Bar La Grassa
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Hours
Mon
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tue
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thu
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
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Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
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PRICE RANGE
₹2,593.00 – ₹2,593.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Menu
Antipasti
Crispy Insalata
saporoso vinaigrette
$8
Roasted Beet Salad
with goat's milk feta
$8
Charred Radicchio Salad
with anchovy vinaigrette
$8
Ricotta Pizzette
$6
Blue Marlin Crudo
$10
Cold Meat Plate
$13
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
PRICE RANGE
₹2,593.00 – ₹2,593.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
783 reviews
Excellent
532
Very good
160
Average
62
Poor
19
Terrible
10
Kristin P
Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul75 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Bar La Grassa is hands down the best Italian eatery in the twin cities. The pasta is a fresh modern take on the Italian staples. The menu forever rotates so there is always something new to try. The marinated salad they provide before the meal is delish, I discovered my love of beans in this salad. The arancini w/ cranberry jam and garrotxa is to die for. I had the butternut squash tagliatelle w/ crispy prosciutto and truffled pecorino. Pasta's all come in small/larger sizes depending on how hungry you are, or if you want to portion control :) I got the large and got two meals out of it. My bf got the penne rigate w/ shrimp, it was spicy and flavorful. THe service is impeccable but even with a reservation, you may have to wait. It is worth the wait. You won't regret it.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeachQuest19
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
So many items on the menu we wanted to try but couldn’t because.....you know....it would be embarrassing. We agreed we WILL be back to try other things on our list! Service was prompt and courteous and the menu offers plenty for those with special dietary needs. Langostino crudo was so good we whined there wasn’t more. Pasta dishes were excellent and we also had Branzino which was cooked perfectly. We will be back!
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ACharmedTraveler
Maple Plain240 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
Bar La Grassa continues to be one of the best meals you will have in Minneapolis. We had not been for years and figured it was time to go back.
Cocktails were perfect. I had a Manhattan and it was just wonderful to have an expertly mixed drink.
We started with the crispy salad which was great, although next time I would ask for light dressing. The homemade cheese crackers are just such a fun addition to the salad. I would love a bowl of those at the table along with the beautiful marinated butter beans served.
Next we had the tuna calamarata, which is simply phenomenal. The calamarata pasta is a play on calamari rings, expertly successful. The al-dente pasta looks and has a similar chew to calamari. The hot pasta tossed with the cold diced sushi-grade tuna and sauced with spicy fresh garlic and chili sauce is by far the best thing on the menu. It’s just perfect. Everything I remembered and more.
Next we had the rabbit pasta dish which was also so yummy and I love to see rabbit on the menu. The fresh peas were sweet and a nice pairing with the unctuous, long-braised, so tender rabbit. It might have benefitted from a little mint/basil oil to brighten it, but paired with the very respectable Chianti by the glass, it was warm and comforting and everything that a pasta with rabbit should be.
Finally we ended with the ribs and they were not quite as good as I remembered them to be, but still fall off the bone and spicy and herbaceous. Yum.
Overall, I am nitpicking and honestly the Manhattan and the Tuna Calamarata alone would be worth the trip. It was a beautiful meal.
If you can’t get a reservation come right at 5 when they open and you can score a seat at the bar or pasta bar. Awesome date night. Highly recommend sharing multiple courses to get a broader taste of the menu.
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony E
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • couples
Thoroughly saddened with my recent experience. Made reservations last weekend. The host who took my reservation was wonderful and that’s about the most I can say in regards to positive. The food that evening was mediocre at best. The specialty drinks came out incorrect, The crab ravioli my significant other had was bland and flavorless. The Arancini was off and the goat cheese bruschetta was also rather tepid to put it generously. The General Manager came across as rather rude and dismissive after I had tried contacting the restaurant Monday, emailed Tuesday and when I did call the restaurant the response I received was rather flippant. I understand calling during a dinner service is never convenient but not contacting a guest in regards to a recent experience is rather unprofessional. If it’s not a convenient time, take a name and number if you’re invested in retaining guests so you can properly follow up. Spending over $150 for two people on dinner at this restaurant is easily the biggest regret I’ve felt in a long time. I’ve dined here countless times but will seriously reconsider ever returning or recommending in the future, disappointed doesn’t begin to describe how I’m feeling right now.
Written 19 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FrequentFlier703329
Los Angeles2 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
I was in Minneapolis with my husbands and heard about Bar La Grassa restaurant, I try to make an reservation for 2 days but no table was available. The restaurant personal told us come early before we are open may be will be a table available. When we went there there wear many other groups on the waiting line.
When doors opened. Lots of table available and ever group got a table. We try to order some appetizers before the main course, 1st one was the white anchovies on avocado top of a bread, nothing especial. The 2nd dish was soft eggs & lobster ,
may be it's good for brunch not a dinner appetizer. The restaurant was very noisy
and it was not a fin dinning. We asked our waiter to cancel our main course order and we left the restaurant for another one.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Havekeyswilltravel
Rockford28 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
When we saw that the chef was a James Beard Award winner, we didn't realize until we looked it up later that that was in 2011.
Apparently the award winning chef is now the owner and has hired a less-than"award winning" chef who has allowed things to go substantially down hill / over the last 11 years.
I don't think the folks at James Beard give out awards for leaving a pizzeria shaker of Kraft parmesan on the table.
The raviolis that I ordered were empty and the agnolotti was positively swimming in lemon juice and chili oil.
Take a pass on the Bar La Grassa, there are a dozen restaurants within walking distance that will serve you a better meal.
I would like to commend the staff though; they were all first-class, and the only reason this restaurant gets 3 stars instead of one. Too bad the food they have to serve doesn't live up to the expectations.
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom D
Lincoln442 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Italian food is everywhere. Great, creative, and inspired Italian food is a rare find. Bar La Grassa is such a place!
Upon entering you'll immediately feel the vibe and energy that fills the space. Staffing is extensive and that's impressive and appreciated these days. Not only are they well staffed, but this staff displays passion for their jobs and you'll discover they're exceptionally well trained.
The menu is just the right size, offering a creative and broad selection of styles and taste profiles. Based on what we sampled, each and every dish is exceptionally prepared and presented. Flavor abounds!
We began our meal with their Big Caesar Salad to share. This was well prepared and topped with high quality anchovies. We followed that with a real star of our night, their Soft Eggs & Lobster Bruschetta. Magnificent! Think soft, velvety scrambled eggs with succulent lobster chunks atop a crisp bruschetta! Our server told us this was the top seller in bruschetta and it's easy to see why.
For our main course we chose three pasta's, served family style for sharing - Gnocchi w/Cauliflower & Orange, Mushroom & Taleggio Agnolotti, and Fusilli w/Orange, & Kalamata Olive Lamb Sausage. We all agreed that the Agnolotti was the best dish of the three, followed by the nicely spiced Fusilli, which had some heat. The Gnocchi was mild, almost a bit sweet, and had excellent texture.
We finished our meal with two desserts, their spectacular Tiramisu and their Dark Chocolate Budino. Both were immaculately presented, full of rich complex flavors, and perfect Italian desserts. To finish it all we took advantage of their coffee and one of the most extensive amaro menus I've ever seen. We chose three different digestifs from this list and enjoyed each of them immensely!
The entire experience is evidence as to why their Executive Chef & Owner, Isaac Becker has won the James Beard Award. I highly, highly recommend you to give yourself a chance to experience this creative and inspired Italian.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaxdogMadison
Ponte Galeria34 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Make a reservation in advance - this spot is hard to get into but worth it. On my first trip I sat at the bar and ordered the crispy insalata w/sapori d mondena which was a delicious salad. The crispy part is little fried Parmesan crisps which are so great. I then ordered the bucatini carbonara which was so delicious. The meal was so good I return every time I'm in Minneapolis for a business trip and am always a little sad that they aren't located in my home town. Everything I've ordered has been equally fantastic. Easily one of the best Italian meals I've had in the US.
Written 28 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine Flowers
Minnesota673 contributions
May 2023 • friends
Fun and vibrant atmosphere! Strong drinks and pretty decent culinary experience. It’s always busy here and reservations are still booked at least a week or two in advance. Also, parking is inherently challenging in the North Loop, so plan ahead or use valet.
Service is great. Food is decent, probably wonderful for those with a refined palate. Most of menu is filled with cheese, butter and cream, so tread carefully and engage your server for your sensitive stomach.
My most recent visit, we ordered the BLG Caesar salad, focaccia and fettuccine Alfredo- all delightful paired with wine and cocktails recommended by our server. We ended with the Gjetost cheesecake, which was a welcomed unique dessert.
The atmosphere is romantic, dark, and filled with energy. A Minneapolis must!
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark F
Minneapolis37 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
Seems BLG has slipped recently. I loved it when it opened, but my recent trip with my wife was disappointing. The cooks seemed to be heavy handed with the olive oil. My beet salad with goat cheese had nice beets, nice greens, but they were overwhelmed with EVO. Same with the avocado and anchovy bruschetta--soggy, oil laden grilled bread, drizzled again with too much EVO. The freshness and minimalism I knew from before appears to have taken a night off. I am huge EVO fan, but less is more!
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wvdthree
23 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
I used to live in Minneapolis and dined ofter at Isaac Becker's 112 Eatery. I now visit Minneapolis often but have not been able to visit his restaurants during the pandemic as he had all of them closed. Last week both 112 Eatery and Bar La Grassa were open and we decided to dine there as we had not done so before. That was a great choice as we had a really fantastic experience.
We started with two appetizers. The first was a spreadable chicken liver mousse on grilled sourdough with pickled red onions and fresh mint. Rustic and the onions and mint provided some interesting brightness.
Second appetizer was lemon risotto arancini with a sort of red pepper yogurt sauce. My son had never had arancini and really enjoyed them. Taleggio cheese in the interior.
Main courses. I had maybe one of the best fish dishes I've ever had. Roasted branzino. Grilled whole and then roasted at high temperature to get a very crisp and tasty skin. Seasoned with butter,olive oil,lemon,garlic,chilies and fresh dill. Incredibly fresh taste and the super crisp skin and seasonings were spot on.
My son's pasta was also very good. Torchio pasta with charred pork, shallots,basil,garlic,parmesan and fresh pea shoots. There was likely white wine and cream and/or butter in the saucy component of it.
The only minor complaint that I have is that the dining room was quite loud as it was packed and in that it was in a renovated warehouse all of the surfaces (floors, walls ceilings) are hard surfaces. In my experience this is typical in these sort of spaces.
I live in a smaller metro area now and so have more limited, good dining options so I am always happy to get up to Minneapolis with it's vibrant dining scene.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spreyes01
Miami43 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
Was in Minneapolis for Stevie Nicks-Billy Joel concert.
We sat at the bar because the place was packed. You can order food at the bar. It was much more fun at the bar either ways.
We had red wine, espresso martini and after dinner drink Sambuca 😁
Great food! I’ve never seen the variety of offerings of bruschettas (Wow) We had the braised octopus one. Yummy!!! Pictures do not make it justice
We shared the pasta ( cavallini with rabbit) and fish dish (Branzino).
Whole Branzino was brought out as presentation and then they cleaned it (removed bone) in front of us. 👏👏
Both dishes were delicious!!
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DEP3
Binghamton319 contributions
Oct 2022 • friends
Very popular Italian fine dining spot , with award winning chef. Unusual combination of herbs, spices , and ingredients make for a delish dinner. The beet salad is spectacular. Pasta dishes are different and tasty. If salt is an issue for you, then you may have to think twice about eating here. Don’t know if you can ask to have salt minimized ; otherwise get ready for a big blast of it in everything you order. Noise level is very high also. Reservations definitely needed
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug B
643 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
I've been eating pasta for 75 years, and the Smoked Spaghetti with Brown Butter and Lobster is the VERY best pasta I've ever had! WOW! My wife enjoyed the Calamarata with Raw Tuna and it, too, was fabulous. The dark chocolate budino was a great dessert, and the white anchovy & avocado appetizer (which we always get when there) was great, too. This was a fabulous meal--accentuated by excellent service from Michelle.
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sheila w
47 contributions
Sept 2022 • couples
Food and service were excellent. Wait staff had good recommendations and spent time going over the menu with us. Antipasta was good but the pasta was outstanding. I had the lobster in brown butter and it was perfect. Spouse had the rabbit ragu and said it was one of the best dishes he ever had. We shared the gtjost cheesecake and it was delicious. Perfect evening.
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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