My son graduates next Wednesday and we will enjoy a celebration lunch for 7 of us. Aquavit,Goodfellows,Palamino,other? My ideal has great food,ambiance,and is not incredibly expensive.It's also not too far from the dwntwn Hilton. Thanks!

I love Buca! It is Italian, family style dining with a fun ambiance!!

I agree that Buca is fun, especially with a group of 7, but it's very casual, and I could be wrong, but it might not be open for lunch. It's got a great, loud, jovial atmosphere for dinner, though, and I would recommend it, maybe for a different occasion. Another Italian restaurant to consider for your celebration lunch would be D'Amico Cucina--it's right downtown, elegant but not stuffy, with Northern Italian dishes like risottos and grilled meats and fish on the menu--it's great!

If only I read the details, yes lunch would not be ideal for Buca, but if you are staying for dinner it is a blast.

Thank you for Buca recommendations but it's closed for lunch.Any idea what Aquavit or Palaminos are like for lunch?

Buca di Beppo is Wendy's quality food in a Las Vegas cheesy environment.

So what would be nice for my UM graduate,and extended family?

Aquivit is a very nice place for lunch, and they do have a "$10 lunch" option, as many of these places downtown do, but most of the lunches on the menu are a little more expensive than that. Goodfellows and D'Amico Cucina are also great choices. If you add a glass of wine or a drink, it will add up to an expensive lunch, but it will be great at any of these 3 places. I like the atmosphere best at Goodfellows, but all are very beautiful places. Palomino is a great place, but I have only been there for dinner, not sure if it is open for lunch. If so, it might be a little less expensive, it is also less formal than the other 3 mentioned. You might be able to find menus and prices on line. Enjoy!

I frequently travel to Mpls. on business and take clients to lunch at these places, all close to the Hilton: Palomino (my favorite because it's not stuffy, nice staff, attractive room and the food is great), Aquavit (nice but formal), McCormick & Schmicks, Capitol Grill, D'Amico Cucina (another favorite but pricey), Goodfellows (formal, pricey) and Zelos (noisy, trendy, food is o.k.). Most of these restaurants are national chains, including Buca di Beppo. I'd recommend Buca, Palamino, McCormick & Scmicks (seafood), or Capitol Grill (steaks). Have fun!