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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Central Minneapolis

Salad and dessert spots

You want a meal that feels light and fresh, followed by something that feels like a reward. You shouldn't have to compromise on the balance of your meal.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
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Updated May 2026
01

Upscale restaurant with exposed brick and intimate booths facing a large bar creates a lively yet cozy atmosphere. The vibe balances modern design with classic touches, attracting diners seeking elegant seafood and steak dishes. The space feels inviting despite occasional loudness, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience.

Cauliflower salad stands out with its pickled flavor and a fennel seed pop. Crab and seabean salad offers a fresh, unique mix.

Lava cake stands out as a rich dessert option. The snack bar offers donuts and chocolate cake that rank highly among desserts. A full dessert menu complements the wine list.

People are saying

"The pickled cauliflower salad has a nice pop from fennel seeds."

"The food here is superb, flavorful, and satisfying."

"You have to save room for the divine desserts, especially the donut."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking is available for $15, but street parking can be challenging.

3

Gluten-free options are available, making it accommodating for dietary restrictions.

02
Stock & Bond MN image 1
Restaurant

Art deco design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere with elegant, modern decor reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era. The space feels carefully curated and visually stunning, offering a cozy yet sophisticated vibe. Valet parking and coat check add to the hassle-free, comfortable experience.

Beet salad stands out with its generous size and spot on flavor. Appetizer salads come in great tasting portions that satisfy.

People are saying

"The Wagyu Bavette steak was flavorful and cooked perfectly."

"The desserts here are delicious and beautifully plated."

"The Wagyu Bavette was flavorful and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially for special events.

2

Valet service is not recommended due to past negative experiences.

3

The restaurant offers a private room for events like wedding receptions.

03
EaTo image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and patio seating create a lively and engaging setting with cool atmosphere and great vibes. Space balances high and low top tables spaced to avoid crowding, supporting comfortable conversations. Artistic touches like live dog drawings add unique charm to the experience.

Salads here feature unique ingredients like pomegranates instead of dried cranberries and options such as the shaved Brussels Sprouts salad with shrimp. The fig and prosciutto salad and the beet salad offer fresh, inventive flavors.

Desserts include a turtle cheesecake with a touch of cinnamon in the nuts or crust and classic cannoli. Both offer a sweet finish alongside drinks and pizzas.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and authentic Italian."

"The desserts here, like the cannolis and cheesecake, were delicious."

"The Caesar salad here is tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with great deals on drinks and bites.

2

Reservations are recommended for private events in the designated room.

3

The menu includes personal pizzas called pizzetes during happy hour.

04
Murray's image 1
Steak house

Upscale steak house with an old-time feel and warm, relaxing atmosphere. Dining room shows old school elegance combined with modern quality, while the bar contrasts with a typical sports bar look. Valet parking and table-side carving add to the experience.

Desserts feature a refreshing raspberry pie made with fresh raspberries and arranged a mile high. The cheesecake rates as 10/10, and birthday desserts come with a candle for a special touch.

People are saying

"The steak here is outstanding and cooked to perfection."

"The steak was so tender and cooked perfectly."

"The Caesar salad was a nice addition to our steak."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted appetizers and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

The happy hour menu includes shareable sliders and wings at great prices.

05
Salt & Flour Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and open concept design create a lively setting with DJ music enhancing the mood during brunch and dinner. Seating is tightly packed, making the space feel busy and energetic. Decor mixes expensive elements with casual touches, resulting in a unique but sometimes confusing atmosphere.

Salads feature fresh, vibrant ingredients like mozzarella with hazelnut dressing, burrata paired with Caesar, and a refreshing watermelon and cucumber mix. They balance salty, sweet, and crisp flavors well.

The dessert menu features a peanut butter dessert and a key lime pie that stand out for their flavor. Desserts consistently impress and complement the drinks and appetizers well.

People are saying

"The game liver mousse at these dinner spots was out of this world."

"The peanut butter tart dessert is like a gourmet Reese's, but way better."

"The watermelon salad is so refreshing on a hot day."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from Sunday to Thursday, which is rare on Sundays.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

3

Parking is available in a nearby ramp for $10.

06
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant image 1

Underground setting with eclectic decor featuring old photos and celebrity memorabilia creates a cozy, intimate vibe. Guests gather around large round tables with lazy Susans, enjoying classic Italian tunes and a lively atmosphere. The place blends homey charm with a memorable, authentic feel.

Salads stand out with the Caesar salad and apple gorgonzola salad both tasting excellent. Garlic bread sticks often accompany the salads, adding to the meal.

Rich, coffee-soaked tiramisu stands out alongside a flavorful brownie dessert. Free desserts come with birthdays, adding a sweet touch to celebrations.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The Caesar salad portions were small, enough for two people."

"The desserts here are massive, perfect for sharing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 11 PM.

2

Everything at Buca di Beppo is served family style.

3

Guests should come hungry because the portions are large.

07
Star Bar & Bistro image 1

Space combines mid-century modern design with twinkling starburst ceiling and neon-lit walls creating a retro, artsy vibe. Live music fills the room, sometimes loud, adding energy to the atmosphere. Comfortable seating and cocktail tables encourage relaxed conversation and socializing.

Cobb salad stands out with fresh ingredients and solid flavor. Other options include a beet salad and a classic Caesar salad.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake serves as a large dessert option. Creme brulee features a blood orange touch, while the peppermint dessert does not stand out positively.

People are saying

"The smashburger at this Lunch Spot is a must-try."

"I thought the Cobb salad was one of the best I ever had."

"The Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake is a large dessert, a great way to end the meal."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for happy hour to secure a table.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using public transport.

08
Borough image 1
New American restaurant

Cozy space with warm lighting and rustic features creates a relaxing atmosphere that feels upscale without pretension. Staff contribute to a welcoming, lively vibe suited for romantic dinners or corporate meetings. Open kitchen view adds a dynamic touch to the beautiful, spacious decor.

Salads feature heirloom tomatoes with micro basil and creamy burrata, offering a fresh and rich taste. The Waldorf salad combines endive, walnuts, and crisp apples for a light, textured bite.

Black Forest cake with cherry compote stands out as a special dessert. Table desserts offer a variety of really good options.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the spicy lobster spaghetti."

"The desserts here are really good, especially the rich Black Forest cake."

"The heirloom tomato salad with burrata is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for special occasions like Valentine's Day.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Portions are on the smaller side, so consider ordering multiple items.

09
noa Minneapolis image 1
New American restaurant

Modern space with spa-like ambiance and trendy decor featuring floral touches creates a calm yet upscale vibe. Bar area stands out with a frost rail keeping drinks cold and unique cocktail presentations. Crowd varies from business diners to casual groups, with a setting suited for both conversation and events.

Salads feature grilled salmon and chicken as standout proteins. The Cobb salad offers a solid, classic option.

Desserts include banana cake and chocolate cake that stand out. Gluten-free options are available, and special occasions may receive a free dessert.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be delicious and juicy."

"Katie's amazing desserts, like the chocolate cake, are fantastic."

"The Noa Salad with chicken was fantastic and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm on weeknights with great food and drink deals.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for private events and busy times.

3

Paid street parking and parking garages are available nearby, but can be challenging.

10
Maison Margaux image 1
Restaurant

Historical building hosts a spacious restaurant with dark themed underground lounge and outdoor terrace featuring Paris and Monet imagery. Atmosphere blends high energy with classy, interactive vibes. Known for an exceptional Cognac and Armagnac selection and standout cocktails.

Start with the endive salad that balances blue cheese flavor with a light touch. Beet salad also appears as a fresh, vibrant option on the menu.

Desserts arrive perfectly prepared and match the quality of appetizers and entrees. They are consistently delicious and complement the meal well.

People are saying

"The French Food, especially the short ribs and bouillabaisse, was perfectly cooked and flavorful."

"The desserts here are a highlight, especially the crรจme brรปlรฉe."

"The endive salad was excellent and blue-cheesy but light."

Good to know

1

Social hour menu is available until 5:45pm, with drink specials until 6:00pm.

2

Dessert orders should be placed early as the kitchen gets busy around 10pm.

3

Upstairs is a great space for small weddings and events.

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