Can't miss....

[jenwaslike]

I'm visiting in October and am looking for some new restaurants to visit. Any suggestions for can't miss locations?

[mtullius]

I often suggest Ngon Bistro, because I think there are relatively few places in the country like it: Vietnamese-French fusion, with a huge emphasis on local / sustainable ingredients, an amazing local beer selection, and a great organic / sustainable wine list.

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Ngon Vietnamese Bistro
799 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104

[kevin47]

Depending on when in October you are visiting, the new Heidi's may well be open. If it isn't, I would add Heartland, which you can read about elsewhere on this board, to the Saffron and Piccolo recommendations.

I would add Quang to the list, because that is a place I love, and because I think Vietnamese is a real strength in our dining scene.

[ibew292]

Saffron in Mpls. Chef was on Iron Chef. Great food

[Foureyes137]

Right now: Piccolo. The two best meals I've had in the past 8 months have been here.

[jenwaslike]

I'm super excited to try Piccolo's. I saw it on No Reservations this year and have been craving it ever since. Thanks for confirming this!

[semanticantics]

Remember Piccolo does small portions / plates, so it's like a choose-your-own Tasting Menu. There isn't a big entree. Apparently most people order 4 - 5 plates, keep that in mind for the budget.

Meritage still stands as my #1 recommendation. Best meal I've ever had. Look for my thread here, it's a 2,000 word review. They also have a delicious brunch on the weekends.

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Meritage
410 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102

[dalewest]

Are you coming back after a period of time? What do you count as "new"?

[faith]

this OP might be someone who has never lived here, thus any restaurants here would be new to her......not just newly opened places here. OP, please clarify.

[jenwaslike]

Oh, sorry about that! I've been to very few restaurants in Minneapolis, so anything is fair game. I'm just looking for places Minneapolis foodies LOVE.

[MSPD]

jen, welcome to Chowhound.

Honestly, your question is impossibly broad. You'll get much better information if you give some hints -- price, location, cuisine, atmosphere.

Since you say "new" I'll suggest Bar La Grassa and Haute Dish. Both appeal to just about every possible culinary desire. They are both very close to one another in the Warehouse District on the NW edge of downtown Minneapolis.

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Bar La Grassa
800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

[semanticantics]

I agree. We need approximate budget and preferred cuisines.

But Meritage is my answer. Also, Travail Kitchen & Amusements.

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Meritage
410 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102

[AnneInMpls]

Ditto. But my can't-miss recommendation is Al's Breakfast. 'Course, it's not new, but why would you skip a treasure like this for the latest fad?

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Al's Breakfast
413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[jenwaslike]

Thank you! Sorry for being vague. I'm in town for a weekend, essentially. I'm looking for recommendations that locals would give their visiting friends if they only had a few places to eat at while in town. Also of great importance to me: breakfast. Any breakfast suggestions?

[Dr.TriRunner]

When you said October, for whatever reason the first thing that popped into my head was a big bowl of Tomato Basil soup at French Meadow. But now that you say breakfast, I really stand by that recommendation!

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French Meadow Bakery & Cafe
2610 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

[Foureyes137]

Al's.

Now is the time to go too, before it gets cool out and the students return.