Gianni's Steakhouse

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Family-Owned Institution on Lake Minnetonka

Gianni's Steakhouse has been a fixture in downtown Wayzata for over 25 years, drawing guests from across the Twin Cities to this lakeside suburb about 20 minutes west of Minneapolis. Family-owned and operated by Terri Huml, the restaurant has built a reputation on three consistent pillars: high-quality ingredients, exceptional service, and a wine program serious enough to earn Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence — a distinction the restaurant has held since 2018.

The Steaks, and Everything Around Them

Executive Chef Steve Vranian shapes a menu that puts beef front and center without losing sight of the broader table. The steakhouse sources locally raised "never ever beef" — no added hormones, no antibiotics, a 100% vegetarian diet, humanely handled — a standard recognized with the prestigious beef backer award. The steak selection runs from USDA-Choice Black Angus filet mignon through USDA-Prime bone-in ribeye and NY strip, up to Australian Wagyu cuts and a Japanese Miyazaki A5 New York Block. At the top of the range sits a 38-oz Creekstone Farms American Wagyu tomahawk, 30-day dry aged. All steaks are served with béarnaise sauce and roasted garlic, and the kitchen recommends rare to medium rare.

Beyond beef, the menu branches into fresh Red Lake Nation walleye sautéed with fried capers and parsley, Asian BBQ glazed sea bass, a North Atlantic lobster tail, rack of lamb chops with roasted bell peppers and mint, and pasta dishes including a pappardelle with filet mignon in brandy cream sauce. Starters span oysters on the half shell, lobster bisque, blackened king crab cake with creamed corn, and a tiered seafood tower built from king crab, lobster, chilled shrimp, oysters, grilled scallops, and seared tuna.

The Wine List and the Bar

Chef Vranian also curates the wine list — over 200 bottles — which has earned continuous recognition from Wine Spectator. Behind the bar, an expansive bourbon and whiskey selection sits alongside seasonal craft cocktails, making the patio bar a destination in its own right, especially with views across Lake Minnetonka on a summer evening.

The Room and the Experience

The serving staff brings over 100 years of combined experience to the floor, and guest reviews consistently single out individual servers by name — a detail that speaks to the kind of place this is. Whether the occasion calls for a quiet dinner in the elegant dining room or cocktails on the patio at sunset, Gianni's delivers the kind of steakhouse experience that keeps the Twin Cities coming back.