Zelo is a contemporary Italian restaurant at 831 Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America. Opened in 1999 by Minnesota restaurateur Rick Webb, it pairs simple, fresh cooking based on local and Italian ingredients with a considered wine list and handcrafted cocktails. Travelers come for polished pre-theater dinners, downtown business lunches, date-night drinks, and the sociable energy of a long-running Nicollet Mall dining room.
What to Expect at Zelo
Zelo’s core experience is contemporary Italian food presented with an emphasis on ingredient quality rather than overly formal ceremony. The kitchen describes its approach as fresh, handcrafted meals using organic, local, and Italian ingredients. Pair a meal with selections from the full wine program or the restaurant’s handcrafted cocktail list; the bar is a natural stop before nearby performances and downtown events.
The restaurant occupies a prime stretch of the Nicollet Mall, the pedestrian-oriented downtown corridor. Its 1999 opening places it among Minneapolis’s enduring independent dining addresses, and Rick Webb’s hospitality philosophy remains central: attentive service intended to recognize returning guests and their preferred drinks. Lunch runs Tuesday through Thursday, while dinner is offered Monday through Saturday. Zelo also organizes group dining for parties of 15 or more, making it practical for conference groups, celebrations, and team dinners.
- Contemporary Italian cooking: Handcrafted dishes built around fresh local and Italian ingredients.
- Wine and cocktails: An approachable wine list alongside a dedicated selection of handcrafted cocktails.
- Nicollet Mall setting: Downtown location on Minneapolis’s pedestrian-focused main corridor.
- Established local history: Open since 1999 and created by longtime Twin Cities restaurateur Rick Webb.
- Group dining: Event options for groups of 15 or more, arranged directly with the restaurant.
Zelo at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 831 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet Mall, near the Theater District |
| Operating Hours | Mon 4–9pm; Tue–Thu 11:30am–2pm and 4–9pm; Fri–Sat 4–10pm; Sun closed |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission or tickets; food and drinks are purchased à la carte. Review the current menu and reservations online. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | About 1 to 1.5 hours for dinner; allow extra time for cocktails or a group meal. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Nicollet Mall Station on the METRO Blue and Green lines is about a 10-minute walk; downtown public parking ramps are nearby. |
| Official Website / Phone | zelompls.com / 612-333-7000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For the calmest dinner pacing, reserve near the beginning of service; later Friday and Saturday seatings can align with theater crowds and nightlife. Reservations are available through Zelo’s official booking link, and they are especially sensible before an Orchestra Hall concert, a show at the State Theatre, or a game at Target Center. Call ahead for large parties, dietary questions, or a time-sensitive pre-performance meal. There is no ticketed admission: the reservation secures a table, while menu items and beverages are paid separately.
The restaurant is reached from the paved, generally level Nicollet Mall sidewalk, and its ground-floor downtown setting avoids an elevator transfer from the street. Guests using wheelchairs or strollers should request an accessible table when reserving and call ahead to confirm current entrance and restroom arrangements. From Nicollet Mall Station, walk south along Nicollet Mall; drivers can use nearby downtown public ramps and allow time for event traffic. Within a 5- to 15-minute walk are Orchestra Hall and Peavey Plaza, the State Theatre on Hennepin Avenue, and the shopping and dining corridors around Hennepin Avenue and 7th Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Zelo open, and what is the best time to go?
Zelo serves lunch Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30am to 2pm and dinner Monday through Saturday. Book an early dinner for a quieter meal, or reserve around downtown performance schedules if you want the livelier pre-show atmosphere.
Does Zelo charge admission, and should I make a reservation?
There is no admission fee or ticket price. Diners pay à la carte for food and drinks. Reservations are recommended for dinner, weekends, and dates that coincide with concerts, theater, conventions, or sporting events; use the official website or call the restaurant.
How much time should I budget for a meal at Zelo?
Plan roughly 60 to 90 minutes for a standard dinner. A business lunch may be shorter, while cocktails, dessert, a celebratory meal, or group dining can extend the visit. Leave a buffer before nearby curtain times.
Is Zelo suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families are welcome, though Zelo is best suited to a relaxed sit-down meal rather than a quick-service stop. The Nicollet Mall approach is paved and level, and the restaurant is at ground level; contact Zelo before arrival for the most current accessible seating and restroom details.
When planning your Minneapolis travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Minneapolis, pair this stop with standout local spots including Ruth's Chris Steak House, Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant, The Westin Minneapolis, and Hell's Kitchen Inc. (nearby).
