Michael C.

The location itself is very unassuming and quaint, which I actually liked. Walking in, you are greeted by an open area bar. It's meant to occupy guests while they wait to be seated, which in theory is a nice idea, however, there was nowhere to actually sit while waiting, making it hard to enjoy a drink comfortably... We had a 5:30 reservation and were seated around 5:45, which on its own didn't bother me. What did bother me was that we were left standing awkwardly in the doorway the entire time. No bench, no stools, nothing. For a restaurant at this level, that felt like a surprising and honestly frustrating oversight. Once seated, things did not improve on the comfort front. We were placed at the lower end of the bar, which was still quite high, but paired with regular chairs instead of proper bar seating. Even with pillows added underneath us, the height felt awkward and uncomfortable for eating. It was noticeable right away and only got worse as the meal went on. It genuinely soured the experience early. When you are paying for a premium tasting menu, comfort should be a given, not something you have to endure. Service itself was excellent. We opted for the wine pairing and the server was incredibly descriptive and engaging. Each wine was explained thoughtfully and enthusiastically, which made that part of the experience feel special and well worth it. As for the food, there were so many courses that it is honestly hard to remember them all in detail. Overall, everything was good and well executed, though nothing stood out as mind blowing to me. The desserts were the clear highlight. The deconstructed s'more and the Rice Krispie treat were both fantastic and easily my favorite part of the meal. In the end, the food and service were strong, but the uncomfortable seating and lack of a waiting area really hurt the overall experience. With better attention to guest comfort, this could easily have been a four star night.

Lindsay H.

Wow. I am almost at a loss for words, which is a rare occurrence for me. ;-) The reservation process is easy, informative, and you can add personalized choices for your drink experience and dietary needs. We added on the wine and cocktail pairing package and paid the required deposit to book our seats. In the days leading up to the reservation, staff reached out via text to check in and confirm our plans. We arrived slightly early to the cozy space, allowing us to order unique drinks from the bar and sit on the outside porch until they were ready for us. With there only being approximately 20-25 seats in the u-shaped dining area (surrounding the kitchen space/chefs), they were phasing in and out patrons as courses completed. We were seated at the bar-like seating on counter height stools. There were only two low-top seats seemingly available, if you need to consider and ask for accessibility accommodations. We were immediately greeted, given the first glass of wine and our first course (a broth). The chef and sous chefs took turns bringing over and explaining each course to guests. It was highly personalized and engaging. We even saw the owner speaking with guests and helping to bus dishes or pour wine as needed. At the end, you are even given a printed copy of the menu and the names of any wines you were given. The seven courses were delicious, with the broth and oysters being our least favorite and the ravioli and fish courses being our favorite. We were here celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary and would come back for another milestone occasion. Know that this is deemed one of the most expensive restaurants in the country but that the experience is worth it if you can swing the high cost for a memorable dining adventure.

Katelyn O.

This was my third time dining here but my first since 2023. I love the experience of dining at a chef's counter, it's like getting to see a behind the scenes look into the hard work that goes into making this incredible food. Demi is one of those rare spots where every course is delicious and has such depth of flavor. My favorites this time were the squash campanelle, sablefish, and foie gras terrine. It's worth noting that their cocktails are absolutely wonderful and my favorite i've had in MN, they actually blew my mind and that doesn't happen too often with drinks. Don't leave without trying their espresso martini with amaro (if you're an espresso martini lover like me) it was top 3 for me and i order them everywhere. The service is also amazing, everyone is so nice, professional, and knowledgeable about each dish. Minnesota is so lucky to have a place as amazing and special as Demi.

Darren L.

I had such high expectations for Demi that it's possible that those colored my experience... but ultimately I was a little disappointed. The food and presentation was amazing, but a lot of the other little things made it not as great of an experience. My grievances: We arrived on time (a little early) for our reservation, but had to wait for about 15 minutes past our reservation time in a small hallway. There was only one standing table there, and another couple was using it. (There was a third couple there, too, ahead of us... so they got the table when the others finally got seated.) The entry way was just extremely cramped and it felt like an uncomfortable start. There was a bar, with one bartender making drinks, and the drinks took a long time to craft. I appreciate the detailed attention to everything, but I got my cocktail as the host was finally able to seat us, 15 minutes later. They sat us at the very front of nearest to the kitchen (great view of everything!) but at a low table with even lower chairs. My husband and I are tall guys but had to have the server bring us pillows as booster seats, essentially, because we couldn't comfortably reach the table. Finally, the single bathroom (with a line) was not ideal. I just wish I didn't have to spend time waiting in a line when I could be at my table enjoying food/drink and conversation. My compliments: The service was incredible and the staff was very knowledgable. We learned a ton about wine, for example, since we did the wine pairing with dinner. (Felt like a master class!) The food presentation was stunning. Everything was delicious. No doubt about their quality food and artistry! All in all, with the price point, the negatives stood out too much to me. I am glad I got to see what the hype was about for Demi, but don't think I need to pay that amount again to re-experience it, unfortunately.

Stephan S.

I scheduled a dinner date at Demi for our 16th wedding anniversary, and I'm so glad I did. I came across Demi on social media, and one comment really stood out to me: someone said if Minneapolis were to ever get a Michelin star, it would be because of Demi. That immediately intrigued me. Because of the price point, it felt like more of an investment--something I wanted to do when celebrating a special occasion. Booking was easy, though availability can be tight, so you really do need to plan ahead. We received a heads-up that the restaurant doesn't look like a traditional storefront, but it was still easy to find. We used the valet service (about $15), which was worth it for a splurge night like this--just pull up and go in. We arrived a few minutes early and were able to enjoy a cocktail before being seated. I wish I could remember the name of mine because it was so good. The flavor combination had me second-guessing it at first, but it turned out to be amazing. One thing I appreciated was that each party was served at their own pace. I had initially worried that everything would be served to everyone at the same time, but it wasn't like that at all--our experience felt personalized and relaxed. The food was absolutely fantastic. I believe we had around eight courses, and we left feeling satisfied--pleasantly full, but not stuffed. Every course was thoughtful, beautifully presented, and delicious. Demi is absolutely somewhere we'll return to. We thoroughly enjoyed our entire experience. Yes, the price point is high, but for a special occasion, I found it well worth it. I fully recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Minneapolis.

Maria L.

Demi wasn't just a meal, it was an experience that will stick with me. We had the Barrington menu, and each of the seven courses was interesting and beautifully prepared. We loved how the seating allowed us to watch the chefs as they prepared each dish. After they were prepared, each dish was delivered by a different member of the staff and described with tons of detail. I also appreciated their ability to adjust their menu to my dietary restrictions. There were also some fun and thoughtful surprises at the end of the meal that made it especially memorable, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone!

Gabe H.

Demi never disappoints. It's one of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities hands down. I wouldn't recommend going here with more than one other person as the ideal experience is with someone who is a foodie and open to experiencing whatever they want to serve! Including a few pics from our night.

Woooooooooow. No words. This place was such a great experience the service the food the attention to detail. incredible. Can't wait to come back for special treats. Everything was insane but my favs were the foie gras, wild rice porridge, and the ribeye. I got a cocktail to start and then just had a glass of wine later which staff helped me pick out, I got to try 2 different ones based off what I normally like and what the menu was. didn't take pictures of the dessert or the little box of desert they send you home with. best was the rice krispy treats at the end of the meal. I left stuffed.

Amy W.

One of the best tasting menus we've ever had! It's a small beautiful restaurant where you watch a team of meticulous chefs prepare each dish like an orchestrated well oiled machine. Expect about 2-2.5 hours to enjoy your dining experience. Our favorite dishes were the tiny amuse bouch tomato pie and pommes dauphine. The hamachi crudo was amazing. The sablefish was the star of the show. Every dish was so dynamic and complimented perfectly with the reserve wine pairing. The array of desserts were unique twists on classic flavors. You can tell they really care about every attention to detail.

Jeff K.

We had a wonderful evening at Demi and can't recommend it highly enough. The knowledgeable staff and the exquisitely delicious food made it an unforgettable culinary experience. Truly outstanding! A huge shoutout to Jessica, Gabe, Sean, George, Allen, and Calvin for creating such a connected and personal experience. They didn't just present the food--they took the time to ensure we understood what we were eating and invited us into their world. Thank you! *The following photos capture the overall experience, cuisine, and complete happiness.

Wes S.

If I could give Demi 6 stars I would. Demi is a coursed menu and each course is a flavor explosion. This is not for the picky or the food fearful. While the portions may be small we walked away from the experience stuffed. Service is phenomenal and we never had a moment our waters weren't topped off. You can tell that the staff take pride in what they do. You sit at a bar top surrounding the active kitchen watching chefs prepare each dish. It's like watching a symphony come together. This is artful food that will make you consider how far food can be pushed. If you are a foodie, you need to try Demi.

Anne C.

We visited Demi over Thanksgiving break with family and it was lovely. The service was impeccable and the ambiance was very nice. I know this seems rediculous but I love the silverware changes after each course. Food was awesome and well paired. Broth was ok, the app was really good. Absolutely loved the smoked fish, fish and protein entree. Palate cleanser (pear) was a delight. Would definitely come again!

Julia S.

The trouble with Demi is that it's so very very good. You walk in having never heard of parsnip agnolotti, then after a few bites realize that you're eating the best pasta of your life and now will absolutely know what you're missing every time you eat pasta going forward. So it goes. I am lucky that I have a foodie friend who has taken me here for a second time and even more lucky to have come for the Barrington menu, Demi's fall 2023 offering. The luckiest part? The white truffle add-on option. (Always say yes to the truffle.) Shaved over the pasta dish, this gorgeous ingredient is certainly something you should experience once in your life. It perfectly complemented the other delicious fall ingredients (including chestnuts and Pleasant Ridge mousse). But I am getting ahead of myself. Demi, as you have probably gathered from the many reviews, is a place for those who appreciate fine dining with warmth. The restaurant itself is elegant without being formal. The service is excellent--warm and friendly while also demonstrating the precision and attention that provides a seamless experience. Foodies will love being able to watch as each dish is plated (ask to be seated along one of the sides for the best view!) and the detailed descriptions that are delivered with each course (and pour, if you're going with a pairing). I was again blown away by the care, love, and attention that went into creating my vegetarian meal. As was the case last time, my courses were quite similar to the regular menu, just vegetarianized. The welcome broth was light and satisfying. For the canapé course, I had the same rutabaga and apple cracker (fascinating and delicious) and potato and cabbage potage (sublime!). My silky chowanmushi featured truffle caviar and crispy broccolini instead of the non-vegetarian option. (Side note--if you love the broccoli family, you'll really appreciate the Demi treatment. They really know how to make it sing.) The next course was a fish course, but I got fennel instead. Fennel was an incredibly apt option for this dish, which featured coconut, peanut, chili, and fresh mint. It was close-your-eyes blissful--light, refreshing and clean--perfectly balanced. The fennel also "flaked" into layers as fish does, which was a fun touch. Next up was another fish course for the non-vegetarians. The vegetarian option was celery root. Like the fish, it was prepared with a lovely crispy parsley crust, beautifully prepared gai lan, and some lovely sauces. Next up was the pasta to end all pastas (rhapsodic), then the meat course (venison for non-vegetarians, carrot for vegetarians). The meat course comes with roasted sun choke, honey-poached cranberry, caramelized shallot, and a transcendent pepper sauce that tickled the tongue. Then came the sweet courses. I love Demi's sweet because they feel like both coming home and going somewhere new. There's something familiar, and there's something new. Take tonight. There was a float! Yummy pear sorbet and homemade cream soda. It was light and refreshing and only just sweet enough. It made me smile. Next up was the hazelnut financier. Topped with dulce de leche, this absolute delight came with a stripe of chocolate-banana ganache, ginger, and a perfect quenelle of cardamom ice cream. It was exquisite. Of course, after that came the cozy potful of warm rice crispy treats (which they made with vegetarian marshmallows for me--all the hearts!). We were sent in our way with our boxful of mignardises, which again barely made it past the on-ramp. They were all great, but I could probably eat a dozen of those raspberry-yuzu pate au fruit. Again, a true pleasure to experience. If you're in the Twin Cities, add it to your bucket list. If you're not in the Twin Cities, it's worth the trip!