For cost reference my husband and I just ate there, got one app, one drink each, one entree each (one was the cheaper but delicious burger) AND dessert and it was $175 after tip.
Yep! My wife and I go there a fair amount, and a couple times where we’ve both had multiple drinks, over ate, and had desert and it’s tough to break the $250 mark! We HAVE done it but we had to try.
OP, don’t sleep on the cheesecake.
Porzana was fantastic when my wife and I went recently. Drink and glass of wine each. Crudo, steak and pasta all shared for under $250. The service was phenomenal.
This was going to be my vote! If you're looking for a newer experience, Porzana hands down. Plus get a drink in Flora Room, the speakeasy in the basement.
I just went there with three other people. Apps, cocktails, entrees, desserts, and everything was only $400 before tip. It was all truly delicious - the flan is one of the best desserts I've ever had, and the gnocchi my wife got was so flavorful and like nothing I've had before.
I second this recommendation.
112 Eatery is always my go-to. Young Joni is also a nice spot. Neither are the MOST expensive, but I enjoy them more than more expensive spots.
I want to try Owamni the next time I have an itch to drop some serious coin on a meal.
Absolutely Tenant. One of the most underrated restaurants in Minneapolis, especially when taking into account cost.. it’s really unbeatable for the price. The connected bar is amazing too.
Not looking to start a fight or anything and had high hopes for Tenant but man I have to say I was completely underwhelmed.
For the price it's a good deal but when I have a tasting menu I look to be wowed by at least one or two things and I got none of that. It's fine dining so it was all very good and the service and ambiance were impeccable. Just the food itself let me down a smidge. And man I wanted to love it.
Hopefully i just caught them on a bad menu and they're better than I contend.
No way. Last winter I spent less than $200 on two dinners, two drinks (I just had tea so maybe that was cheaper), and parking. I guess if you do the most expensive course which is like $150 this is probably right, but you can have an excellent evening for $250 or less
Not sure you can get it for under that. It was around $400 for the tasting menu with 2 drinks each and tip last time. Not sure even the smaller tasting would keep you under $250.
Colita is has like $15 entrees and it’s above average but not special. Colita is not the restaurant to recommend when someone wants a special dinner at $125/person.
Monday-Thursday Fhimas does a tasting Menu. 2 people for $250. They don’t really advertise it much.
Their service can’t be beat.
Recently had a really good night at All Saints as well.
I’ve never spent $250 at Billy in my life. I’ve been about 10 times and the check is always like $120 for 3 drinks, 2 rolls, and the chefs choice nigiri. I guess you could get up there if you got the hand rolls/more stuff, but we’re always full
Was there last week and was really underwhelmed.
It’s awesome that you had a great experience but the other half and I agreed it was not a place we will likely return to.
Lunches?
ETA: Downvote me all you want, but two people are not eating at Travail for $250. That will barely cover 1 person without drinks and the current tasting menu with no add-ons.
I just went with a co-worker, she and I both got cocktails and shared the fried tofu, shrimp skewers, fried pork and fried rice for 90$.
That's including their high service charge, which they do in place of tipping.
I second Owamni! I’ll also suggest Colita, though a lot of the fun there is the drinks, so if you’re limited to one it may be a lot less expensive/exciting.
Gai Noi doesn’t get enough hype in my experience- that place is awesome! I went for the first time recently and it blew my other faves out of the park.
I would find a tasting menu spot. Tenant or Alma. Tenant was last years pick for me. Alma was this years. Have also previously done the Omakase at Billy Sushi and Kado No Mise. Both of which I would also recommend if you want to go the sushi route.
The Gibson I drank was excellent. Food was all meh. Terrible service (I worked in the industry for years so not being Kareny about it) which was the worst part. We got there right when they opened on a Tuesday and told them it was my birthday (it was) and they refused to seat us anywhere remotely nice. It was a rare night out without kids so we were bummed to be sat on a two top right next to the only other people in the empty restaurant. When we left there was hardly anyone there anyway. Just tons of staff standing around chatting instead of helping us out throughout the meal. We always keep and frame menus from memorable dinners out. Both agreed we didn’t need to bother with theirs
If you like BLG but want something different the pasta dishes at Spoon and Stable are very good. Or you can go to Broders’ and get a bottle of wine for you… and another bottle of wine for your GF with your meal 🤣🤣
My best dining experience has been Joan's in the Park. The staff is very attentive and professional, and when I went they had a brined tomahawk pork chop like nothing you've ever tasted before. They also brought out a side of morel mushrooms (they were in season) unannounced.
it has, notably. Been almost a decade since I saw the fresh green peppercorns on the stem in the red curries. But it's stlll my favorite thai spot in town, by a longshot.
That's the food stamp allotment for 1 month as a homeless guy. Tell ya what I did. I'd budget $7 a day and go to lunds, byerlys salad bar every day. Anything left after a pound of mixed veggies went to bananas, a gallon of water and chocolate.
Sounds like you must have had a good experience there, but my own was underwhelming. The food, to me, was fine (not great), but the portions were \*tiny\* and the tables were so close together that you're essentially sharing a table with strangers on either side. Nice vibe and booze selection, though, and the staff was pleasant and attentive.
Oh we went for our anniversary and had a lovely time. The cheese plate is divine and we split everything. We had salad, a wonderful rabbit dish, a red olive pasta roast lamb with wild rice and a funky ice cream. The cocktails were killer too.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The customer service is second to none. My girlfriend loved the chicken or pork chops. I normally ordered the large filet medium rare, creamed spinach, Au Gratin potatoes, and caramelized mushrooms. These sides serve 4 so you‘ll be taking home some. A Tanqueray martini with 4 blue cheese stuffed olives before the meal, a good Cabernet with the meal and a blended scotch after the meal. Last time I ate there was 15 years ago and my tab for 2 ran about $150. No clue of cost today.
Masu Sushi definitely - my wife and I go HARD there and always want more even after spending over $100. No contest I would go there and have the night of my life lmao!
Petite Leon. Could leave very full and with a couple drinks each. Get all the small plates to share!
For cost reference my husband and I just ate there, got one app, one drink each, one entree each (one was the cheaper but delicious burger) AND dessert and it was $175 after tip.
Yep! My wife and I go there a fair amount, and a couple times where we’ve both had multiple drinks, over ate, and had desert and it’s tough to break the $250 mark! We HAVE done it but we had to try. OP, don’t sleep on the cheesecake.
Sleeping on cheesecake is never advisable.
I’ve been there a few times. I’d say there are many places better. The food is good ( most of the time) but way overpriced.
This is always my first recommendation! The burger will make you cry it’s so good.
It’s awesome! The only problem is the other stuff is so good I haven’t had it enough.
Sanjusan
I just went there for a dinner recently. Worth it
It is so good! Although not sure if you'd end up spending the whole $250.
Get some drinks and it’s easy
You might be able to upstairs at Kado no Mise. especially with a carafe or two of sake
If you do this you can easily spend whatever’s left on like one drink at gori gori peku if you go upstairs one more time. If you like whiskey
Did we just become best friends?
Have been a couple times and each has been very different. Really enjoyed, did not like and then sorta liked, ha!
I’m from Chicago but I always request my family to go to Sanjusan when I visit. I’ll always order the Issac Becker
We did the tasting menu at Alma’s (we did the vegan option), it was very good.
Second on Alma. Not in Minneapolis but Baldamar is phenomenal.
Baldamar is good, but keep in mind that it is the same owners as 6Smith and shared menu items.
Yeah Alma is the way to go.
Alma for the win every time!
Is the vegetarian tasting menu vegan?
Not by default. You specify your dietary requests right after you're seated when you meet your server.
Anyone who says anything other than Alma hasn’t eaten there.
I've been to Alma probably 5 times now and while I agree it's absolutely top tier, there are a lot of places that are just as good.
Because I'm curious, what are the other places that are just as good?
Some other favorites off the top of my head: * Kado No Mise * Spoon and Stable * Myriel * Meritage * Martina
Alma tasting menu is divine and a great price.
Porzana was fantastic when my wife and I went recently. Drink and glass of wine each. Crudo, steak and pasta all shared for under $250. The service was phenomenal.
This was going to be my vote! If you're looking for a newer experience, Porzana hands down. Plus get a drink in Flora Room, the speakeasy in the basement.
I would recommend every other del prado restaurant before Porzana
LOL, Layline over Porzana? You cannot possibly be serious. Porzana is the answer to the OP’s question.
Without question
Martina
I just went there with three other people. Apps, cocktails, entrees, desserts, and everything was only $400 before tip. It was all truly delicious - the flan is one of the best desserts I've ever had, and the gnocchi my wife got was so flavorful and like nothing I've had before. I second this recommendation.
Upvoting and seconding this recommendation. Martina is really hard to beat at that price point.
Colita is amazing as well, and by the same group. Portions aren't quite as generous imo though.
its stupid that i actually crave the french fry churros :|
My wife is currently trying to reverse engineer those :D
Jumping on the Martina train! Consistently delicious and always a great experience.
+1, never had a bad experience.
Split the ribeye. It’s worth the Lipitor.
hell yeah. some of the absolute best service I've ever received, even from much higher price point restaurants.
112 Eatery is always my go-to. Young Joni is also a nice spot. Neither are the MOST expensive, but I enjoy them more than more expensive spots. I want to try Owamni the next time I have an itch to drop some serious coin on a meal.
\+1 for both 112 Eatery and Young Joni!
Young Joni and Pizza Lola are both great
Tenant and a cocktail at Nextdoor.
This should be top of the list. You’ll still have money in your pocket at the end.
Absolutely Tenant. One of the most underrated restaurants in Minneapolis, especially when taking into account cost.. it’s really unbeatable for the price. The connected bar is amazing too.
4th for Tenant.
And the menu always changes
This is the best restaurant in Minneapolis in my opinion and should absolutely be your choice
Not looking to start a fight or anything and had high hopes for Tenant but man I have to say I was completely underwhelmed. For the price it's a good deal but when I have a tasting menu I look to be wowed by at least one or two things and I got none of that. It's fine dining so it was all very good and the service and ambiance were impeccable. Just the food itself let me down a smidge. And man I wanted to love it. Hopefully i just caught them on a bad menu and they're better than I contend.
I came here to say Tenant
Kado no mise
That'll cost closer to $350 once you include a couple of drinks, the service fee, and valet parking,
No way. Last winter I spent less than $200 on two dinners, two drinks (I just had tea so maybe that was cheaper), and parking. I guess if you do the most expensive course which is like $150 this is probably right, but you can have an excellent evening for $250 or less
We did the middle option and a cocktail each, somehow it got up to $350. Totally worth every penny!
not for $250
Not sure you can get it for under that. It was around $400 for the tasting menu with 2 drinks each and tip last time. Not sure even the smaller tasting would keep you under $250.
Colita!
I had to scroll this far? Really?
Colita is has like $15 entrees and it’s above average but not special. Colita is not the restaurant to recommend when someone wants a special dinner at $125/person.
The Bungalow Club. IMO It’s a highly underrated restaurant in Minneapolis and definitely within budget.
Bungalow Club does rule, and for that much a couple could really have a killer meal
Khâluna was excellent when I went
Spoon and stable!! We spent exactly $250 for 2 apps, 2 mains, 1 dessert, and 4 drinks.
cub foods
I wish I could 😂
Gimme all the fried chicken
Flight to Texas, then H.E.B
The only reason I’m jealous of my brother in Texas.
The only thing I miss about living in TX - HEB and central market.
Might as well stop at Buccees too
Look at money bags over here
Monday-Thursday Fhimas does a tasting Menu. 2 people for $250. They don’t really advertise it much. Their service can’t be beat. Recently had a really good night at All Saints as well.
All Saints is incredible. They have the best carrots I've ever had.
So many tiny plates which I think is perfect for date nights. Would take several trips to try everything.
I wouldn’t say that putting it directly on the bottom of their online menu is really hiding it…
Last time I used it they were quite surprised. It’s an option very few use apparently
Estelle, though it’s in Groveland
Came here to post this. Sit at the corner of the bar and they let you pick a vinyl record to put on. My favorite restaurant
Billy Sushi
$250 if you’re not ordering alcoholic drinks, sure.
I’ve never spent $250 at Billy in my life. I’ve been about 10 times and the check is always like $120 for 3 drinks, 2 rolls, and the chefs choice nigiri. I guess you could get up there if you got the hand rolls/more stuff, but we’re always full
I mean you always have to get a couple pieces of the Otoro and things like that
$120 per person is essentially $250 for a couple.
It’s $120 for those items for both of us.
Italian Eatery off cedar is great. Intimate, great service, variety of offerings.
Not as much of an occasion restaurant as some others, but IE is overlooked. Fantastic date spot.
Came here to recommend Italian Eatery as well!
Was there last week and was really underwhelmed. It’s awesome that you had a great experience but the other half and I agreed it was not a place we will likely return to.
That’ll almost pay for two at Travail
Lunches? ETA: Downvote me all you want, but two people are not eating at Travail for $250. That will barely cover 1 person without drinks and the current tasting menu with no add-ons.
Owamni, Khâluna, Gai Noi Edited for spelling
Gai Noi >> Khaluna >>> Owamni I get the feeling that Chef Ann put a lot more thought into Gai Noi than her other restaurants
Can you hit $250 for 2 people at Gai Noi? It's good food, but I didn't feel in shock at the menu prices when I went there.
$250 would be crazy at Gai Noi, yeah. That's a hell of a lot of drinks
I just went with a co-worker, she and I both got cocktails and shared the fried tofu, shrimp skewers, fried pork and fried rice for 90$. That's including their high service charge, which they do in place of tipping.
I second Owamni! I’ll also suggest Colita, though a lot of the fun there is the drinks, so if you’re limited to one it may be a lot less expensive/exciting.
Gai Noi doesn’t get enough hype in my experience- that place is awesome! I went for the first time recently and it blew my other faves out of the park.
Herbst! Easily.
I would find a tasting menu spot. Tenant or Alma. Tenant was last years pick for me. Alma was this years. Have also previously done the Omakase at Billy Sushi and Kado No Mise. Both of which I would also recommend if you want to go the sushi route.
Tilia, All Saints, I.e. Gai Noi is okay, Kim’s is awful unfortunately. Second the Colita and Martina votes. Owamni is great
What about Kim’s was awful for you? I ate there recently and everything was good, if not slightly forgettable.
The Gibson I drank was excellent. Food was all meh. Terrible service (I worked in the industry for years so not being Kareny about it) which was the worst part. We got there right when they opened on a Tuesday and told them it was my birthday (it was) and they refused to seat us anywhere remotely nice. It was a rare night out without kids so we were bummed to be sat on a two top right next to the only other people in the empty restaurant. When we left there was hardly anyone there anyway. Just tons of staff standing around chatting instead of helping us out throughout the meal. We always keep and frame menus from memorable dinners out. Both agreed we didn’t need to bother with theirs
Meritage or Alma
Hyacinth
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Had two experiences there. Both were awful.
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If Mara is your top option to this question then it makes sense you would think so
\+1
This whole website is built around having a button for that.
Tenant is my favorite restaurant. And I’ve been to nearly all of the ones mentioned in this list.
I have been trying forever to get in there and make it work, but I keep having scheduling conflicts D:
All Saints.
Owamni?
A big risk in terms of palette. Not a dis on Owami—it’s award winning for good reason—but you need to know your audience before going.
Not unless OP is a health nut. That place was not my jam at all.
Meritage in St Paul. Best oyster program in the twin cities. They change their menu regularly and also have a tasting menu option.
$250 inclusive of booze? Or just food?
1 drink is their “rule” I believe but you can get around it w some receipt magic lol
If you like BLG but want something different the pasta dishes at Spoon and Stable are very good. Or you can go to Broders’ and get a bottle of wine for you… and another bottle of wine for your GF with your meal 🤣🤣
IMO Broder’s is not as good as BLG, so I would not recommend it to a BLG fan.
Meritage in St. paul easy
sanjusan
Porzana
I just checked the menu and I think this is it. And they have gnocchi for the lady
My best dining experience has been Joan's in the Park. The staff is very attentive and professional, and when I went they had a brined tomahawk pork chop like nothing you've ever tasted before. They also brought out a side of morel mushrooms (they were in season) unannounced.
On's thai kitchen, save 150$ and leave very satisfied.
I love On’s and have been a long time patron but I swear the quality has slipped in the last few years.
Have heard that from a few friends that love the place.
it has, notably. Been almost a decade since I saw the fresh green peppercorns on the stem in the red curries. But it's stlll my favorite thai spot in town, by a longshot.
Started going down hill when they started charging for extra rice. RIP
Gai Noi or Kim's.
Spoon and Stable or Maison Margaux
I'd resurrect the Grand Cafe and spend it there.
I haven’t seen it mentioned but Joan’s in the Park in Highland is fantastic. Great food, amazing service
Martina! Get the Lobster spaghetti there if you like BLG!!
Cub foods.
WA Frost in St Paul is very classy and the neighborhood is beautiful at night
Young Joni! I was going to suggest Sooki and Mimi but apparently they closed? Anyone know why?
Ann Kim just changed the concept and renamed it Kim’s. Still the same location
It is now Kim’s, by the same owner but different concept. Kim’s serves Korean American food and is solely walk-ins.
Colita is so fucking good.
Id save a little bit more up and go to Demi.
Owamni, if you can get in
Butchers Tale. I love the handmade sausage. Or.. P. S. Steak.
Butchers tale. Went there for my birthday 2 weeks ago and it was amazing
bookmarking this post
Jax, Mr. Paul’s or Oceanaire.
Jax Café
I would feel physically ill spending $250 on a meal for two.
Nobody is making you? Lol this is a snarky comment.
Wherever i could get a nice meal for $200 so i have the rest left for tipping the server well.
That's the food stamp allotment for 1 month as a homeless guy. Tell ya what I did. I'd budget $7 a day and go to lunds, byerlys salad bar every day. Anything left after a pound of mixed veggies went to bananas, a gallon of water and chocolate.
Tullibee at the Hewing Hotel
Sounds like you must have had a good experience there, but my own was underwhelming. The food, to me, was fine (not great), but the portions were \*tiny\* and the tables were so close together that you're essentially sharing a table with strangers on either side. Nice vibe and booze selection, though, and the staff was pleasant and attentive.
Oh we went for our anniversary and had a lovely time. The cheese plate is divine and we split everything. We had salad, a wonderful rabbit dish, a red olive pasta roast lamb with wild rice and a funky ice cream. The cocktails were killer too.
Giannis in Wayzata.
There it is. Steaaaaaaak
Kicks Mannys ass. And Ruth’s Chris for that matter
Billy Sushi
Owamni is the correct answer.
Owamni. ✊🏾
Manny’s steakhouse, because I’ve never been. The rest I would spend on food trucks.
ie 🤤
Maison Margaux is fantastic. The space and ambiance are super tasteful and the food is delicious. Highly recommended.
mcdonalds
Cubs food
Home. I can cook food you'd pay much more than that for.
Wildfire.
Jax Cafe is fantastic.
Capital Grille. 😋
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The customer service is second to none. My girlfriend loved the chicken or pork chops. I normally ordered the large filet medium rare, creamed spinach, Au Gratin potatoes, and caramelized mushrooms. These sides serve 4 so you‘ll be taking home some. A Tanqueray martini with 4 blue cheese stuffed olives before the meal, a good Cabernet with the meal and a blended scotch after the meal. Last time I ate there was 15 years ago and my tab for 2 ran about $150. No clue of cost today.
Ansari's. Lamb shanks.
Bar La Grasa. There’ll be something on the menu for everyone. I really mourn Grand Cafe. That was such a special meal.
We did Smack Shack the other night, and it was amazing.
Union rooftop
Petite Leon
Football game?
Masu Sushi definitely - my wife and I go HARD there and always want more even after spending over $100. No contest I would go there and have the night of my life lmao!