Shark fin for breakfast, top-secret tamales and other random highlights from the Twin Cities’ surprisingly well-rounded, ever-expanding global dining scene.

Best All in the Family Dining Experience
Harry Singh’s and Marla’s Caribbean (Caribbean)

We like Harry Singh’s for their homey space, but the roti dhalpourie—a giant crepe the circumference of a pizza, filled with your choice of curry stew (we recommend the chicken)—is the star of the show here. It’s best when finished with Harry’s housemade hot sauce, but use caution—the warning’s right on the bottle: “Oh God! It’s hot!” Head further south for a taste of Harry’s sister Marla’s take on the popular Indo-Trinidadian dish. Whose is better? We’re not about to start a family feud.

P.S. No alcohol is served at Harry’s or Marla’s but no matter: choose a refreshing grapefruit-flavored Ting soda for your beverage accompaniment.

2653 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.729.6181 // 3761 Bloomington Ave. Mpls.; 612.724.3088

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Best Reason to Bring a Designated Driver to Dinner
St. Petersburg Restaurant and Vodka Bar (Russian)

You already know that vodka is the national drink of Russia and at St. Petersburg, the zany Russian eatery on the edge of Robbinsdale, you can sample no fewer than 200 varieties from around the world (you may want to spread this out amongst a few visits). Try the flights, 4 shots for $10, which our booze goggles measured far taller than the advertised 1oz. each. Oh, the food’s good too. 

P.S. If all that hooch really clouds your judgment, a serving of beluga caviar can be yours for $199.

3610 France Ave. N., Robbinsdale; 763.587.1787

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Best Way to Eat Japanese Sans Sushi
Moto-i (Japanese)

Moto-i is a Japanese-style pub that serves brewed-on-site sake and “snacks to go with alcohol” like lotus chips and Thai beef jerky. Don’t miss complex dishes such as a recent small plate of Morokyu cucumber dressed in miso, Japanese aioli and fish roe.

P.S. Your server will have an encyclopedic knowledge of the nuances in the day’s featured sake—take advantage.

2940 Lyndale Ave., Mpls.; 612.821.6262


Where to Take the Sushi-Phobe
Chino Latino (Pan-Global)

Chino’s tasty rolls are light on raw fish and heavy on populist prep and presentation. Snoop Dogg’s Smoked Out Salmon Roll, for example, is deep fried smoked salmon and cream cheese. Sounds more like fair food than sushi, which helps explain the rolls’ popularity.

P.S. Pair a few Indonesian-style satays with your Snoop Dogg sushi. 

2916 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.824.PUPU


Where to Take the out-of-town Sushi Snob
Origami (Japanese)

Said snob probably laughs at the notion of finding world-class seafood in Minnesota. Prove her wrong at this elegant Warehouse District sushi temple, where it’s best to order omakase (a.k.a., chef’s choice). It’ll get you the freshest fish and make your foodie friend swoon.

P.S. The Origami West branch is now open near Ridgedale.
30 N. First St. #1, Mpls.; 612.333.8430 // 12305 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.746.3398

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Best Excuse to Watch a Gyrating Dancer While Eating Lemon Soup
Jerusalem’s (Middle Eastern)

Dusty, billowing satin ceiling covers, candlelight, the tribal strains of Middle Eastern percussion, the heady funk of cumin, the ample hips of a belly dancer … there’s something about dinner at Jerusalem’s that feels a little naughty. Which is, of course, why we return again and again. Warm things up even more with their rich lemon soup—one of our all-time favorite dishes.

P.S.  Make it date night and order the Sheik’s Delight Dinner for two, featuring a shareable portion of everything good.

1518 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; 612.871.8883

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Best Reason to Swear off Meat For a Meal
The Vegetarian (Indian)

Columbia Heights may seem like a long haul for veggies, but The Vegetarian puts out vegetarian and vegan food so beautiful you’ll find yourself swearing off steak. Take the Dosa, a savory crepe so big and dramatic it practically needs its own table. Fill it with your choice of chutneys, curries and legumes, each one completely vegetarian friendly, yet satisfying in the way a mid-rare burger can be.

P.S.  Get more bang for your buck with the exquisite daily lunch and dinner buffets.

4022 Central Ave. N.E., Mpls.; 763.782.9678