2022 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
Our team has assembled the best eateries in Saint Paul, Minnesota. You can see our methodology here.
Find a digital badge to celebrate your awesome accomplishment here, or contact us here if you’d like to request one as a sticker for your restaurant!
1. Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook
Try the: Juicy Nookie Burger
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
“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. Red Cow
Try the: Double Barrel Burger
Also honored in:
- 2022 Best Restaurants in Minneapolis
- 2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
- 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.”
3. Cafe Latté
Try the: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
“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.”
4. The Buttered Tin
Try the: Huevos Rancheros Benedict
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
“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.”
5. Handsome Hog
Try the: Carolina BBQ Sandwich with Potato Wedges
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
“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.”
6. Tongue In Cheek
Try the: Steamed Pork Buns
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
“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!”
7. On’s Thai Kitchen
Try the: Stuffed Crab Cakes
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
“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.”
8. Moscow On The Hill
Try the: Beef Stroganoff
“In the most authentic tradition, Moscow On The Hill offers the finest in Russian food and drink.
We would be delighted to have you as our guest and know that you will enjoy the Russian dining experience.
Tucked snugly into one of the most beautiful and enchanting neighborhoods in St. Paul, Moscow on the Hill offers the most authentic Russian dining experience in the Twin Cities. We specialize in comfort foods and classics, with a number of recognizable dishes such as Beef Stroganoff, Borsht and Blini with Caviar. You’ll also find cherished favorites like Pelmeni (meat-stuffed dumplings) and Vareniki (similar to Polish pirogies). The menu offers a variety of delicious vegetarian and gluten-free options.”
9. Cecils
Try the: Reuben
Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Saint Paul
“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.”
10. The Naughty Greek
Try the: Pork Gyro
“What makes our food so heavenly? It’s not a single item, but an entire philosophy. We refuse to compromise and insist on fresh produce, local meats, ingredients directly from Greece and authentic hospitality that let our innovative and traditional recipes satiate your craving for true Greek flavor.
Feast on warm pita sandwiches, hot and cold mezze platters, zingy house-made tzatziki, sticky-sweet desserts and the best pork gyro you can get this side of Athens.
There is something for everyone at our table. Each dish is made to order. So if you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free — don’t worry — we’ll fill your belly and warm your soul.
Each location has a different style of dining experience and thus, their own versions of the menu. At University Ave. you’ll experience café style dining at large community tables. At Snelling Ave. you’ll feel the love of a community cherished hole-in-the-wall, and in the Skyway you’ll get a faster-paced lunch experience.
Dine in, pick it up or get it delivered. However you like to get naughty — we won’t judge.”
11. Cafe Astoria
Try the: Berry Berry Berry Smoothie Bowl
“Cafe Astoria is an independent local coffee cafe and creperie. As residents of the west 7th neighborhood we believe in community investment. Neighbors serving neighbors. We specialize in creative coffee, delicious food, and great service.”