Diane’s Place, a notable restaurant located in Minneapolis, has been awarded the title of 2025 Restaurant of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine. The announcement will be featured in the October issue of the publication, set to hit newsstands on September 19, 2024. This recognition highlights the culinary achievements of chef-owner Diane Moua and general manager Heather Ann Mady, who opened the restaurant in the spring of 2024.
The accolade underscores the restaurant’s dedication to offering an “exquisite menu featuring comforting breakfast, brunch, and dinner dishes, as well as delectable pastries and desserts.” According to Food & Wine, the establishment is celebrated for its ability to blend Hmong tradition with culinary artistry. Following the call announcing the honor, Moua expressed her joy, stating, “I’m so happy and excited,” in an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Exceptional Service and Community Roots
Hunter Lewis, editor of Food & Wine, noted that their restaurant scouts visited hundreds of establishments over the past year. He praised Diane’s Place for its “exceptionally high level of service and hospitality,” as well as for how Moua and her team share Hmong foodways with the local community. Moua reflected on the recent accolades, including a two-star review from the New York Times, emphasizing the restaurant’s community-oriented mission.
“For me, to have these national publications come here… it’s a neighborhood restaurant!” she said. Moua highlighted the importance of care within the restaurant’s operations: “I care for my employees. They care for our guests. And we get to be the change we want to see in this industry.”
The support from her family also plays a crucial role in the restaurant’s success. Moua’s parents drive over two and a half hours from their Wisconsin farm weekly to supply the restaurant with fresh vegetables. “I try to say I can come down there — it’s so far. But they say, ‘No, no, you’re busy,’” she recounted.
Commitment to Comfort Food
Moua’s vision for Diane’s Place has always centered around the concept of comfort food. “We have always had such a strong community and I’m so grateful to my neighbors and my staff,” she remarked. The restaurant aims to provide a sense of solace for patrons, especially during challenging times. “When you’re having a hard day, all you want is comfort. That’s what we try to do.”
In addition to its recent recognition by Food & Wine, Diane’s Place was also named one of the Star Tribune’s Restaurants of the Year in 2024. Earlier this year, Moua received a nomination for the Best Chef: Midwest award from the James Beard Foundation, further solidifying her influence in the culinary landscape.
As the restaurant continues to thrive, Diane’s Place remains committed to serving its community with heartfelt dishes and exceptional hospitality. Reservations are available through their website, dianesplacemn.com, and through the Resy platform. The recognition from Food & Wine marks another milestone in the journey of a restaurant dedicated to culinary excellence and community connection.
