Minnesota’s Joan’s in the Park Makes Top Restaurant List

Minnesota has earned its reputation as one of the top foodie states in America, with restaurants across the state landing on a variety of national lists throughout the year. What makes this latest recognition stand out is that it is not curated by critics, but by the people who actually book and dine.

Open Table, a widely used restaurant reservation app, has released its Top 100 Restaurants for 2025. Unlike lists based on critic reviews or editorial picks, this ranking is driven by real diner demand. The company analyzed reservation trends, guest ratings, and overall booking patterns to find the spots people across the country cannot get enough of.

Minnesota’s Standout Restaurant

Representing Minnesota is a familiar name. Located in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Joan’s in the Park continues its run as one of the state’s most celebrated dining destinations. The intimate New American restaurant and wine bar has appeared on several major lists over the years and keeps earning recognition for its consistent quality.

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A Dining Experience That Keeps Winning Awards

Words like cozy, romantic, and upscale are often used to describe Joan’s in the Park. The restaurant also appeared on Open Table’s Top 100 Restaurants for Foodies, and the Star Tribune highlighted it as one of the best things they ate in 2024. Many diners consider it a must-visit spot for special occasions or memorable nights out in the Twin Cities.

The Menu That Keeps People Talking in Minnesota

The seasonally rotating four-course menu includes dishes such as onion knot bread, poached shrimp, spaghetti, filet mignon, and duck breast. The meal is priced at $89 per person, with optional wine pairings and desserts available for an added cost.

What Diners Are Saying About This Minnesota Restaurant

One enthusiastic reviewer wrote, “If you want to be mind-blown from delicious food, service and an intimate atmosphere, I highly suggest this restaurant. Everything tasted like it was curated with love and was worth every dime.” Comments like that help explain why Joan’s in the Park continues to show up in national conversations about great dining in Minnesota.

Funniest, Quirkiest, And Most Awesome Minnesota Township Names

We all know about goofy Minnesota town names like Fertile and Climax, or funny Minnesota lake names like the infamous Scooty Lake or the Dick Lakes (there's a big and little one), but what about Minnesota townships? Here's a look at some of the most interesting township names in the state.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper

The Best Places to Live in Minnesota (2025)

Niche has compiled a list of the best places to live in Minnesota. Their rankings include data on "crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities", from official United States databases (see methodology here).

Here's the best neighborhoods to live in the North Star State.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper

Source: Minnesota Restaurant Earns Massive National Honor

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