Imagine strolling through Edina, Minnesota, craving something fresh, exciting, and delicious. You stumble upon a spot that promises a global adventure on your plate, a vibe that’s both chic and cozy, and a menu that leaves you wondering, “Why haven’t I been here before?” That’s Starling Edina for you—a restaurant turning heads and tantalizing taste buds in this vibrant suburb. But does it live up to the buzz? Let’s dive in and discover what makes Starling Edina tick, from its eclectic cuisine to its eco-friendly charm.
Biography Table for Starling Edina
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Starling Edina |
| Type | Restaurant |
| Location | 4925 Eden Ave, Edina, MN 55424 |
| Cuisine | Globally inspired (American classics, Southeast Asian, Mediterranean, etc.) |
| Menu Highlights | Butter Chicken Tacos, Chicken Yakisoba, Ube Tres Leches Cake |
| Atmosphere | Casual yet elegant with a Balinese vibe, natural elements, and greenery |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Thu: 11 AM-9 PM, Fri: 11 AM-10 PM, Sat: 10 AM-10 PM, Sun: 10 AM-9 PM |
| Services | Dine-in, takeout, delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash), valet parking |
| Special Features | Full bar with craft cocktails, happy hour (2-5 PM daily), private events |
| Contact | Phone: (952) 295-8180, Website: starlingmn.com |
| Parking | Free lot (limited), valet available during busy times ($10) |
| Ownership | Part of Jester Concepts |
| Eco-Friendly Efforts | Reusable straws, cloth towels in restrooms |
| Seating Options | Booths, bar, solarium (up to 35 for private events) |
| Price Range | Entrées: $20-$30, Cocktails: $14-$16 |
| Rating | 4.5 stars on OpenTable (based on 50+ reviews) |
What’s Cooking at Starling Edina?
Curious about what’s on the table? Starling Edina hooks you with a menu that zigzags across continents. American favorites share space with Southeast Asian flair and Mediterranean zest. Have you ever tried Butter Chicken Tacos? They blend Indian spices with a flour tortilla, topped with cooling cucumber yogurt—your taste buds won’t know what hit them! Or how about Chicken Yakisoba? It’s spicy, savory, and a little unexpected, perfect for anyone who loves a kick. Dessert lovers, brace yourselves for the Ube Tres Leches Cake. This purple-hued delight, made with Filipino yam, condensed milk, and whipped topping, screams indulgence.
The kitchen doesn’t stop there. Small plates like sticky wings with fish sauce caramel tempt you to share, while larger dishes like Green Curry Walleye keep you coming back for more. Starling Edina draws inspiration from the starling bird’s migratory ways, so every bite feels like a trip somewhere new. Wondering if it’s all fusion chaos? Nope—it’s a thoughtful mix of global goodies that somehow works. You’ll leave asking, “How do they pull this off?”
Does the Atmosphere Match the Food?
Step inside Starling Edina, and you’ll feel the vibe shift. Picture this: lush greenery, soft lighting, and natural wood accents wrap you in a Balinese hug. The hammered tin ceiling adds a quirky touch, while the abundance of plants keeps things fresh and lively. Want to sip a cocktail at the Monkeypod Wood bar? Go for it. Would you prefer a cozy booth for a date night? They’ve got you covered. Families on Sunday best mingle with joggers, grab a quick bite, and prove this spot welcomes everyone.
At 4925 Eden Ave in the Maison Green apartment building, Starling Edina faces Highway 100 but feels worlds away once you’re inside. The solarium, seating up to 35 for private events, offers a sunny nook for celebrations. Is it too fancy? Not at all—it’s elegant yet approachable, striking that rare balance where you feel special without feeling out of place. You’ll wonder why every restaurant doesn’t nail this vibe.
How’s the Drink Scene at Starling Edina?
Thirsty? Starling Edina shakes things up with a craft cocktail list as worldly as the food. Fancy a Vietnamese Coffee Martini? It’s a spiced twist on the espresso classic, sweetened with condensed milk. Or try the Ube Cosmopolitan—that purple yam makes a cameo here, too, turning a familiar drink into a fuchsia stunner. The Grilled Grapefruit Paloma adds a smoky edge to a citrusy favorite. Each cocktail costs around $14-$16, but you can snag a non-alcoholic version if booze isn’t your thing.
The bar doesn’t skimp on options. Local beers, Japanese brews, and Mexican lagers flow alongside a solid wine list starting at $10 a glass. Happy hour, running daily from 2-5 PM sweetens the deal. Are you wondering if the drinks overshadow the food? They don’t—they’re the perfect co-star, enhancing every dish you order. You’ll find yourself sipping and smiling, plotting your next visit.
What About Service and Convenience?
Let’s talk logistics. Starling Edina keeps things smooth with a free parking lot—though it’s small, so arrive early or opt for valet during peak times ($10). No reservations? No problem. They run on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can call ahead for the waitlist. Do you have a big group? They’ll sort you out with limited bookings for six or more. Delivery fiends, rejoice—Uber Eats and DoorDash bring Starling Edina to your door, or you can grab takeout by dialing (952) 295-8180.
The staff shines here. Servers charm you attentively—some even whip up handwritten birthday cards with your dessert! Slow service pops up in a few reviews, but most rave about the friendly team. Is it perfect? Not always, but the effort shows. You’ll appreciate how they keep the experience personal, even when the place buzzes with energy.
Is Starling Edina Eco-Friendly?
Here’s a fun twist: Starling Edina cares about the planet. They ditch disposable straws for reusable ones and swap paper towels for cloth in the restrooms. It’s not preachy—just brilliant, subtle choices that cut waste. The folks behind the scenes, part of Jester Concepts, know the restaurant world can drown in the trash, so they’re flipping the script. Does it change your meal? Not really, but it feels good knowing your night out aligns with greener vibes. You’ll leave thinking, “More places should do this!”
How Does Starling Edina Stack Up?
So, how does Starling Edina fare against the competition? Edina’s food scene boasts heavy hitters like Pajarito and Mr. Paul’s, but Starling Edina carves its lane. It’s not chasing Cajun or Mexican—it’s serving a passport of flavors you won’t find nearby. The Butter Chicken Tacos set it apart, and the global cocktail game seals the deal. Price-wise, it’s not cheap—entrées hover around $20-$30, cocktails add up fast—but it’s a splurge that feels worth it for a special night.
Parking gripes and occasional service hiccups pop up in chatter online, yet the 4.5-star rating on OpenTable (from 50+ reviews) speaks volumes. Diners love the unique menu and chic decor. Is it for every day? Probably not—your wallet might protest—but for a memorable meal, it’s a contender. You’ll weigh your options and realize Starling Edina brings something fresh.
What’s the Verdict on Starling Edina?
Alright, let’s wrap this up. Starling Edina lands as a breath of fresh air in Edina’s dining landscape. The food dazzles with global flair, the atmosphere invites you to linger, and the drinks elevate the whole shebang. It’s not flawless—parking’s tight, service can lag—but the hits far outweigh the misses. Whether you’re a foodie chasing new flavors, a couple seeking a date spot, or a family wanting a fun brunch (think Turkish poached eggs!), this place delivers.
Visit starlingmn.com or swing by 4925 Eden Ave to see for yourself. Open Monday-Thursday 11 AM-9 PM, Friday 11 AM-10 PM, Saturday 10 AM-10 PM, and Sunday 10 AM-9 PM, Starling Edina fits your schedule. Will it become your go-to? Maybe not for every meal, but it’s a spot you’ll crave when you want something different. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, order those tacos, and let Starling Edina take you on a ride. You won’t regret it!
