Colita

5400 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419, United States
$$$ Restaurant
(1511 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Welcome to Colita, an exquisite dining destination nestled in the heart of Minneapolis at 5400 Penn Ave S. This gem of a restaurant brings together the vibrant and bold flavors of Oaxacan-inspired Mexican cuisine, enveloping you in a culinary experience that seems to celebrate food in every form.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance of relaxed intimacy and buzz, ideal for everything from a romantic date night to a lively evening with friends. It’s a space that invites you to savor not only your meal but also the delightful company around you. The ambiance is complemented by a knowledgeable and attentive staff, eager to guide you through their thoughtfully curated menu.

Colita’s menu is a tantalizing blend of creativity and tradition, featuring dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Start your journey with the Tuna Tostada, a fresh combination of raw tuna and creamy avocado, or indulge in the Aguachile, where sea bass meets the vibrant notes of tamarind and cilantro, reminding you of sunlit days on a Mexican beach. Not to be outdone, the Beef Tartare with its honey yogurt sauce delivers an unexpected twist, adding layers of taste that will keep your palate guessing.

For those craving something warm, the Tempura Fried Shrimp Tacos elevate traditional tacos into something extraordinary, featuring a delicious crunch paired with zesty chili mayo and tangy pickled jalapeños. The Half Chicken, grilled to perfection and marinated with delicate spices, is a generous offering that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Finally, do not miss out on the Cacio E Pepe Stacked Tostadas, a cheesy delight that combines Oaxaca cheese and pepper, delivering comfort in every bite.

Every dish is steeped in a sense of thoughtfulness and character, as echoed in rave reviews from patrons who leave with unforgettable memories. One customer, Elizabeth Holland, shared about her experience, saying that every bite at Colita was “remarkable,” while another, David DChina, praised the balance and creativity found in every offering. This is not just dining; it's a harmonious fusion of flavors that invites you back for more time and again.

For cocktail lovers, Colita does not disappoint. Sip on their tangy Paloma, perfectly crafted to complement the rich flavors of your meal, or explore their selection of wines and local brews that have been carefully chosen to enhance your dining experience.

Colita’s commitment to high-quality, gluten-free dishes means that everyone can join the celebration without worry, further enhancing the inclusive atmosphere that makes this restaurant a beloved choice among locals and visitors alike.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring new culinary heights, Colita promises an exceptional journey. From the vibrant colors on your plate to the warm smiles of the staff, every visit is a reminder of why dining out can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Make your reservation today by calling them at +1 612-886-1606 and prepare yourself for an unforgettable meal!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

4:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

4:00 AM - 9:00 PM

1511 Reviews
David DChina

13 Sep 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Consistently Outstanding — Memorable Every Time I’ve been to Colita three times now, and every visit has either met or exceeded my expectations. The food is consistently well-balanced, with elegant yet bold flavors, thoughtful sauce pairings, and a great mix of creativity and simplicity. Nothing feels basic — every dish is carefully composed and memorable. Some standouts: the perfectly cooked octopus, steak with a rich purple sauce, flavorful tacos, and their signature churros — one of the best desserts in the Twin Cities. Their horchata is also excellent: smooth, not too sweet, and very refreshing. Service is always great — even without a reservation, they’ll do their best to get you seated quickly. There’s a choice of outdoor patio seating, indoor tables, or the bar, so you’ve got options depending on the vibe you’re after. The atmosphere is spot-on, with dimmed lighting, beautiful architecture, and a modern yet cozy feel. There’s also plenty of parking right out front, which is a big plus. Colita is absolutely worth every visit and every penny. I’ll definitely keep coming back.

Vitor Yamaoto

09 Sep 2025

Sat at the bar and had the pleasure of being served by Q. He was excellent with his knowledge of the menu items and recommended an amazing selection of plates. The food was fantastic and the presentation was very vibrant and inviting to the palate. The drinks were perfectly mixed and the Argentinian lager was top notch.

Matthew N

29 Jul 2025

Last night we celebrated an anniversary dinner at Colita. There was a bit of a snafu with the reservation and wait time, but the manager more than made up for it. He and the wait staff were so friendly and amazing. The atmosphere was relaxed yet buzzing. Impressive they were able to run things so efficiently and calmly while it was so busy. We all loved the food, it was so good! Highly recommend.

Susan Ramlet

23 Jul 2025

We have wanted to go here for years and finally did. The food was phenomenal all around. Paloma cocktails were tangy and tasty. Pork tacos. Chicken tinga tostadas. Refritos tostada. Roasted sweet potatoes. Mango panna cotta. All were well prepared and craveable. Only complaint was a high noise level. Our server was helpful and pleasant. We will press "repeat" on this one.

Aaron Halpin

22 Jun 2025

Very interesting menu! As a group of 4, we tried 9 different dishes, and they all were amazing. Each one had a unique and great flavor.

Elizabeth Holland

15 Jun 2025

I’ve accepted that I’ll never be a judge on Master Chef, in return I’d accepted that I’d never have an experience where you bite into a dish and get to be absolutely astounded by all the flavors and profiles that come along with it… until I ate at Colita! We had the Pate and it was nothing short of remarkable! The staff was top tier, the food was outstanding, and the atmosphere is intimate and inviting! I’m completely gluten free and could order anything on the menu! We had the best time! Thank you for hosting us and giving us an exceptional experience start to finish!

Angela Hedlund

06 Jun 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Colita is one of those places that feels like a celebration—of food, of flavor, and of experience. I’ve dined here a couple of times now, and each visit has been consistently exceptional. The menu is 100% gluten-free, which is an absolute gift if you’re sensitive (or simply appreciative of thoughtful cooking). And the cuisine, rooted in Oaxaca-inspired Mexican flavors, is both creative and comforting in the best ways. Standouts include the sweet potatoes (rich, earthy, and craveable), the cornbread and caviar (an indulgent little bite that’s tiny but mighty—best shared between two), the shrimp tacos, and the black bean tostada. And if you have room, the churros are decadent, crispy, and surprisingly gluten-free too. The service is generally impeccable—warm, attentive, and clearly committed to making your experience smooth and enjoyable. You really do get what you pay for here: quality food, quality service, and a charming, bustling atmosphere. A quick heads-up: it can get quite loud inside during peak hours, so if the weather’s nice, opt for the outdoor patio for a bit more breathing room and a calmer vibe. Highly recommend for food lovers, date nights, or a special treat with friends. Minneapolis is lucky to have a gem like this.

Dean Trimble

31 May 2025

Colita was, was unknown to us. Its reputation built quietly on glowing ratings and elevated Oaxacan cooking in the heart of Minnesota. What we discovered was a new favorite for elevated Mexican food. This is, without question, the finest Mexican restaurant I’ve encountered. Each dish arrives as a study in both tradition and imagination, where bold, deeply rooted flavors meet modern finesse. The cocktails are no mere accompaniments; they are as inventive and finely tuned as the food itself, crafted with the same sense of purpose and precision. Service, too, was flawless—gracious without pretense, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive. Ask for Cole P. Colita is a restaurant that understands hospitality, and with Cole as your guide, you will find the Service matches the flavor and the ambience. And whatever you do, order the corn elote. It’s a dish that captures the soul of the menu: vibrant, layered, and unforgettable. We’ll be back—and soon.

Checking
Listing Image

1909 Temecula

28656 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590, United States
Gastropub
(3692 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Sunfish Poke Bar

5625 Auto Mall Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538, United States
Hawaiian restaurant
(755 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Yoki Buffet

1700 Alliant Ave, Louisville, KY 40299, United States
Asian restaurant
(4217 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Keiichi

500 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76201, United States
Sushi restaurant
(224 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Peking Duck Sandwich Stall

135-33 40th Rd, Flushing, NY 11354, United States
Chinese restaurant
(306 Reviews)

Join the Colita Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.