From the jump, 2026 has been a brutal year for the Twin Cities, with the Trump Administration’s violent crackdown on immigration upending the lives of neighbors. With that, residents have demonstrated spectacular solidarity in defense of their communities. Restaurants, such as those along the Eat Street corridor, have borne a substantial cost amid the invasion by ICE and DHS. Yet, somehow, life is continuing to go on. Restaurants are making the best of a heartbreaking situation.
Despite the mire, Twin Cities restaurants are still fighting to move forward with planned openings. The year ahead brings a new wave of restaurant openings, including projects from established chefs and restaurateurs and menus influenced by Hawaiian, French, Palestinian, and Indigenous food cultures. Here’s a list of the most anticipated Twin Cities restaurant openings in 2026.
A dish from Aubergine. Aubergine
Restaurant Aubergine is the first brick-and-mortar restaurant from husband and wife team Bjorn and Megan Jacobse, who are returning to their hometown after stints at celebrated restaurants like Le Pigeon. According to a recent release, chef Bjorn will draw on his upbringing in Lyon and Midwestern sensibilities for the 73-seat St. Paul restaurant’s menu, with dishes such as fish en croute, smoked meats, foie gras, and pastries (Fun fact: Bjorn used to work at Bellecour). Jacobse leads the hospitality side and a wine program organized by grape rather than region, highlighting Champagne, West Coast producers, and lesser-known varietals from small, sustainability-minded growers. Come summertime, guests will be able to enjoy their wine on an intimate 20-seat patio.
Where: 525 Selby Avenue, St. Paul
When: Very soon — the restaurant recently started hiring
Pastry chef John Kraus and co-owner Elizabeth Rose of Patisserie 46 and Rose Street Patisserie are expanding with Maison Rose, a 13,000 square foot cafe, retail, and production space in Lilydale. The Pioneer Press reported that the project will allow their teams to scale production and welcome guests into the baking process with an apprenticeship program and classes on bread and pastry-making. Pastries, breads, and savory items are all part of the plan, of course.
Where: 981 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota Heights
After closing at North Loop Galley earlier this year, Ono Hawaiian Plates is reopening nearby in the former Guacaya Bistreaux space. The team is actively hiring and targeting a fall opening, marking a shift from a popular food hall stall to a standalone restaurant, a welcome addition to the North Loop’s dining scene.
Where: 337 N. Washington Avenue, Minneapolis
Sean Sherman’s nonprofit, North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) is expanding with Šhotá Indigenous BBQ, set to open in the former Seward Co-op Creamery Café space on East Franklin Avenue. Designed for counter service, takeout, delivery, and catering, the menu will include smoked meats, fish, and vegetables alongside Indigenous sides like dirty wild rice, maple-baked beans, braised greens, and hominy. Stews, smoked salmon with huckleberries, and Indigenous beverages round out the concept, with a continued focus on BIPOC producers. Additionally, Sherman will be reopening his celebrated Indigenous restaurant, Owamni, inside the Guthrie Theater after its lease ends in March. Guests can expect an expanded menu and more seating in the new space.
Where: 2601 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis
Following the departure of founding chef Jorge Guzman, the upscale Mex-Tex restaurant formerly known as Chilango will reopen as Lakeview Kitchen + Bar. Located across from Bde Maka Ska, the restaurant will be a more casual neighborhood dining experience with executive chef Colin Murray leading the transition. Menu highlights will include savory bites such as kung pao cauliflower and grilled cheese.
Where: 2730 W Lake Street, Minneapolis
A rendering of the interior of the Americana Conservatory. Christian Dean Architecture
Americana will replace longtime 50th and France fixture Cocina del Barrio following a full renovation led by Christian Dean Architecture. The project reunites notable restaurateur Ryan Burnet and chef Daniel del Prado, with DDP Restaurant Group running the restaurant. Plans include a glass-enclosed rooftop patio designed for year-round use, and a menu Del Prado tells Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine is inspired by American dining in the 1950s. Americana is part of a broader expansion from DDP, which recently opened Thérèse and has additional projects in the works.
Where: 5036 France Avenue S., Edina
A rendering of Blue in Green. LSE Architects
Houston White is reopening Get Down Coffee Co. as Blue in Green, a North Minneapolis bistro he describes as “soulful,” building on the success of the original cafe. The menu will move beyond coffee into heartier fare such as curry chickpea stew and cornbread, paired with a wine program. Inspired by unique restaurant concepts he’s seen in New York City and Miami, White worked with Alma’s Alex Roberts on menu development and plans to keep the space Wi-Fi-free to encourage in-person connection.
Where: 1500 N. 44th Avenue, Minneapolis
Marrone’s, the next restaurant from Tilia’s chef Steven Brown, will center on wood-fired pizza. With seating for 30 guests and a design nod to the 1970s era, Brown is positioning Marrone’s as a fun, intimate addition to his portfolio, which also includes St. Genevieve and Giulia.
Where: 4250 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis
Chef Sameh Wadi is reviving Saffron nearly a decade after closing the original Warehouse District restaurant. The new iteration will take over the former Young Joni space in Northeast Minneapolis and dive deeper into Palestinian cuisine while continuing to draw on Levantine, North African, and Mediterranean influences. The restaurant joins a star-studded dining corridor that includes Vinai, Oro by Nixta, Diane’s Place, and Minari.
Where: 165 13th Ave NE in Minneapolis
Dining and Cooking