Love Our Neighbors Lunch – Supporting Immigrant-Owned Restaurants

This Sunday let’s fill the immigrant-owned restaurants in our part of the city!
MCC Member Jesse Dresselhaus has curated this list and checked in that these restaurants will be open on Sunday, Feb 22nd. We encourage you to bookmark this list for future Sundays as well!

Northeast Minneapolis

Holy Land · $ A Northeast institution since 1987, Holy Land is a Lebanese and Middle Eastern bakery, deli, and grocery run by the Wadi family. Famous for their award-winning hummus, shawarma, gyros, and wood-fired rotisserie chicken — all halal and made without MSG, preservatives, or antibiotics. As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Khao Hom · $ A neighborhood Thai favorite on Central Ave NE serving classics like pad thai, curries, khao soi, and stir-fries. Great portions at a great price, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

Olive and Lamb· $ At the corner of Lowry and University this is a great spot for Mediterranean/Greek Cuisine, chicken or lamb gyros as well as sandwiches and burgers. The pitas are so fresh and soft!

Emily’s Lebanese · $ Home made Lebanese food serving Northeast since 1973 on University near Las Estrellas. Famous for their fresh tabouli, kabobs, and meat pies.

Chimborazo · $$ A beloved Ecuadorian gem run by chef and owner Marcos Pinguil, who came to Minneapolis from the Cañar Sierra in Ecuador. Warm, colorful atmosphere filled with Andean textiles and music. Don’t miss the llapingachos, chaulafan, and empanadas — hearty cooking right from an Ecuadorian family table.

La Colonia · $$ Hearty portions of authentic, deliciousColombian food on Central Ave. This spot has been a staple in NE for many years – they also have live sports for viewing.

Aki’s + Curioso + Broken Clock Brewing — Special Event All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet · $$$ · 11am–2pm A special collaborative brunch event bringing together Aki’s BreadHaus, Curioso, and Broken Clock Brewing. Tickets required.

Saturday Dumpling Co. · $$ · Opens at 11am Founded by Peter and Linda Bian, (first generation Chinese-Americans) this fast-casual NE Minneapolis spot grew from a wildly popular pandemic-era dumpling drop into a full restaurant. Hand-pinched Northern Chinese-style dumplings, creative rice bowls, burritos, and their signature SDC Chili Oil. The kind of place that makes you want to order everything on the menu.

Minari · $$$ · A stunning contemporary East Asian restaurant by chef Jeff Watson, rooted in Korean cuisine with Japanese and Chinese influences. Reservations recommended.

Football Pizza · $ A Minneapolis original since 2000, Football Pizza (born out of Crescent Moon Bakery) serves distinctive halal football-shaped pizzas topped with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Their bottled green sauce has a cult following. A true NE neighborhood staple.

Momo Cafe · $ Coffee, pastries, and momos — Tibetan steamed dumplings — in a beautifully warm, eclectic space on Central Ave NE. Owned by Tibetan immigrant chef Sonam Nyorie (also of Momo Sushi, which is closed and hopes to rebuild after sufferring a fire). Come for the espresso drinks and stay for the hand-made beef or veggie dumplings with traditional chili sauce.

Nashville Coop · $ (formerly Kizzo) Minnesota’s original Nashville hot chicken spot, now operating out of the former Kizzo/Stepchld space at 24 University Ave NE. Ethiopian-spiced hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, and wings with multiple heat levels.

Near NE Minneapolis

Don Goyo · $ · (Just one block into Columbia Heights) A family-owned Mexican and Salvadorian restaurant beloved for its pupusas, birria tacos, pozole, and generous portions. Warm, welcoming atmosphere and outstanding value. Tuesday specials on pupusas, Wednesday specials on pollo frito.

Afro Deli · $ · (U of M Campus — Stadium Village) A social enterprise founded by Somali immigrant Kahin Barre, Afro Deli serves freshly made African, Mediterranean, and American-inspired cuisine in a fast-casual setting — all halal. Famous for their sambusas, KEKE African noodles, and Chicken Fantastic over Somali rice. A true community success story.

Gai Noi · $$$ · Walk-ins only Chef Ann Ahmed’s acclaimed Laotian restaurant, named one of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. by the New York Times. Sticky rice, bold noodle dishes, crispy wings with Thai basil and jalapeño, and vibrant cocktails. Note: no reservations, no tipping (18% service charge is built into menu prices). Arrive early.

Khâluna · $$$ Also by Chef Ann Ahmed, Khâluna brings a resort-inspired Southeast Asian atmosphere to South Minneapolis. Lush, colorful décor and a menu of Lao-influenced dishes — shrimp rolls, basil wings, curries, and innovative cocktails. One of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city. Reservations available.

Take Out Only

El Taco Riendo · $ “The Laughing Taco” — a NE Minneapolis institution run by Miguel Cruz, a Mexico City native who spent years in fine dining before opening this beloved spot. Massive tortas, burritos, enchiladas, and tacos with from-scratch Oaxacan-influenced sauces. Huge portions, low prices, and always fresh.

Dinner Only

Que Viet · $$ A family-owned Vietnamese restaurant serving NE Minneapolis since 1980. Home of the Minnesota State Fair egg rolls — consistently voted the best in the state. Classic Vietnamese dishes like pho, chow mein, stir-fries, and rice plates in a comfortable, unpretentious setting. Dinner only.

Hai Hai · $$ · Reservations recommended A James Beard-nominated Southeast Asian street food restaurant and bar by chef Christina Nguyen, inspired by her Vietnamese upbringing and travels across Southeast Asia. Bold, creative dishes go well beyond pho and pad thai — think water fern cakes, beef rendang, and Hanoi sticky rice. Tropical vibes, great cocktails, and a standout patio in season. Dinner only; book via Resy.