Rice Paper, Minneapolis

An Nguyen's full-wall photos of cool, shadowy bamboo groves serve as a tranquil backdrop to her restaurant and a reminder of her homeland of Vietnam, which she left in 1970. All of Rice Paper's recipes emerged from An's childhood in Vietnam, with an emphasis on contrasts such as sweet and sour, soft and crunchy, hot and cold, or Laurel and Hardy.

Though the dishes are traditional, they have been stripped of fat and salt in favor of healthier steaming and grilling. While perusing the eatery's separate gluten- and dairy-free menu, guests can sip on a glass of wine or artisan sake.