The heart of Downtown Minneapolis can feel like a desert for good Italian food. If you’re unwilling (or don’t have the time) to step over to the North Loop, Zelo is your best option for contemporary Italian cuisine that will satisfy your craving. The restaurant has built a loyal following that returns year after year for the Herb Linguini With Lamb, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, and Walleye Milanese (because this is, after all, Minnesota).

The beloved Italian eatery on the corner of Nicollet and 9th Street closed its doors for three years and reopened for dinner in March 2023. Zelo wasn’t just a favorite of the lunch and happy hour crowds; downtown locals frequented the restaurant for date nights and impromptu dinners out. After getting feedback from local professionals that they’d love to grab lunch there again, Zelo relaunched its lunch service Tuesday through Thursday.

Offering contemporary, upscale Italian food on Nicollet Mall with a focus on Midwest ingredients since 1999, Zelo is a Minneapolis go-to for special occasion meals. From housemade ravioli and walleye milanese to wild mushroom flatbread and beet caprese with local burrata, the fresh menu and white-tablecloth service combine to make any birthday, anniversary, or celebration memorable. A post shared by Robert M’s (@robertmssalon)

Zelo offers some tremendously tasty walleye dishes, but one of the most unique is certainly the Walleye Milanese. The breading is done just right, so it doesn’t weigh down the deliciously light and flaky fish, and its served with marinated tomatoes over mashed potatoes. They also offer a terrific walleye sandwich on a buttery toasted bun and an extra-rich walleye dinner plate.

Zelo will have you convinced you’ve taken a trip to Italy, as their unique pasta and pizza offer a perfect balance of flavors that can’t be found at most Italian joints. If you need help picking something from all of the awesome options on the menu, you won’t be disappointed by the tortiglioni rossa or the lasagna. What’s your go-to for great grub in Minneapolis?.

If you’re rather traditional and are looking for a contemporary space to enjoy a romantic meal, head to Zelo. It’s not only one of the most romantic restaurants in Minneapolis, but it’s also the city’s premier Italian restaurant. The modern space is classy and upbeat, offering a lively bar scene to those who wish to continue the fun even after the meal is over.

I recently visited Zelo at Nicollet Mall in the historic downtown district and indulged in their authentic Italian cuisine. As I entered the restaurant, I was treated to a warm and cozy atmosphere with ambient lighting, wooden floors, and leather couches. The laid-back setting perfectly accompanied Zelo’s handcrafted meals and authentic wine collection.

With a promise that “dining is more than a menu: it is an experience,” Zelo has been living up to that belief in the impeccable quality of its setting, service and cuisine for 25 years. That’s what makes this restaurant such an astute pick for a birthday dinner in Minneapolis — everyone likes to feel special on their special day, do they not?

This restaurant is a popular one for those who want authentic Italian food done right. While it would be easy to dismiss the menu as basic, guests are impressed with just how incredible everyday food can be when it's done right. This restaurant opened in 1999 and remains a favorite to this day.

It’s the perfect place for a romantic date or intimate gathering with friends. The menu boasts a broad variety of exceptional dishes, including the must-try pesto-crusted sea bass paired with wasabi mashed potatoes. Round off your meal with a tasty cobbler for a truly satisfying experience.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,325 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 831 Nicollet Mall Medical Arts Building, street level, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2506- Read more on Tripadvisor

831 Nicollet MallMinneapolis, MN 55402(612) 333-7000 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Zelo is a sophisticated, contemporary restaurant offering locally sourced fresh Italian fare.