9 Best Restaurants with Outdoor Dining in Minneapolis

Minneapolis locals value the warm weather when it finally comes around. When the sun is consistently out, the city’s dining scene becomes more than just a source of food. The best restaurants with outdoor dining in Minneapolis become an experience within themselves.

The incredible dining scene also explains why there’s a growing number of new houses in Minneapolis, as people come where there’s fun to be had. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a laid-back lunch with family and friends, these nine restaurants will certainly leave you feeling satisfied. Nothing beats a meal with a view, and dining outdoors is one of the best ways to voyage out into the stunning Minneapolis city!

The most popular outdoor dining experiences, especially during the summer months, are on rooftops. It’s no surprise that when the sun is out, so is the party. With soaring heights above the city and scenic views, there’s no doubt that the Minneapolis real estate scene wins with its nearby attractions. Residents love having these rooftop hot spots so close to home.

The Minneapolis dining scene wouldn’t be the same without Crave. This extensive rooftop patio bar is an unbeatable setting with a fun and memorable ambiance. It’s a great place for a casual drink barside or a friendly dinner at a table in the shade. When it comes to rooftop restaurants like these, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy!

If you’ve ever been to a rooftop restaurant or bar, you know the outdoor areas are often only open in the spring and summer months. Luckily for you, that’s not entirely true with this top pick. Union is the only year-round rooftop in the city that allows you to enjoy an outdoor dining experience through all four seasons.

The best part isn't even their year-long availability — it’s their stunning views! If you’re looking for the perfect getaway with a backdrop of the Minneapolis skyline, you might want to give this option a try. Just be sure to make reservations first as Union packs up quickly!

Anyone who lives nearby knows that Stella’s is a favorite. This rooftop restaurant is a true force to be reckoned with. With a hot location within walking distance of the popular Uptown side of the city, everyone wants to make a stop at Stella’s. Here, you can find fresh seafood and a dazzling oyster bar above some of the best central views in the area. As the spot is so popular, you can never go wrong with a reservation.

While rooftops are indeed exciting, some meals call for a relaxing, grounded experience. Luckily, Minneapolis is one of the best places to find restaurants with courtyard dining. Better yet, many local eateries offer a variety of cuisines and vibes to their courtyard diners, so the options are extensive in terms of diversity. From more elegant ambiances to the most exciting of crowded times, there’s surely a restaurant option for even the pickiest of eaters.

Located not by but on the White Bear Lake, Acqua is filled with undiscovered indulgence. This unique dining experience offers a relaxing view of the lake and marina, which is nearby many of the best houses in Minneapolis. Each dish is crafted with fresh, local ingredients from contemporary culinary talent. While the general ambiance resembles a more mature audience, the restaurant also keeps it family-friendly with its award-winning Italian food and views.

This European-inspired patio is a breath of fresh air amidst the busy Minneapolis city. Known for its candle-lit dinners and sweet daytime flair, Aster Cafe is a true daytime-to-nighttime winner. The popular hot spot is also just as known for its live music and crowded brunches, delivering fun on a Euro silver platter.

For those looking for a more intimate dining experience, Tilia takes the cake. Sitting in the Linden Hills neighborhood, this hidden gem of a bistro is an excellent evening place to wind down. With a heated ambiance for the colder months, this beloved space is perfect all year long. While it is more romantic for dinners for two, Tilia can also be great for a relaxing night with the family.

If you’re looking for a fun night out, why not head downtown for a sidewalk dinner. While sidewalk dining can sometimes warrant more crowds, there’s a reason why the Minneapolis real estate nearby is so valuable. These spots know how to spice up the area and create a fun and inviting ambiance. With strips of dining experiences waiting at every corner, it’s easy to fall into the habit of eating out often.

You don’t usually expect to find fine dining streetside, but this Japanese restaurant takes a modern twist on five-star dining. If you're a fan of Kaiseki, then you’ll adore Kado no Mise, a top-tier, authentic Japanese dining experience. Better yet, they have an on-site whisky bar awaiting your reservation. The casual elegance of this location will have you wanting to come back again and again.

Didn’t expect a wine bar to be curbside? The Tasting Room is just what the name implies and brings wine tasting to the good old outdoors. The small boutique restaurant specializes in family-owned, small-produced wines. There’s a good reason they put this hot spot in the middle of all the Minneapolis real estate. With elevated bar eats and many rich wines to explore, you’ll want to stop by this local favorite as often as you can.

Let’s face it, who wouldn't want breakfast all day long? Some days call for slow and easy mornings, and the Hen House Eatery has all things breakfast covered for you. With comfortable street-side seating, you can bring all of your friends on a chilled, laid-back dining experience. Known for their famous cinnamon rolls, you’re in for a real treat when dining here.

If you find your stomach rumbling, it might be time to start looking for houses in Minneapolis. With a dining scene like this nearby, who wouldn’t want to settle in a bit closer? Partnering with local experts like Isaac Kuehn can help you find the perfect home with the finest nearby attractions. With so many options to choose from, you can enjoy the best of the best right at home.