We love dining outdoors. Patios are blissful and rooftops give us life. If we can’t eat outside, we at least want to be able to see it. Luckily, some of the best views of the city can be found at our downtown restaurants. Dining is more than just eating in Minneapolis. It’s an experience. You want to see the the downtown skyline from a Ferris wheel? We’ll give it to you. Cocktails along the river? Absolutely. A glass-enclosed rooftop deck? Of course. Here are some of the restaurants with the best views in Minneapolis.

Café & Bar Lurcat

Café & Bar Lurcat is a foodie must-see in Minneapolis. Their spacious dining room overlooks Loring Park, and provides a beautiful overview of the park during the day, and the comforting twinkle of lights at night. Head to this foodie hot spot to grab a cocktail or sit down to an amazing meal and enjoy the sights through the windows.

Owamni

Located in a former mill on the Mississippi River waterfront, the much-lauded Owamni showcases Indigenous ingredients in delicious dishes overlooking Owámniyomni, the Dakota name for St. Anthony Falls, along with riverfront landmarks. If you (understandably) have a hard time getting a reservation for the main restaurant, the view from the upper patio is excellent and tables are first-come, first-served.

Union Rooftop

In Minneapolis, it’s patio season year-round. We’re so into dining outdoors that we even have a retractable glass covered and heated rooftop that provides great views of downtown. A little rain on our parade? We don’t think so.

Aster Café

Located in the oldest part of Minneapolis, Aster Café is sure to charm you. Walk along the cobblestone road in the St. Anthony Main area and feel like you’ve walked into a whole new city. Grab a table at Aster Café and get an amazing view of the downtown skyline, and enjoy live music on most nights.

Pryes Brewing Company

Okay, not technically a restaurant, but they do have a guest kitchen residing in-house, so we think that counts. You'll currently find woodfired pizzas, salads, and appetizers from Cason Italian Eatery. Enjoy alongside a view of the Mississippi River, and trees reflecting all four of our seasons.

Blondette

This French-inspired restaurant on the fifth floor of the Rand Tower Hotel is housed in a gorgeous glass-covered atrium complete with an outdoor patio and a retractable roof. Blondette takes traditional French cuisine and flips it on its head with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Think seared scallops with apple and chartreuse butter, poached lobster with artichokes and sauce Americaine, sweetbreads fricassée and a varied selection of crudo.

Hewing Hotel Rooftop Lounge

Take in the Minneapolis skyline from the Hewing Hotel's rooftop oasis six floors above Washington Ave. The bar is open all year round, serves drinks and light bites, and offers indoor and outdoor seating.