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  • The New Nordic Gravlax

FIKA - The Café at ASI

"Best lunch in Minnesota" - The Star Tribune

Fika artwork

FIKA at the American Swedish Institute is an award-winning café focused on Nordic-inspired cuisine, created with regional ingredients by talented Executive Chef Blake Meier and his team.

The Swedish tradition of fika is both a daily break and a national institution, usually involving coffee, pastries and social conversation.

Hours

Lunch is served Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The counter is open with a limited menu during non-serving hours. On Wednesdays, the full menu and table service is availble until 8 p.m. 

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.  [11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Full menu available for lunch; 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., serving counter beverages and snacks.]
Wednesday 8:30 a.m.– 8 p.m. [11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Full menu available]
Saturday* 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. [11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  - Kitchen open for lunch; 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. serving counter beverages and snacks.]
Sunday* 11 a.m.–5 p.m. [11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Full menu available]
Monday Closed

Note: Normal hours and the menu change during ASI festival days, such as Midsommar and Julmarknad. 

Reservations

FIKA does not take call-ahead reservations. Please check in with the host to be seated or added to the list. We offer on-site, text message paging to allow you time to explore the Mansion or shop at the Museum Store.

Great for Meetings and After Work Wednesdays

The American Swedish Institute is a great spot for morning meetings and lunch escapes. FIKA is open until 8 p.m. every Wednesday, serving the full menu until closing. We have special drink prices for happy hour (or "After Work" as they say in Sweden). A finely curated selection of crafted cocktails, beer, wine and house-made aquavit is available.

More Information

FIKA's Menu

Swedish meatballs at FIKA are an iconic Twin Cities' dish.

A Taste of FIKA

  • The New Nordic Gravlax
    The New Nordic Gravlax
  • Swedish Meatballs
    FIKA's Famous Swedish Meatballs
  • fika
  • Braised Rabbit
    Braised Rabbit
  • Pastry case at FIKA
    Pastry case at FIKA
  • FIKA's Bloody Swede
    FIKA's Bloody Swede - Named 2017 Best Bloody Mary by City Pages
  • Cocktails at FIKA
    Cocktails at FIKA
  • Dining in the courtyard
    Dining in the outdoor courtyard

Media Attention

"Best Lunch In Minnesota" - Star Tribune 

"Minnesota Museum Cafe sets National Standard" - Post and Courier

"More than a museum cafe, this bright spot is a serious attempt to integrate local ingredients in dishes that are faithful to the tradition of “fika,” an institution in Sweden." - New York Times

"A patio straight out of your fairy tale European castle vacation dreams...plus, the best gravlax in town and great cocktails." - Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine

"Minnesota Museum Cafe sets National Standard" - Post and Courrier

"Fat Tuesday Nordic-Style Means Big, Sweet Buns" - National Public Radio

"Where to Eat Great Meatballs Coast to Coast" - Food Network

"9 Standout Meatballs Across the Country" - Serious Eats

"The Iconic Dishes of the Twin Cities" - Eater

"Underrated Summer Patios in the Twin Cities" - Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine

"Oh, how Swede it is" - Star Tribune's Rick Nelson 

Pre-Order Special Pastries and Cakes

Pre-order FIKA's famous, traditional Swedish pastries, including seasonal specials like cardamom rolls and cream semlor buns, or custom cakes for special gatherings. Just call 612-524-5108. For pastries, we ask for a 24-hour notice, a minimum quantity of four and payment when you place the order. For cakes, we need a week's notice. Pick your order up at the counter.