Maple Grove is a charming suburb located just northwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This growing city has seen an influx of new residents over the past couple of decades, and with them has come a thriving food scene. From longtime beloved institutions to hot new spots, Maple Grove offers an eclectic and tasty range of dining options.
In this article, we’ll countdown the 12 best restaurants that Maple Grove has to offer. From creative comfort food menus to global cuisines, these eateries offer delicious dishes in comfortable and inviting atmospheres. We’ll explore what makes each of these 12 establishments stand out from the crowd and why you should add them to your Must-Eat Maple Grove restaurant list.
1: Seven Steakhouse Sushi
Seven Steakhouse Sushi is a Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant that should not be missed if you’re craving an excellent meal and entertaining dining experience all wrapped up in one. Watching the talented teppanyaki chefs expertly prepare steak, shrimp, scallops and fried rice on the large griddles while wielding their cooking knives with precision is quite a show.
Of course, the food is the real star at Seven. Indulge in tender, perfectly cooked steaks and seafood paired with the freshest sushi rolls you’ll find in the Twin Cities area. The rainbow roll with tuna, salmon, tilapia, shrimp, snapper and avocado is a must-try roll. Don’t skip the homemade ginger dressing paired with the antioxidant-rich greens side salad either. The menus here are also very vegetarian and gluten-free friendly.
From birthday celebrations to date nights, Seven Steakhouse Sushi is a special occasions go-to restaurant for Maple Grove locals and visitors alike.
2: Rudy’s Redeye Grill
For over 20 years, Rudy’s Redeye Grill has been keeping Maple Grove residents well-fed for breakfast and lunch. This cozy cafe serves familiar favorites like fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict, juicy burgers and Pathway salads with homemade dressings. However, Rudy’s more creative and elevated dishes are the real highlight.
Unique options like the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry maple syrup and the California Benedict with smoked salmon, spinach and avocado hollandaise show the care that the kitchen puts into these dishes. Rudy’s is also has an extensive gluten-free menu so those with dietary restrictions don’t have to miss out. No matter what time of day you stop by this popular eatery, the welcoming staff provides friendly and attentive service every time.
3: Masu Sushi and Robata
For contemporary sushi in a sleek setting, check out Masu Sushi and Robata. This Japanese restaurant brings an energizing atmosphere and beautifully crafted dishes to Maple Grove. Focusing on quality ingredients, especially from local sources, Masu’s extensive sushi offerings are always fresh and expertly prepared.
Beyond sushi, be sure try to their robata section showcasing meat, seafood and vegetables grilled over binchotan charcoal to smoky, savory perfection. Small plates like the chicken wings roasted with a sweet and spicy glaze, refreshing salmon tataki and tender Wagyu beef skewers are perfect for sharing.
Masu also offers multicourse Omakase dining experiences that allow you to enjoy the creativity of their sushi chef with unique rolls and pieces put together just for your meal. From quick takeout to special occasion splurges, Masu handles it all with flavorful finesse.
4: P.F. Chang’s
When you’re looking for excellent Asian cuisine served up fast and delicious every single time, P.F. Chang’s always delivers. This popular restaurant chain has a location right in the heart of Maple Grove serving up Chinese staples like orange chicken, Mongolian beef, and Chang’s lettuce wraps along with a vast array of traditional noodle, seafood and rice dishes to suit any preference or craving.
While the food is consistently tasty and satisfying, it’s often the little touches that make dining at P.F. Chang’s special like the freshly baked cookies handed out at the end of your meal. The restaurant also provides gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menus allowing most diners, regardless of their dietary needs, to find something craveable. Whether joining friends for drinks at the bar, gathering the family for dinner or placing a quick takeout order, P.F. Chang’s easily accommodates.
5: CRAVE American Kitchen and Sushi Bar
Located in the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes area of Maple Grove, CRAVE American Kitchen and Sushi Bar is often bustling with patrons. This modern restaurant seamlessly fuses all-American cuisine with creative sushi rolls for a globally inspired menu.
Start your meal off right with some baked goat cheese fondue served with crisp vegetables and fresh apple slices for dipping. Move on to their short rib enchilada with poblano cream sauce or the sweet and spicy salmon if you want to add a lighter fish dish.
And don’t forget the sushi; CRAVE’s sashimi tuna tacos and rainbow sushi combo plates beautifully marry flavors and textures from sea to land. From shareable small plates to classic entrees and specialty sushi, you’re sure to find plenty to love on CRAVE’s innovative menus.
6: Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse
For fine dining and premium cuts of steak, Pittsburgh Blue brings upscale charm and attentive service to Arbor Lakes. The chic interior of exposed brick, fireplaces and intimate booths sets the mood for a special experience. Hand cut filet mignon, dry aged bone-in ribeye and a 32-ounce tomahawk rib chop for the hungriest of steak connoisseurs are seared expertly by Pittsburgh Blue’s skilled kitchen team.
While steaks might be the namesake, seafood like Chilean sea bass and diver scallops are also given special treatment and shine on the menu. And vegetarians need not feel left out; options like the goat cheese and caramelized onion tart and ricotta gnocchi satisfy herbivorous diners as well. Don’t miss their extensive wine list or craft cocktails menu either. Pittsburgh Blue does fine dining the right way to create lasting memories and delicious meals worth repeating.
7: Red Cow Maple Grove
The Red Cow chain of gastropubs is known across the Twin Cities for chef-driven takes on bar food favorites served in trendy, energetic spaces. The Maple Grove location lives up to the high expectations this resto brand has built with inviting decor, an expansive bar area, outdoor patio and most importantly imaginative dishes.
Burgers are done right here with a choice of dry aged beef, bison, turkey or veggie patties. Then take your pick from toppings like blue cheese aioli, bacon onion jam and fried eggs to customize your perfect patty melt or classic cheeseburger.
Be sure to balance out the beef with lighter fare like their crazy good cauliflower popcorn in spicy ginger sauce or the forbidden rice grain bowl. Planning weekend brunch, a lunch meeting or happy hour cocktails? Red Cow Maple Grove will quickly become your go-to spot.
8: Brunson’s Pub
For lovers of eclectic gastropub eats, Brunson’s Pub needs to be your next night out dining destination. This unique eatery fuses global flavors beautifully in small plates and hearty main dishes along with handcrafted libations.
Dive into crunchy Korean fried chicken drizzled in spicy mayo. Pair it with the curried Brussels sprouts studded with bacon and golden raisins. Share the mushroom flatbread baked with creme fraiche, bacon, leaks and rosemary for additional veggie goodness.
Beyond wonderfully executed food and creative cocktails, Brunson’s also boasts over 100 beers available by bottle and on tap so you can sip a new brew every time. The ambiance here is warm and welcoming for a fun night out with great friends, food and drinks.
9: Benihana
Japanese teppanyaki restaurant Benihana brings sizzle – quite literally – to Maple Grove. Watching the talented Benihana chefs chop, flip and stir bite-sized meats and vegetables on super-hot griddles while performing cooking acrobatics is entertainment alone. The well-seasoned grill masters put on a show wielding spatulas and ensuring meals cook up picture perfect.
Choose classic combinations likes tender steak and plump shrimp or go for seafood-focused plates of scallops, lobster and butterfish if you want to indulge. Fried rice, miso soup and salad round out your meal. For kids, chicken strips and fries satisfy less adventurous palates.
The family-friendly atmosphere makes Benihana an ideal spot for celebrations, date nights or dinners with visitors wanting a uniquely Japanese dining experience.
10: Shoot The Moon
For appetizing and creative comfort fare perfected, Maple Grove locals simply head to Shoot The Moon. This friendly neighborhood eatery spin up classics like pot roast, chicken wild rice soup, perch sandwiches and cinnamon swirl French toast in fresh ways with farm-to-table flair. Daily specials also entice with dishes like their memorable meatloaf towers crowned with garlic mashed potatoes then drenched in made-from-scratch beef gravy.
Shoot The Moon hits the sweeter notes too with giant, cookie ice cream sandwiches, mile-high lemon meringue pie and other drool-worthy dessert selections.
And don’t be surprised to see the owner himself or other staff members spontaneously break into song and dance occasionally between serving up delicious dishes with a smile. For homecooked food done delectably, Shoot The Moon charms on all fronts.
11: PorterHouse Steak and Seafood
The rustic elegance of PorterHouse Steak and Seafood provides Maple Grove a much welcome upscale dining choice specializing in Midwestern raised beef and Gulf shrimp highlight the menu.
Hand cut filet mignon cooked to tender perfection or a bone-in ribeye charred expertly on the open wood grill are steadfast choices. But seafood lovers also flock here for the jumbo bacon wrapped scallops and hearty shrimp and lobster risotto.
While steaks and seafood might be the crown jewels, creatively conceptualized side dishes often steal the show. Options like duck fat twice baked potatoes, truffle cauliflower mash, roasted wild mushrooms with demi glaze and the extensive wine list give PorterHouse a well-deserved fine dining reputation. Special occasion dinners feel right at home here.
12: Joey’s Home Cooking and Catering
Joey’s Homestyle Cooking and Catering feels just as its name implies – homestyle comfort fare perfected by Chef Joey himself then served up fresh daily.
This tiny but mighty breakfast, brunch and lunch spot packs in hungry regular crowds with from-scratch classics like chicken and wild rice soup, chunky BLT sandwiches stacked sky-high and their famous sour cream coffee cake bursting with cinnamon vanilla swirl goodness. Daily plate lunch specials also entice at this cash-only cafe with all your favorites done right.
Joey sources many ingredients locally and seasons them well for simple but soul-satisfying dishes. And while the cozy restaurant seats only 20 or so patrons at a time, Joey’s also offers full service catering for private events where everyone can experience his cook-with-love creations. For stick-to-your-ribs Midwest cooking perfected, Joey’s fits the bill and the belly.
Conclusion
From lavish fine dining steakhouses to comfortable cafes and eclectic ethnic eateries, Maple Grove’s food scene has been elevated by numerous tasty establishments. The 12 restaurants discussed here each contribute something special – incredibly fresh sushi, smoky Brazilian rodizio, upscale American cuisine, and more.
Trying the innovative dishes, involved cooking methods, and global flavors highlighted at these restaurants will ensure memorable and delicious dining experiences each visit. So next time your inner foodie calls, check out one of these 12 Maple Grove gems. Your taste buds surely will thank you.