Owamni Moving to Guthrie Theater in 2026

Owamni, the award-winning Indigenous restaurant that put Minneapolis on the national culinary map, is preparing for its biggest move yet. In 2026, the James Beard Award-winning restaurant will relocate from its current home in the Water Works Pavilion near St. Anthony Falls to a much larger space inside the Guthrie Theater.

A New Chapter for Owamni

Since opening in 2021, Owamni has been celebrated for its dedication to Indigenous ingredients and traditions. Co-founder Sean Sherman, often called “The Sioux Chef,” quickly found success as the restaurant became one of the hardest reservations in the Twin Cities. In 2022, Owamni was recognized with the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, further cementing its place as a must-visit dining destination.

Why the Move?

Sherman has shared that the restaurant “outgrew our original location almost from the moment we opened.” The Guthrie Theater’s first-floor restaurant space, once home to Sea Change, offers Owamni the chance to double its space while serving theater-goers and destination diners alike. The Guthrie had been searching for the right partner since Sea Change closed in 2021, making this a perfect match.

What’s Next for the Water Works Pavilion?

Owamni’s departure leaves one of Minneapolis’ most picturesque dining spaces available for a new tenant. The building, owned by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, features a second-floor dining room and outdoor patio overlooking the Mississippi River. With strong demand for unique local dining experiences, it’s likely that another standout concept will step in.

A Broader Vision

Sherman and his team are not slowing down. Earlier this year, his nonprofit purchased the former Seward Co-op Creamery with plans for an Indigenous barbecue concept. He’s also developing a restaurant in Montana, showing that the Owamni brand continues to grow beyond Minneapolis.

Final Thoughts

For Minneapolis diners, Owamni’s move to the Guthrie is a win-win: the theater gains a world-class restaurant to serve its patrons, and Owamni gets the room it needs to expand its vision.

If you’re considering making the Twin Cities your home, moments like this highlight why Minneapolis is one of the Midwest’s most exciting cities. From award-winning dining to world-class arts and entertainment, this community offers it all.

Looking to make a move in Minnesota? I’d love to help you find your next home — whether near the Mississippi River, in the east metro, or anywhere across the Twin Cities.