As if there weren’t already more than enough buzzworthy stores and restaurants to discover in Edina’s lively 50th and France district, the South Minneapolis suburb also happens to house two of the metro area’s top malls. Located less than a mile from one another within a bustling corridor of commercial businesses and cozy hotels, Southdale Center and Galleria Edina both offer best-in-class bites, incredible gift ideas, and all the makings of a memorable weekend trip.
Here is how to make the most of both shopping centers this holiday season and beyond….
GALLERIA EDINA
Where to Shop
Luxury brands like Tiffany & Co, David Yurman and Louis Vuitton aren’t the only labels to look out for at Galleria Edina. Other familiar names include Kate Spade New York, Eileen Fisher and Coach, along with the latest trendy lines of menswear (Suitsupply, Filson, Jaxen Grey), accessories (Warby Parker, Tumi, Shinola), home goods (Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Parachute), and interior design items (Rejuvenation, Design Within Reach, Pottery Barn).
You can even find everything from coolers with a cult following (YETI) to functional yet fashionable outdoor gear (Trailmark). As for new and noteworthy openings, the St. Cloud-based J.H. & Sons is now slinging tailored suits; Alo is redefining community-oriented activewear; and the high-end home furnishings store Arhaus is in the middle of a major expansion that’ll bring its flashy showroom up to 25,000 square feet. Minneapolis’ own Face Foundrie also doubled its flagship space over the summer — part of a productive year that will be capped by a special concept shop from the street-and-dad wear-savvy sneaker brand New Balance.
Where to Eat
Fans of New England-style fare will feel as if they’ve been transported to Nantucket at CōV, a sprawling, 8,000-square-foot space that specializes in freshly shucked oysters, lobster rolls, clam chowder and left-field selections like Dungeness crab dip, lobster guacamole, and Prince Edward Island mussels presented alongside house-made chorizo, tomato fumet and a grilled baguette. Not to mention such meticulously prepared mains as seafood-heavy cioppino stew, several different wood-fired steaks, and a debate-worthy decision between pan-seared black cod, sea bass and walleye.
Another compelling sitdown option can be found at Crave, a local chain that got its start at the Galleria and made headlines with a recent makeover that lightened its look, added a patio, and leaned into a menu loaded with sushi, chicken, steak, burger, salad and seafood options. What’s it gonna be: Lobster Mac & Cheese deglazed with white wine and tossed in a decadent cream sauce, a Tuna Lovers platter rounded out by specialty rolls and nigiri, or a Grand Filet Mignon served with truffled parmesan fingerling potatoes and crispy roasted Brussels sprouts? You decide!
Where to Stay
All of The Westin’s accommodations sport an aptly named Heavenly Bed. King suites kick things up a notch with a separate living area, vibrant downtown views, and a Lululemon Fitness Mirror for working out in style without actually leaving your room. Club level bookings also gain access to an executive lounge, cushy robes, and complimentary snacks.
Whether you’re looking for a plate full of freshly shucked oysters, a dry-aged, bone-in pork chop, or a half-pound lobster tail sourced from the seas of West Australia, The Westin also dishes out substantial dinners at McCormick & Schmick’s. Looking for something a little bit lighter? Try the cafe and cocktail offerings at Prelude Bar, which shift throughout the day to meet the needs of guests.
SOUTHDALE CENTER
Where to Shop
Currently in the midst of a full-on facelift, Southdale Center will soon feature a fresh look of natural and new lighting, modern seating areas, gussied-up greenery, and a plush color palette that’s both contemporary and calming. Which makes sense; Southdale’s owners (Simon Property Group) have more than 20 brands lined up for long-awaited openings in the coming months. While this year will see an influx of in-demand inventory from Gucci, Moncler, Swarovski, Janie and Jack, Max Mara and Breitling, 2025 promises such exclusives as Marc Jacobs and State & Liberty. Not to mention the latest brick-and-mortar locations from Kendra Scott, Rowan, Abercrombie & Fitch, Burberry, and Coach.
All this ribbon cutting arrives in a cutting-edge complex that already boasts such reputable brands as J. Crew, Apple, Banana Republic, Lululemon, Sephora, Tory Burch and Macy’s. Also of note: the metro area’s most extravagant gym / coworking space (Life Time) and shops aimed at serious golfers (PXG), anime fans (Fragmented Nostalgia), and families (Troo Kidz, Legacy Toys).
Where to Eat
Named one of the 50 most beautiful restaurants in America by People, RH Rooftop Restaurant is as gorgeous as the 60,000-square-foot gallery selling lux housewares below it. Expect an equally over-the-top menu, whether you opt for shaved ribeye on charred garlic bread, a rich lobster roll, fries that feature truffles two ways (black truffles and truffle aioli), or a generous meat and cheese board starring hunks of Parmigiano Reggiano, piles of seasonal fruit and prosciutto, and a warm, crusty baguette.
For a more casual meal, look to the line-worthy burgers of Shake Shack, the dialed-in Mexican dishes of Cielto Lindo, the local breakfast and lunch favs of Rustica Bakery & Cafe, or a rarely seen mix of Mediterranean and Somali recipes (Madina Grill).
Where to Stay
Located just a five-minute walk from Southdale Center, and 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Homewood Suites by Hilton asks you settle in with its fully equipped kitchens, free daily breakfast, and fast WiFi. A full bar and a warm fireplace can also be found at the Lewis Lounge. Check out the latest special offers from Homewood Suites here.
