Those looking for a truly unique dining experience will not be disappointed with Sanjusan in Minneapolis. This Minnesota fusion restaurant blends Japanese and Italian cuisines, turning each meal into a sublime flavor journey. And, yes – you can eat both spaghetti and sashimi at Sanjusan.
Sanjusan is located in the North Loop neighborhood, near the Minneapolis Federal Reserve.
Google Street View/Sanjusan, 33 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis, MN
It occupies the main floor of a historic, brick building that it shares with two sister restaurants.
Jasmine Jenkins/Google Reviews
This popular, upscale spot is home to some of the most interesting fusion happening in the Twin Cities restaurant scene.
Sanjusan/Google Perhaps one could stretch credulity a bit and suggest that Marco Polo and the Silk Road somehow connected the Italian and Japanese cultures, but the reality is that the two cuisines are not typically thought of as complementary. However, Sanjusan thoroughly disabuses that notion.
Its menu includes inspired pizzas.
Matthew Van Den Broek One of the most popular, named for local star chef Isaac Becker, boasts spicy raw tuna, cilantro, endive, and lime. You could also have pepperoni, if you prefer.
Protein enthusiasts will appreciate Sanjusan’s yakitori selection.
Harris Kleyman/Google
Sanjusan’s popular pasta plates include its impeccable pappardelle, tossed with squid ink, seafood bolognese, and pecorino.
Sumaih/Google
The restaurant’s pasta selections also include chitarra and mussels, mentaiko lumache, and spaghetti ai uni (with snow crab, serrano, and basil).
Annie H./Google
Sanjusan’s tasty small plates include raw options like yellowtail crudo (there’s your sashimi) and beef carapaccio, made with Wagyu. We recommend the grilled octopus, as well.
Tam Le/Google
Have you tried Sanjusan? What was your favorite menu item?
Google Street View/Sanjusan, 33 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis, MN
Jasmine Jenkins/Google Reviews
Sanjusan/Google
Perhaps one could stretch credulity a bit and suggest that Marco Polo and the Silk Road somehow connected the Italian and Japanese cultures, but the reality is that the two cuisines are not typically thought of as complementary. However, Sanjusan thoroughly disabuses that notion.
Matthew Van Den Broek
One of the most popular, named for local star chef Isaac Becker, boasts spicy raw tuna, cilantro, endive, and lime. You could also have pepperoni, if you prefer.
Harris Kleyman/Google
Sumaih/Google
Annie H./Google
Tam Le/Google
If you’re looking for other unique dining experiences in Minneapolis, check out Afro Deli & Grill, an Afro-fusion restaurant that offers flavors from many of the continent’s cultures. Another must-try is Owamni by The Sioux Chef, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that specializes in “decolonized” cuisine, with modern dishes using ingredients that pre-date European colonization of the Americas. Owamni is a hot ticket, though, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.
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Address: Sanjusan, 33 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
