Hi everyone! It’s Jordan this week and I can’t wait to share with you some of my favorite restaurant interiors in the Twin Cities! The fortunate part about these 5 restaurants is that they serve up delicious food on top of being GORGEOUS. I’ve dined at each restaurant, and will provide you with a recommended dish at the end of each paragraph – more incentive for you to check these places out! See which 5 Twin Cities Restaurant Interiors I am crushing on below, not in any particular order.
1. MARTINA
Photo: artfulliving.com
Interior:
When you step foot into Martina Restaurant, you are transported to an ethereal zone. Its beachy, Argentinean vibes cast comfort over guests. Ahead of the design curve, this modern restaurant boasts sophisticated architecture and a unique take on exposed walls/ceilings, as parts of the restaurant are literally down to the studs. White walls, white washed wood, and dark skinny plank flooring provides a relaxing atmosphere. Local stone company, Amsum & Ash’s beautiful emerald-colored countertop shines in Martina’s bar area.
History:
Martina has been making waves since it opened its doors in November 2017. The owner and principal chef, Daniel del Prado, was previously at Bella Vie, and ran the kitchen for Burch Steak before opening up Martina. Martina’s dishes are inspired by Prado’s Spanish and Italian roots. To learn more about the backstory, check out this article by Eater here. This restaurant is a must-see, and must-eat. A meal at Martina’s is destined to be one of the best meals of your life.
RECOMMENDED DISH: For brunch, get the Crab Benedict (pictured above)! This was THE BEST Benedict my husband and I have ever had. DRINK: GRAPEFRUIT drink (pictured above) or the EGG – It’s a cocktail with a “glass” made of ice, filled with Vov liqueur, sherry, masala chai, and CO2. Something else to note, Martina has gnocchi night on the 29th of every month! I have yet to attend a gnocchi night, but it’s high on my wish list. Martina’s burger has also created a buzz. Martina can do no wrong…
2. HAI HAI
Interior:
Hai Hai has been christened with Justina Blakeney vibes and I am here for it. If you don’t know, Justina Blakeney is the founder of Jungalow! This restaurant is a tropical hang out. Featured in this Northeast joint are woven pendant lights, raw woods, a massive concrete bar, #jungalow style wall coverings, jewel tones, and greenery galore. You almost feel as though you are dining al-fresco, as they did a fantastic job of bringing the outdoors in. I look forward to going to Hai Hai in the winter time for a mini vacation.
History:
Hai Hai opened in 2017 and was birthed from the creative minds who started Hola Arepa, another cool restaurant off of Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis (with incredible Venezuelan food, might I add). Chef, Christin Nguyen, and head bartender, Birk Stefan Grudem, created dishes and drinks inspired by their three month journey through Vietnam, Bali, Thailand, and Singapore as well as Nguyen’s Vietnamese heritage. Since their opening, Hai Hai has been hai… I mean high on the list of hot spots for foodies in the Twin Cities. Prior to Hai Hai’s existence, there existed a strip club in its location that was nicknamed “Deuce Deuce” and Hai Hai translates to “two two” to pay homage to its predecessor (haha). The quirky, kitschy name is fitting with the exuberant yet laid back vibe of the restaurant. To read more about Hai Hai, check out Msp Magazine’s article here.
RECOMMENDED DISH: Korean crepe and spring rolls (pictured above with additional dishes)! You also can’t go wrong with any of their cocktails… they are all tasty and the presentation is adorable (see above).
3. YOUNG JONI
Interior:
Young Joni is as cool as it comes. California designer, Milo Garcia of Studio Mai, did a fantastic job with Young Joni! When you walk up, an urban neon sign lets you know you’re in the right place. The entrance has an entire wall full of wood, which they use for their wood-fire dishes, and lush plants. Look to your right and see an entire window grid wall where you can peer into the cozy (yet massive) restaurant before you enter. To the left is a chunky walnut table and a wrap around bar with drop down shelving, with ability to watch the action unfold as bartenders and cooks work their magic. Also to the left are over-sized shelves filled with vintage goodies and decor that lead you to a hallway for the restrooms and a photo booth (a staple both at Young Joni and Pizzeria Lola). The other side of the restaurant is filled with warm wood tones, ambient lighting, and tall, exposed ceilings which add to the warm aesthetic. After a memorable meal, make sure to check out the back bar. Move out to the alley and see a neon red bar light which greets you just before the secret entrance. The back bar has exposed walls making it feel like grandma’s attic, but in the best way. On other walls is a funky floral wallpaper riddled with vintage frames. Young Joni is where we take guests from out of town – it’s a must visit!
History:
Chef Ann Kim has been killing it ever since taking the leap to open her first pizza joint, Pizzeria Lola in 2010. Since, she has opened Hello, Pizza, and most recently, Young Joni in November 2017. The fearless female leader has been nominated multiple times for James Beard awards and it is easy to see why. Wood-fired pizzas and unique small plates are executed with perfection. Read more about Ann, Conrad, and the making of Young Joni in Minnesota Monthly’s article here.
RECOMMENDED DISH(ES): Bibim Grain, Cauliflower, and the Korean BBQ pizza. I’ve never had anything I didn’t LOVE at Young Joni or Pizzeria Lola, so it ‘s hard to pick just one dish recommendation. DRINK: Grab a unique drink in their back bar (the menu rotates).
4. HEWING HOTEL/TULLIBEE
Interior:
If you haven’t been to the Hewing Hotel/Tullibee and you live in the Twin Cities, you’re missing out! This trendy hot spot in the North Loop is a place to see and be seen (or so I’ve heard). North Loop vibes remind me of Soho in Manhattan with pretty Brownstone apartments, ground level bars, accessible shopping, and urban living at its best. The Hewing was a perfect addition to this Minneapolis neighborhood. My husband and I have stayed at the hotel twice and can’t give it enough praise. The Scandinavian, “up north” modern aesthetic is equally cozy and exhilarating. One of my favorite design elements is the wallpaper. Found in the hotel rooms, there is custom printed Scandinavian-style wallpaper with loons and deer alike in a dark forest green with gray hues. Rich wood tones, dark blue, gray, and green hues flow well with softer paint tones and light brick. My favorite part of this spot is its rooftop bar that overlooks the city and has a year-round heated rooftop pool, which I am happy/lucky to say I have been in!
History:
The Hewing Hotel opened in November 2016 and was formerly a dilapidated warehouse. The name Hewing came from the process of squaring beams from round logs, according to Star Tribune. Find Star Tribune’s article on the history of the Hewing Hotel here. The Tullibee name came from the local Tullibee fish.
RECOMMENDED DISH: Lefse and the duck fat fries are tasty. DRINK: They have a fantastic Old Fashioned! Also, the I’m Trying To Break Your Heart cocktail is refreshingly delicious.
5. REVIVAL
Interior:
Revival is one of my top 3 favorite restaurants, period. I would describe the style of Revival’s two restaurants as funky fresh. Revival has two locations: Minneapolis (original) and St. Paul. Both bode unique wallpaper, and kitschy appeal that goes well with modern elements. I especially love the wallpaper at the St. Paul location. It’s a playful orange with a literal leopard print pattern – you have to look closely. The baby blue stools pop with the orange. Also, note the eye-catching shell chandelier above! I like that the design is unexpected and original.
History:
Chef and co-owner, Thomas Boemer, wanted to bring his Southern upbringing to Minnesota, where he was born, and first opened up Revival Mpls in 2015 with co-owner, Nick Rancone. They are also owners of Corner Table, another esteemed restaurant in Minneapolis. After Revival’s immediate success, they opened up the St. Paul joint in December 2016. To read more about the story behind Revival, read Pioneer Press’s article here. Fun fact: Chef Thomas Boemer was on the tv show Beat Bobby Flay… I wont tell you who wins 🙂
RECOMMENDED DISH: You can NEVER go wrong with Revival’s fried chicken. If you are a party of 2, the half bird with one or two sides is perfect. Their drop biscuits and mac & cheese are devastatingly delicious. If you want a sandwich, all of their sandwich options (not kidding) are winners, but their burger steals the show for me. DRINK: Bourbon Sweet Tea.
I know I said 5 favorites but…
Some other places to check out include Cov Edina that has an airy coastal feel with beautiful traditional elements, Nolo’s Kitchen in Minneapolis with modern, urban nodes, and OCTO Fishbar in St. Paul that showcases a gorgeous mural and suspended shark.
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Cov Edina – Buffalo Shrimp, Lobster Guacamole | Nolo’s Kitchen – Tostada & Bloody Mary | OCTO Fishbar – Poached Lobster *One of our favorite brunch dishes ever!
Thanks for reading! We are blessed with a bountiful food scene in the Twin Cities. It is on our bucket list at Interior Impressions to design a restaurant someday 🙂 I would love to hear about your favorite restaurant interiors, so feel free to comment below. It’s me writing this week because I am a restaurant and food fanatic – my husband and I started a foodie Instagram called Minneapoldish, so writing about restaurants is totally up my alley. Happy food endeavors!
Cheers,
Jordan
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