Andrew Zimmern’s home beautifully reflects his culinary passion and life philosophy. His recently renovated 3,600-square-foot Twin Cities house centers around food and entertaining, featuring a custom 15-foot red oak island that serves as his stage for guests. The modern home blends Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics and is designed for comfort and efficiency, with a kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances including four ovens and a unique cooking suite tailored to his chef needs. The open floor plan creates a spacious area for socializing, while sustainable and creative design touches such as a 20-foot shou sugi ban fireplace that doubles as a cooking hearth extend the culinary theme throughout the home. The residence also includes family-friendly spaces like a guitar room, wet bar, and media area, all surrounded by natural beauty with large windows that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Overall, the home mirrors Zimmern’s thoughtful approach to food, waste reduction, and hospitality.
Location and Architecture of Andrew Zimmern’s House
The Perfect Neighborhood Setting
Nestled in the prestigious suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Andrew Zimmern’s house sits in a neighborhood that perfectly balances urban accessibility with suburban tranquility. The location wasn’t chosen by accident—Minneapolis has been Zimmern’s home base for decades, serving as the launching pad for his global adventures while keeping him rooted in Midwestern values.
The area surrounding Andrew Zimmern’s house offers the best of both worlds. Close enough to the city’s vibrant food scene yet far enough to provide privacy and peace, it’s an ideal setting for a culinary professional who needs both inspiration and respite. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties create an atmosphere of understated elegance that matches Zimmern’s personal style.
Architectural Excellence
The architecture of Zimmern’s residence showcases a contemporary craftsman style that blends traditional elements with modern functionality. The exterior features natural stone accents, warm wood siding, and expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light. This design choice reflects Zimmern’s philosophy of honoring tradition while embracing innovation—much like his approach to cuisine.
The home’s façade presents an inviting presence without being ostentatious. Large overhanging eaves provide both aesthetic appeal and practical protection from Minnesota’s varied weather. The use of natural materials throughout the exterior design creates a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape, embodying Zimmern’s respect for nature and sustainable living.
Sustainable Design Elements
True to his advocacy for environmental responsibility, Andrew Zimmern’s house incorporates numerous eco-friendly features. Solar panels discretely integrated into the roof design help power the home, while a sophisticated rainwater collection system irrigates the extensive gardens. These sustainable choices reflect Zimmern’s commitment to leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.
The landscaping itself serves multiple purposes, featuring native Minnesota plants that require minimal maintenance while providing habitat for local wildlife. A carefully planned vegetable garden and herb garden supply fresh ingredients for the kitchen, creating an authentic farm-to-table experience right at home. This integration of sustainable living with culinary functionality makes the property a model for environmentally conscious design.
Interior Design and Décor Inspired by Culinary Passion
A Grand Welcome
Walking through the front door of Andrew Zimmern’s house, visitors are immediately struck by the warmth and sophistication of the entryway. A stunning collection of masks and artifacts from his travels around the world creates a gallery-like atmosphere that sets the tone for the entire home. Each piece has a story, collected during filming or personal adventures, making the space feel like a living museum of global culture.
The open floor plan seamlessly connects the main living areas, creating a flow that’s perfect for entertaining. Rich hardwood floors in a deep walnut finish provide continuity throughout the space, while varied ceiling heights add visual interest and define different zones within the open concept. Natural light pours in through strategically placed windows, highlighting the carefully curated art collection that adorns the walls.
Living Spaces That Tell Stories
The main living room serves as a comfortable gathering space that reflects Zimmern’s approachable personality. Deep, plush sofas in neutral tones invite relaxation, while colorful throw pillows and textiles collected from markets around the world add pops of vibrant color. A massive stone fireplace serves as the focal point, its mantel displaying a rotating collection of culinary awards and personal mementos.
What makes this space truly special are the conversation pieces scattered throughout. An antique spice chest from Morocco sits atop a console table, while handwoven baskets from various African countries provide both decoration and storage. Books on food, travel, and culture fill custom-built shelves, creating a personal library that guests love to browse.
Dining Areas Designed for Connection
The formal dining room showcases Zimmern’s belief that meals are about more than just food—they’re about bringing people together. A magnificent live-edge dining table, crafted from a single piece of black walnut, can comfortably seat twelve guests. The chairs, each slightly different but harmonious, were collected from various antique shops during Zimmern’s travels, symbolizing how diverse elements can come together to create a unified whole.
Above the table hangs a dramatic chandelier made from recycled wine bottles, commissioned from a local artist. The walls feature a rotating gallery of food photography from Zimmern’s shows, creating an immersive dining experience that celebrates global cuisine. A built-in wine storage system displays an impressive collection of bottles from around the world, each with its own story of discovery.
Personal Touches Throughout
Every corner of Andrew Zimmern’s house reveals personal touches that make the space uniquely his. The powder room features wallpaper made from vintage menu designs, while the hallways display framed recipes handwritten by renowned chefs he’s worked with over the years. These details create a home that’s not just beautiful but deeply meaningful.
The Kitchen: Heart of Andrew Zimmern’s House
Professional-Grade Design Meets Home Comfort
The kitchen in Andrew Zimmern’s house is nothing short of spectacular—a culinary command center that would make any professional chef envious. Spanning over 800 square feet, this isn’t just a kitchen; it’s a fully equipped culinary studio where magic happens daily. The space seamlessly blends commercial-grade functionality with the warmth and comfort essential for a family home.
At the center of it all stands a massive custom island topped with Carrara marble, providing ample workspace for everything from casual meal prep to elaborate dinner parties. The island features built-in refrigeration drawers, a prep sink, and hidden storage compartments that keep essential tools within arm’s reach. Bar seating on one side creates an informal dining option, allowing guests to interact with the chef during meal preparation.
State-of-the-Art Appliances
The appliance selection reflects Zimmern’s serious approach to cooking. A 60-inch dual-fuel range with eight burners, a griddle, and two ovens anchors the cooking zone. The range hood, custom-fabricated from copper and steel, not only provides powerful ventilation but also serves as a stunning focal point. Adjacent to the range, a steam oven and speed oven offer additional cooking methods for the adventurous chef.
Refrigeration in this kitchen goes far beyond standard. Three separate refrigeration units serve different purposes: a massive 48-inch refrigerator-freezer for everyday use, a dedicated wine refrigerator with multiple temperature zones, and a specialized dry-aging cabinet for meats. There’s even a blast chiller for rapidly cooling hot foods—a feature rarely seen in kitchens outside of professional settings.
Smart Kitchen Technology
Embracing modern innovation, Andrew Zimmern’s house features cutting-edge kitchen technology. A sophisticated home automation system controls lighting, temperature, and even some appliances through voice commands or smartphone apps. The induction cooktop on the island can be programmed with precise temperature controls, perfect for techniques like sous vide cooking.
An integrated tablet station built into the cabinetry serves multiple purposes. It displays recipes, streams cooking shows, manages grocery lists, and even video calls with other chefs around the world. This technology integration shows how Zimmern balances traditional cooking techniques with modern convenience.
Storage Solutions and Organization
The storage systems in this kitchen are worthy of special mention. Custom cabinetry extends to the ceiling, maximizing every inch of space. Pull-out drawers contain organized spice collections from around the world, each labeled and categorized by cuisine type. A walk-in pantry features temperature-controlled zones for different ingredients, ensuring optimal freshness.
One particularly clever feature is the appliance garage—a section of counter with a rolling door that conceals small appliances when not in use. This keeps the countertops clear while maintaining easy access to everything from high-powered blenders to specialty tools like pasta makers and grain mills.
Design Aesthetics and Materials
The kitchen’s visual design strikes a perfect balance between professional functionality and residential warmth. White subway tiles with dark grout create a classic backdrop, while open shelving displays beautiful dishware and serving pieces collected from travels. The mix of materials—marble, wood, copper, and steel—adds textural interest while maintaining a cohesive look.
Lighting plays a crucial role in both functionality and ambiance. Task lighting under cabinets ensures perfect visibility for detailed work, while pendant lights over the island provide both illumination and a stylish touch. A skylight floods the space with natural light during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a connection to the outdoors.
Outdoor Spaces and Additional Amenities
An Outdoor Culinary Paradise
The exterior spaces of Andrew Zimmern’s house extend the home’s culinary capabilities into the open air. The expansive outdoor kitchen rivals many indoor kitchens in its completeness. Built under a pergola covered with weather-resistant fabric, this space allows for year-round outdoor cooking in Minnesota’s varied climate.
The outdoor kitchen features a professional-grade grill system with multiple cooking zones, a wood-fired pizza oven imported from Italy, and a traditional smoker for authentic barbecue. A full sink, refrigerator, and ample counter space make this a completely self-sufficient cooking area. The design incorporates the same attention to detail found indoors, with beautiful stonework and weather-resistant cabinetry.
Gardens That Feed Body and Soul
Zimmern’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients is evident in the extensive gardens surrounding his home. Raised beds contain a rotating selection of vegetables and herbs, many of them unusual varieties discovered during his travels. The herb garden alone features over 50 different varieties, from common basil and thyme to exotic finds like shiso and epazote.
A greenhouse extends the growing season, allowing for year-round production of fresh greens and starting seedlings for the outdoor gardens. This structure also houses Zimmern’s collection of citrus trees and other tropical plants that wouldn’t usually survive Minnesota winters. The integration of food production into the landscape demonstrates his holistic approach to culinary life.
Entertainment and Relaxation Spaces
Beyond cooking, the outdoor areas of Andrew Zimmern’s house provide spaces for relaxation and entertainment. A swimming pool with an attached hot tub offers respite during warm summer months, while a poolside cabana provides shade and houses a fully stocked bar for outdoor entertaining.
The fire pit area has become a favorite gathering spot, surrounded by comfortable seating and overlooking the gardens. This space hosts everything from casual family evenings roasting marshmallows to late-night conversations with fellow chefs and food industry friends. The design creates an intimate atmosphere while accommodating larger groups when needed.
Sustainable Landscaping Practices
The entire outdoor space reflects sustainable landscaping principles. Native plants reduce water usage and provide habitat for pollinators. A sophisticated irrigation system uses collected rainwater, while permeable paving materials help manage stormwater runoff. Even the outdoor lighting is designed for minimal environmental impact, utilizing LED fixtures with dark-sky-friendly designs.
Andrew Zimmern’s House: A Reflection of Personal and Professional Life
The house design of Andrew Zimmern’s house perfectly captures the essence of a man who has dedicated his life to exploring and sharing the world’s culinary traditions. Every element, from the professional kitchen to the global art collection, tells the story of a chef who sees food as a universal language that connects cultures and brings people together.
What’s most striking about the home is how it balances luxury with functionality. While the high-end appliances and beautiful finishes speak to success, the lived-in comfort and personal touches reveal a space designed for real life. This is a home where gourmet meals are prepared with the same frequency as simple family dinners, where world-renowned chefs cook alongside children learning to crack eggs.
The seamless integration of work and personal life is evident throughout. The kitchen serves as both a testing ground for new recipes and a gathering place for family meals. The dining room hosts formal dinner parties and casual homework sessions. This flexibility reflects Zimmern’s philosophy that food is meant to be shared and enjoyed, not placed on a pedestal.
Most importantly, Andrew Zimmern’s house demonstrates how a home can be both a personal sanctuary and a platform for hospitality. The thoughtful design choices create spaces that welcome guests while maintaining private areas for family life. It’s a testament to the belief that the best meals—and the best moments—happen when people feel comfortable and connected.
Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details about Andrew Zimmern’s House
Hidden Culinary Treasures
One of the most intriguing features of Andrew Zimmern’s house is the secret spice room tucked behind a bookshelf in his study. This temperature-controlled space houses rare spices and ingredients collected from around the world, some of which are nearly impossible to find in the United States. The collection includes everything from authentic saffron from Kashmir to wild honey from remote regions of Tanzania.
The kitchen island contains a hidden feature that guests love discovering—a built-in scale that can weigh ingredients placed anywhere on the marble surface. This technology, typically found only in high-end bakeries, enables precise measurements without the need for separate scales, making the execution of complex recipes seamless and efficient.
Celebrity Connections
Andrew Zimmern’s house has hosted numerous celebrity chefs and food personalities over the years. The guest book reads like a who’s who of the culinary world, with signatures from everyone from Anthony Bourdain to José Andrés. Many of these visitors have contributed to the home’s décor, leaving behind signed cookbooks, kitchen tools, or artwork that now adorns the walls.
One particularly memorable evening saw fifteen James Beard Award winners gathered around the dining table for an impromptu potluck dinner. Each chef prepared a dish using only ingredients sourced from Zimmern’s pantry and gardens, resulting in one of the most extraordinary meals ever served at home.
Unique Smart Home Features
The house incorporates cutting-edge technology in unexpected ways. The wine cellar features a biometric lock that opens only to registered fingerprints, protecting the valuable collection while allowing authorized users easy access. The kitchen’s exhaust system automatically adjusts according to cooking temperatures and smoke levels, ensuring optimal air quality without requiring manual intervention.
Why Fans and Food Enthusiasts Love Touring Andrew Zimmern’s House
Inspiration for Home Cooks
Food enthusiasts are drawn to Andrew Zimmern’s house because it demonstrates how professional culinary concepts can be adapted for home use. The kitchen’s design offers countless ideas for serious home cooks, from the organization systems to the mix of high-end and practical appliances. Visitors often leave with notebooks full of ideas to implement in their own kitchens.
The way Zimmern incorporates global influences into his home décor inspires others to celebrate their own cultural connections through design. His approach shows that you don’t need to be a world traveler to create a home that reflects diverse culinary traditions—you need curiosity and respect for different cultures.
A Window into Creative Process
Touring the house provides unique insights into Zimmern’s creative process. The home office, where he writes cookbooks and plans television shows, features walls covered with maps marking locations of future food adventures. The testing kitchen’s notebook, filled with experimental recipes and flavor combinations, reveals the methodical approach behind his seemingly spontaneous culinary style.
Fans particularly appreciate seeing how Andrew Zimmern’s house reflects his values of sustainability, cultural appreciation, and hospitality. It’s proof that success in the culinary world doesn’t require abandoning principles or losing touch with what matters most—bringing people together through food.
Where Does Andrew Zimmern’s Currently Live?
