Housed in a building that has seen many incarnations over the years, Fhima’s Minneapolis occupies a unique spot on 7th Street.

Marrakech – Chef David Fhima’s namesake restaurant, “Fhima’s Minneapolis,” has just undergone a major transformation – one that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of his Moroccan heritage with the timeless elegance of its historic art deco surroundings. 

Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, Fhima’s has revitalized its iconic space, creating a dining experience that feels both contemporary and nostalgic.

For this latest remodel, Fhima partnered with Shea and Greiner Construction to give the restaurant’s interior a fresh makeover while maintaining its historic charm. 

The result is an atmosphere that feels effortlessly chic—new furniture optimizes the space, while Moroccan-inspired details, like feathered “palms” in the bar area and cozy curtains around select tables, add a touch of warmth and intimacy.

Enhanced lighting highlights the signature mirrored and tiled walls, and the kitchen has received a facelift, making the space as visually stunning as the food it serves. For those seeking a more private experience, there’s even an upper-level dining area perfect for intimate gatherings.

Fhima, born in Casablanca to a Spanish mother and a Sicilian father, says – in an interview with Minnesota Monthly – he has always wanted to bring the flavors of his homeland to Minnesota.

The updated menu now leans more heavily into his Moroccan roots, showcasing the bold spices and ingredients he grew up with, all while using locally sourced produce and meats in partnership with Minnesota farmers.

Fhima, who trained in France and worked in iconic restaurants before opening Fhima’s, ensures that each dish is a reflection of his culinary journey, one that honors his family’s heritage and French culinary techniques.

The bar menu adds to the restaurant’s Moroccan-inspired vibe with a selection of craft cocktails and wines by the glass. Notable drinks include the “Telephone Call from Istanbul,” Fhima’s signature Old Fashioned, and the “Marrakesh Mule” – a refreshing blend of Pierre Ferrand 1840, Bénédictine, cardamom, star anise honey syrup, lime, rosewater, and fresh ginger.

If you’re in the mood for something warming, the “Moroccan Tea Toddy” (a bourbon and mint creation) is a perfect choice.

Flavors of the old and the new

The food at Fhima’s is nothing short of spectacular. The menu features a variety of small bites and entrees that reflect Fhima’s Moroccan upbringing with a modern twist. 

Standout dishes include the Wagyu butter burger, Lamb igars (phyllo-wrapped ground lamb with harissa aioli), and the Parisian street lamb sausage (Merguez) served with fries and harissa.

For those seeking a lighter bite, the falafel with hummus, served atop a soft flatbread, is a flavorful treat.

Larger entrees offer a delicious mix of traditional Moroccan dishes and contemporary flavors. The vegetable tajine is a hearty and comforting choice, while the seafood paella offers a flavorful blend of mussels, shrimp, and sea bass.

The “Moroccan Sampler” is perfect for those who want to taste a variety of Moroccan staples like hummus, shakshuka, and Moroccan olives, while the chicken tagine wiith apricot and onions provides a uniquely spiced twist on a classic dish. 

For a truly indulgent experience, try the 12-ounce Moroccan-spiced Wagyu New York strip steak, served with saffron rice, dried fruits, almonds, and a zhoug sauce.

No meal at Fhima’s is complete without dessert, and the restaurant’s sweet offerings don’t disappoint. The Gazelle Horn, a crispy dough filled with almond and date and drizzled with honey, is a delightful way to end your meal on a sweet note.

A unique dining hall

Originally built in 1914 as the Saxe Theatre and later renamed the Strand Theatre, the space was redesigned in the late 1920s as the Forum Cafeteria, boasting a stunning art deco aesthetic with mirrors, geometric shapes, and elegant tiled walls. 

In the 1970s, the space became the popular disco Scotties on 7th, and by the 1980s, it was nearly demolished to make way for the City Center building.

However, thanks to preservationists, the Forum Cafeteria’s 3,500-piece interior was saved, painstakingly disassembled, and reassembled a few feet away as part of the City Center’s renovations. 

Since then, the space has housed several fine dining establishments, with Fhima’s taking over in 2018.