What Restaurants Do Chefs Make the Most Money at in Minneapolis, MN?

The average hourly wage for Chefs in Minneapolis is approximately $24 per hour. However, actual earnings can vary substantially depending on the restaurant's style, location and the Chef's credentials and experience.

Wondering which restaurants pay Chefs the most in Minneapolis? This article highlights some of the city's top-paying spots for skilled Chefs and breaks down how factors like restaurant type and certifications impact salary potential. Let’s explore where Chefs can maximize their income in Minneapolis and how to secure those opportunities.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Chefs in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of restaurants where Chefs can earn substantial incomes. From refined farm-to-table eateries to innovative kitchen concepts, the city offers spots where experienced Chefs are well compensated.

Here are some of the top-paying restaurants for Chefs in Minneapolis:

1. Spoon and Stable

Known for its elegant Midwestern cuisine, Spoon and Stable is housed in a renovated 1900s stable. The restaurant is acclaimed for blending local ingredients with creative techniques, making it a high-profile spot that offers strong compensation for skilled Chefs.

2. Travail Kitchen and Amusements

Travail is famous for its avant-garde tasting menus and theatrical dining experience. Chefs here often engage in experimental food preparation, which coupled with an enthusiastic clientele, reflects in excellent pay and career growth opportunities.

3. Young Joni

Young Joni combines wood-fired cooking with diverse global influences and is a Minneapolis favorite. With a focus on artisanal ingredients and crafted dishes, Chefs can expect a competitive salary while working in a creative environment.

4. Alma

Alma delivers a menu rich in seasonal and sustainable offerings within a beautiful historic building. The restaurant prioritizes high-quality culinary craftsmanship, rewarding skilled Chefs with attractive wages and benefits.

5. The Bachelor Farmer

Centered on Nordic-inspired farm-to-table cuisine, The Bachelor Farmer emphasizes local sourcing. The custom and busy nature of this place supports lucrative earning possibilities for Chefs who excel in this niche.

6. Revival

Specializing in Southern comfort food classics, Revival is beloved for its rich, hearty dishes. Chefs working here benefit from steady patronage and a robust market, translating into higher-than-average pay.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Chef Earnings in Minneapolis

The culinary style and concept of a restaurant significantly influence Chef salaries. In Minneapolis, several factors determine how much Chefs can earn:

• Fine Dining vs. Casual: Fine dining restaurants generally offer higher wages and benefits driven by more sophisticated menus and affluent customers.
• Farm-to-Table and Specialty Cuisine: Establishments focusing on locally sourced or specialty cuisines often pay Chefs well to maintain authenticity and quality.
• Location within the City: Restaurants in busy, upscale neighborhoods like North Loop or Downtown Minneapolis usually offer better pay compared to establishments in less trafficked areas.
• Certification and Experience: Chefs with culinary certifications (such as Certified Executive Chef) or notable experience command higher salaries.

Additionally, Chefs working in restaurants with high-volume and premium pricing structures tend to earn more due to complexity and expectations involved in kitchen operations.

How To Find a High Paying Chef Job in Minneapolis

Target Renowned Establishments

Focus your job search on restaurants known for exceptional dining experiences and strong reputations. These venues often have budgets to pay top Chefs competitive wages.

Gain Advanced Culinary Certifications

Obtaining recognized certifications can boost your credentials and open doors to higher-paying roles in Minneapolis's competitive market.

Network Within the Minneapolis Culinary Community

Attend food events, industry meetups and engage with local Chefs to learn about upcoming opportunities and gain referrals.

Customize Your Resume and Interview Approach

Highlight your specific skills, such as expertise in local ingredients or leadership in busy kitchens. Preparing detailed examples of your work will impress hiring managers.

Consider Stages or Internships

Temporary unpaid or low-paid terms at prestigious places can lead to permanent, well-paid Chef positions later on by proving your worth to employers.

What’s the Outlook for Chef Jobs in Minneapolis in 2025 and Beyond?

The culinary sector in Minneapolis is expected to continue growing, driven by increased dining out trends, population growth and ongoing innovation in food concepts.

According to labor market forecasts, Chef positions in Minneapolis should see a moderate increase in demand through 2025 and beyond, especially in neighborhoods emphasizing culinary creativity and farm-to-table movements.

Trends shaping the outlook include:

• A rise in demand for Chefs skilled in sustainable and local ingredient usage
• Expansion of ethnic and specialty restaurants requiring diverse culinary talents
• Growth in private dining and catering services boosting Chef employment opportunities

Chefs who keep skills sharp and adapt to evolving food trends will find Minneapolis a promising city for career advancement.

Is a Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Minneapolis?

With an average wage of about $24 per hour, a Chef in Minneapolis typically earns around $50,000 annually before tips and bonuses. This income can support a comfortable lifestyle, although budgeting varies based on personal needs.

Here’s a snapshot of estimated monthly expenses in Minneapolis:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,300
• Utilities (electricity, heating, water): $150
• Transportation (public transit or gas): $100–$150
• Groceries (for one adult): $300–$450

Chefs employed at higher-tier restaurants can supplement with bonuses and profit sharing, making it feasible to cover living costs comfortably and save. Finding a balance between workplace pay and cost of living is essential for financial stability in Minneapolis.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Minneapolis Chef Jobs

The restaurants featured were selected through a comprehensive review of local salary reports, job listings and expert opinions from Minneapolis’s culinary field.

These criteria guided our choices:

• Competitive Pay Rates: Restaurants with average or above-average Chef salaries based on regional wage data.
• Strong Reputation and Clientele: Establishments recognized for quality dining and consistent patronage.
• Benefits and Work Environment: Places known to support Chefs with benefits and positive workplace culture.
• Location: Convenience and restaurant presence in thriving Minneapolis neighborhoods.

Combining these factors ensures that Chefs have access to rewarding, well-compensated opportunities in Minneapolis’s dynamic culinary sector.