Minari, a new restaurant from Daniel Del Prado's culinary director, set to open next month

Chef Jeff Watson, culinary director for Daniel Del Prado's restaurant group, will open and lead his first restaurant next month.

Minari, a contemporary Asian restaurant that blends Korean and other East Asian influences, is set to open in Northeast Minneapolis on Nov. 15.

The restaurant will emphasize banchan and seasonal dim sum items, creating a menu that invites communal dining, something Watson says is important to his vision.

In addition to a menu with Korean banchan, grilled entrées, and noodles, Minari will have a roaming dim sum cart in its 140-seat dining room.

Beyond the main dining area, designed by Christen Dean Architects, Minari will have an 80-seat bar and lounge that stays open an hour later than the dining room to offer a late-night bites menu.

Related: Two Minneapolis restaurants make New York Times' list of favorites in the U.S.

The bar and wine program at Minari, part of Del Prado's DDP Restaurant Group, will be led by DDP veterans, including Bar Director Megan Luedtke and Sommelier Bill Summerville.

Minari, at 323 13th Ave. NE, sits just blocks from two restaurants that were recently honored in the New York Times ' annual restaurant list , Oro by Nixta and Vinai. Starting Nov. 15, it'll be open daily from 5–10 p.m. and the lounge will stay open an extra hour. Reservations are available now .

Related: Daniel Del Prado's 'refined' sports bar, Dexter's, opens this month