Colita Brings Bold Small Plates to South Minneapolis

What public feedback suggests

Colita carries a Google rating of 4.7 from 1713 reviews, and the sample feedback points to a restaurant with unusual consistency. Diners repeatedly focus on vivid flavors, careful plating and an energetic atmosphere rather than oversized portions or conventional combinations. One longtime customer describes returning since 2019 and still finding the food dependable, while another places Colita among their favorite restaurants in Minnesota.

The overall format is built around small plates, making Colita a stronger fit for groups willing to order broadly and share. Reviewers describe the cooking as Mexican inspired, original and confidently executed. At a mid range price level, the appeal appears to come from polished preparation and memorable flavor combinations rather than sheer volume.

Scallops lead the food recommendations

Scallops are the clearest recurring standout. Multiple diners call them a favorite, with one specifically praising the grilling and the way several sauces worked together. That combination of strong technique and layered accompaniments captures much of what reviewers seem to value about Colita.

Other dishes mentioned include shrimp tempura tacos, pork carnita tacos, corn, zabuton asada and sunflower seed hummus. These do not recur enough in the supplied feedback to carry the same weight as the scallops, but they reinforce a broader pattern of creative small plates with smoky, savory and texturally varied elements. The tacos, corn and scallops also appear together in one positive dinner account, suggesting that a mixed order can cover a useful range of the kitchen’s style.

Churros receive especially enthusiastic praise from a repeat visitor, who describes returning to Colita specifically for them after dining elsewhere. That is only one review, but the strength and specificity of the recommendation make them a sensible dessert to consider when available.

Drinks and atmosphere matter

Cocktails are another consistent strength. Reviewers characterize the drinks as creative, flavorful and carefully made, with praise for both the bartenders and the overall execution. A mezcal old fashioned is singled out, as are house-fermented juices described as rich, adult-oriented drinks. These details suggest that the beverage program is a substantial part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

The converted gas-station setting gives Colita a distinctive backdrop. Public feedback describes the room as lively, while the outdoor patio earns praise for its pleasant ambiance. That energy has a tradeoff: more than one reviewer finds the interior loud, crowded or both. One diner suggests the bar as a possible alternative to tightly spaced tables.

Best fit and practical cautions

Colita looks best suited to date nights, dinners with food-focused friends and groups comfortable sharing several plates. The combination of inventive food and serious cocktails supports a celebratory evening without requiring a formal dining-room mood.

Gluten-free diners may also find the restaurant appealing. One reviewer with celiac experience reports that the entire restaurant was gluten free, but dietary policies and preparation practices can change, so direct confirmation remains important. The larger practical concern is noise and spacing. Diners seeking quiet conversation may prefer the patio or bar, subject to availability.