Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Minneapolis - St. Paul

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Minneapolis - St. Paul? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Manny's Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (8551)

$50 and over

Steak

Downtown / North Loop

About the restaurant

Masculine, bright, accented with wood & leather, Manny's evokes the great steakhouses of New York & Chicago - & eclipses them in critical & popular acclaim. Rated Top Five in the U.S. by the Zagat Guide, named one of America's top Steakhouses by the Knife & Fork Club, Men's Journal & the Independent Cattleman's Association, & a perennial winner of newspaper & magazine reader polls, Manny's commands a fanatical local following & a national reputation. Wrote the New York Times: "There's good news in Minneapolis for those who still share the secret pleasures of red meat, well-cut & seriously served." In addition to USDA-certified, dry- aged, center-cut beef, Manny's offers chops, chicken, fresh seafood & a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list.

Top review

Manny

Dined 4 days ago

What an incredible experience at Manny’s Steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis! From the moment we arrived, everything was first-class. The atmosphere, energy, food, and especially the customer service were nothing short of outstanding. A very special shout-out to our server, Heidi, who truly made the evening unforgettable. She was absolutely amazing! Her attention to detail, genuine warmth, personality, and ability to make us feel special really set this experience apart. What impressed me most was that it never felt like we were being pushed to order more food or spend more money. Instead, Heidi was genuinely focused on making sure we had an exceptional evening. That level of sincerity and hospitality is rare, and it made the entire experience feel like a celebration. Honestly, it felt more like being treated to a birthday dinner than simply going out for a meal! The food was fantastic, but it was the people, energy, and exceptional service that made the evening so memorable. A perfect 10 out of 10 across the board! Manny’s clearly understands what true hospitality is all about. Heidi, thank you for making our evening so special. You are a tremendous ambassador for Manny’s Steakhouse!

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P.S. Steak

4.8

4.8 (403)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown / Mill District

About the restaurant

As the name suggests, P.S. Steak was established to continue the story of the historic space that was once famed La Belle Vie. As Chef Mike DeCamp spent 10 years at the former French restaurant, this will be his homecoming and opportunity to write his own chapter for the space. P.S. Steak disrupts the perceptions of a typical steakhouse while honoring the legacy of one of the great culinary foundations in the Twin Cities.
The restaurant features an elevated yet accessible seasonal menu, along with a variety of cuts of meat, dry aged in a display case.
The lounge has been given a modern makeover with chic furniture and marble table tops. A selection of living floor plants divides tables to create intimate seating. Bringing warmth to the room, the bar and adjacent fireplace keeps guests cozied up to a menu of progressive cocktails.

Top review

Laurel

Dined 3 days ago

We love this restaurant. We go there for special occasions. Never disappointed.

Pittsburgh Blue - Maple Grove

4.7

4.7 (6800)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Maple Grove

About the restaurant

A steakhouse for people who work hard and want to enjoy the rewards, Pittsburgh Blue - Maple Grove gives them their money's worth and more, with aged steaks selected by master butchers, hand-trimmed chops, and day boat-fresh fish; deep booths and a deeper wine list; a bar that makes everything better; and the kind of service everyone deserves but hardly ever receives.

Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Pittsburgh Blue - Maple Grove serves a full menu in the bar. Enjoy our outdoor patio with a variety of seating options including at the patio bar.

Top review

Kari

Dined 2 days ago

My best friend’s husband and I were celebrating our birthdays with family. We had great food and conversation. Server was amazing. 10/10. We each got a bday cheesecake.

Fogao Gaucho

4.7

4.7 (324)

$50 and over

Brazilian

Bloomington

About the restaurant

Fogão Gaúcho is a family-owned and operated restaurant connecting flavors of Brazil with the community through culinary traditions and culture. With decades of experience, our obsession with high quality food and superior service is reflected in every aspect of the Guest experience. The drive comes from a passion for excellence and attention to detail and quality in everything we do. Our gaúcho chefs prepare a variety of delicious meats and serve them directly to your table side, cooked to your perfection. We here, at Fogão Gaúcho, are filled with culture and passion, ready to serve our guests!

Top review

Michael

Dined on 16 Oct 2026

Lunch menu was good and great value. The staff was very attentive and really catered to our needs. Great for a lunch birthday celebration. Get the crème brûlée for dessert.

The St. Paul Grill

4.6

4.6 (4084)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Located in downtown Saint Paul inside The Saint Paul Hotel, iconic The St. Paul Grill is an AAA Four Diamond steakhouse serving prime steaks, fresh seafood, and classic tableside favorites. Guests enjoy seafood towers, walleye, premium cuts of beef, handcrafted cocktails, and an award-winning wine list in a timeless supper club setting. Overlooking Rice Park and steps from the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Grand Casino Arena, it's ideal for pre-theater dining, business dinners, celebrations, or an upscale evening in the Twin Cities.

Top review

David

Dined 1 day ago

My first time there. Was excellent. Great food options as well as drinks. Timing of courses was perfect. Very enjoyable.

Ena Latin Fusion Cuisine

4.6

4.6 (57)

$30 and under

Latin American

South Minneapolis

About the restaurant

Héctor Ruiz, the visionary chef and owner of ENA restaurant, has long been enchanted by the art of cooking. His culinary journey began in the heart of his family kitchen, where he cultivated a profound appreciation for the rich spices and vibrant ingredients of Latin America - elements that have since become the cornerstone of his acclaimed cuisine. Héctor's passion led him across the Atlantic to Europe, where he mastered the refined techniques of French culinary arts, further enriching his professional repertoire.

Top review

Pat

Dined on 15 Oct 2026

Ena is an absolutely charming place, very nicely decorated. The food and owners are a combination of Equador and Mexico. Aurelia, our waitress and the owners's daughter, was delightful and very helpful when it came to ordering. It's a neighborhood treasure and we will definitely go back. Patty & John

Riva Terrace

4.5

4.5 (20)

$30 and under

Italian

Downtown / Mill District

About the restaurant

Savour Italian cuisine at Riva Terrace, a rooftop restaurant and bar in Minneapolis at Four Seasons. Soak in skyline views and sunshine as Executive Chef Martín Morelli and team serve light, refreshing coastal-inspired fare alongside a crisp selection of wines, spritzes and classic cocktails. From leisurely lunches to outdoor dinners above the city, Riva brings the charm of an Italian restaurant to a scenic setting overlooking downtown Minneapolis.

Top review

Isabelle

Dined on 9 Aug 2026

Came in for my birthday dinner and had great food, a great view, and great service! Would definitely come back again!

Breva

4.5

4.5 (152)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / Mill District

About the restaurant

Welcome to Breva, the quintessential neighborhood gathering spot in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. At Breva, we invite you to experience the essence of conviviality, served up with a touch of elegance in a casual chic setting.

Our culinary journey is guided by a team of seasoned hospitality professionals. Together, they've crafted a menu that's a true celebration of the New American spirit – elevated, unpretentious, and discerning.

Breva is just minutes from the Convention Center and Orchestra Hall, and a short drive from local theaters and sports stadiums.

Breva is an ideal destination for all groups and occasions!

Top review

MonicaGold

Dined 1 day ago

First time at Breva. Food was excellent. All of us enjoyed our meals. Generous portions. Ambience was comfortable. Service was a bit spotty, but not horrible. We'll be back.

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Parlour Excelsior

4.5

4.5 (49)

$30 and under

American

Excelsior

About the restaurant

Parlour Excelsior is a casual diner and craft cocktail bar located on Water St. in downtown Excelsior. Try the famous Parlour Burger, a double patty smash burger with American cheese and pickles or one of our other unique and delicious items while having a craft cocktail. Our menu offers more eclectic dishes in addition to breakfast food all day.

We do not accept reservations, and are walk in only except for private event bookings.

When full, we run a waitlist once you have checked in, in person, with the host and a text message will be sent to you when your table is ready.

Top review

Maddy

Dined on 24 Sept 2026

We love Parkour when we’re craving a burger. The menu is small, but everything we’ve tried has been delicious. Excellent atmosphere too! Great date night spot.

Takumi Sushi

4.3

4.3 (16)

$30 and under

Sushi

Edina

About the restaurant

We are committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic techniques, bringing guests an unforgettable traditional Japanese dining experience.
Our signature dishes include traditional sushi, sashimi and classic Japanese food.
Visit Takumi Sushi in Minneapolis and enjoy fresh, delicate Japanese cuisine that will leave a lasting impression.

Top review

Rob and CindyGold

Dined on 14 Oct 2026

My friend and I had an early-ish lunch at Takumi Sushi recently and we both agreed that we really liked it. We both chose bento box lunches...hers with veg gyoza and sushi, mine with veg gyoza, shrimp tempura and California roll. I also had miso soup, she had the salad. All in all, everything was timely served and fresh. Our server was efficient and pleasant and there was an energetic vibe to the place. Would definite go back to try the sashimi and some other menu items. There's so much from which to choose!

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