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This experience stood out among a year filled with memorable dining experiences—but unfortunately, for all the wrong reasons. We were excited to visit Gavin Kaysen’s first restaurant inside a Four Seasons property outside of Mara at the Four Seasons Minneapolis, so we made a reservation and drove an hour specifically for the occasion.
Our first impressions were disappointing. The restaurant is located just off the hotel lobby, and the atmosphere felt chaotic and mismatched for what should have been a refined dining experience. The lobby was packed and extremely loud—louder than a busy college bar on a weekend night. There was nowhere to sit while waiting, and we weren’t checked in until after our reservation time, so I had to return to the host stand to inquire about our table.
We were seated directly in front of the bar, which was filled with a loud, visibly intoxicated crowd who were literally shouting throughout most of our meal. It appeared they may have been part of a corporate event, and the space felt overcrowded as a result. We were bumped into multiple times by bar patrons heading to and from the restroom, which made it difficult to relax or enjoy dinner. It was so busy it was hard to stand up and find your way to the restroom.
Service was also underwhelming. Our drinks were never refilled, the food pacing was slow, and the menu explanation felt rehearsed and impersonal. This would have been disappointing at a casual chain restaurant—let alone at a flagship Four Seasons property. Our wine and water glasses were filthy.
The food itself did not justify the pricing. The $54 spaghetti nero was largely flavorless, and the fritto misto was the worst we’ve had—the calamari was over fried to the point of being hard and the accompanying sauce was bland. The short rib was the only highlight, though even that was simply fine, not exceptional. One thing was consistent throughout the night was that each dish was served lukewarm.
Our total came to over $250 for two entrées, one starter, and a single drink each. Those prices can absolutely be justified when the food, service, and atmosphere align—but in this case, all three fell short. While any one of these issues would have been disappointing, the overall energy and atmosphere of the restaurant made the experience feel almost surreal in how misaligned it was with expectations.
Until significant improvements are made, I would recommend dining elsewhere.
