Mezzo Mezzo Opens at the Lofton Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis just added a new all-day dining destination — and it lives inside a hotel lobby.
Mezzo Mezzo opened Thursday, April 17, 2026, at the Lofton Hotel, 601 N. First Ave. in Minneapolis.
The concept is part Italian coffee shop, part Roman-style pizzeria, and part cocktail bar, operating inside a single 1,800-square-foot space from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
What Is Mezzo Mezzo?
The concept draws inspiration from Bonci Pizzarium, a well-known pizza-by-the-slice shop in Rome located near the Vatican Museums.
At Mezzo Mezzo:
- The morning shift features Spyhouse coffee and artisan pastries, including donuts
- By 11 a.m., the menu pivots to Roman-style pizza by the slice and housemade focaccia sandwiches
Topping combinations include:
- Pork sausage with pickled blueberries and fontina
- Prosciutto with bleu cheese, pear, arugula, and spiced honey
Italian gelato, bomboloni, and other desserts round out the food offerings.
The bar program leans fully Italian, featuring:
- Aperol Spritzes and Hugo Spritzes
- An Italian Margarita
- Prosecco on tap
- Italian sodas
- A wine list sourced from Italy
Bar service continues until 11 p.m.
The Lofton Hotel's Transformation
The Lofton Hotel was previously Loews Minneapolis Hotel before a joint venture of Marcus Hotels and Resorts, Hempel Real Estate, and Robinson Park acquired the property in March 2024.
The acquisition turned it into the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel in Minnesota.
Since then, the ownership group has invested in:
- Lobby renovations
- A broader refresh of the hotel’s food-and-beverage identity
Mezzo Mezzo replaces Apothecary Bar and Lounge, which operated in the space for roughly a decade before closing in December 2025.
General Manager Jim Waldvogel has described the vision as creating a destination for both hotel guests and local residents, leveraging the hotel's location near Target Center, the skyway system, and multiple downtown theaters.
Why This Matters for the Twin Cities
Every time a quality food-and-beverage concept invests in downtown Minneapolis, it adds to the area’s walkability story.
Walkability is one of the key factors buyers consider when evaluating urban properties and condos in the city core.
The Warehouse District and North Loop continue to attract investment, and concepts like Mezzo Mezzo reflect that trajectory.
For buyers exploring Minneapolis, the combination of:
- Proximity to Target Center
- Access to the skyway network
- A full-service, all-day Italian concept inside a well-positioned hotel
Adds another layer of neighborhood appeal worth tracking.
Thinking about buying or selling in the Twin Cities? Let's talk.
Text Darin Bjerknes at 612-702-5126 or DM on Instagram @darintheminnesotan.
