Jon Cheng
Critic
RestaurantsJon Cheng is a former Star Tribune restaurant critic. In past journalistic lives, Jon wrote restaurant reviews and columns for publications in New York, London and Singapore. He is fanatical about bread.
Latest from Jon Cheng
Star Tribune restaurant critic Jon Cheng steps down
With a full belly and closed notebook, Cheng leaves diners with 5 things he learned about Twin Cities dining — and himself.
June 2, 2025
The 5 best things our food writers ate in 2024
A stunning cup of affogato, unforgettable barbecue and evenings soaking in delicious surroundings: here’s what stood out this year.
December 27, 2024
The Star Tribune’s 2024 Restaurants of the Year reflect an incredible year of dining
This year’s winners — Bûcheron, Diane’s Place and Vinai — have one thing in common: They are distinctly Minnesotan.
December 15, 2024
Cheng: The hearth is the heart of northeast Minneapolis’ Black Duck
Chef Jason Sawicki melds culture, comfort and fire to put his own stamp on northeast Minneapolis dining.
November 30, 2024
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Cheng: 7 reasons why I’m thankful for Minnesota’s food scene
My third year as the Minnesota Star Tribune’s restaurant critic brought surprises, friendships and, of course, good food.
November 8, 2024
Cheng: At Vinai, chef Yia Vang rewrites the Hmong American playbook
The Minneapolis restaurant is a window to the chef’s past as it charts the cuisine’s future.
October 24, 2024
Cheng: Your questions about restaurants and the restaurant critic answered
Inquiring audience minds want to know about quiet restaurants, cuisine preferences, the one food he can’t live without — and the one he can’t stand.
October 5, 2024
![A bucket of piping hot cheese curds. ] JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ME7GIN3CFLWSQ7LT6JG7LECLGU.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Cheng: 4 Twin Cities area hidden gem restaurants that should be on your radar
Our restaurant critic is back with another installment of Twin Cities area restaurant gems.
September 5, 2024
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Review: Gia celebrates the simplicity of Italian cooking
The menu at the Minneapolis restaurant changes weekly, but the talent and hospitality are constants.
August 8, 2024
Review: Chilango is chef Jorge Guzmán’s Mex-Tex playground
The Minneapolis restaurant pushes the boundaries of south-of-the-border cuisine — with some caveats.
July 11, 2024
5 dishes from Twin Cities restaurants that will get you hooked on fish
Call him a fish out of water. Our island-born restaurant critic can’t stop thinking about these fish dishes.
June 20, 2024
If these 3 restaurants aren’t on your radar, they should be
Our restaurant critic is back with another installment of Twin Cities restaurant gems.
June 1, 2024
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