Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
January 18, 2022
By Naasir Akailvi
The restaurant is soft opening throughout January, with plans to expand its hours in February.
Chicago-based restaurant group Infuse Hospitality has opened Noa in IDS Center, filling a sit-down space that’s been vacant since before the Covid-19 pandemic upended the Twin Cities dining scene.
Noa, a “California-inspired” restaurant with a kitchen led by Executive Chef Greg Malisko, is having a soft launch during January with weekday service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It plans to expand service to dinner, weekends and events in February.
The restaurant opened on the street-level space formerly occupied by Mission American Kitchen, which closed in 2020 just weeks before Covid-19 shutdowns spread across the United States — evidence that full-service restaurants were having a rough go of things even before the pandemic.
Demand for sit-down dining is still unsteady, especially with the fast-spreading omicron variant drawing a new wave of restrictions for hospitality businesses in Minneapolis. But Deb Kolar, the general manager of the IDS Center, hopes Noa fills a need in the heart of the city.
“We look forward to providing a go-to gathering space for all to enjoy fresh, chef-crafted fare, artisan cocktails and excellent hospitality at the IDS Center.” she said.
Seared Salmon and Roasted Chicken Breast are two of the eight main dishes the restaurant offers.
Noa’s menu includes dishes such as crispy chicken thighs, Barbacoa street tacos and the double-patty Noa Burger. You can see the full menu here.
Beverage-wise, patrons will be able to choose from local brew labels like Indeed and Fair State, in addition to a wine menu and mocktails like the curried mango soda, Low Tide.
The space, designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Barker Nestor Inc., complements its earthy tones with potted greenery. The 240-seat eatery also offers seating in the Crystal Court’s atrium, which recently underwent renovations itself.
Infuse Hospitality is also the operator of Fairgrounds Coffee in the North Loop neighborhood.