Where to Eat in November: Estelle, Abang Yoli, Kyatchi, and More

Walk into Estelle, and you’re immediately made to feel at home. That feeling continues through the meal, thanks to incredibly personable and knowledgeable servers who can guide you through the mix of tapas and main courses, the flavors of which are influenced by Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Even without their help, though, you don’t have to worry about a misstep — that’s almost unheard-of from this kitchen. But the servers’ descriptions add flair to the laconic listing of ingredients for each dish and can help you make the difficult decision between, say, a pasta with fennel sausage, peppers, and chile and one boasting smoked almonds and a jalapeño pesto. If the dining room is full, try your luck in the slender bar, where you can nosh on items from the regular menu as well as a selection of snacks.

A bigger, better abode has beckoned this temple of pizza goodness, which moved around the corner from its original location on Nicollet Avenue earlier this year. While the new digs aren’t enormous, gone are the days of elbow-wrestling your neighbor for space to tackle the doughy delights that come out of the kitchen, whether that’s one of the six kinds of pizza — the pan-style Fugazzetta with kalamatas and onions should definitely be on your to-try list — the close-to-perfection empanadas, or the churros with dulce de leche. If you’re trying to decide between this outpost and the one downtown, keep in mind that adult drinks are on offer here, including a few wines, beers, cocktails, and shots.

No reservations. Find more info here.

Chef Jamie Yoo didn’t waste time expanding. Slightly more than a year after opening his stand at The Market at Malcolm Yards, he took advantage of the vacancy left by Boludo’s move (see above) to set up shop in South Minneapolis. And yes, the insanely popular Korean fried chicken sandwich, served on a tender milk bun and topped with pickled vegetables, Asian mayo, and spicy gochujang or sesame-ginger-garlic sauce, made the trip. That menu item joins other favorites — the chicken sausage Abang Dog, marinated barbecue pork, grilled cauliflower — as well as an extended family of ssam offerings. Heads-up: Inside seating is limited, so think about ordering ahead and carrying out instead as winter moves in.

No reservations. Find more info here.

Oh, Petite Léon, what can’t you do? You continue to amaze with your flavors culled from the Yucatán and beyond, a drink repertoire to rival any near or far, and a convivial atmosphere that welcomes one and all (if you can snag a reservation). And in September, The New York Times hailed you as one of the 50 restaurants it’s loving most in 2022. We couldn’t be prouder. For those who haven’t yet made it to the South Minneapolis gem, now’s the time to take your place at the table and dive into gorgeous creations like a high-rising wedge salad; construct-your-own lamb birria; steak tartare hit with the flavors of peanut, lime, and caramel; or shrimp and grits paired with winter squash and chili crisp. Finish off dinner with a silky slice of Tarta de Queso, a Basque-style cheesecake imbued with hints of caramel and vanilla, or another one of bar genius Travis Serbus’ imaginative cocktails.

Although the St. Paul location recently closed, it’s full speed ahead for this South Minneapolis site. In addition to expected items like sushi platters, nigiri, sashimi, ramen, and rice and noodle dishes, this Japanese restaurant has a few surprises up its sleeve. First is the pressed sushi, aka oshizushi: rice topped with classic ingredients (salmon, tobiko, shiso, seaweed) and compacted, then cut into bite-size rectangular blocks. Then there are the — wait for it — hot dogs. Yes, hot dogs, four different types, including one topped with yuzu mayo and shishito peppers and another with sauteed mushrooms and Parmesan cheese. There’s a robust selection of sake available by the carafe or bottle. Opt for a flight if you can’t choose just one.

This is the place to come when you’re on the hunt for a killer cocktail and want to feel a little fancy. The overall atmosphere is chic yet comfy. And, with its exposed brick, subdued lighting, and a few booths for two, the lounge sets the mood for a romantic night out. Drinks are the focus, and they live up to the hype. Embrace the season with the Fall Old Fashioned, accented with barrel-aged maple syrup, or dive into the Frozen Lake, “the coldest martini you’ve ever had.” Great care has gone into the curating the wine list, as well, which is sure to feature a new-to-you vineyard or varietal. A small food menu offers accompaniments like cola-infused wings, mussels, a charcuterie board, and chips with housemade dips.

No reservations. Find more info here.

A Selby Avenue favorite, La Grolla has been serving handmade pastas and other Italian hits for almost 20 years. Cozy up to a dish of fettuccine Alfredo, crab-and-shrimp-stuffed ravioli in a lobster sauce, or gnocchi alla Bolognese, bookended by the signature Capesante starter — scallops wrapped in angel-hair pasta and deep fried — and the espresso-laced tiramisu. There’s plenty that doesn’t fall into the pasta category as well (braised lamb shank, pancetta-wrapped pork tenderloin, blackened Atlantic salmon), if you want to include a traditional secondi course. Those stopping in during lunchtime should keep an eye out for the midday special: a pasta and salad combo for $14.

It can be easy to forget about this open-all-day diner that stares out at 394, but it’s well worth finding (or refinding) your way there for the hearty portions, upbeat vibe, divine baked goods, and parking galore. The kitchen especially wows at breakfast, where the choices run on and on and on. A special shoutout goes to the souffléd pancakes, the plate-size German oven pancake, the bread pudding French toast, and the Big Luigi, a platter of eggs scrambled with vegetables, cheese, and homemade Italian sausage, served alongside fried potatoes. Good Day doesn’t skimp on sips, either, pouring the usual suspects (beer, wine) in addition to a fun selection of mimosas, spiked hot chocolate, Irish coffee, and a signature bloody mary.

Call 763-544-0205 for reservations.

When you’re ready to put your dinner fate in the hands of the culinary gods, come to Tenant. This tiny space just blocks away from Lake Harriet offers a set tasting menu — meaning, no choices need be made — to be revealed when you arrive. The kitchen doesn’t settle for one type of cuisine but rather takes its cues from the season, spreading the love among six courses, with an optional wine pairing. Those that cook the food are typically those that serve it, too, a fun interactive touch. The vibe is casual and music-heavy, thanks to the records spinning throughout the night. For a real treat, reserve one of the eight seats at the counter, where you can watch your meal come to life. If you arrive before your table time, hit up adjacent bar Tenant Next Door for a cocktail, nibbles, and even a game of pool.

Dinner gets a lot of attention here, thanks to items like the Luxe Burger (high-end beef + a rich butter of truffles and foie gras, all on a tender brioche bun), KFC (Korean-fried cauliflower), and the Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich — often described as the best of its kind in the Cities. Those dishes are enough to elevate what could just be a bar with good food to gastropub status. But don’t let the late-day menu steal all the thunder; weekend brunch is worth a stop-in as well. You’ll find those same three models of perfection, as well as a handful of brekkie staples like chicken and waffles, two types of Benedict, and a French toast amped up with the flavors of Hawaii. If you’re the type who likes to take a walk on the wild side, try the Ghost Bowl, a hearty entree where fried eggs, potatoes, cheese, bacon, guac, wild rice, vegetables, and ghost pepper aioli combine to add a little heat to your day.