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Italian Food in Central Minneapolis

Made for those who have a specific standard for pasta and sauce and seek out authentic Italian preparations.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Star Bar & Bistro image 1
Star Bar & Bistro image 2
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Space blends mid-century modern design with neon-lit walls for a retro vibe. Lobster spaghetti offers a large portion with fresh vegetables, while panna cotta provides a sweet finish. Live music adds energy, and comfy seating invites relaxed socializing.

Lobster spaghetti features small lobster pieces with plenty of vegetables and comes in a large portion. Green goddess pasta and brussel sprouts also stand out, with panna cotta serving as a sweet finish.

People are saying

"The smashburger at this Lunch Spot is a must-try."

"The mellow groove and soft lights create a cool, mellow vibe."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the lobster pasta."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for happy hour to secure a table.

2

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

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using public transport.

02
EaTo image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and patio seating create a lively vibe with great atmosphere. Chicken Parmesan and homemade sauces like Bolognese shine in the Italian menu. Artistic touches like live dog drawings add unique charm to the space.

Chicken Parmesan stands out with its rich flavor and hearty portions. Pasta options like Bolognese and Penne Vodka feature homemade sauces that draw repeat visits. The pistachio cannoli offers a unique, memorable dessert experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and authentic Italian."

"Their Bolognese was a no-brainer for our wedding catering."

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with great deals on drinks and bites.

2

Reservations are recommended for private events in the designated room.

3

The menu includes personal pizzas called pizzetes during happy hour.

03
Ginellis Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Old school Midwest pizzeria serves large, cheesy slices with breadsticks and marinara sauce. Cozy seating and a friendly atmosphere make it great for lunch. Downtown location offers clean, spacious layout and affordable prices.

Pizza comes with breadsticks and marinara sauce. Cookies also appear alongside the pizza and breadsticks.

People are saying

"The pizza slices here are huge, cheesy, and delicious."

"This lunch spot has cheap, delicious, and generous slices."

"The staff at this Italian Food place is so friendly and smiling."

Good to know

1

Monday's special includes free breadsticks with any order.

2

Slices range from $3 to $5, making it an affordable option.

3

Full pies are reasonably priced for downtown.

04
Borough image 1
New American restaurant

Cozy space with warm lighting and rustic charm sets a relaxed yet upscale tone. Spicy lobster spaghetti with chili tomato sauce offers a bold Italian flavor. Staff create a welcoming vibe perfect for romantic dinners or corporate meetings.

Dishes highlight spicy lobster spaghetti with chili tomato sauce and bottarga, adding unique saltiness. The menu features flat iron steak, mushroom risotto, and beef tartar alongside classic pasta like lamb and gnocchi.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the spicy lobster spaghetti."

"The dinner spots here have delicious steak and halibut mains."

"The Italian food here is wonderful, especially the lamb pasta."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for special occasions like Valentine's Day.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Portions are on the smaller side, so consider ordering multiple items.

05
Maison Margaux image 1
Restaurant

Historical building hosts a spacious restaurant with a dark themed lounge and outdoor terrace. Italian dishes shine with linguine's texture and fresh seafood options. Exceptional Cognac and Armagnac selection complements standout cocktails in a classy, high-energy atmosphere.

Linguine stands out with a lovely texture and flavor. The seafood platter and seared tuna add variety, while some pasta dishes come with minimal vegetables, mostly tomatoes.

People are saying

"The French Food, especially the short ribs and bouillabaisse, was perfectly cooked and flavorful."

"The Crรจme Brรปlรฉe here is amazing, thanks to the accommodating and careful staff."

"The Italian food here was amazing and everyone loved their dish."

Good to know

1

Social hour menu is available until 5:45pm, with drink specials until 6:00pm.

2

Dessert orders should be placed early as the kitchen gets busy around 10pm.

3

Upstairs is a great space for small weddings and events.

06
Union Rooftop image 1
Bar & grill

Rooftop bar and grill buzzes with live performances and a DJ, creating a lively vibe. Italian dishes like chicken Cajun Alfredo come in large portions, perfect for sharing. Guests enjoy bottomless mimosas and stunning city views during brunch.

Large portions stand out, with one pasta and salad often enough for two. The menu features chicken Cajun Alfredo, butternut squash ravioli, and gnocchi, with pastas and desserts noted for their flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and well-seasoned."

"The drag performers made the brunch experience super fun."

"You have to try their amazing pasta dishes, like the ravioli or gnocchi."

Good to know

1

The drag brunch requires a $25 cover charge on weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for the drag brunch due to high demand.

3

The venue has no guest parking available; consider public transport.

07
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant image 1

Underground spot with eclectic decor and cozy vibe. Lasagna shines with huge size and rich taste. Large round tables with lazy Susans boost the lively, authentic atmosphere.

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 family-style dinner portions are massive and perfect for sharing."

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

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.

08
Stock & Bond MN image 1
Restaurant

Art deco design sets a warm atmosphere with elegant, modern decor. Italian dishes feature rich short rib in ravioli and tagliatelle, plus an 8oz wagyu steak with mac and cheese. Valet parking and coat check ensure a hassle-free experience.

Short rib shines in the pasta dishes, especially the ravioli and tagliatelle, drawing strong praise for its rich flavor. The menu also features an 8oz wagyu steak served with whipped potatoes and mac and cheese.

People are saying

"The Wagyu Bavette steak was flavorful and cooked perfectly."

"You have to try the Key Lime Pie; it was excellent."

"The short rib ravioli's sauce is rich and decadent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially for special events.

2

Valet service is not recommended due to past negative experiences.

3

The restaurant offers a private room for events like wedding receptions.

09
Salt & Flour Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and house-made pasta create a lively Italian dining experience. DJ music adds energy during brunch and dinner, matching the open concept design. Tight seating and mixed decor blend casual and upscale vibes for a unique atmosphere.

Fresh, house-made pasta pairs well with marinara sauce and meatballs, adding protein to the dish. Appetizers like focaccia and burnt burrata complement the Italian flavors nicely.

People are saying

"The game liver mousse at these dinner spots was out of this world."

"The peanut butter tart dessert is like a gourmet Reese's, but way better."

"Zach made sure we felt informed about every Italian food menu item."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from Sunday to Thursday, which is rare on Sundays.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

3

Parking is available in a nearby ramp for $10.

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Central Minneapolis, Minneapolis

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