(612) 922-0100
5555 Xerxes Ave S
Minneapolis,
MN
55410
44.9025
-93.3185
Neighborhoods: Armatage, Southwest
Price:
$$
Last updated 8.17.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
Check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, People Watching, Online Reservations, Date Spot, Group Dining, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
What People Are Saying About Cave Vin
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
In Short – Warm lighting and comfy banquettes along the walls soften the sleek, minimalist decor at this roomy storefront. But hardwood floors and hard surfaces mean it's still excessively loud. The nonchalant, smartly dressed, southwest Minneapolis crowd doesn't seem to mind. Entrees range from a succulent pink steak with salty, crispy frites, to the French comfort food standard, roast chicken. Specials have featured herbed halibut with lemon-spiked wine sauce or a tangle of pasta with spring vegetables.
Editor's Tips
- What to Drink:
- The short wine list is well-chosen, inexpensive and complements the food nicely. You'll spend about $5 to $10 a glass.
- The Extras:
- Try Cave Vin's sister restaurant, Pane Vino Dolce.
Best kept secret in Minneapolis
by Meshak33 at Citysearch
I understand this understated gem has been in our city over 8 years. Who knew? You wouldn't know from the outside but once inside my experience was superb. The best escargot I've had anywhere. The braised short ribs left me speechless. And the Tres Lechi is the best in the city. I've been there several times now; weekends are jam packed. My favorite is Monday (yes they're open), or Thursday. The owner and staff treat you as family, the food is magnificent and extremely consistent. A 'must try' in South Minnie.
Poor Reservations and Service/Good Food
by Hungry Up North at Citysearch
We had a 7:30 reservation for four but had to wait 20 minutes as the host seated a party ahead of us with no reservation. It took 1 1/2 hours to receive our meal. Waitress only checked in once. Salmon was perfectly cooked, scallops were good, pork was good, cauliflower soup was very bland. Frog legs had great flavor, but make sure you like LOTS of butter. Very loud, but comfortable seating. Would've given higher rating if service wasn't so poor.
Great service and Amazing Ambiance
by LACHULAMELI at Citysearch
I found out about Cafe Vin via the Alliance Francaise monthly emails and went directly to the nicely laid out website. One of my close friends and I went and to say the least were very impressed. This quaint, candlelite, intimate place is a perfect combination of rare, amazing service and delicious variety of food selections one could hope to find. I plan on returning very soon. This is perfect for an intimate dinner or sharing dessert with the love of your life. For an individual as picky as I am, do not take this review lightly. I promise, you will not be dissappointed. Thank you for providing the level or service, and the quality of food at a price one would expect at a ridiculously expensive place.
Best mussels
by Jenzo1584 at Citysearch
this is a great hidden gem. The waiter/waitress are amazing, half price bottle of wine on Monday and Tuesday and the food is to die for. By far one of e greatest restaurants in mpls. This is a must
Best food for the price
by bigeater612 at Citysearch
We showed up and it didnt look like much from the outside. Remember, looks can be deceiving. It actually looks like a tiny hole in the wall place next to a dry cleaners, but the atmosphere, delicious food, and righteous prices make up for it. Never judge this book by the cover.
I ate mussels for the first time yesterday and they were absolutely delicious. Their steak reminded me of a mannys, mortons of chicago, jax, or capitol grill, but was about half the price. The staff were all very polite and were on top of making sure our glasses were kept full.
They will get my business anytime I am in the South Minneapolis/Edina area.
- Pros: High quality everything
- Cons: no scotch or hard liquor, only beer and wine

