Best Romantic Restaurants in University of Minnesota

22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nicollet Island Inn restaurant

1. Nicollet Island Inn

4.8

Exceptional(3394)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 14 times today

The Nicollet Island Inn has stood witness to over a century of change on the shores of the Mississippi River. The Inn is consistently named the most romantic restaurant in the area and its river views have been voted some of the best in the city. An immediately recognizable Minneapolis landmark, the Inn offers world-class cuisine created by Executive Chef Michael Rain , whose innovative and constantly updated menu includes a variety of seafood, steaks and gourmet specialty dishes. Our wine menu has been chosen specifically to compliment the food and highlight producers from the world's leading wine regions.Nic's bar, just off the main dining room, is a casual, old-world tavern and the patio offers stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline. The Inn is a convenient, comfortable destination for breakfast or lunch meetings while the 3 or 5-course Sunday Brunch is the perfect weekend indulgence.

2. Blondette

4.0

Excellent(106)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 12 times today

Blondette is a French-inspired restaurant, concepted by award-winning Chef Daniel del Prado, offering traditional French cuisine fused with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Housed in a glass-covered atrium complete with an outdoor terrace and one of Minneapolis’ only retractable roofs, Blondette invites guests to mix and mingle under the stars all year long. In addition to dinner daily, each Saturday and Sunday, Blondette serves up elevated brunch fare from 9am - 2pm. Reservations recommended but not required. We also offer curated holiday menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve, Easter and Mother's Day. LOCATION: Blondette is located on the 5th floor of the iconic Rand Tower Hotel, conveniently attached to the Downtown Minneapolis Skyway. Each of Rand Tower Hotel’s restaurants and bars is a destination all its own, offering locals and travelers a unique culinary journey they won’t find anywhere else.PARKING: $10 valet parking is available with dining validation.

3. Zelo

4.9

Exceptional(4070)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 25 times today

At Zelo, we serve simple, fresh Italian cuisine made from local ingredients. Our handcrafted meals accompany a thoughtful, approachable wine selection. We believe dining is more than a menu: it is an experience, and ours is quality. When you’re our guest, our staff learn your name and remember your favorite glass of wine. We passionately commit to bring you the full dining experience – quality food and wine presented with welcoming service. Every meal. Every day. Please join us. An enduring Minneapolis destination, Zelo was opened in 1999 by Rick Webb, a Minnesota restaurateur whose pursuits have set the standard in Twin Cities dining for over 40 years. Looking for another unparalleled dining experience in the south metro? Visit Rick Webb’s acclaimed Ciao Bella, the restaurant that inspired Zelo’s handcrafted food and dedicated service.

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

4. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.8

Exceptional(5259)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 15 times today

Café and Bar Lurcat, located next to Loring Park, is a hip, urban venue that boasts serious food and voguish design. Café Lurcat is a perfect blend of classic old world style with a Noveau twist. The expansive bar and lounge is ideal for casual cocktails and a la carte bites, while the romantic dining room creates the perfect ambiance for an exceptional foodie experience featuring sophisticated comfort food. We offer the perfect event venue for family celebrations, trendy parties, marriages, Bar Mitzvahs, showers, charity events, galas, graduations and black tie events. This iconic Minneapolis restaurant continues to age like a fine wine as it approaches its 20th year.

5. Milwaukee Road

4.1

Excellent(215)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 14 times today

Milwaukee Road at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot is a favorite among guests as well as Twin Cities residents, featuring distinct menus with specialized and local flare. You can always count on Milwaukee Road for a hearty breakfast buffet to start the day, followed by unique regional lunch and dinner entrées.Our chef combines the best of regional culinary specialties with memorable dishes and tempting desserts – any of which pairs beautifully with a selection from our wine list or one of our many regional craft ales. Enjoy your meal in the gorgeous restaurant dining room or our outdoor seasonal patio; you'll find either setting to be warm, welcoming and distinctly Minnesota.

A photo of The Melting Pot - Minneapolis restaurant

6. The Melting Pot - Minneapolis

4.6

Exceptional(2865)

Price: Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 45 times today

Bring your big appetite to the big city. In downtown Minneapolis, The Melting Pot is your quintessential fine-dining restaurant. Start with freshly made salads and handcrafted dressings before you skewer succulent strips of steak, and finish the smorgasbord with our famous chocolate fondue. Desserts rank high here, and just like the complex taste of our entrées, there’s something to be said of our artisan cheeses and luscious chocolates. But in our cozy corner of dessert paradise, we’re more than just a classy addition to Minnesota’s culinary scene. We are casual and approachable, which makes us an excellent choice for reconnecting with long-lost friends, updating loved ones about your life, or simply breaking the ice on a romantic date.

7. Masa & Agave

4.3

Awesome(68)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 4 times today

Welcome to Masa & Agave, a speakeasy-style cantina hidden below stairs at the historic Hotel Ivy in Downtown Minneapolis. On Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's from 8pm to Close we are first-come, first-served and do not accept reservations during this time.Worshipped as the Aztec gods of fertility and long life, venerated for their powers of sustenance, corn masa and agave have been central to Mexican culture and cuisine since ancient times. Using authentic techniques, we prepare corn masa-based starters and Mexico City-style tacos that are bursting with regional flavors, along with dinner classics like Pork Carnitas and Negro Monelo-Braised Beef Short Ribs. Our collection of 200 agave spirits pays homage to the jimadores and mezcaleros who have labored over their craft for generations. Sip on a copita or two, or gather friends for one of our signature Margaritas - try the Tradicionale, Tamarindo or a Margarita al Gusto mixed with your choice of spirit. Salud!

8. Tullibee

4.7

Exceptional(1404)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 38 times today

Tullibee celebrates the lakes and woods cuisine that is so deeply woven into the fabric of Minnesota. Named for a fish native to our Minnesota waters, Tullibee is a tribute to our beautiful state and brings its fresh and authentic flavors to each dish we serve. Under Chef Marque Collins lead, Tullibee's new menu is curated with intention to allow guests to try multiple items on the menu. We will be serving more smaller portions of the menu items meant to be ordered many at a time on a rolling basis throughout the meal allowing guests to experience different options. Come and experience the flavors of the North! Tullibee is a taste of Minnesota. *Reservations are for Tullibee only. Our lounge and rooftop bar are seated on a first come, first served basis.

A photo of Oceanaire Seafood Room - Minneapolis restaurant

9. Oceanaire Seafood Room - Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(6827)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 52 times today

The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Minneapolis has been praised for its romantic ambiance. Reviews often highlight its 'amazing food', 'outstanding service' and 'relaxed and friendly ambiance'. One reviewer mentioned it as a 'great spot for a special occasion' and another said it's a 'sophisticated space' with 'beautifully presented' dishes. The atmosphere is said to be 'accessible elegance' and the staff is noted to be 'professional and helpful' which enhances the overall romantic experience.

A photo of Butcher & the Boar restaurant

10. Butcher & the Boar

4.6

Exceptional(81)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 36 times today

We are fine-casual dining with a fire at the core of its heart. Through the smoke and whiskey ashes of the previous iteration which closed its doors in 2020 rises a new haze of smoke and whiskey as we bring back this iconic brand, smoked meats, bourbon, beer, deep hues, and various spaces to a new location in the North Loop. Butcher & The Boar will honor its beloved roots, while spreading new ones in the fresh foundation that will help our guests embark on a journey with notes of nostalgia that carry the torch forward with new tastes and experiences. With immense gratitude, we invite you to Live Full Boar with us.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SteveVIP
New York City •20 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Best veggie burger ever, like get it because it is delicious, not because it is meat free.
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Milwaukee RoadPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
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4.1
D
debbie
Minneapolis - St. Paul •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and service. Beautiful setting, especially during the holidays. Would highly recommend!
More info
Cafe Lurcat - MinneapolisPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
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4.8
L
LisaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We were hosting a small family gathering pre-Christmas show. Zelo was the perfect ‘appetizer’! It’s our favorite Minneapolis restaurant and never fails to impress. Food is delicious, ambience perfect and a special thank you to our server Erica who was the perfect mix of attentive without being intrusive.
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ZeloPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown / North Loop
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4.9
B
Brwynn
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
My fiance and I both stayed at the hotel and ate at the restaurant, both were fantastic. I had the salmon and my fiance had the filet mignon and we would recommend both. The staff were very friendly, efficient, and very kind about my food allergy. We loved it and plan to go back!
More info
Nicollet Island InnPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.8
S
Sara
Minneapolis - St. Paul •36 reviews
4.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
Lovely place. Tucked up on the 5th floor of the Rand Hotel. Great vibe and ambiance.
More info
BlondettePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown / Mill District
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4

Best Romantic Restaurants in University of Minnesota

Price

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Top Rated

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. Nicollet Island Inn

2. Blondette

3. Zelo

4. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

5. Milwaukee Road

6. The Melting Pot - Minneapolis

7. Masa & Agave

8. Tullibee

9. Oceanaire Seafood Room - Minneapolis

10. Butcher & the Boar

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