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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Saint Paul

Food spots

A local spot that feels like a discovery rather than a place everyone already knows about.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Burnt Chicken image 1
Burnt Chicken image 2
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Cajun restaurant

Historic bar setting with original woodwork and tile features creates a cozy, old-school vibe. Atmosphere feels chill and warm with lively music, making it suitable for relaxed dining or date nights. Space is small but comfortable, balancing intimacy without crowding.

Food comes out seasoned to perfection with consistently phenomenal flavor. Every dish shows outstanding quality and care in preparation.

Burnt Chicken stands out as a hidden gem with a unique flavor that surprises many. It offers a special experience that feels exclusive yet welcoming.

People are saying

"The bourbon chicken sandwich here is delicious and unique."

"The food here is fresh, juicy, and perfectly fried."

"The food here is delicious with generous portions."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not have a liquor license at this time.

3

The menu features a selection of Cajun/Creole and soul food fusion dishes.

02
Sole Cafe Korean restaurant image 1

Renovated interior blends chic modern design with authentic Korean utensils, creating a cozy and aesthetic atmosphere. Soothing music and thoughtful amenities like high-quality lotion add to the calm, safe vibe. The space feels both elegant and welcoming, reflecting a family-owned character.

Food here is phenomenal and addictive, making it hard to stop thinking about coming back. The dishes offer excellent Korean flavors that stand out strongly.

A hidden gem for Korean food sits quietly in the midway area. This spot offers a great Korean restaurant experience away from the usual crowds.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and authentic."

"The renovated interior feels so cozy and warm."

"I found this Korean restaurant to be a great hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of 30-60 minutes during busy dinner hours.

3

The restaurant offers a late-night menu until 11pm on weekends.

03
Manny's Kitchen image 1
Restaurant

Warm and welcoming atmosphere with good music sets a relaxed tone. Menu features authentic Philly cheesesteak, Nashville chicken sandwich, and LA-style tacos with fresh, quality ingredients. Portions are generous, and flavors are well balanced, creating a hidden gem vibe for quick, flavorful bites.

Food comes out fresh and perfectly seasoned with a quick turnaround. The kitchen shows real pride in delivering high quality and delicious dishes every time.

This spot stands out as a true hidden gem with unique qualities that make it worth discovering. It offers a distinct experience not found in typical places.

People are saying

"You have to try their tacos; they're delicious."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"You have to try these hidden gem burgers; they're classic smash burgers."

Good to know

1

Expect a bit of a wait during peak hours due to high demand.

2

Prices are reasonable considering the quality of food offered.

3

The portions at Manny's Kitchen are generous, providing good value for the price.

04
Prime Grocery & Deli image 1

Small deli combines Thai food with a grocery store in a compact space. Atmosphere feels like a hidden gem with generous portions and a casual pace, including occasional wait times. Menu offers spicy, flavorful dishes that attract those seeking authentic tastes in a modest setting.

Food here is authentic Thai and actually spicy, standing out for its delicious flavors that impress even those from Thailand.

Offers a true hidden gem experience with unique qualities that stand out from typical spots.

People are saying

"The Pad Thai here is spicy and packed with flavor."

"This Thai food is authentic and super delicious."

"These Hidden Gems are so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

The wait time for a single order of papaya salad is about 40 minutes.

2

Expect generous portion sizes that may be more than one can eat in one sitting.

3

Food is made fresh to order, with an average wait time of 20 minutes.

05
Karibu Grocery & Deli image 1
East African restaurant

Cozy space with authentic East African hospitality and ample seating inside and out creates a welcoming vibe. The atmosphere feels like a mini Africa, enhanced by fresh halal meat and flavorful dishes that draw people from nearby offices.

Delicious Somalian cuisine features prominently with well-spiced, beautifully cooked dishes. Sandwiches stand out, served hot and nicely wrapped, drawing people from nearby offices.

Offers a unique selection that stands out from typical spots. Feels like a quiet find with a welcoming vibe.

People are saying

"The Halal Philly cheese steak is delicious and authentic."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem."

Good to know

1

All food served is Halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

2

Prices are reasonable, making it a frequent choice for many customers.

3

The store is clean and well-organized, enhancing the shopping experience.

06
BP Sushi (Best Price Sushi) image 1

Restaurant offers unassuming, no-frills setting with clean interior and basic decor. Atmosphere feels cold and gloomy, with a relaxing vibe inside despite an uncomfortable exterior environment. Known for fresh, high-quality sushi at unbeatable prices, attracting local community members.

Food here is consistently fresh and excellent in quality. Portions are generous and the presentation is visually pleasing.

A hidden gem tucked inside a strip mall offers a relaxing atmosphere and very good, fresh food.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be the best affordable sushi."

"The poke bowls here are super fresh and taste great."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The Wednesday carry out deal offers great value for sushi lovers.

2

BP Sushi is more of a carryout place than a sit-down restaurant.

3

They offer Pokebowls in addition to sushi rolls.

07
So Yen image 1
Bakery

Bakery combines cozy indoor space with a large outdoor seating area near a farmers market. Atmosphere feels fresh and welcoming, blending cafe and restaurant vibes with local art decorations. Popular items sell out quickly, creating a lively, sought-after spot.

Food arrives quickly and consistently impresses with its incredible flavors. The egg salad donut stands out as a unique and tasty combination.

Offers a quiet atmosphere away from crowds and a unique menu that stands out from typical spots. Known for being a low-key discovery that surprises many.

People are saying

"The brioche donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet."

"The donuts here are yummy and not too sweet."

"You have to try these hidden gems, especially the burnt cheesecake donut."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid sold-out items, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is free on Sundays, but downtown can be crowded.

3

Expect long lines; getting there within the first hour is best.

08
Abogados Cafรฉ image 1

Coffee shop offers an intimate, cozy space filled with hand-painted murals and Latin-inspired decor. The atmosphere feels like stepping into Central America, with boho chairs and potted greenery enhancing the vibe. Small size and bright, inviting design create a unique, authentic experience.

Food and drinks come to your table with attentive service. They serve high quality coffee, artisan-crafted food, and drinks that stand out from chain shops.

Offers a quiet, tucked-away spot that feels like a hidden gem. The atmosphere invites discovery and a sense of exclusivity.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and crafted by artisans."

"I found this place to be a great hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Come early for pastries; they sell out by 10am.

2

Seating is limited, so plan accordingly.

3

Lactose-free 2% milk is available for those with dietary restrictions.

09
Yoerg Brewing Company image 1

Historic building with old-school European flair creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. Quiet and relaxed, it offers a large selection of beers, including Belgian and cave-aged varieties. Small space features a spiral staircase and balcony, enhancing its vintage charm.

Offers authentic German food with a focus on currywurst as street food. Combines good beer and wine selection with very good food quality.

Offers a stellar little hidden gem experience with phenomenal beer and solid food and drinks.

People are saying

"I thought their beer selection was exceptional."

"The food and beer selection here is top-notch."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem for its amazing beer selection."

Good to know

1

The brewery hosts a Christmas beer tasting event every December.

2

Private event space is available for parties and gatherings.

3

Themed beer flights are offered regularly, including Trappist and Oktoberfest selections.

10
Mario's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Old-school pizza joint with a retro style and Detroit-style pizza sets a unique tone. The atmosphere blends laid-back vibes with bursts of liveliness, growing quieter later at night for conversations. Super Mario arcade game adds playful charm while small size keeps it intimate.

Food features excellent quality with a standout focaccia bread crust. The overall dining experience combines good food with strong value.

This spot stands out as a total hidden gem with a quiet vibe. It contrasts with busier places that don't feel hidden at all.

People are saying

"I thought the deep dish pizza here was fantastic."

"The pizza here is amazing and worth the wait."

"The pizza here is fire, with a delicious crust."

Good to know

1

Mario's has an incredible all-day happy hour.

2

A single $25 pizza can easily feed three people.

3

Mario's can get busy on Friday or Saturday nights, so expect wait times.

11
HOT GRAINZ - Thai Street Food image 1

Small dining area mimics Bangkok street food shops with metal cutlery and table condiments. Atmosphere stays casual and cozy, featuring a modern, clean design and a self-serve station for utensils and condiments. Space feels bright and vibey, suitable for relaxed meals and casual selfies.

Authentic Thai flavors shine through every dish, delivering consistently delicious and satisfying meals. The food stands out for its amazing taste and genuine street food style.

This spot stands out as a hidden gem with unique qualities that make it worth discovering. It offers a distinct experience that feels like a special find.

People are saying

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

"I found the Thai food here to be incredibly authentic."

"I found this spot to be a hidden gem for authentic, flavorful Thai food."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait time during peak dining hours.

2

Parking is very limited, especially during busy times.

3

There is an additional $1 charge for a side of rice.

12
Saint Paul Discount Grocery image 1

Small grocery store offers deep discounts on a rotating selection of nuts, candies, frozen foods, and household items. Atmosphere feels quirky and adventurous with clean, easy parking and quick shopping trips. Frequent specials and gluten-free options add to the variety and value.

Food offers great quality at low prices with many odd items. Frozen section stands out but some products have damaged packaging or are near expiration.

Offers great value in a small, overlooked spot. This hidden gem stands out for its discount grocery selection and affordable prices.

People are saying

"I found this place to be a great little hidden gem."

"The staff here are incredibly kind and professional."

"I found their food selection to be really impressive."

Good to know

1

Expect a rotating selection of products that changes frequently.

2

Discounts on groceries can be significant compared to big box stores.

3

Look for gluten-free items as they often have a selection.

13
Caffe Biaggio image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a warm, rustic ambiance with cozy, intimate seating ideal for quiet meals or dates. The space features family-owned charm and eclectic, relaxed dรฉcor that creates a welcoming vibe. Guests enjoy a comfortable, unrushed atmosphere with friendly service.

Food focuses on simple, iconic Italian dishes with no overwhelming fusion flavors. Gnocchi and bread pudding stand out as delicious highlights paired well with wine.

Quiet and tucked away, this spot stands out as a hidden gem in the neighborhood. It offers a calm atmosphere that feels like a secret find.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is spectacular, especially the pasta and desserts."

"The inviting ambiance and delectable Italian flavors make it feel so romantic."

"I found the food here to be delicious and plenty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the Date Night special on Wednesdays.

2

The Date Night special includes soup or salad, an entrรฉe, two desserts, and a bottle of wine.

3

Parking is free and conveniently located adjacent to the building.

14
Little Asia Cafe image 1
Laotian restaurant

Spacious dining room with dim lighting and a mix of tables and booths creates a casual, relaxed vibe. Music plays at a comfortable volume, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The place draws a diverse crowd, with quiet dine-in activity and steady takeout orders.

Food comes out hot and delicious with a good variety to choose from. The dishes consistently taste very good and satisfy every time.

This spot stands out as a hidden gem tucked away behind the cut. It offers a unique experience that often surprises those who find it.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is a solid, good amount."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"You have to try these hidden gems; the pork belly skin is super crunchy."

Good to know

1

The cafe is closed on Fridays, limiting dining options on that day.

2

Expect a wait time of about 30 minutes for food orders.

3

To avoid card fees, paying with cash is recommended.

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Saint Paul, Minnesota

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