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Local picks

Italian food in Minnesota

A plate of pasta is most satisfying when it follows the regional techniques that have defined the dish for decades.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Liliana image 1
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Restaurant

Classy restaurant with a dimly lit, beautiful space and communal seating that feels cozy but cramped. Atmosphere is welcoming and energized, paired with complex cocktails and freshly made pasta that create an exceptional dining experience.

Pasta is made fresh on site, adding a special authentic element. The dishes reflect true Italian cuisine, reminiscent of traditional Sicilian family recipes.

Freshly made in-house pasta stands out here. The prosciutto bruschetta also offers a tasty Italian bite.

People are saying

"The garlic bread is a creamy, buttery, out-of-this-world experience."

"The pasta dishes here are amazing, especially the rigatoni."

"It's like my grandma's spaghetti, truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is definitely recommended.

2

The location had easy access and parking.

3

There is a full-size bar and plenty of available parking.

02
Time & Place image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a luxurious feeling with delicately-lit tables, linen tablecloths, and cloth napkins. Music plays a fabulous reggae soundtrack that encourages spontaneous dancing and creates a warm, friendly atmosphere. The menu blends authentic Jamaican and Asian dishes, making it a unique spot for a date night.

A unique blend of authentic Jamaican and Asian dishes stands out here. The food offers unforgettable flavors paired with top-tier customer service at a great price.

Pasta dishes feature creamy, rich sauces and fresh ingredients like buffalo mozzarella and Monterey Bay shrimp. Options include flavorful choices like Rasta Pasta and snapper with pasta.

People are saying

"The food here is spectacular and delicious."

"I found the most authentic Jamaican food with unforgettable flavors here."

"The Rasta Pasta here is amazingly delicious Italian Food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights due to limited seating.

2

Lunch specials are available for $12, offering great value.

3

Expect meals to arrive at different times as they are prepared fresh.

03
Kyiv Cakes image 1

Small bakery with beautiful cakes and pastries offers a cozy, quiet atmosphere. Unique treats like fruit mousse cakes and honey cake stand out for their quality and flavor. Customers find it a hidden gem with a homemade, authentic feel.

Authentic recipes shape the desserts here, especially the tiramisu and cakes. The place feels like a beautiful authentic establishment with a genuine vibe.

Tiramisu stands out with its authentic taste and unique preparation by the owner, Iryna. Desserts also include a raspberry pistachio tart available in individual sizes.

People are saying

"The cake here is flavorful and unlike any other I've tried."

"The tiramisu here is so authentic, I've never had one like it."

"The cake here is so authentic and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Kyiv Cakes is the only place in Minnesota that makes fruit mousse cakes.

2

Honey cake like this cannot be found anywhere else in the Twin Cities.

3

They offer custom orders for special occasions.

04
ElMar's NY Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, cramped space with a no-frills dining room and photographic murals creates a straightforward setting. Inviting atmosphere combines with solid music and a nice patio area offering indoor and outdoor seating. The place often feels crowded but maintains a clean, NYC-inspired vibe.

Slices deliver authentic New York Style pizza with a greasy, thin crust that matches what you'd find in Brooklyn. Bagels and pizza both capture the classic NY flavor and texture well.

Baked rigatoni with fresh ricotta cheese stands out alongside mozzarella balls and rice balls with marinara sauce. Pasta dishes feature prominently and offer solid variety.

People are saying

"I'd drive 40 minutes for these bagels; they're the best I've ever had."

"The New York style pizza here is amazing, especially the white pizza."

"I found the most authentic New York style pizza here."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, and the lot can be crowded.

2

The weekend bagel pop-up is a popular event worth checking out.

3

Prices for pizza can be high; expect to pay around $38 for a meal.

05
Bullvino's Churrascaria Bloomington image 1

Buffet restaurant offers authentic Brazilian style with white linen tablecloths and a large arena seating. Atmosphere stays laid-back and relaxing with Brazilian music enhancing the mood. Guests use green and red cards to signal readiness for meat service, which features skewered cuts brought directly to the table.

Rich, authentic Brazilian flavors define the menu with flavorful food and authentic sides. The style and drinks like the limeade also capture a very authentic Brazilian feel.

A huge salad bar offers over 50 selections including caprese and roasted garlic. The Alfredo pasta at the food bar stands out, especially the chicken Alfredo which rivals some steak cuts.

People are saying

"The Salad Bar had a huge selection and everything was fresh."

"The chicken Alfredo here is amazing Italian food."

"The food here is so authentic, it transports you straight to Brazil."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials run from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers a special Monday through Thursday for $39.95.

3

Couples Night is a weekly event with special pricing and menu options.

06
Pino's Pizza & Pasta image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza joint with authentic New York-style pizza and a lively, nostalgic vibe reminiscent of old eateries. Atmosphere feels Italian and charming, influenced by the owner's Sicilian background. Operation is visible behind the counter, emphasizing a carry-out only setup with reasonable prices.

Pizza here stands out for its authentic Italian style and use of fresh ingredients. The food consistently delivers a reliable, genuine taste of Italy.

Pizza and pasta stand out here, with pizza often rated higher than pasta. Pasta dishes come with salads, and the marinara sauce tends to be watery.

People are saying

"I found Pino's Pizza & Pasta to have the best pizza in the area."

"These pizza slices have a nice crispy crust and perfect flavor."

"I found the Italian food here to be super legit pizza."

Good to know

1

Pino's Pizza & Pasta is a carry out only place.

2

Slices are available during lunch hours.

3

The special deal is one large single-topping pizza and one medium single-topping pizza for $22.95.

07
Los Reyes Restaurant Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with modern black and white decor and a big round bar creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Live music spans multiple genres, complemented by a dance floor and DJ area that energize the space. Groups gather around long tables and booths, enjoying strong margaritas and hearty dishes like birria ramen.

Menu features a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients and tender meat. Breakfast options stand out for their genuine flavors, alongside some unique authentic items.

Pasta dishes include salmon pasta and shrimp Alfredo, both served with soup or salad. Breadsticks come with soups but the bread quality varies, and some pasta tastes like it could be from a frozen dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was really delicious."

"The food here is so authentic, I haven't had it like this since Cali."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 6 pm on weekdays.

2

Karaoke happens on Saturday nights with a fun crowd.

3

Live music is featured every Friday and Saturday.

08
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant image 1

Underground setting with eclectic decor featuring old photos and celebrity memorabilia creates a cozy, intimate vibe. Guests gather around large round tables with lazy Susans, enjoying classic Italian tunes and a lively atmosphere. The place blends homey charm with a memorable, authentic feel.

Cozy and eclectic atmosphere feels like an authentic Mamma and Papร  ristorante. Food delivers hearty, authentic-tasting Italian flavors in a homey setting.

Lasagna stands out with its huge size and amazing texture and taste. Portions like the Alfredo Fettuccine with chicken come in large servings that easily allow for leftovers.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The Italian food portions here are massive, perfect for sharing."

"The vibe here feels so authentic and inviting."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 11 PM.

2

Everything at Buca di Beppo is served family style.

3

Guests should come hungry because the portions are large.

09
Vagabondo image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a beautifully designed space with a chic ambiance and a gorgeous outdoor patio. The atmosphere feels sophisticated and inviting, with a lively bar downstairs and an open kitchen view. Guests enjoy authentic Italian dishes paired with thoughtfully selected wines and cocktails.

Backyard patio feels like an authentic European cafe. Italian cuisine offers authentic Sicilian flavors that are both genuine and original.

Gorgonzola Pine Nut Gnocchi and Rigatoni Bolognese stand out as some of the most memorable pasta dishes. The Sicilian-style tiramisu offers a perfectly balanced twist on the classic dessert.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, with great recommendations from the server."

"The food at these dinner spots is insanely delicious, especially the lasagna."

"The food here is authentic Sicilian, not Americanized Italian."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance to secure a table.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour and a half without a reservation.

3

Parking options include valet service and free public parking behind the building.

10
Sanag Restaurant image 1
East African restaurant

East African restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with beautiful interior design that complements a lively yet relaxed vibe. Somali staff contribute to a welcoming environment where meals are enjoyed in a cozy setting.

Food features authentic Somali flavors with African seasonings. Dishes reflect Muslim culinary traditions clearly.

Spaghetti dishes feature fresh ingredients and careful preparation, with options like camel meat offering bursting flavor. Alfredo pasta with chicken stands out as a well-executed main course.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and cooked just right."

"The Somali food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"I thought the Italian food and service were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and the restaurant can get crowded on weekends.

2

The restaurant closes at midnight, which differs from Google listings.

3

Parking is not available on-site, so plan accordingly.

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