2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
Our team has assembled the best eateries in Saint Paul, Minnesota. You can see our methodology here.
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1. Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook
Try the: Juicy Nookie Burger
“Here in Saint Paul, Minnesota you can find a number of pubs and burger places, but none compares to the one-of-a-kind, The Nook. The Nook is great food and a lively, fun experience every time. Whether it’s a quick bite, a few drinks with friends or a tasty dinner, you won’t be disappointed. Check out Ranham Bowling Center and stay for hours of fun and great food. Come and see for yourself today!
2. Cossetta Alimentari
Try the: Tiramisu
“In the heart of St. Paul, the newly expanded Cossetta Alimentari is as grand as a true Italian marketplace, inside and out. Now you can grab a slice and find a seat right away in our 300-seat Eatery & Pizzeria. Or, head up to the third story with family and friends for pasta, secondi and dolce in Louis Ristorante & Bar. Browse the impressive Pasticceria — a work of art from Italy — and take home an authentic Cannoli pastry like you would in Sicily. Love Italian cooking as much as we do? Our Italian Market is now three times bigger so you can make your own masterpieces with only the best imported ingredients. If you’re not up for cooking, take home a chef-prepared meal. We won’t be offended.”
3. Red Cow – Saint Paul
Try the: Red Cow Salad
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Minneapolis
“Red Cow was hatched the way a lot of great ideas are – around the kitchen table. As a family, Luke, Michael and Peter, would always talk about what kind of restaurant they would build together. With a shared love for a really good burger, the family decided on a “modern tavern” concept that would elevate burgers and beverages to something special. Stumped on a name, the family pitched ideas back and forth for weeks until one day Michael said, “how about ‘Red’ for the wine and ‘Cow’ for the burgers? Red Cow!”
With a concept and a name under their belts, They sought out a team to help create a menu of diverse and flavorful burgers. Red Cow’s signature burger is the 60/40. Made with 60% certified Angus beef and 40% ground bacon patty and topped with Wisconsin-aged cheddar, beer mustard and candied bacon – it’s definitely a ‘must.’ If you’re looking for something a little more outside the box, check out the Barcelona Burger. Topped with manchego, prosciutto, piquillo pepper and smoked pepper aioli, the Barcelona Burger raises the stakes in the burger game. Voted “Best Burger” by Mpls/St. Paul Magazine twice and ranked as one of the hottest burgers in North America by Eater, the menu at Red Cow has raised the bar on the burger game.”
4. Cafe Latté
Try the: Tres Leches Cake
“We are so much more than a cafe…
Since 1984, Cafe Latte has been serving up the freshest baked goods & modern comfort food in a cafeteria setting. Our menu is prepared simply with the best ingredients available. While many know us for our award winning desserts, customers love us for our signature lattes featuring Morningstar Coffee, ever changing selection of soups & salads, customizable sandwiches, spread sampler & our made to order pizzas. Cafe Latte is a leader in sustainable dining, composting our food & paper waste along with recycling everything we can.”
5. The Buttered Tin
Try the: Huevos Rancheros Benedict
“Founded by James Beard-recognized pastry chef and Cupcake Wars winner Alicia Hinze, The Buttered Tin has been a sunny staple for scratch-made eats and sweets in St. Paul, MN since opening our doors in 2013. This fall of 2021, we are excited to expand our love of community and good food to a second location in NE Minneapolis! Just like our building in Lowertown, our Minneapolis corner location will be surrounded by glass, sunny light, and friendly faces.
Our menu highlights American breakfast and lunch classics features fresh ingredients sourced from farmers and vendors we hold near and dear to our hearts. These local favorites include Hope Creamery, Fisher Farms, Midwest Salad Company, B&W Coffee, and Ferndale Turkey.”
6. Revival – Saint Paul
Try the: Fried Chicken
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Minneapolis
“Our original neighborhood spot in South Minneapolis where all your favorites originated, always feels like home.”
7. Handsome Hog
Try the: Potato Wedges
“Hey there neighbor – we’re the Handsome Hog, a contemporary Southern restaurant on Cathedral Hill, serving lunch, dinner, brunch, & a midday happy hour. Our food is pig-centric, our drinks are bold, & our doors are open.”
8. Tongue In Cheek
Try the: Pork Belly
“At Tongue in Cheek, we are dedicated to serving animal products that are raised and sourced in a humane and sustainable manner, as well as a variety of Vegan and Vegetarian options. Our bar features a host of unique and quirky specialty cocktails, a focused selection of craft beer, and eclectic wines. We deliver high-quality food and libations in a casual setting. We like to think of it as approachable fine dining, with something for everyone!”
9. On’s Thai Kitchen
Try the: Stuffed Crab Cakes
“ON’S KITCHEN is an authentic Thai restaurant with an extensive menu of home made fresh dishes cooked by owner and head chef “On” Khumchaya. She started cooking Thai food at the age of eight years old for herself and her younger brothers and sister in Khlong Suan, Chachoengsao, Thailand.”
10. Cecils
Try the: Reuben
“Cecil & Faye Glickman established Cecil’s Delicatessen on July 1, 1949. Their aim was to provide the highest quality products to the Highland Park community. They brought in their meat products from Chicago, which even today, is still the best producer of quality meats. They started with a very modest store and over the past 50 plus years the size of the building has grown and their commitment to quality products has endured for three generations. We still bake all our own breads and rolls. We pride ourselves on our made from scratch soups, dressings, salads, desserts, latkes, and chopped liver. Cecils is the last of the true established delis in Minnesota, and we look forward to serving our customers the best for another three generations.”