Tilia — Restaurant in Minneapolis

With almost 250 reviews, I know I am just throwing another twig on the bonfire of glowing reviews, but brunch at Tilia is the real deal. Thank you my Local Guide bretheran for putting this magnificent little bistro on my radar during a recent jaunt to the Twin Cities. I am counting the days until my next visit.

With one minor exception, my brunch at Tilia was a magical experience. The one negative was the parking situation. To put it bluntly, it blows major chunkage. After leaving the restaurant, I found a $40 parking ticket on my windshield, but my meal left me in such a blissful state that it really didn't bother me too much.

Now on to the good stuff: Our server was three kinds of wonderful: helpful, funny and attentive. She gladly volunteered suggestion on a menu chock full of enticing options, kept an eagle eye on beverage levels and just made the overall experience awesome in every way. The fact that she talked us into getting the transcendent glazed brioche doughnut earns her best in class status.

I adored the intimate interior of Tilia. We sat in a booth between the bar and the open kitchen, so I watched the efficient staff manage both facets of the operation during the busy brunch service. Despite a full house, our table had no problem speaking to one another at conversational levels.

While I enjoyed the doughnut holes filled with smoked maple cream and powdered sugar, the glazed kefir lime & coconut brioche doughnuts were truly sublime. I've tried many a doughnut in my day and I dare say this specimen is the best doughnut to ever cross my lips. It's been two months since my visit to Tilia and I still reminisce about the incredible texture and nuanced flavors of this pastry.

My chilequiles with poached eggs were a symphony of flavors (carnitas roasted pork, charred sweet corn, avocado, salsa verde & queso fresco) all working together to make a harmonized dish.

The same can be said for my daughter's omelet - perfectly composed (a combination of brie cheese, cauliflower and duck confit) and masterfully executed.

The kitchen really demonstrated its mastery by transforming the humble potato into the magnificent smattered hash browns. They were seasoned perfectly and had wonderfully crisp outer crust to go with a creamy interior.

I'm running out of superlatives, so it's probably time for me to wrap up this review with some simple...

A Familiar Breakfast Spot, Now a Mixed Bag

Returning to a favorite breakfast spot is always a blend of anticipation and nostalgia, and I arrived hopeful for a satisfying start to the day. While it’s understood that restaurants evolve—whether due to changes in ownership, kitchen leadership, or rising food costs—some changes are more successful than others.

The bright spot of the visit was without question the service. Our server, Erin, provided warm, attentive hospitality that felt both genuine and effortless—an asset to any dining experience .

The food, however, told a more complicated story. The eggs Benedict, once a standout, has undergone a puzzling transformation. The former use of Reuben meat—a rich, savory twist that elevated the dish—has been abandoned in favor of a more conventional (and less memorable) approach, with deli ham. It’s a misstep that left the dish feeling somewhat generic. Compounding that, the hash browns have shifted from their signature chunky, golden texture to a finer shredded one. While the concept and the presentation had merit, sprinkled with chives and the use of finishing salt, the execution missed the mark: the portion arrived lukewarm, lacking the crisp edges I was yearning for. They were premade, which I don’t mind, hash browns deserve to be crispy, hot, and satisfying when they hit the table.

On a more positive note, the French omelette was made in the French style and was delicious. In particular, it was made with fresh peas! We ordered it with muenster cheese—a substitution we requested in place of chèvre (a bit too goaty for my wife). It stood out as the most successful plate of the morning.

In the end, this return visit was a reminder that even beloved establishments can shift over time—and not always for the better. While the setting and service still have charm, the kitchen’s changes leave the experience less compelling than it once was. For now, it’s a three-star visit: solid in parts, but no longer the standout it used to be.

Here was my review from 2108 Ok, so if you are serious about breakfast and eggs Benedict and corned beef and Reubens and fried potatoes, make sure you get to this place before you die. The Rueben Benedict is well, see for yourself aaammmmaaazzziiinnng! Sit at the bar and you might be fortunate enough get Gigi as your server,...

Warning... Eaters discretion advised!

1- terrible food ✔️ 2- careless staff ✔️ 3- overpriced ✔️ 4- overhyped ✔️

The misery: Sunday.. Jan 31st 2016 Brunch time, a happy time that you look forward to. We decided to go Tilia restaurant! The wait was 45 minutes ( no problem)⏱ we sat down, I ordered the special (the slow roasted beef omelette) The omelette came solo. Nothing with it. The server dropped the food and left (said nothing) not even 'enjoy' or 'is there anything else I can bring you?' Ok.. I flagged our waitress with my eyes and Asked her to order me toast please? Sure! At this time I waited for the toast to enjoy it with my omelette. 10 minutes later nothing came. The waitress passed by and saw my food still sitting there and I'm still waiting for the toast, so she went to the kitchen front which you can see and asked for the toast. Literally 14 minutes later the server placed my toast and left (quietly). Omelette is cold. It's ok, I'm hungry. First bite is super salty.. maybe it's my mouth or that part of the food. I tried a second bite and had to wash it with my juice. I gave my girlfriend a piece to try, she took a bite and confirmed it. I was waiting for the waitress to come and check on us. (Nothing!) At the end she came, saw and knew how dissatisfied I was and said nothing. My entire meal was almost still there. She offered a to go box and I said no thank you. Wouldn't you be concerned if your customer didn't eat or want to take the food??? My girlfriend asked me if I was gonna say anything, but at that time I was fuming. I paid the entire bill + 20% tip and decided to call later. Spoke to the manger and I told him what happened. He was apologetic and assured me he or the owner will call me back. A week later (nothing) Mr manager, I told you I'm not asking for any compensation, but wanted to do you a favor and make you aware of what happened so that maybe you'll address the matter. Obviously you don't care yourself. I'm a foodie and I appreciate a good meal. I write reviews about most of my great experiences. Never the bad ones if there's any, but Tilia has earned it. The food, the service and the management. So please.. Do yourself a favor, read this negative review on every food / social corner and don't...