A retrospective on (many of) 2023’s biggest and brightest openings
It’s an Eater tradition to round out the year with a survey of local food experts — editors, writers, reporters, and a select few others — on the highs, lows, and surprises of the past 365 days in dining. Today, our panel looks at newcomers on the scene that excited us in 2023. Have thoughts to share? Feel free to add them in the comments.
Sorry but it’s a tie for the Anns. I’m all in on Ann Ahmed’s Gai Noi and the buzzy tables jammed with people who just keep ordering and drinking more, making a gustatory meander out of an evening. And I’m here for Ann Kim’s revision and relaunch in Uptown with Kim’s, we all need more kimchi on top of our ham and cheese sandwiches, please.
I’m so proud of the team at Oro. Nixta was such a special treat for our city to have, and now that they have a sit-down spot, what more could we ask for? Their food is world class, and I mean that.
I probably won’t be the only one on this list to talk about how much I love Marty’s Deli, but nonetheless. Marty’s Deli! We are not a sandwich town generally speaking, and then here comes Marty’s — a revelation on focaccia. I love the embedded-in-the-neighborhood location and the laid-back vibe and the breakfast sandwich. And the fact that they have a notary on hand once a week for all your official paperwork needs. (Also: a shout out to the deli sandwiches at the new South Lyndale Liquors!)
At this point in my life and career, I’m often more intrigued by simple, classic food done really well than boundary-pushing fine dining. With that in mind, Baba’s Hummus House is an exciting debut — clean, classic, timeless Middle Eastern fare (including some of the best falafel I’ve eaten locally and remarkably good hummus and pita) presented in a tremendously stylish but comfortable setting.
Hands down, Oro by Nixta. I can’t say enough good things about chefs Gustavo and Kate Romero and the culturally important — and delicious — things they’re doing with corn. There’s nothing like it in the Twin Cities, and they’re really showcasing the depth, complexity, and versatility of Mexican food.
Despite the growing immigrant/refugee population from Myanmar and Thailand in the Twin Cities, Myanmar, Karen, and Burmese cuisine has yet to come to mainstream attention. When Mandalay Kitchen opened up in St. Paul, I was super excited to find a Karen-owned restaurant with an explicitly Burmese menu and Burmese tea house culture and food. I feel like Mandalay Kitchen has the potential to really put Burmese and Karen food on the map for Minnesotans.
My expectations were sky high for Herbst in St. Paul, and it did not disappoint. The hyper seasonal menu is always full of delicious surprises. Do not skip the desserts!
The Indigenous Food Lab in the Midtown Global Market. Owamni is wonderful, but for most of us it’s a special occasion spot — it’s great to have Indigenous cuisine available at a more budget-friendly price point and in a convenient counter-service format. The adjacent market is also really cool, so many neat products from Native-owned companies and makers.
So many! Besides those we highlighted in the Eater Awards this year, I loved seeing Muddy Tiger doing a full Marathi menu; Mandalay Kitchen dishing up mohinga; Soul Lao going brick-and-mortar; Francis hitting a nerve with vegan diners in Northeast; Baba’s bringing Lyndale Avenue a casual/accessible/delicious dining option; the Camden Social reimagining an essential neighborhood tavern… Shoutout to Harry Singh’s, too, for making it out of restaurant purgatory. We need you.