SNEAK PEEK | Maison Margaux

David Fhima, award-winning Chef and Restaurateur, and his family are set to open their newest venture, Maison Margaux, next month in the North Loop.

In French, the name of the new restaurant and bar translates to “House of Pearls”. After searching for years, the Fhima’s felt like they found their “pearl” in a historic North Loop building that was perfect for their newest concept.

The new restaurant will bring a new level of luxury and culinary excellence to Minneapolis’ thriving dining scene by featuring a Parisian Brassiere, an underground bar, and an event center. We know you’ve been waiting for a glimpse inside, so here’s a sneak peek at Maison Margaux.

A PIECE OF PARIS IN THE HEART OF THE NORTH LOOP

The menu at Maison Margaux will offer a unique fusion of Classical French Brasserie cuisine with a modern take, inspired by Fhima's own heritage and his travels around the world. You’ll find an array of carefully crafted dishes, from French favorites like Short Ribs Bourguigon and Gougères to Poulet Rotî.

In addition to its exceptional cuisine, Maison Margaux will also offer a carefully curated wine list, featuring one of the largest private wine collections in Minnesota showcasing wines from around the world, including almost 40 wines by the glass. The underground bar includes an epic beverage program with a fresh take on the classics including some creative cocktails and mocktails in synergy with the North Loop neighborhood.

Fhima is known for his commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and Maison Margaux will reflect those values. The restaurant will use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, offer their staff living wages, health care options, and profit sharing, and will be dedicated to the hospitality industry, female-owned businesses, and the BIPOC community.

THREE FLOORS OF ELEVATED, CURATED, EXPERIENTIAL SPACES

Maison Margaux will open in the former Ribnick Luxury Outerwear building located at 224 N 1^st Street. The three-level building has gone through a complete transformation with every floor being rebuilt and/or refurbished. The result is a stunning three level interior that will feature a collection of spaces to explore, all connected by a newly constructed central staircase.

Immediately when entering Maison Margaux, guests will find a large open first floor that features several curated rooms of dining space, a lively bar fronting the street with plenty of space to lounge and sip a delicious cocktail, or three. At the back of the first-floor guests will find a large exhibition kitchen outfitted in stunning tile with a unique mirror element. Make sure to venture to the back of the first floor to check out the whimsical monkey wallpaper near the restrooms (that is another sight to be seen.) Much of the art throughout each space has been commissioned by local artists Stephanie Dillon (Fleur de Junk) and Linnea Maas (Inside the Robot). When asked to create for the restaurant, they incorporated finishes and other design elements in each piece. Don’t miss the Kitchen hoods, those are also part of their creations.

Adjacent to the kitchen, in the center of the restaurant, is the staircase leading you down into what the Fhima family has billed “the coolest underground bar in the world.”

When you reach the bottom of the stairs you are transported into a luxurious bar environment unlike any other in the city. A massive bar stretches the entire width of the space and features a curved, gold ceiling, adorned with hundreds of dimly lit, exposed light bulbs. The walls of the space feature exposed historic stone that is original to the building. Curved, red leather booths are placed against the walls which face the open bar area, providing a view of what will be a bustling underground bar scene. The underground bar features a couple of unique elements such as a wine room, multiple wine cases spread throughout the space that will hold some of the world’s most exclusive wines, and a wine “vault” which use to be a coal shaft.

Heading to the top floor of the building, you’ll find a “Ralph Lauren” inspired event center. The room features a uniquely different vibe than the lower two floors with exposed light brick walls adorned with Parisian large-scale artwork by the Stephanie and Linnea as well as, “bubble” lighting, and its own bar. The space will be available to rent for celebrations of all types, birthdays, rehearsal dinners, weddings and more, along with business meetings and neighborhood events.

Maison Margaux will also include a stunning outdoor Parisian-style cafe, where guests can dine al fresco while enjoying the North Loop neighborhood. The terrasse will be filled with florals and greens while the rooftop will be utilized to grow fresh herbs and vegetables, which will be incorporated into many of the dishes on the menu.

With its distinctive blend of flavors and exceptional attention to detail, Maison Margaux is sure to become one of Minneapolis's most beloved dining destinations. The restaurant is set to open its doors May 12th, so be sure to keep an eye out for this exciting new addition to the city's culinary scene.

Maison Margaux will open Friday, May 12^th at 224 N 1^ST Street. Reservations will be available to book beginning Monday, April 24^th on their website.

As part of Maison Margaux’s opening week, on Thursday, May 11th, there will be a private opening night event benefiting the Arrow Giving Foundation whose mission is to empower the underserved through generous empathy, helping all to reach their fullest potential, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to this honorable organization.