Solo dining estimate: $50–$70
- Reservations: Martina
6. Colita by Daniel del Prado
[Source: Colita]
Another restaurant by Chef Daniel del Prado, Colita blends Mexican influences with smoked barbecue. Chef del Prado’s inventive menu features dishes like smoked brisket tacos and flavor-packed vegetable plates, complemented by creative agave-forward cocktails. Colita consistently surprises locals with its bold, vibrant approach to familiar flavors
- Solo dining estimate: $50–$70
- Reservations: Colita
7. P.S. Steak by Mike DeCamp
[Source: P.S. Steak]
Chef Mike DeCamp helms P.S. Steak, revitalizing the classic steakhouse with contemporary execution and a stylish interior. Guests can indulge in top-tier cuts, raw bar selections and decadent sides like truffle pommes purée.
With Chef DeCamp’s credentials from Minnesota’s best kitchens, P.S. Steak delivers both comfort and culinary excitement. Perfect for special occasions or impressing out-of-town guests; don’t miss windowside tables!
- Solo dining estimate: $70–$100
- Reservations: P.S. Steak
8. Hai Hai by Christina Nguyen
[Source: Hai Hai]
Southeast Asian street food gets a colorful, Minnesota twist at Hai Hai, where Chef Christina Nguyen shows off creativity and skill honed through multiple James Beard nominations. Must-try plates include Balinese chicken thigh, turmeric crepes and vibrant cocktails.
The lively, tropical space and Chef Nguyen’s energetic vision make Hai Hai a national standout. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options abound, and the patio is a summer hotspot!
- Solo dining estimate: $50
- Reservations: Hai Hai
9. Young Joni by Ann Kim
Young Joni brings inventive pizzas and Korean-influenced dishes under Chef Ann Kim’s James Beard-winning leadership. The wood-fired oven produces pies like La Parisienne, while small plates like Korean beef short ribs stand out.
The stylish vibe and boundary-pushing menu attract buzz and admiring crowds every night.
Bonus: There’s a hidden back bar with killer craft cocktails—ask the host for directions when you check in.
- Solo dining estimate: $40–$60
- Reservations: Young Joni
10. Vinai by Chef Yia Vang
[Source: Vinai]
Chef Yia Vang’s much-anticipated restaurant, Vinai, is a celebration of Hmong culture through food. Named after the refugee camp in Thailand where Vang was born, the restaurant offers a deeply personal take on traditional Hmong dishes, reimagined with fine-dining precision.
Expect bold flavors, family-inspired recipes and seasonal Midwestern ingredients woven into every plate. While the brick-and-mortar location in Northeast Minneapolis is currently under development, Vang has already built buzz through pop-ups, meal kits, and a strong presence at local food events. Vinai promises to be both a culinary experience and a cultural journey when it opens its doors.
- Solo dining estimate: Expected to be around $50–$70, based on Vang’s previous pop-up menus and tasting events.
- Reservations: Vinai
How These Top 10 Celebrity Chef Restaurants in Minneapolis Were Selected
This list features 10 standout restaurants in Minneapolis led by nationally recognized celebrity Chefs. Each was chosen based on their Chef’s accolades—like James Beard Awards—media presence and influence on the city’s evolving food culture.
Chef Credentials and Awards
From Gavin Kaysen’s multiple ventures to Ann Kim and Sean Sherman’s acclaimed culinary contributions, all featured Chefs have shaped Minneapolis’s modern dining identity. These restaurants represent some of the most talented figures in the country’s restaurant scene.
Menu Uniqueness and Dining Experience
Selections were made based on consistent food quality, originality and a memorable atmosphere. From Owamni’s Indigenous cuisine to Martina’s Argentine-Italian blend, each spot delivers both standout dishes and a strong sense of place.
