3 soon-to-open Minneapolis restaurants aim to 'elevate the classics'

Beginning on Dec. 16, chef/owner Laura Bonicelli will channel her meal delivery business experience into this 50-seat restaurant. Breakfast will include croissants and scones, an open-faced egg sandwich and a prosciutto-pesto strata. Lunch will feature affordable grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and soups. Dinner? Slow-braised beef with mashed red potatoes, Vietnamese-style pork ribs and shrimp with couscous, all in the $17-and-under range. Wine and beer, too.

1839 Central Av. NE., Mpls., 612-259-7851, ­bonicellicooks.com

The Walker Art Center's stunning new restaurant — which greets visitors as part of the museum's new lobby and overlooks the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — debuts Dec. 13, serving lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner daily. Weekend brunch is scheduled to begin Jan. 7. Chef Doug Flicker (Piccolo, Sandcastle) is overseeing the operation, which will be managed on a day-to-day basis by chef de cuisine T.J. Rawitzer.

723 Vineland Place, Mpls., 612-375-7542, eskergrove.com

Red Cow owner Luke Shimp is expanding his universe with this pasta- and pizza-centric spot, which is reviving a 100-plus-year-old building in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood. "Elevating the classics" is how chef Todd Macdonald describes his wood-fired cooking, and the bar will feature 42 wines by the glass (including four sparkling options) and 24 taps for beers, limoncello, an ever-changing house cocktail and cold brew coffee. Lunch and dinner will be served daily, beginning Dec. 20.

201 Washington Av. N., Mpls., redrabbitmn.com