35 Best Restaurants for a Birthday Dinner in Minneapolis, MN in 2024

Everybody has a different idea of how to celebrate their special day, but there is a birthday dinner in Minneapolis for every personality, taste and budget — so many that we have a whopping 35 suggestions! Whatever kind of birthday dinner in Minneapolis you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a restaurant that caters perfectly to your tastes.

So if you’re in search of the perfect venue at which to toast to the completion of another trip around the sun, read on to find out where you should reserve a table for your next birthday dinner in Minneapolis. From cozy spots to lively celebrations, there’s something for everyone.

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• 35 Best Birthday Restaurants in Minneapolis
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35 Best Birthday Restaurants in Minneapolis

1. All Saints Restaurant

If your ideal birthday dinner in Minneapolis involves trying creative, of-the-moment food in a stylish setting, you’d be remiss not to consider All Saints Restaurant. It aspires to give vegetables as much spotlight as meat on its creative menu and diners love the originality and quality of the chefs' modern American cuisine. 

The Vibe

Slick and stylish but intimate, especially if the weather allows for a seat on the shady patio. Smart, attentive service makes for an altogether pleasant birthday dinner in Minneapolis — the complimentary dessert you’ll get if you let the staff know that it’s your birthday is only one example. 

What to Order

If your ideal birthday dinner in Minneapolis is a chance to try something new, try the grilled shrimp — it’s novel, impeccably prepared and a crowd favorite. And it may not be quite your idea of fine dining, but word on the street is that All Saints Restaurant makes an unmissable basket of fries.

All Saints Restaurant | 222 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55414 | $$$

2. Manny's Steakhouse

We’ve all heard about revolving sushi and dim sum restaurants where food is rolled out to you on a cart, but for this year’s birthday dinner in Minneapolis, why not try a steak cart? That’s the winning concept behind Manny’s, a high-end steakhouse that brings the meat right to you on a rolling cart. Private rooms with custom menus are available for parties and on your birthday, you’ll enjoy a slice of chocolate cake on the house. 

The Vibe

With a trademarked cut of beef to its name, Manny’s exudes confidence earned over decades of serving top-of-the-line steak to satisfied customers. Dress smartly and come hungry for this classic Minneapolis birthday dinner.

What to Order

As mentioned earlier, Manny’s waitstaff will roll out a cart of the cuts of meat you have to choose from to help you make your decision, so why not go in blind and follow your intuitions and waiter’s recommendations on which steak to order? It’ll make for a more exciting and spontaneous birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

Manny's Steakhouse | 825 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$$$

3. Hell’s Kitchen 

Employee-owned and located in a basement, this Minneapolis birthday dinner venue is not afraid of a little kitsch. In fact, it embraces it. With holiday events and welcoming service year-round, you can count on Hell’s Kitchen for a memorable birthday dinner in Minneapolis. Private rooms are available for larger birthday celebrations. 

The Vibe

Bold, brassy, fun, campy and unrelated to the Gordon Ramsay television show, in case you’re wondering. The choice to market Hell’s Kitchen as an “underground lair” says all you need to know and guarantees that this will be a memorable place to enjoy your birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

What to Order

You have to get dessert if you’re going out for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis and here, it might just be the highlight of your meal. Why? Hell’s Kitchen’s housemade peanut butter. Order any of the peanut butter desserts and you’re in for an absolute treat. The same can also be said for any of the burgers (with tater tots on the side, of course). 

Hell’s Kitchen | 80 S. Ninth St,. Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$

4. Alma

Attached to a posh boutique hotel, Alma is actually two restaurants: a casual café and a fine dining restaurant with a seasonal set menu. While both are crowd favorites, it’s the latter that makes for the most memorable birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Vibe

An intimate, reservations-only dining experience in elegant surroundings where you’ll be treated to a four-course meal with wine pairings over two leisurely hours. If fine dining is your thing, you'll want to snag a table at this top-dollar eatery for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

What to Order

Alma’s fine-dining restaurant serves a pre-fixe tasting menu. If you select it for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis, be sure to inform the staff of any dietary restrictions in advance. 

Alma | 528 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 | $$$$

5. Spoon and Stable

Try finding an unlikelier setting for a fine dining restaurant than a repurposed horse stable. Spoon and Stable, as the name implies, takes that novel setting and creates a fine dining experience that marries French techniques to its core values of seasonality and regional pride. 

If your birthday dinner in Minneapolis has a longer guest list, you can also rent one of Spoon and Stable’s private dining rooms. For those who opt for the traditional dining room, let staff know that it’s your birthday and you might just get a free dessert. 

The Vibe

Spoon and Stable transcends its humble origins with stylish, minimalistic interior design, but remains sensible of the fact that it can’t eschew those roots. Despite its thoughtful menu and deep care for aesthetics, there’s nothing fussy about this place.

If you’re more of a breakfast person, Spoon and Stable is also well-known for its brunch and is as apt a choice for a celebratory breakfast in Minneapolis as it is for dinner. 

What to Order

This birthday dinner in Minneapolis might be your chance to try some fine ravioli with Stable and Spoon’s occhi ravioli, a house-made specialty made with celery root fonduta, Pleasant Ridge cheese, crunchy smoked hazelnuts and matsutake mushrooms. Save room for melon frozen yogurt.

Spoon and Stable | 211 N. 1st St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$

6. Borough 

With small plates and a focus on local and seasonal, Borough is just the place for foodies seeking the perfect birthday dinner in Minneapolis. Various options for private room rentals are available if you’d like a more exclusive celebration.

The Vibe

Clean but artfully unfinished, in an industrial-style space. Think plaid booths and hardwood mixed with exposed ventilation and bare concrete. Valet service and attentive staff add an air of luxury to the otherwise minimalist space, meaning your birthday dinner in Minneapolis will leave you feeling like a VIP. 

What to Order

Borough’s focus is on small plates to encourage sampling, so the best strategy here is to be adventurous and order a little bit of whatever strikes your fancy. However, your birthday dinner in Minneapolis wouldn’t be complete without a bite of the baklava tart. 

Borough | 510 N. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$

7. Bar La Grassa

For many, Italian food is the special occasion cuisine of choice and if it’s yours, too, this is the perfect venue for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis. Bar La Grassa’s extensive pasta selection has made it a local favorite.

The Vibe

Bustling and intimate — you will never be the only one who had the idea of a night out at Bar La Grassa. Dressy but not too intimidating, while it's perfect for birthday dinners in Minneapolis, Bar La Grassa is also a great spot for a date.

What to Order

Start your birthday dinner in Minneapolis with a tasty bruschetta and follow up with the acclaimed gnocchi with cauliflower. Both are fan favorites.

Bar La Grassa | 800 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$

8. Café Lurcat

Blending the cozy elegance of a European café with inventive American cuisine, Café Lurcat is exactly the kind of special-occasion place you’d choose for a fancy birthday dinner in Minneapolis. It’s an especially good choice for larger parties, who have the option of renting out the restaurant’s entire dining room — perfect for an elegant surprise party. 

The Vibe

When you sit down to a swanky Minneapolis birthday dinner at Café Lurcat, you may feel like you're sitting in a Parisian café. Think checkered floors, plush chairs and sparkling chandeliers. You’ll feel that even more if you choose to sit in the alley outdoors. European salon vibes aside, the menu is thoroughly New World, creating a contrast of textures that only adds to the self-aware chicness of the setting. 

What to Order

Miso sea bass or pork chops for a filling entrée and perhaps roasted cauliflower for a lighter starter. Come hungry to ensure ample room for the complimentary bread, but be warned: you'll be tempted to fill up on it before your appetizers arrive! 

Café Lurcat | 1624 Harmon Pl., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$

9. J.D. Hoyt’s Supper Club 

At once classy but laid-back, J.D. Hoyt’s Supper Club is a welcoming steakhouse that might appeal to diners who want nothing more than a good steak for their birthday dinner in Minneapolis but aren’t too keen on dressing up. J.D. Hoyt’s specializes in classic steakhouse fare with a Cajun spin. 

The Vibe 

Like most places specializing in steak, J.D. Hoyt’s keeps it classy, but there’s nothing snobbish about this place. With a checkered floor and warm service, it doesn’t feel at all buttoned-up. If you’re celebrating your birthday dinner in Minneapolis with a group of 12 or more, ask about reserving the private Founder’s Room for a more intimate experience. 

What to Order 

You’ve got to go with the world-famous Buddy Bowl, a family-style appetizer featuring layers of red beans, dirty rice and homemade Monty’s creole sauce, topped with cheese and baked. Top it with your choice of shrimp, scallops or catfish.

J.D. Hoyt’s Supper Club | 301 N. Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$ 

10. The Butcher’s Tale

Minneapolis may be a ways from the nearest ocean, but in an era of overnight deliveries, why would that stop The Butcher’s Tale from serving praiseworthy surf and turf? It doesn’t, of course. With the Minnesota twist of homemade sausage, this meat-focused restaurant is a dressy but fun pick for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Vibe

This depends on where you sit. The outdoor beer garden area will give you a much more casual and laid-back experience than the indoor dining room, though both are appealingly relaxed. You could dress for the occasion, but by no means is this birthday dinner spot in Minneapolis the kind of place where you have to. 

What to Order

Filet with bearnaise sauce, ribs or pork chops. The Butcher’s Tale has butcher in its name for a reason — go as meat-heavy as you can to see why this is such a spot for a carnivore's birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Butcher’s Tale | 1121 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$$$ 

11. Red Rabbit

Rustic and inviting, Red Rabbit serves all the Italian classics you could hope for. It’s a great spot for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis if you want pasta without the white-tablecloth fuss of a more traditional Italian restaurant. 

The Vibe

In the restaurant’s own words, “uncomplicated.” A bare-brick industrial space, Red Rabbit makes no pretense of fine dining, instead offering the uncomplicated pizzas, pasta and appetizers that fans of Italian comfort food want. For a casual birthday dinner in Minneapolis, the laid-back environment is just right. 

What to Order

To start your birthday dinner in Minnesota, try an Italian spin on a Midwestern classic with garlic bread and cheese curds. Not a single pizza on the menu misses, so, in a sea of pasta restaurants, make that your birthday entrée — didn’t we all eat pizza on our birthdays as kids? 

Red Rabbit | 200 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$

12. Revival

Minneapolis’ best bet for classic, homestyle Southern cooking. Whether you’re a fried chicken fanatic or you can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with comfort food, Revival is absolutely the spot for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis.  

The Vibe

As relaxed and welcoming as the menu and all the better for it — fried chicken and waffles don’t mix too well with suits and ties or cocktail dresses. Stylish and thoughtfully designed, Revival is effortlessly presentable, welcoming and warm. It would be a great place for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis with the whole family. 

What to Order

Anything fried chicken, be that chicken and waffles, tenders or classic chicken on the bone. Hush puppies make the ideal side and if you feel that your birthday dinner in Minneapolis needs a slice of cake, well, skip the cake and go for a slice of Revival’s key lime pie. 

Revival | Multiple locations | $$

13. The Oceanaire Seafood Room

With fresh seafood flown in daily, The Oceanaire Seafood Room doesn’t let its landlocked location stop it from preparing and serving the bounty of the sea.

The Vibe

If you have ever dined on a cruise ship, you have essentially already seen the inside of The Oceanaire Seafood Room. If a cruise is out of your budget and a birthday dinner in Minneapolis has to make up for it, this is your place. Imagine low ceilings, patterned carpet and very blue lighting in a smartly appointed dining room. It’s also worth adding to your list of date ideas in Minneapolis.

What to Order

For the indecisive, the seafood plate lets you sample several of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. For those who know what they like (provided that what they like is lobster), choose the Maine lobster. Finally, baked Alaska, torched at your table, is a cruise-ship classic and the perfect way to round out your birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Oceanaire Seafood Room | 222 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$$

14. Kado no Mise

For your sushi fix hundreds of miles from the nearest coastline, omakase restaurant Kado no Mise is exactly what you’re looking for. This elegant spot might have a name that translates to “corner store,” but the reality of the place is far less humble than that. This is one of the best places for a high-end birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Vibe

Classically Japanese: simple, clean elegance and a subtle commitment to beauty. At this intimate restaurant, you’ll be able to watch the staff prepare your food, perfect for a memorable birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

What to Order

Be prepared to be impressed with either of the three omakase menus available at Kado no Mise.

Kado no Mise | 1534 Fourth St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 | $$$$

15. Fogo de Chão

Acclaimed nationwide for its top-of-the-line Brazilian barbecue and accompaniments, a meal at Fogo de Chão is the ideal birthday dinner in Minneapolis for fans of all-you-can-eat. 

The Vibe

Upscale but relaxed, with tableside meat-carving and an appetizer buffet. You’ll undoubtedly be pleased with the quality and quantity of your food, but this is, after all, a place where you’re meant to eat as much as you can. If this is your Minneapolis birthday dinner of choice, don’t expect a buttoned-up vibe. 

What to Order

Start with a picanha tartare, after which there is only one option: the Churrasco Experience, an all-you-can-eat parade of meat and side dishes that don’t let up until your stomach is full. Use it right and it’ll give you the heartest birthday dinner that Minneapolis has to offer. 

Fogo de Chão | 645 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$$$ 

16. Tenant

It doesn’t get much more intimate than Tenant, which seats only about a dozen at a time for a seasonally changing, six-course tasting menu. You won’t find a cozier place for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Vibe

Though it serves elevated pre-fixe cuisine, Tenant is a homey, cozy restaurant where fine dining feels accessible and welcoming. Enjoy a memorable birthday dinner in Minneapolis with the company of a small group of your closest people. 

What to Order

You’re sure to have a delicious birthday dinner in Minneapolis with Tenant’s pre-fixe menu.

Tenant | 4300 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55409 | $$

17. The Local

Every city must have its Irish pub and this is Minneapolis’. The Local is, well, a local favorite and would make an ideal place for a casual birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Vibe

The Local comes with all the things you’d expect in an American bar — flatscreens playing sports, plenty of beer on tap, an expansive bar — but with a charmingly old-world ambiance and delicious menu of Irish cuisine. You won’t lose out on the culinary side of your birthday dinner in Minneapolis at this bustling neighborhood pub.

What to Order

You can’t go wrong with some fish and chips, paired up with a Guinness — a worthy Irish combination for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Local | 100 N. 1st St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$

18. Thai Garden

Some days you just want a plate of pad Thai. If that fate should befall you this year, Thai Garden is where you’ll want to be for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis. It might not be the kind of place you would associate with special-occasion dining, but your birthday is about indulging and sometimes that looks like digging into the city’s best Thai food. 

The Vibe

Relaxed, practical and unfussy, with friendly servers, fresh ingredients and — according to those in the know — top-notch authenticity in its preparation of Thai specialties. 

What to Order

If you’re a Thai food aficionado, you probably already have a go-to dish and it’s almost guaranteed to be both available and out-of-this-world delicious at Thai Garden. But if you’re new to Thai food, start strong with the sticky mango rice. 

Thai Garden | 2829 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | $

19. Owamni 

At Owamni, the team has a unique mission: to serve food inspired by the Indigenous people of Minnesota, using only products native to this region and purchased only from indigenous suppliers. Accordingly, the menu changes seasonally. As one of the very few restaurants using entirely native ingredients, it’s ideal for a unique birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

The Vibe

Trendy, stylish and attractive, this is a place where people are passionate and knowledgeable about food, and it shows — both in the cuisine and the service. 

What to Order

Owamni offers the rare chance to sample wild game. The bison picanha served with chile crisp aioli, roasted tomato, pumpkin seed oil and cured duck yolk comes highly recommended, as does the roast squash paired with garlic, tortillas and your choice of two sauces. 

Owamni | 420 S. 1st St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$

20. Cardamom

An airy, charming place for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis, Cardamom serves Mediterranean specialties in a glass-walled building with fantastic downtown views. Neither too casual nor too fancy, this Mediterranean café inside the Walker Art Center is a great place to try something you might not get many chances to. 

The Vibe

Intimate but wide-open and charming. Expect big portions, warm service and an aesthetic sensibility that reflects its artsy surroundings. 

What to Order

A mezze platter would be ideal to split with a group, or perhaps Turkish eggs if you’re not in the mood to share. For dessert, you don’t need to read the menu past the saffron crème brûlée — nothing will top it. 

Cardamom | 723 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$ 

21. The Living Room

If you’re on the younger side or wish you were, you might be accustomed to spending your birthdays in a club. If you’re looking to move that concept to a more sedate (and seated) location for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis, look no further than The Living Room. 

The Vibe

Like a club, with dim purple lighting, dark décor and a general impression that this might be a place to throw caution to the wind. It's a festive place for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis that offers a throwback to the birthdays of yesteryear. 

What to Order

You may want to try a few smaller plates with your inevitable cocktail, but one you should be sure to order is the prosciutto frybread. 

The Living Room | 821 S. Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $

22. Chloe by Vincent 

A French restaurant, but not in the way you might think. Rather than multi-course fine dining, Chloe by Vincent serves shareable entrées based on French comfort foods — not inventive or fancy dishes, but ones more suitable to be enjoyed every day. 

The Vibe

Chic and quality (it is French, after all) without any pretense. Chloe by Vincent self-describes its concept as that of “shareable dishes served with an unstructured, no-stuffy-rules attitude.” It's the perfect place for a splurgy but low-pressure birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

What to Order

If you’re the type of diner who commits fully to the theme of the restaurant, you’ll want to go for the escargot. If snails aren’t what you were hoping for when you started to plan your birthday dinner in Minneapolis, the steak tartare and crêpes come highly recommended. 

Chloe by Vincent | 700 S. 3rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55415 | $$$

23. Zelo

With a promise that “dining is more than a menu: it is an experience,” Zelo has been living up to that belief in the impeccable quality of its setting, service and cuisine for 25 years. That’s what makes this restaurant such an astute pick for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis — everyone likes to feel special on their special day, do they not? 

The Vibe

While you likely won’t forget you’re dining in a high-end restaurant, Zelo’s staff will do their utmost to make sure that your welcome is a warm one and that your birthday dinner in Minneapolis will be attended to in every way it can be. Not a bad pitch for a birthday celebration. 

What to Order 

Chicken Parmigiana can be an easy comfort food to mess up, which is why you should order Zelo’s — you can rest assured that it will be the dish you’re hoping to eat every single time you order it. Be warned, though: you may not enjoy it elsewhere once you've tried it here! 

Zelo | 831 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$$

24. Demi

For a leisurely and luxurious birthday dinner in Minneapolis, Demi is tough to beat. With an expansive 12-course tasting menu, you’ll be able to sample a huge variety of the kitchen’s creations in an intimate setting. For even more privacy, Demi also offers the option to book a room just for your party. 

The Vibe

In this small and intimate space with an open-kitchen concept, you and other diners will have the chance to see your meal being prepared. This is the kind of place that cares for craft and you’ll get to see that firsthand at your birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

What to Order

Demi serves a 12-course, pre-fixe tasting menu. Get ready to be amazed!

Demi | 212 N. 2nd St., Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$$

25. The Monte Carlo 

This spot’s appeal begins with its setting in a 1906 building and extends to its classic steaks, cocktails, no-frills frankness and cool atmosphere. The Monte Carlo is a stylish place for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis if there ever was one.

The Vibe

The Monte Carlo has a brassy and retro space that is at once old-fashioned and effortlessly cool. If you want your birthday dinner in Minneapolis to make you feel like the cosmopolitan-chic cream of the crop, you would do well to check out The Monte Carlo. Private rooms are available for larger-group birthday celebrations. 

What to Order

You might not think of chicken wings when you think of steakhouses, but this is one place where it would behoove you to do just that. Customers go crazy for these crunchy, Beijing-style Monte Carlo wings and your birthday dinner in Minneapolis would do well to include them. 

The Monte Carlo | 219 N. 3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$ 

26. Porzana

For an elegant splurge, choose Porzana for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis. This Argentinian steakhouse doesn’t cut a single corner and for very special milestone birthdays, three elegant dining rooms are available to hire. 

The Vibe

Dress in your best and keep your voice down — that’s the kind of place Porzana is. Choose it for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis and you’ll be treated to an experience that is impeccable in every way, from the service and surroundings to the meal itself. 

What to Order

Grilled pineapple is a must, whether it’s a dinner or a dessert. For your main, either the hanger steak or an order of empanadas will hit the spot, and make sure to order a side of tallow fries.

Porzana | 200 N. 1st St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$$$

27. Guava’s Cuban Café 

Another option for more casual diners, or anyone who wants to try something a little different for their birthday dinner in Minneapolis, is Guava’s Cuban Café. Here, the team serves homey Cuban specialties in a relaxed environment. 

The Vibe

Comfortable, bright and casual with hearty portions of unfussy, counter-order Cuban specialties to match. If work has you worn out or you’re just not a dresser-upper, this will be exactly the kind of birthday dinner in Minneapolis that you’re looking for. 

What to Order

If you dine on a Wednesday, you’ll be treated to Paella Night, with a date night set menu of two paellas, a starter and house wine. Any other weeknight, you’ll never regret choosing the Cubano panini or ropa vieja bowl.

Guava’s Cuban Café | 5607 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55417 | $

28. Murray’s 

Sometimes, a special occasion calls for a splurge and that’s what makes Murray’s a favorite choice for birthday dinners in Minneapolis. Diners can even book a private dining room with a capacity for up to 50 guests, making it a perfect venue for a milestone birthday. Almost every aspect of the experience is customizable, from the décor and audiovisual setup to the menu.

The Vibe

Family-owned and in business since 1946, Murray’s looks as if it could have been the set of a black-and-white movie, boasting a high level of steakhouse gentility that extends to the service. Your birthday dinner in Minneapolis could not have a more elegant setting. 

What to Order

If you choose to order off the à la carte menu, you must try Murray’s signature Butter Knife Steak, so named because it’s so tender. A side of French onion soup would make a tasty addition, but be careful not to order too much – you’re going to fill up on the complimentary bread basket whether you intend to or not!

Murray’s | 26 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $$$$

29. Restaurant at the Nicollet Island Inn

Regularly cited as one of the most romantic restaurants in Minneapolis, the Restaurant at Nicollet Island Inn is one of the best places to celebrate a birthday. Though the posh main dining room more than satisfies customers looking for luxury, you’ll also have the chance to reserve one of several private dining rooms if you want a more intimate birthday dinner in Minneapolis.

The Vibe 

White tablecloths, crystal chandeliers and all the old-fashioned elegance you would expect from a historic dining room. It would be difficult to overdress for a meal at this, one of the most refined restaurants in Minneapolis.

What to Order

Menu options for your birthday dinner in Minneapolis are fabulously varied. In addition to classics like double-cut grilled lamb chops, this spot also makes an excellent hamburger.  

Restaurant at the Nicollet Island Inn | 95 Merriam St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 | $$ 

30. Martina 

If you’re craving sunshine in Minneapolis, especially in winter, Martina’s upscale Argentinian-Italian vibe offers a warm escape. With birthday freebies and dishes inspired by sunnier places, you’ll soon forget all about the snow. For a cozy winter birthday dinner in Minneapolis, Martina is the perfect choice.

The Vibe

Bright, airy and roomy, with a sleek decorating scheme of dark hardwood and bronze against white. If your birthday dinner in Minneapolis isn’t in a month where the average temperature dips below zero, enjoy some real sunshine on the spacious patio. 

What to Order

Try potato churros for a funky, unique appetizer, but only if you’ll still have room for carbs; Martina’s pasta is made fresh daily and you won’t want to miss it. Save room for your complimentary dessert, too – diners celebrating a birthday get a little something sweet on the house.

Martina | 4312 Upton Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55410 | $$$

31. Jax Café

This year, Jax Café celebrates 90 years in its current location, with a history that extends even further to 1910. It's a long-time favorite on the Minneapolis culinary scene — a classy steakhouse run by the same family since its inception and the perfect setting for an upscale birthday dinner in Minneapolis. Ever wanted to feel like an old Hollywood A-lister? This is the place to do it. 

The Vibe

Old-time luxury. It’s not a fussy place, but it is a posh one, so dress for the occasion and expect the very best.

What to Order

Customers rave about the prime rib and filet mignon, but for a unique experience, try the lobster tail. It doesn't get any fresher, in fact you'll get to catch your own from the outdoor pond with a net — a fun twist to kick off a memorable birthday dinner in Minneapolis.

Jax Café | 1928 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 | $$$$ 

32. George and the Dragon 

If you’re looking to raise a glass for your birthday, George and the Dragon might be the perfect spot. This family-owned pub brings the warm, inviting atmosphere of an English pub to Minneapolis. With a wide selection of brews and comforting pub classics, it’s a great place for a spirited birthday dinner in Minneapolis filled with beer and good company.

The Vibe

A birthday dinner in Minneapolis at George and the Dragon isn’t going to be fancy, but you’ll feel right at home. Hearty comfort food and an upbeat atmosphere make sure of that. If you like the idea of a round of drinks to celebrate but not the flat-screen TVs and chaos of a typical American bar, this homey pub strikes an appealing balance.

What to Order

Fish and chips are a true pub classic and George and the Dragon executes them exceptionally well. However, that’s far from the only area in which the menu excels: burgers, ribs and steak sandwiches are also excellent choices.

George and the Dragon | 813 W. 50th St., Minneapolis, MN 55419 | $$

33. Union Rooftop 

The setting is the star at Union Rooftop. Boasting an enclosed patio for year-round views of the Minneapolis skyline in any weather, Union Rooftop elevates your birthday dinner in Minneapolis — literally — with its top-floor location. You can even book a private dining area to keep that bird’s-eye view all to yourself. 

The Vibe

Chances are you won’t be the only one at Union Rooftop who’s celebrating something: this bustling rooftop spot is a popular choice, not just for birthday dinners in Minneapolis, but for anniversaries, graduations, the list goes on. Coupled with the coziness and warmth of its intimate space, that bustling atmosphere makes for a festive atmosphere as you watch the sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

What to Order

It’s your special day, so go with something indulgent. Union Rooftop’s lobster mac and cheese or vegetable pad Thai would both be solid choices for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

Union Rooftop | 731 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | $$ 

34. Kramarczuk's 

If dressing up for a fancy birthday dinner in Minneapolis isn’t your style, this city has plenty of relaxed options — like Kramarczuk’s. This beloved Eastern European deli, in business for over 60 years, serves up scratch-made sausages, pastries and other regional specialties that have kept locals coming back for decades.

The Vibe

Kramarczuk’s is a lively, cafeteria-style spot that's equally perfect for dining in as it is for takeout. Half deli, half specialty grocery, it’s hard to leave without a homemade sausage, pastry or Eastern European treat for the road. What’s better than a birthday dinner in Minneapolis? One with goodies to take home!

What to Order 

Nearly every culture has its own version of meat wrapped in dough, and Kramarczuk’s pierogi is a must-try. With an endless sausage selection, be sure to sample at least one Polish or Ukrainian variety.

Kramarczuk's | 215 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414 | $$ 

35. Nico's

If your idea of a perfect birthday dinner in Minneapolis starts with a shot of tequila, then Nico’s might be exactly what you’re looking for. Casual but stylish, this is a go-to spot for tacos, tequila and authentic Mexican flavor – and you can even book a private event room for your birthday celebration. 

The Vibe

If you're looking for relaxed birthday ideas in Minneapolis, each Nico’s location offers a bright and inviting space that pays homage to the restaurant’s roots in the culinary traditions of Mexico’s Michoacan region. Colorful, funky and laid-back without losing its slick panache, it sets a celebratory tone that's perfect for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis. 

What to Order

To start, order an elote — Mexico’s mayo-slathered answer to corn on the cob (trust us, it works). After that, while any taco will satisfy, the house specialty lamb birria tacos are a special treat worthy of any birthday celebration.

Nico's | Multiple locations | $$$

Other Foodie Experiences in Minneapolis 

While you’ve just read through an extensive list of restaurants perfect for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis, the truth is you don’t even have to leave your house to celebrate. Hiring a private chef in Minneapolis could bring you the top-notch birthday dinner experience you’re looking for, all in the privacy of your own home.

Alternatively, you could opt for at-home cooking classes in Minneapolis for a DIY birthday dinner and a chance to sharpen your kitchen skills. A birthday gift that keeps on giving, you'll learn skills that are sure to elevate your home-cooking game for years to come. Not only that, cooking together makes for a fun and memorable experience with friends or family.

Minneapolis truly does have a perfect birthday idea for every type of foodie, from pre-fixe fine dining to all-you-can-eat steak or Polish sausage. You can even find creative ways to enjoy a birthday dinner in Minneapolis without leaving the house! However you choose to celebrate, with so much inspiration, planning your next birthday dinner in Minneapolis one to remember should be a piece of cake.

For more ways to explore Minneapolis and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.