Just walking into D’Amico Cucina in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an experience. You know that you’re surrounded by class, professionalism and an attention to detail that is actually quite rare, even in fine dining establishments. D’Amico Cucina combines old world values and food with new world flair. The staff is gracious; in fact, D’Amico Cucina combines the traditions of the “old world” with Midwestern politeness without diluting either. I will say that the initial impression might be a bit intimidating to some; this is a formal restaurant. There is no formal dress code, though it would be ill advised to not dress at least as well as ‘casual Friday’ at the office. And most of the people there the night I was there had jackets or suits on.
I’ve only visited Minneapolis a couple of times. And while Minneapolis restaurants generally hold up quite well with other mid-sized cities, the New Yorker in me, try as I might, can’t quite ever think anything is quite as good as the average places at home in my beloved Big Apple. While I expected a good Italian meal at D’Amico Cucina, I didn’t necessarily expect to be overwhelmed.
Well, D’Amico Cucina is different. My co-workers (or co-eaters) and I ordered the six course tasting menu. We were served delicious fish, including scallops and sea bass to start. Both were prepared with vegetables with just the right amount of sweetness applied. The highlight to me was what followed. The beef ribeye was after the fish and was as flavorful as I have ever had (and I like my ribeye!). In actuality, the menu itself at D’Amico Cucina is in some ways quite basic; but that is, I believe, because they know how to prepare and serve the food correctly. There is no need for ‘smoke and mirrors’ at D’Amico Cucina.
Throughout the course of the tasting menu, we were served corresponding wines. D’Amico Cucina is justifiably proud of its wine list. According to its website, it has a wine collection worth over $200,000. Being a lover of wines, but hardly an expert, I almost felt guilty for partaking in wine that I somehow thought I wasn’t worthy of. Well, our waiter went out of his way to explain what we were drinking and what to expect, and why each was selected for the corresponding course of the tasting menu. I actually learned something along with having a great tasting dinner and excellent wine.
My only nitpick was that the portions were just a bit on the small side at D’Amico Cucina. But as is often the case with tasting menus, I realized that I, and probably most people, tend to overeat when presented with all the food at once because I was anything but hungry by the end.
The main menu, which I did not order from, includes a wide variety of raviolis, pastas, fish and lamb based dishes. All of which are prepared in a very authentic, yet accessible style based on what I saw from the reactions of the other patrons and the presentations of the food itself. The entrees range in price from $24 to $36 at D’Amico Cucina.
While D’Amico Cucina is probably not the place to go for vegetarian dishes, it does offer a vegetarian option, which includes a vegetable pave with spinach and a cheese fondue.
We ate at D’Amico Cucina on a Tuesday night and while we had reservations, I’m not sure we would have needed them. D’Amico Cucina doesn’t require them and I didn’t see any small groups (I was with three others) waiting for any significant period of time. But still, it wouldn’t hurt to reserve a table should you plan to eat at D’Amico Cucina. You can make reservations by calling (612) 338-2401.
D’Amico Cucina is not really geared for kids, from what I could see. That said, at the table next to ours, there was a family with two kids who seemed to be under ten years old. The parents and kids all seemed to be having an enjoyable evening. While there isn’t a ‘kids menu’ the reserved yet friendly attitude of the staff seemed very welcoming and made it welcoming for people of all ages.
D’Amico Cucina is located in the Butler Square neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its address is 100 North 6th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota. D’Amico Cucina is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30PM to 9:00PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, D’Amico Cucina is open from 5:30PM to 10:00PM.
A jazz bands plays on the weekends; though we were there midweek, the waiter told us about them. While I’m not sure I will be returning on a weekend, I would certainly like to hear that as it seems to be a perfect complement to the rest of the ambiance.
Valet Parking is available at D’Amico Cucina for an $8.00 charge.
D’Amico Cucina is available for banquets as well. They accept all major credit cards.
Overall, a great experience at D’Amico Cucina. I expect that work will take me back to Minneapolis, Minnesota frequently and I will make sure to visit it again. D’Amico Cucina is the ideal place for a romantic dinner with your spouse or date while also being an excellent selection for a business dinner.
