Spoonriver Restaurant

People who take their diet seriously have a friend in Spoonriver owner Brenda Langton: Vegetables, and specifically locally grown, organic vegetables, are the root of most of her dishes, and cream, butter, sweeteners and oil are only garnishes. Even without the prop of fat, many of the dishes are not merely artful and creative, but downright sensuous. For example, a summer heirloom tomato and watermelon salad looks like a sculpture, with pillars of carefully cut watermelon, tomato, and herbs all placed in a line, but as you use a fork to knock down your tiny candy-colored skyscraper city you find summer sweetness in its most lilting form. No wonder so many diners at Spoonriver pause at some point, wondering, What's the name of that spa that all the rich people go to in California? Never mind, Spoonriver's biodynamic and organic-heavy wine list; playful cocktails, including a prickly pear Margarita made with house-infused pineapple tequila; and the vibrant sunset-colored room prove that you don't have to leave Minneapolis to eat with enlightenment.

• Cuisine(s): Brunch, Health, Seafood, Vegetarian

  Hours: Sun 10am-10pm, Tue-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm, Fri 11:30am-11:30pm, Sat 10am-11:30pm

  Price: $$, $$$

• Attire: Casual

  Features: Business Dining, Catering, Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible

  Serving: Breakfast, Dinner

• Alcohol: Full bar

  Reservations: Accepted

  Parking: Garage, Street