Explore Best-Loved Cultural Eateries in Sioux Falls
Foodie Itinerary
Ready for delicious discoveries? Adventures aren’t only for the great outdoors or far off destinations. Sometimes they are on your plate! Expand your palate and find a new favorite dish with tempting, outside-your-usual cultural restaurants, proudly showcasing ethnic diversity.
Visiting for a few days? Mix and match these local best-loved cultural eateries. They might not all have websites or prominent storefronts, but they’ve secured spots in hometown hearts (and the true city insider’s dining rotation).
Day One
Breakfast: Fernson Coffee + Tea
Sink your teeth into one of the best breakfast sandwiches in Sioux Falls at Fernson Coffee + Tea in Downtown Sioux Falls. Pair it with your favorite hot or iced coffee, or even tea! Fernson is primarily a brewery, so be sure to bookmark this one to come back later in the day to sample some delicious brews.
Plum’s Cooking Classes: A kitchen equipment shop with cooking classes in a gourmet, teaching kitchen will deepen your love of culinary favorites. Plum's features a rotation of instructors with an array of recipes.
Activity Idea: Coffea
Coffea offers multiple locations across the city to sip some of the best bean brews (and plaid-clad hipster viewing!) in the region. With world-wide products offered, Coffea serves up everything from Double Black Espresso to Jasmine Tea. Original art on the walls, sunny sipping spots, and comfy corners for brainstorming abound in each location.
Lunch: Lam’s Vietnamese Restaurant or Pho Quynh
Lam’s flies under the radar with stellar seasonal pho soup and crisp banh mi sandwiches and enough heat to make you sweat (if that’s your thing.) Compare pho at Pho Quynh, in an even more humble corner, but with broth that holds up a strong showing in the savory-and-satisfying test.
Activity Idea: Strawbale Winery
Strawbale Winery, set in an idyllic farmyard setting complete with chickens, has a tasting room built with bales of straw. Live music, Sangria Sundays, and the Summer Porch Series on Thursdays mean you should pull up a lawn chair and relax in the sun awhile.
Dinner: Sushi Masa Japanese Restaurant
Located downtown in a neighborhood nook, Sushi Masa regulars swear by the sashimi Mori and the cozy atmosphere. While there are plenty of sushi rolls to choose from, you can't go wrong with any of them.
Day Two
Breakfast: Josiah’s Coffeehouse and Cafe
Josiah’s serves up delicious breakfast sandwiches and homemade pastries in their cozy downtown spot. Their gooey-good caramel roll is a true town treasure. Make sure you get fueled up on their coffee and espresso-based drinks.
Activity Idea: Farmer’s Market at the Falls
Farmer’s Market at the Falls on Saturday mornings (May through October) offers the best in local produce, garden flowers, meats, and homemade baked and canned goods. North of downtown, this open-air eating opportunity warrants its own visit and a seat in the park to savor your finds.
Lunch: Jacky’s, Mama’s Ladas, or Nikki’s La Mexicana
A hidden gem, Jacky’s has multiple Guatemalan eateries with knock-your-socks-off margaritas and delectable tacos. A beloved hole-in-the-wall eatery in downtown, Mama’s Ladas has the city’s most highly sought after enchiladas (and offers takeout). Feeling adventurous? Behind a Mexican grocery store is quirky Nikki’s with quick-built, faster-eaten burritos and taco combo plates.
Activity Idea: CH Patisserie
You don’t have to wait until after the meal to satisfy your sweet tooth. Indulge in homemade European-inspired pastries, cakes, and candies, like macarons, tarts, bon bons, and caramels at this downtown gourmet dessert shop owned by Chris Hanmer, winner of Bravo's Top Chef: Just Dessert
Dinner: Shahi India Grill or Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean
How about a trip East? Shahi Palace offers authentic Indian cooking, including tandoori dishes and naan. The butter chicken is an herb and tomato wonder, just saying. Or Sanaa’s Gourmet has more gluten-free, veggie-lover dishes like Hummus or Eggplant Mosakaa with Walnut Sauce!