Khâluna takes its name from a Lao word meaning "please," rooted in a Buddhist teaching on compassion. The logo's border pattern, designed by Chicago-based Laotian artist Chantala Kommanivanh, draws from the Lao Sinh, a traditional skirt tied to Laotian ethnic identity.
The room goes for a resort feel — colorful, meant to transport — with a menu that includes mango fish and wings among the dishes reviewers return to. Chef Ann has described Khâluna as a bridge between Minneapolis and Southeast Asia, an idea carried next door at The Shop at Khâluna, which sells fair-trade goods from artisans in Laos and doubles as a private dining space and cooking studio.
Chef Ann has been a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef semifinalist in 2025 and 2026, a Best Chef: Midwest finalist in 2024, and a Best Chef: Midwest semifinalist in 2023.
The room goes for a resort feel — colorful, meant to transport — with a menu that includes mango fish and wings among the dishes reviewers return to. Chef Ann has described Khâluna as a bridge between Minneapolis and Southeast Asia, an idea carried next door at The Shop at Khâluna, which sells fair-trade goods from artisans in Laos and doubles as a private dining space and cooking studio.
Chef Ann has been a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef semifinalist in 2025 and 2026, a Best Chef: Midwest finalist in 2024, and a Best Chef: Midwest semifinalist in 2023.