An eater’s guide to Saint Paul

I definitely don’t miss Minnesota this time of year, but I do miss the eats. We lived there for twelve years and I still didn’t even make a dent in my lengthy dining list.

The Twin Cities have been developing a top-notch culinary scene over the past decade to consistently have chefs and restaurants nominated for James Beard awards and top dining recognition. When we moved there after college Minneapolis got all the recognition, but living on the St Paul side of the world showed us that there were just as many great eats on our side of the river.

So after twelve years calling the Twin Cities home these are some of our faves we returned to again and again. The next time you visit be sure to head to the St. Paul side of the river.

This is much more than just an eatery. Part bakery, part Italian market, and part restaurant it is all delicious. Grab a slice of pizza or some pasta and salad along with a glass of wine or Peroni. Be sure to save room for some gelato or a delicate pastry and a cup of espresso. We loved this place for grabbing all of our Italian items – imported pastas and sauces, fresh baked bread, salami and cheeses, and our favorite candies.

These are two separate places but I’m pairing them together because they are owned by the same people and serve the same menu. The Nook is in the running for the Twin Cities best Juicy Lucy (a debate we aren’t even going to get into), but it is tiny. Shamrocks is their bigger establishment so after having kids we would often head there instead. To be honest, I didn’t even usually get the juicy lucy since they have all-around great burgers and fries.

While we never knew the Downtowner as a small breakfast joint it is still definitely a local spot. Every time we went in for lunch or dinner the staff was chatting up a regular and made it still feel like a small spot. The menu is varied and you can’t go wrong with anything from the oak-fired grill.

So this one is a chain and has started spreading outside of the Twin Cities and even outside of MN, but it started here and will forever be one of our favorites. Neapolitan style pizza made the right way. Wood burning ovens brought from Italy and bufala mozzarella is flown in weekly.

I didn’t get to this little spot nearly enough. Every time I did go I felt like I was transported to the South – the smells, the long tables, the conversation – all reminded me of the small local cafes I’ve gone to in Dixie Land. It is REALLY hard to choose one or two items so I highly recommend going with a friend or two and ordering a bunch of stuff and sharing. The fried chicken, the greens, even the mac ‘n cheese . . .

The Twin Cities has a growing population of immigrants from across the globe and with that comes a little taste of their homelands. Fasika is a delicious taste of Ethiopia and I have to admit it was a destination that never really crossed my mind, but it definitely does after eating here. From the injera to meal ending strong coffee you will be transported to Africa by the flavors and the hospitality.

The burger game is strong in Minnesota and this place is up for the championship every year – how is that not a thing?! Another MN thing is the tots which you will find in several different varieties including hella totchos ala nachos topped with pulled pork, salsa, and other goodies. But back to the burgers. You really can’t go wrong, but I highly recommend the Merriam Park and the Islander. And don’t forget to add the fries – you won’t regret it.

This cafe was my favorite for lunch meetings. It is a little taste of France in the Midwest. You really can just make your way through the table snacks and call it a day, but the salad nicoise, crepes, and croque madame will transport you to Paris without the airfare. And don’t forget to add on a little afternoon tipple.

La Grolla was our other go-to for special occasions. It is a little spot that really feels like an eatery in Rome. If you head there for lunch grab some pizzette and home-made mozzarella. The food and drinks are top-notch and whatever you do don’t miss dessert.

There are so many more great ones, but you can at least visit knowing you won’t be disappointed by these ten establishments. Don’t see your favorite on the list? Share it in the comments so other visitors can add it to their list too.