Indígena by Owamni

Indígena by Owamni, contemporary Indigenous cuisine in Minneapolis

Indígena by Owamni is a full-service restaurant located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, presented as the next generation of the pioneering Indigenous restaurant Owamni. Its approach centers on celebrating the culinary traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The establishment is owned and operated by North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to rekindling Indigenous food sovereignty.

The restaurant opened in June 2026 at its new location inside the Guthrie Theater, following its move from Owamni's original site. The project's history includes recognition with the Best New Restaurant Award in 2022.

A cuisine without colonial ingredients

The restaurant's philosophy begins from a decolonized perspective. According to its presentation, it has eliminated colonial ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, dairy, wheat flour, and cane sugar. Instead, the menu highlights products native to the Americas: corns, beans, squash, wild game, birds, fish, and native plants.

The purchasing priority is Indigenous producers, and seasonal menus reflect the region, culture, and Indigenous food identities. The restaurant states that this approach offers a different story of American cooking, celebrating the Indigenous diversity of Turtle Island.

Expanded menu and new offerings

The current menu includes larger cuts of meat and steaks, with meats such as bison, elk, and venison. A full oyster bar has been added, along with expanded seafood offerings that focus on the Indigenous diaspora. The bar program is comprehensive and specializes in beers, wines, and spirits produced by BIPOC individuals, alongside house-made cocktails and mocktails.

Shareable plates and tapas-style service continue. New this year is a Chef's Table seating 12 to 14 guests, available for curated tasting menus, coursed dinners, and guest chef residencies. Brunch is served only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Commitment to community and producers

By dining at Indígena by Owamni, guests support Indigenous farmers, foragers, and food producers of Turtle Island. Longtime partners mentioned include Native Wise, Red Cliff Fishery, Dream of Wild Health, Red Lake Foods, Bow and Arrow Corn, and Ramona Farms. The restaurant's activity is part of NATIFS's broader mission to generate real wealth and well-being in Native communities.

The founder of NATIFS, Owamni, and The Sioux Chef is Sean Sherman. The organization also runs the Indigenous Food Lab Market, a kitchen and retail space that offers high-quality Indigenous foods and products, expands access to natively produced goods, and helps entrepreneurs reach a wider audience.

Shared location with the Guthrie Theater

Indígena by Owamni shares a building with the Guthrie Theater, with a separate entrance inside the theater. This location allows diners to combine a meal with a show at one of the country's leading theaters. The name Owámniyomni, of Dakota origin, refers to St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis and means turbulent water, whirlpool, or eddy.

Location and contact

818 South 2nd Street, 55415 Minneapolis, MN · Phone: 612-444-1846 · Hours: Tue–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri 11am–midnight, Sat–Sun 10am–midnight/11pm (10am–2pm brunch only)