About
Momento is a destination restaurant in Downtown St. Paul that feels – and tastes – a world away.
Executive Chef Aaron Uban has created modern interpretations of old-world dishes from Greece, Morocco, North Africa, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Egypt, and beyond. Beverage Manager Kevin Tester crafted an innovative bar menu to complement the cuisine, featuring an inspired array of handcrafted cocktails, housemade cellos, refreshing spritzes, and bright mocktails. Our service staff is expertly trained to take guests on a flavorful journey, guiding them through the rich and diverse flavor profiles of the region — all from their table.
Meet the Team

Aaron Uban
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Aaron found his passion for cooking as a child living in Taiwan — infatuated with the smells, sights, and sounds coming from their kitchen. After earning a B.F.A. in Design and trying a “normal” life, Aaron began his culinary career in 1994, working his way up the ranks in the Twin Cities’ most recognizable restaurants, including Heartland, the Stripclub Meat & Fish, and most recently leading the kitchen at Downtown St. Paul’s Kincaid’s. Chef Aaron’s classical Italian training and experience in Middle Eastern cuisine inform and inspire the Momento menu, and Chef aims to take every Momento guests on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean.

Kevin Tester
Beverage Manager
Kevin Tester brings creativity, curiosity, and over a decade of experience behind some of the Twin Cities’ best bars to his role as Momento’s Beverage Manager. Influenced by his culinary counterparts, Kevin and his team have curated an incredible menu of spirit-forward cocktails, zero-proof mocktails, and housemade cellos for Momento. Kevin’s vast spirit knowledge and conversational skills are unparalleled, and his ability to create memorable guest experiences is second-to-none. A Minnesota native, Kevin is thrilled to be a part of Momento’s leadership team, and excited to continue his career in Downtown St. Paul.

Tim McHugh
General Manager

Zulema Giese
Restaurant Manager
Zulema Giese brings compassion, collaboration, and commitment to her role as Restaurant Manager at Momento. A hospitality industry veteran with a background in law enforcement, Zulema focuses on the day-to-day operations and management of the restaurant — ensuring that her employees are set up for success, services are running smoothly, and guest expectations are exceeded at all times. A self-motivated, life-long learner, Zulema has deep experience in hospitality management, customer service, and conflict resolution, and thrives when building inclusive, collaborative organizational cultures. Outside of Momento, Zulema is happiest on a beach or by a pool on a warm, sunny day.
Awards

Anna Peterson
Anna grew up in the East Suburb of St. Paul and graduated with degrees from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School and the Art Institute of Minneapolis.
What’s the best part of working in a restaurant?
I love turning new guests into regulars and being able to create memorable experiences at every visit.

Aaron Uban
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Aaron found his passion for cooking as a child living in Taiwan — infatuated with the smells, sights, and sounds coming from their kitchen. After earning a B.F.A. in Design and trying a “normal” life, Aaron began his culinary career in 1994, working his way up the ranks in the Twin Cities’ most recognizable restaurants, including Heartland, the Stripclub Meat & Fish, and most recently leading the kitchen at Downtown St. Paul’s Kincaid’s. Chef Aaron’s classical Italian training and experience in Middle Eastern cuisine inform and inspire the Momento menu, and Chef aims to take every Momento guests on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean.
The Charlie Awards 2020 - Outstanding Service


The Citizen - Readers' Choice 2021 Finalist
Quad Community Press - Readers' Choice 2021 Winner
Best Restaurant, Best Salad, Best Walleye Dinner, Best Steak Dinner

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! We have a dog-friendly patio, and welcome your well-behaved four-legged friends.
Currently, we do not offer brunch.
Yes, valet service is offer at $20 per vehicle.
Reservations are recommended.
Not in the restaurant, but next door at Three Sixty Event Space. Visit www.threesixtyeventspace.com to learn more.
Yes! We love to throw parties at Momento. Please send private event inquiries to info@momento-stp.com.