Minnesota Spotlight: Porzana

Porzana: A Modern Argentinian Steakhouse in Minneapolis

Porzana, located in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, is a restaurant that offers a modern take on an Argentinian parrillada (steakhouse).¹ It is part of Chef Daniel del Prado’s collection of restaurants.² The name “Porzana” is significant, as it is named for a South American bird which migrates yearly from South to North.³

What Makes It Unique

• Modern Argentinian Steakhouse: Porzana is distinguished by its focus on Argentine cuisine, particularly prime beef steaks, while incorporating significant Italian and Spanish influences through its menu, which includes rich pastas and light crudos.⁴

   

• Diverse Steak Program: The steak selection is wide-ranging, featuring all prime beef from 100% grass-fed to A5 Wagyu, and includes both traditional cuts like entraña (skirt steak) and vacio (flank steak), as well as domestic and Japanese Wagyu.⁵

   

• Atmosphere and Setting: The venue is described as having a chic, modern, yet warm and inviting décor with a lively and buzzing ambiance.⁶ It occupies the former space of The Bachelor Farmer and features a beautiful, charming patio that runs the length of the building, offering a different, more hushed dining experience compared to the vibrant main dining room.⁷ The building itself, built in 1881, features historic brick walls and wood elements.⁸

   

• Chef’s Personal Roots: The restaurant is described as Chef Daniel del Prado’s most personal project yet, as it embraces his Argentinian and Italian roots.⁹

   

• Multiple Experiences: The establishment offers multiple experiences, including the main dining room, the patio, and a separate cocktail bar downstairs, the Flora Room.¹⁰

   

History

Porzana is the latest project of Chef Daniel del Prado and restaurateur Ryan Burnet, and it is located in the space previously occupied by the long-vacant Bachelor Farmer.¹¹

• Chef Daniel del Prado’s Background: Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Chef del Prado has parents of Spanish and southern Italian descent.¹² He began his culinary career in Colorado before moving to Minneapolis and working in kitchens like La Belle Vie and Solera.¹³ He collaborated with Isaac Becker at Bar La Grassa and Burch Steak and Pizza Bar before opening his own concepts, starting with Martina and Colita. Porzana is one of his more recent and ambitious ventures.¹⁴

   

• Opening: Porzana opened in the North Loop of Minneapolis.¹⁵ The opening was noted as an ambitious project building on the legacy of its predecessor, The Bachelor Farmer.¹⁶

   

Highlight Menu Items

The menu is extensive, featuring appetizers, pastas, plates, and a comprehensive steak selection.¹⁷

• Steaks and Beef: The core of the menu, featuring cuts like Grain Finished Hanger, Grass Fed Ribeye, and unique options like Koji Inoculated Flank and Japanese Wagyu A5 New York Block.¹⁸

   

• Appetizers/Crudos: Highly praised items include the Spicy Scallop Tartare, Tuna Crudo (with roasted fresno, apple, and pepitas), and the Empanadas (pork and beef with grilled pineapple pico).¹⁹

   

• Other Dishes:

  • Bigoli alla Vodka (pasta with tomato, burrata, and oregano).²⁰

     

  • Grilled Prawns (with romesco, fennel, orange, and cilantro).²¹

     

  • Papas Aplastadas (crispy potatoes with beurre blanc, parmesan, bacon, and chives).²²

     

• Desserts: Decadent desserts include the CHOCO TORTA and the “Burnt” Basque Cheesecake.²³

   

• Cocktails: The bar offers a list of original and classic cocktails, as well as an extensive wine list.²⁴

   

Customer Feedback

Overall, the consensus from patrons highlights Porzana’s ability to deliver a memorable dining experience.

• Positive Feedback: Customers frequently praise the outstanding service and high quality of food, particularly the steaks, unique cocktails, and the upscale, romantic ambiance, especially the outdoor patio.²⁵ The dining experience is often described as a “celebratory experience” and a popular choice for special occasions. The diverse range of steak cuts at various price points is also noted as a positive.

   

• Minor Critiques: Some reviews have mentioned occasional inconsistencies in service (like delays) and issues with specific dishes (such as being overly salty or charred).²⁶ The main dining room can be vibrant, with some finding the volume a bit high for quiet conversation.

   

Significant Events

While a specific, public, recurring event is not detailed, the venue is structured to host a variety of private and corporate events.²⁷

• Private Events: Porzana offers three separate private event spaces—the Cordoba Room, Mendoza Room, and Cuyo Room—as well as a full restaurant buyout option for larger events, accommodating up to 150 for a seated dinner.

Contact and Location Information

• Address: 200 N.²⁸ 1ST ST. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55401

   

• Phone Number: ²⁹$612.489.6174$

   

• Email: [email protected]³⁰

   

• Website: https://www.porzanampls.com/