Mara Restaurant and Bar

4.3
500 reviews

About

Mediterranean RestaurantRestaurantBreakfast RestaurantBarCocktail LoungeWine BarBrunch RestaurantFrench RestaurantFine Dining RestaurantDessert Shop
Mara Restaurant and Bar, led by acclaimed Chef Gavin Kaysen, is a premier Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Minneapolis, located at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis. Indulge in handmade pastas, wood-fired meats, and fresh seafood, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re savoring breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, enjoy an inviting ambiance, an extensive wine list, and signature cocktails. Perfect for a night out, a special occasion, or a stop near Target Center, Mara offers an unforgettable dining experience between North Loop and downtown Minneapolis. Featuring a thoughtfully curated dessert menu and a selection of artisanal cheeses, we ensure a delightful finish to your meal. Reserve your table today!

Details

  • Dine-inAvailable
  • DeliveryNot available
  • TakeoutNot available
  • Accepts reservationsAvailable

Location

Mara Restaurant and Bar
245 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
55401, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.3
500 reviews
5 stars
340
4 stars
67
3 stars
40
2 stars
28
1 star
25

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Service Quality

Service received mixed reviews; while many praised attentive and friendly staff, others reported rude behavior and poor service experiences.

Food Quality

Food quality varied significantly; some dishes were highly praised while others were deemed mediocre or disappointing.

Atmosphere

The restaurant's ambiance was frequently described as beautiful and elegant, contributing positively to the dining experience.

Pricing

Many customers noted that the prices were high, with some feeling that the value did not match the quality of food and service.

Diversity and Inclusion

Several reviews highlighted concerns about perceived discrimination and unwelcoming behavior towards certain groups, impacting overall customer satisfaction.
  • AA
    Autumn A
    1 day ago
    5.0
    By far the best food we have ever had, ever. We had the hummus for an appetizer and the steak and lobster risotto for dinner. Our waiter, Chadwick, was excellent. This is such a cozy and relaxing environment. I can’t wait to come back! They also had an extensive nonalcoholic drink list, which I’ve really appreciated.
  • CM
    Cullen McMillan
    Jan 5, 2026
    5.0
    Dined at Mara while in Minneapolis over the holidays. Their winter menu featured a number of delicious options, the lamb chop and hummus being two of the standouts from what we ordered. Their fresh pita included with the hummus was fantastic and set the dish wonderfully. Their drink selection featured many classics, while also having a good selection of creative and unique options that were well designed and interesting. The ambiance was good, but still felt a bit too much like a hotel restaurant (which this is). However the open kitchen and everything mentioned above made up for this minor downside. Valet parking is pretty much the only option, it is not free on the weekends as some others have said however; it is 10$ every day. Would recommend highly to anyone staying in the Four Seasons as well as for people looking for a nice dinner out.
  • ST
    Solo Traveler
    Dec 31, 2025
    5.0
    Stopped in to try Mara. I’ve been to the Miami and Honolulu locations, so expectations were set—and this one delivered. Breakfast menu is limited, which I actually appreciate. Quality over chaos. Ordered the breakfast chicken shawarma sandwich and, not exaggerating, it’s the best thing I’ve eaten in Minneapolis so far. Full stop. Coffee was strong and slightly bitter—exactly what coffee should be when it’s trying to wake you up. Berry bowl was fresh, and they easily accommodated my no-strawberries request (always a good sign). Overall, a strong first visit. I’ll be back for lunch and dinner, likely sooner than planned.
  • RF
    Rocky Frederick
    Dec 25, 2025
    1.0
    I came here for the Christmas buffet and for $500 for 2 people it was incredibly disappointing. The restaurant was less than half full yet the buffet was consistently empty or low on items. The food under the heat lamps was ice cold. My water was consistently empty. And the selection of food just wasn’t great. N/A beverages were not included with the buffet price. The normal Sunday brunch buffet is great so I’m not sure what happened here!
  • AA
    Aana Agarwal
    Dec 22, 2025
    5.0
    We did the Chef’s Table at Mara for my birthday, and I have to say, it’s one of the best tasting menus in Minneapolis. Every course was better than the last! I’m a vegetarian, and they thoughtfully catered to me—my entire 7-course meal was vegetarian and absolutely delicious. I’d heard tasting menus sometimes leave you hungry, but we were completely satisfied by the end. The service was impeccable as well. I would definitely return for any special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mara Restaurant and Bar

What type of cuisine does Mara Restaurant and Bar serve?

Led by award-winning local chef Gavin Kaysen, Mara offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, featuring bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and dishes that transport guests to coastal destinations, showcasing the flavors and techniques of 22 countries.

Does Mara serve brunch in Minneapolis?

Yes! Mara offers a luxurious Sunday brunch buffet featuring an artful dessert display, a live carving station, and a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted cocktails and specialty coffee for a truly indulgent experience.