My friend brought me here for a birthday dinner. She found out about this place through tiktok. I loved the atmosphere and the food was delicious. My friend ordered one of the Chelah kebab. I ordered lamb Collar. Great portion sizes. Great service.
Overview
If you're in Minneapolis and looking for a unique dining experience, Caspian Bistro And Gourmet Marketplace should be at the top of your list. Located at 2418 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, this cozy spot blends a bistro atmosphere with a gourmet marketplace, offering a rich, diverse menu that will appeal to anyone craving Mediterranean-inspired flavors with a modern twist.
One of the standout features of Caspian Bistro And Gourmet Marketplace is its menu, which beautifully fuses traditional Mediterranean ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques. Whether you’re in the mood for a light bite or a hearty meal, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Their freshly made hummus is a local favorite, served with warm, fluffy pita bread. The menu also offers a wide array of kebabs, each grilled to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning. The beef kebabs, in particular, are tender and full of flavor, offering a true taste of the Mediterranean.
What makes this bistro even more unique is the gourmet marketplace attached to it. It’s not just a place to grab a meal; it's a spot where food enthusiasts can purchase high-quality Mediterranean products to take home. From olive oils and spices to freshly baked breads and imported cheeses, the marketplace provides a one-stop shop for cooking enthusiasts. The curated selection reflects the bistro’s commitment to high standards and ensures that you can recreate some of your favorite dishes at home.
The restaurant’s ambiance plays a big role in the overall experience. The intimate, yet welcoming environment of Caspian Bistro And Gourmet Marketplace is perfect for a date night or a casual meal with friends. The décor captures a warm, rustic Mediterranean feel, with natural wood accents and soft lighting creating a relaxed atmosphere. The open kitchen layout allows diners to watch as their meals are being prepared, adding to the overall charm of the place.
A visit to Caspian Bistro And Gourmet Marketplace isn’t complete without indulging in one of their signature desserts. The baklava, with its perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, is an absolute must-try. It’s a great way to end your meal on a high note while sipping on a traditional Turkish coffee or a glass of rich red wine.
In addition to its fantastic food, Caspian Bistro And Gourmet Marketplace also stands out for its commitment to providing exceptional customer service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help guide you through the menu, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. Their attention to detail and focus on creating a personalized experience make all the difference, adding to the overall appeal of the restaurant.
Whether you're a local resident or just passing through, a visit to Caspian Bistro And Gourmet Marketplace is well worth it. The combination of a delicious menu, unique marketplace offerings, and inviting atmosphere makes it one of Minneapolis' hidden gems. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy flavorful, wholesome food while immersing yourself in a unique cultural experience.
The next time you’re in the area, stop by Caspian Bistro And Gourmet Marketplace for a memorable meal that combines the best of Mediterranean cuisine with the charm of a local bistro.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Halal food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 855 reviews
Been coming here a long time and the food and the service is top notch. There's several things on the menu. My favorite are #41 and #25. The pistachio ice cream is literally the best ice cream I've ever had in my entire life.
Excellent quality, clean, and healthy food. Family owned and operated for decades, with a warm and welcoming environment. The owners and staff are genuinely friendly, passionate, and kind — it truly feels like home. They also have a Middle Eastern/Persian store next door with an incredible selection of products from the Middle East and Iran. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find! Highly recommended — a wonderful dining and shopping experience.
Absolutely love coming here. The food is amazing, the staff is friendly, and the market is wonderful with very affordable pricing.
Just a really nice dinner with my wife. Prompt, friendly service. We, two, were seated right away around 6 pm on a weeknight -- without a reservation -- but traffic was picking up shortly thereafter. We each ordered Gyros (or Doner) from the entree menu, and it was delicious. I enjoyed the hot tea well enough to pick some up at their market, hence my photo here. I'm not a big desert guy, but my better half said the baklava was the best she's ever had. I hope to return when we can look around the market a bit more. Must mention: I noticed while we were there that their website About section said, "Over 30 years ago, four Persian brothers had a dedication, passion and innate drive...and The Caspian was created." I suspected our server might be a brother, and he explained he was "the baby." :)
The owner of this restaurant/shop is just devine. I go here to buy tea (they have an amazing selection if Ahmed teas, as well as several other brands) as well as whatever other goodies I see! He always is so sweet and usually has some story to share with us as we check out. He had quinces on display, so we were blessed with a beautiful story involving a recipe his Mother used to make with them. Made me feel nostalgic for big families, slow/home cooking, people with manners and grace and old-world style. And this day, we also stayed for a warm bowl of lentil soup (not on the menu) with fresh pita and a cup of hot house blend tea.... perfection on a cold MN day! Chef's kiss!!!
This place is as much of a restaurant as it is an ethnographic museum showcasing the rich cultural and gastronomical traditions of Iran. The chicken in the zereshk polo is cooked to perfection. To my delight, I also got to enjoy some tasty bastani (saffron and pistachio ice-cream) and a friendly conversation with the owner