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2014's Best New Restaurants In Minnesota

The restaurant scene in Minnesota has always been dynamic. With many long-standing restaurants and diverse favorites, it's not hard to find a great restaurant that has proven itself over the years. However, newer restaurants are a harder nut to crack. Many are hesitant to try something new until it has been around for awhile or the critics have reviewed the venue extensively. These restaurants are brand new but have proven themselves in a short period of time. Try them if you want variety and something new for dinner tonight.
Hola Arepa
(credit: CBS)

Hola Arepa
3501 Nicollet Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 345-5583
www.holaarepa.com

Continuing the latest trend of food truck to restaurant, Hola Arepa has parked its truck close to Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood and opened for sit-down diners. Locals can thank them for bringing the arepa, a Latin American corn cake, to the Midwest. Using the best and freshest ingredients, Hola Arepa has created unusual and flavorful dishes that are amazing. The restaurant is hip, the clientele trendy and the food amazing. Try an original cocktail with your arepa and be delighted with the great service, reasonable price point and memorable dishes served at this venue.

Tongue In Cheek
989 Payne Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55130
(651) 888-6148
www.tongueincheek.biz

Tongue In Cheek is a restaurant on a mission. Its concept is to bring farm-to-table to a new level by participating only with farmers who raise their animals humanely. Factory farming, they believe, is a cruel process that creates a dilemma for the devout carnivore. With their fresh and high-quality ingredients, Tongue In Cheek has delivered on delicious food in a fun atmosphere. They have an outstanding farm-fresh brunch menu and a trendy tasting menu for those who prefer to leave their meal to chance. Feel good about enjoying a meal here.

Midtown Global Exchange, Salty Tart, Cupcakes, Minneapolis
credit: CBS

The Rabbit Hole
920 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 236-4526
www.estdrinkrabbit.com

The Rabbit Hole just sort of appeared in the basement of the Midtown Market one day last year. Since then it has become a fun and delicious destination for a great meal. The concept is "Korean street food," which apparently consists of kimchi, short ribs and random Bop Bowls. Everything is delicious and dishes range from tame to adventurous. Try this hot spot of Asian-fusion and watch the cooks work in the beautiful open kitchen. The Rabbit Hole is a great find.

Related: Best Restaurants With Handmade Pasta In Minnesota

Brasserie Zentral
505 Marquette Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-0505
www.zentral-mpls.com

Eastern European cuisine? Why not? Brasserie Zentral brings the best of Eastern Europe to the Twin Cities. The same chef from across the river at Meritage has gone a different direction with his cooking and rolled out a menu full of spaetzel and dumplings. Like fois gras? Luckily there's an entire menu dedicated to this underrated treat. Although a lot of the tastes are new and unique, they are well-liked by most that try them. Go for your birthday and receive a birthday treat in a wrapped box.

Cook St. Paul
1124 Payne Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55130
(651) 756-1787
www.cookstp.com

Cook St. Paul is a new breakfast stop that fuses traditional American diner fare with traditional Korean cooking. Enjoy a full breakfast menu filled with traditional favorites that include eggs, pancakes, toast and big strips of bacon done soggy or crispy. For lunch, big delicious hamburgers are featured on the menu with the traditional side of fries. While everything is high-quality and delicious, the Korean foods that are featured on the menu are particularly outstanding. Not interested in the usual eggs Benedict? Try a Korean short-rib Benedict, one of Cook's most popular dishes.

Related: Best Restaurants In Minnesota Worth The Hype

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.
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