DINING | Amici Pizza & Bistro opens in old Snap! Pizza location in NE Minneapolis

Amici in Italian means "friends," and owner Greg Pratt wants his new restaurant, Amici, to be a welcome addition to the Audubon neighborhood. 

According to Pratt, residents said they wanted a restaurant that not only provided good food but also good service, an element that was sometimes missing at Snap!, the last restaurant that occupied the space. Amici will not only offer good table service but also a variety of Italian fare.

Chef Cam Adair who worked previously for Prima in South Minneapolis will serve up menu items such as baked rigatoni, craft pizzas, Caesar salads, risottos, braised meats and desserts such as crème brulée.  Amici also plans to utilize local growers and products.

"I don't want to do Chef Boyardee Italian," Pratt said. 

Already an Audubon resident, Pratt said starting up a restaurant in the neighborhood seemed like a logical move. He said he has always worn that "restaurant hat" having worked as the Food and Beverage Director at Embassy Suites for the past 11 years.

He decided to stay with Italian food since the kitchen already came with a $13,000 pizza oven.

Although he has Italian in his family, Pratt said he is not Italian but added, "It's a favorite cuisine."

Amici's décor is warm and inviting with comfortable wood booths lining the interior wall. Ambient lamps hang over each table. Earthy painted walls with Italian themed art create a relaxing dining atmosphere.

Pratt hopes that the two HD televisions will encourage diners to come in for a beer or a mimosa and a leisurely meal while watching the game.

Although located close to Pop!, Pratt does not see this as a problem for business.

"You've got another option," he said. "It fits a niche that isn't around right now. You can get Dominos or Pizza Hut but there isn't a place around for casual Italian fare."

"I hope everybody likes it and supports it," he said

Amici is scheduled to open at the end of February.

As of this date, Pratt was still waiting for his liquor license to be approved so patrons will be able to enjoy beer or wine along with their meal.

Amici Pizza & Bistro

2851 Johnson St NE

612-781-5711

Restaurant Hours:

Closed Mondays
Lunch: Tues- Sat: 11-2:30 p.m.;

Dinner: Tues,Wed,Thurs & Sun: 5 - 9 p.m.

Dinner: Fri & Sat: 5 - 10 p.m.

Sun: Brunch: 9:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Take out and delivery service will also be available.