Jasmine 26
$$ - average
Vietnamese
Upscale restaurant opened by Le of Jasmine Deli.
Upscale Vietnamese dining on 'Eat Street' with full bar. Several unique vegan options, such as tofu and mock duck stuffed crepes. Open late.
On the corner of E. 26th St. and Nicollet Ave S.
- Large Group-Friendly
- Outdoor Seating
- Quiet
- Romantic
Added by Sharyn Morrow on Aug 7 07 (updated Jul 3)
Reviews
At first you might not notice that the bottom of every menu page says "vegetarian friendly... just ask". They are not kidding. Most of the menu items should really read more like other places where they list the style of the dish and you pick your protein. Since the staff is largely comprised of the family that owns the restaurant, questions about the menu and modifications are handled with knowledge and friendliness.
In several visits both before and after their official grand opening, I have tried both Coconut and Tamarind Hot Pots, Vietnamese Crepe, Fresh Ginger and Yellow Bean Sauce, and the Green Curry, as well as the Salt and Pepper Tofu and Spring Roll appetizers. Without exception they were all delicious, and the Hot Pots and Curry were particularly notable dishes.
In my opinion, of the upscale Asian cuisine in Minneapolis, this is easily the best quality and value.
Really enjoyable. Yes, the salt and pepper tofu is as good as people are always saying. Many vegan options. The vegetarian crepe (rice flour) is great. Love the curries and hot pots. It is a fun place to go to dinner - cost is reasonable and the quality of both food and drinks is high. I've had a great time on every visit. Make sure to ask if a dish can be converted to veg - they do it with many items.
Jasmine 26 finally had their grand opening this past weekend. I was there for the excitement. They've added MUCH more to their menu including noodle salads. They have a statement on each page of the menu that says they are a vegetarian friendly restaurant....and indeed they are. The vegetarian pho is amazing. The salt and pepper tofu is exquisite....quite possibly the best tofu I've *ever* had. Most dishes can be made vegan, even if they aren't listed as such on the menu....just ask! I've had a number of dishes made with mock duck in place of animal flesh. The staff is very friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable.
I love this restaurant more than any other in the Twin Cities. The atmosphere, food, drinks, staff, all A++++ in my book. They are also large group friendly. I love to bring my friends here - veggies and non-veggies.
Jasmine 26 is a great, urban-chic and modern restaurant whose food quality and prices are excellent. Given the atmosphere of the restaurant, they could easily charge 50% more per dish, but most of their vegetarian/vegan items max out at $12. This is a great place to take a date or to just relax with a cocktail. The vegetarian crepe and the veggie spring rolls are both wonderful; the crepe is especially unusual and portion sizes are huge. This restaurant is a great value, to say the least, and not that much more expensive than their sister restaurant around the corner, Jasmine Deli. The menus are definitely not the same---if anything, this place could use a couple of the veggie dishes served at Jasmine Deli. Service is always friendly and they have a nice bar and drink menu. The hours are great for nighthawks looking for a meal or drink after the 10 p.m. close of most other restaurants. My only gripe is that they don't offer enough vegan dishes; they could use at least two or three more on the menu and I'd give them another star. But as it stands, this is a wonderful addition to the city and a far worthier, tastier and cheaper competitor to Azia next door. Jasmine 26 is not to be missed.
By far my most favorite restaurant. They have Vegetarian Pho. My most missed dish since I went vegetarian. :)
Only a few other vegetarian items and I haven't tried them. They make it just how I want it. Service was kind of funky when they started, but has settled down and now makes sense (They would bring me the meat pho, set it down, then say sorry and take it to the back and a few minutes later emerge with my real meal). That happened almost like clockwork for the first 5 or 6 times, but now it's just great. Have to ask for more basil and jalapeno normally, but that's a small price to pay and they are quick about it.
A little more pricey but if you want a nice sit down establishment with good table service. Definitely worth it.
Pricey and not very good. I much prefer the cheaper and tastier Jasmine Deli across the street. The space is gorgeous, however.
Just went there for the 1st time tonight and it was excellent!! I got the salty tofu appetizer and the vegetarian crepe. Both outstanding. The food is way better and the prices are cheaper than AZIA across the street. Very nice trendy decor. The menu is very different from Jasmine Deli/ Jasmine Orchid (also owner by the same family) so no need to worry that you are just getting the same food for a higher price. When we were there they said they would be expanding the menu in September. I thought even the current menu has a good selection of veg options. Yum, I will def. be frequenting this place.
This place is great. I have always been a fan of Jasmine Deli and was excited when I heard they were opening a nicer place. I would imagine many of you know that as much as we love a lot of the asian eateries they are often not in the nicest spaces. The space is modern and elegant but not pretentious. The family is of course, nice as can be and joke around and modify anything they possibly can. I just went here for a friend's birthday and they treated him like a V.I.P.
I have had the Tamarind hotpot, the vegetarian crepe and the Coconut curry hotpot. All of it delicious. The experience of eating the crepe is terribly fun since you use your hands. The Coconut Curry hotpot is one of the best things I have ever eaten. It is rich, spicy and smells fantastic. The basil tofu spring rolls are always crunchy and I can't even began to describe the salt and pepper tofu. They have succeeded in making a full upscale dining experience for the veg community.
I also can say the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food and service.
The bar menu is full of original drinks including the Salted Plum Margarita and the Pom Bomb(one of the lightest, most inspired drinks I have ever had). They use fresh ingredients and local produce.
One other note, the front door which was imported from Thailand is beautiful and worth a visit just to look at. I was also told they'd be happy to get one for you if you like.