Xavi Restaurant Now Open in South Minneapolis

Keen eyes trained on the former First Course Bistro location would notice that it sprang to life last week as Xavi Restaurant. The eatery is the work of chef Michael Agan and business partner James Elm.

It’s set to be a new neighborhood eatery, just off 56th Street and Chicago Avenue with a menu that includes small plates like crudo, steak tartare, shishito peppers and a play on shrimp and grits. Entrees are modest with ingredient influences from around the globe and close to home: king trumpet mushroom, monkfish, kalbi marinated steak and a lemongrass pork dish. There’s even an ever-so-slightly elevated kids menu that has fresh ingredients instead of the usual bland food business fed to the wee-ones.

What isn’t on the menu, just yet, is beer and wine. The license is expected to be approved by the city council soon.

Xavi Restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. until they close.