New ramen restaurant arrives in downtown Excelsior

From the team behind Parlour Bar comes Shiki, serving sake juice boxes, to-go dumplings for the boat and more.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
June 19, 2025 at 11:01AM
Shiki's ramen and dumplings
A spread of ramen, dumplings and cocktails at the new Shiki in downtown Excelsior. (Provided by Jester Concepts)

Shiki, the newest concept from Jester Concepts, opens Thursday in downtown Excelsior with ube piña coladas, shrimp steam buns and shoyu ramen. Billed as a “bold new noodle bar,” the restaurant (200 Water St.) above Parlour Bar starts serving at 11 a.m.

Open lunch through dinner, Shiki’s menu is meant to be enjoyed in its 630-square-foot space with 30 seats, or to-go, making for some bold new boat-snack offerings.

Other menu details shared in a news release include chicken shio, kimchi and a vegetarian miso ramen along with potstickers, chicken meatballs with miso and more.

Inside the bar, the cocktail menu is given the same balance of whimsy and care as has become expected of Jester’s restaurants, which include Borough, Butcher & the Boar, P.S. Steak and more. Created by Earl Giles, drinks will include pineapple-sambal margaritas and ramen Old Fashioneds with ramen syrup inside the classic bourbon drink. There also will be sake juice pouches, wine, beer and a selection of bubble teas.

Working with Studio Grey, the cozy interior is meant to evoke Japanese noodle shops with bold colors and raw materials.

Shiki is the second phase of the three-restaurant plan from Jester Concepts for downtown Excelsior. Like the lower-level Parlour, there are no reservations. Diners instead check in online for a waitlist before heading to the restaurant. The third and final restaurant, Mirabelle, will open later this summer.

A selection of sake, beer and Japanese soda
Behind the bar will be a selection of Japanese beverages including sake served in a juice box, Japanese beer and Ramune sodas. (Photo courtesy of Jester Concepts)
about the writer

about the writer

Joy Summers

Food and Drink Reporter

Joy Summers is a St. Paul-based food reporter who has been covering Twin Cities restaurants since 2010. She joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2021.

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