Best Upscale Korean Restaurants in Minneapolis | Upscale Korean Food

11 restaurants in Best Upscale Korean Restaurants in Minneapolis | Upscale Korean Food

• CrunCheese — Korean · rated 5/5: This vibrant street-food hub pulses with energy as the golden glow of the kitchen produces skewers cloaked in a satisfyingly loud, potato-studded crunch. Inside, a molten heart of mozzarella stretches into an impressive cheese pull, perfectly balanced by a playful dusting of sugar and a kaleidoscope of savory sauces. It is a whimsical, hand-held feast that captures the bold, sweet-and-salty spirit of modern Korean snacking.
• Broadway Fast & Fresh — American · rated 4/5: Broadway Fast & Fresh pulses with a vibrant energy where the savory aroma of crispy, sauce-tossed wings and bubbling Italian cheese bread creates an immediate sense of comfort. The kitchen masterfully balances indulgent soul food like golden Wisconsin curds and smoky BBQ pork nachos with the bright, crisp crunch of orchard-fresh salads. It is a welcoming neighborhood destination where bold, zesty flavors and high-quality ingredients come together for a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and expertly crafted.
• Asian Max — Chinese · rated 3/5: Asian Max serves as a vibrant culinary crossroads where the rhythmic sizzle of the wok and the fragrant steam of simmering broths invite guests into a world of bold Pan-Asian flavors. The kitchen artfully balances the zesty heat of lemongrass and Kung Pao with the comforting richness of traditional Vietnamese Phở and tender, glazed Korean Bulgogi. This lively destination offers a soulful journey through the continent’s most beloved traditions, creating an ever-changing dining experience defined by aromatic herbs and savory, house-made sauces.
• The Salad Bar — American · rated 3/5: Sunlight streams into this vibrant sanctuary of freshness, where the crisp snap of farm-fresh greens and a kaleidoscope of colorful toppings invite guests to craft their own edible masterpieces. From the zesty crunch of an Asian-inspired bowl to the smoky depth of BBQ chicken and the Mediterranean brightness of a classic Greek salad, every bowl is a curated celebration of seasonal ingredients and bold, house-made dressings. It is a destination where health and flavor collide, offering a refreshing escape for those seeking a meal that is as nourishing as it is visually stunning.
• Old Southern BBQ — American: The air hangs heavy with the intoxicating aroma of slow-burning hickory and sweet molasses, drawing guests into a rustic space where time-honored smokehouse traditions come to life. Pitmasters craft succulent, bark-crusted brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs that celebrate the soulful, messy joy of authentic Southern pit-cooking, served alongside comforting sides that taste of home. It is a heartfelt tribute to the heritage of the South, where the rich, smoky flavors and unpretentious atmosphere create an experience of pure, finger-licking comfort.
• Kbop Korean Bistro — Korean: The air at this lively bistro hums with the rhythmic sizzle of stone pots and the pungent, inviting aroma of fermented spices. Vibrant bowls arrive brimming with crisp vegetables and perfectly charred meats, offering a masterclass in the balance of heat, crunch, and soul-warming comfort that defines authentic Korean fare.
• Young Joni — Korean: Bathed in the copper glow of a roaring wood-fired oven, this vibrant destination pulses with a sophisticated energy where industrial-chic design meets the warmth of communal dining. The kitchen masterfully bridges worlds, serving up blistered, thin-crust pizzas adorned with bold Korean flavors alongside charred seasonal plates that sing with smoke and spice. Beyond the dining room, a hidden back bar provides a moody, vinyl-spinning retreat for lingering over inventive cocktails in an atmosphere of mid-century cool.
• Kimchi Tofu House — Korean: Steaming stone bowls arrive at the table bubbling with fiery, silken tofu stews, filling the air with the pungent, comforting aroma of fermented chili and toasted sesame. This bustling neighborhood gem invites diners to tuck into a vibrant spread of traditional banchan, where the sharp crunch of house-made kimchi perfectly balances the rich, velvety textures of their signature soups. It is a sanctuary of soul-warming heat and authentic Korean flavors, offering a deep, savory embrace in every spoonful.
• Ted Cook's 19th Hole BBQ — American: The intoxicating scent of hickory and cherry wood smoke drifts through the air long before you reach this legendary neighborhood landmark, where the crackle of an open pit has defined the local barbecue tradition for decades. Inside, the no-frills counter serves up fall-off-the-bone ribs kissed by flame and slathered in a signature tangy sauce, paired perfectly with golden, seasoned Jo-Jo potatoes that offer a satisfying crunch. It is a soulful, sensory journey into the heart of traditional pit-smoking, where every charred edge and tender bite celebrates the timeless art of low-and-slow cooking.
• Korea Restaurant — Korean: The air hums with the rhythmic sizzle of tabletop grills and the savory, toasted aroma of sesame oil, drawing guests into a lively space where communal dining takes center stage. A kaleidoscope of vibrant banchan precedes bubbling stone bowls of spicy stew and tender, flame-kissed meats, creating a soulful experience that celebrates the bold, fermented depths of traditional Korean flavors.
• Bonchon Chicken — Korean: The air hums with energy in this sleek, contemporary space where the star of the show is the unmistakable, glass-like crunch of double-fried Korean chicken. Each piece is meticulously hand-brushed with savory soy garlic or fiery glazes, offering a symphony of sweet and spicy flavors that invite diners to linger over shared plates and chilled drinks.