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$$$ | Global/New American
In this graciously restored fieldstone building, Sanctuary's menu spans the globe with new-age verve. Call it classic fusion-Latino and Asian flavors via French technique. Chef Patrick Atanalian's plates are surprisingly precise and balanced. Michael Kutscheid, polished maitre d' and co-owner, presides with enthusiasm and charm.
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WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
Critics' Rating
100 = Perfect
90 = Excellent
80 = Very Good
70 = Good, but Flawed
60 = High Average
50 = Average
40 = Low Average
30 = Disappointing
20 = Nearly Without Merit
10 = Poor
00 = Worthless
95
Metromix | Katie Cannon
01/30/09
After all the complexities and plot twists and turns, it turns out that the culprit, the one that slayed my heart, was a typical sideline character that usually goes unnoticed by the crowd ...a dish of vanilla ice cream.
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87
StarTribune | Rick Nelson
03/26/08
At Sanctuary, Atanalian's seasonally minded cooking feels less frantic and more approachable, without losing the essence of his idiosyncratic style. The unlikely ingredient combinations are still there, but they whisper rather than shout. And in many instances they just feel right.
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85
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine | Beth Dooley
05/08
It's with a firm hand and traditional sensibilities that this chef keeps fierce flavors in check. Nothing called undue attention to itself; the dishes were nuanced and balanced.
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80
Gayot
... chef Patrick Atanalian cooks with energy and innovation, drawing inspiration from his southern French roots but tapping into flavors and styles from around the world.
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80
Minnesota Monthly | James Norton
01/08
Perhaps most emblematic of Atanalian's powerful style is a beef-carpaccio appetizer that combines the primal flavor of the meat with the potent taste of white anchovies and delicate rings of red onion. If it looks deranged on paper, it tastes fantastic in real life-and exemplifies the sort of zaniness experienced eaters have come to expect from Kutscheid and Atanalian.
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80
Secrets of the City | Jeremy Iggers
01/30/08
Atanalian became notorious for such cutting edge culinary pranks as beef tenderloin with plantains, pepperoncici, sweet mango rum sauce and a Coca-Cola crème fraiche, and halibut with a gummi bear crayfish broth. He plays it a bit straighter this time around, but there is no lack of invention in the current Sanctuary menu.
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Eater's Rating
0 = Worthless
1 = Nearly Without Merit
2 = Poor
3 = Disappointing
4 = Low Average
5 = Average
6 = High Average
7 = Good, not Great
8 = Very Good
9 = Excellent
10 = Perfect, Without Peer
EATER RESTAURANT COMMENTS + RATINGS
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Advertisement
Sanctuary, with its chandeliers and vaguely gothic ambiance - protected by gargoyles like the sanctuaries of Europe - is elegant, yet comfortable. It is meant to be a haven where food, service and music please the senses.
Sanctuary’s Executive Chef Patrick Atanalian cooks up New American Cuisine, deftly combining immigrant influences from the Mediterranean to Japan into dishes that are delicious, beautiful and satisfying. The offerings stay enticing with weekday Tasting Menus, special features for both fish lovers and vegetarians on Fridays and Saturdays…and about a third of the menu changes every other month.
A fireplace warms cold nights - a patio with flowers and herbs celebrates summer. With thick limestone, rough timbers and ceiling beams dating back to the 1860's, it reminds you of that small place you'd love to visit again. |
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