Downtown Saint Paul Restaurants

Lunch

Skyway Spots

Sit-Down Dining

Casual Eateries

Passports

Other Neighborhoods

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Delectable Downtown Dining

As a city filled with seemingly endless dining options, it can be hard to decide where to eat in Saint Paul. If you’re headed Downtown, use this as a guide to the top restaurants for lunch, happy hour, pre-show fuel ups, and more.

Casual Lunch Spots

Afro Deli

This fast-casual restaurant offers a vibrant fusion of delicious African, Mediterranean, and American cuisine.

Headwaters Café

Headwaters is a worthy lunch choice for more than just convention-goers at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The extensive menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts and a variety of daily features. You can even grab a quick brew or cocktail here before a Wild game or concert at Grand Casino Arena.

Jenni’s Café

Located inside the historic Landmark Center, this quaint cafe is the perfect grab-and-go spot for a delicious, yet elevated meal in the heart of Downtown Saint Paul.

Skyway Spots

Saint Paul is home to a five-mile, fully enclosed pedestrian network that connects 47 Downtown Saint Paul buildings. The web of pathways makes it easy for visitors to navigate the city without the bustle of traffic and the unpredictable Minnesota weather patterns. Inside, you'll find a trove of delicious fast-casual spots to dine at including Maison Darras, Kitchen 601, Mai Lam Vietnamese, Bambu, Steven D's, and more.

Navigate the Skyways

Sit-Down Dining

Kincaid’s

From seafood to prime rib, Kincaid’s is known for providing a classic American dining experience since 1986. It is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or celebrating a special occasion in the expansive dining room.

Meritage

Minnesota's little bite of Paris! With a handful of Best Restaurant and Best French Food honors, Meritage has built quite a reputation in the Twin Cities. The oyster bar and robust wine selection are just two of the many reasons to add it to your list.

Ruam Mit

As a taste of the delicious Saint Paul culinary scene since 1989, Ruam Mit is a haven for Thai and Lao cuisine enthusiasts. This family-owned and operated eatery features a selection of crispy egg rolls, curry dishes, Laab, and more!

Sakura Restaurant & Bar

Chef Miyoko Omori has been the face behind authentic Japanese food and fresh sushi creations in downtown for over 30 years. Enjoy a selection of seafood, tempura, and bento boxes from its extensive menu and pick a seat at the sushi bar to watch your rolls prepared in front of you.

The Drake

Located on the lower level of The Saint Paul Hotel is this elevated breakfast and brunch experience. From made-to-order favorites to a lavish Sunday Brunch, your tastebuds will be acquainted with sophisticated flavor.

The St. Paul Grill

Since 1990, this legendary restaurant has been serving up incredible steakhouse classics with Minnesota flare inside the historic Saint Paul Hotel. Be sure to try the famous Cream of Minnesota Wild Rice Soup, Crab Cake, and Pan-Fried Walleye.

Chill Hangouts

Amsterdam Bar & Hall

Dutch with Amsterdam’s simple, yet delicious of Belgian appetizers, fries, and sandwiches alongside a stellar lineup of concerts by local and national acts on its two stages.

Smorgies

A Saint Paul Smorgasboard. Enjoy a range of elevated bar snacks like smash burgers, loaded totchos, dill chicken sandwiches, and walking tacos. Wash it all down with affordable cocktails, beer, and wine, and a daily 2-4-1 happy hour. (Yes, it's even on Sundays!)

The Eagle Street

For nearly two decades, this restaurant served as a beloved neighborhood destination (just across the street from its current location) for fans, families and friends. Today, this downtown hotspot is reimagined but still holds on to its rich tradition of great food, lively energy, and top-notch hospitality.

Palace Pub

This casual eatery next to the Palace Theatre features approachable favorites like tavern-style thin crust pizza, bar snacks, sandwiches and more—the perfect place for a quick bite, leisurely hang or pre-show pick-me-up.

Zen Room Kava Lounge

Step into tranquility at this serene lounge featuring a tea bar that offers unique blends of Kava and nootropic beverages to sooth the mind and body.

Hometown Pride

Herbie’s on the Park

Pay homage to a Saint Paul icon while you dine on upscale tavern fare and handcrafted cocktails. Inspired by the legacy of Herb Brooks, coach of the 1980 gold medal Olympic hockey squad, Herbie’s on the Park is the place to be for hockey fans and foodies alike.

Mickey’s Diner

This iconic diner has been dishing up All-American classics since 1939 and is notorious for serving as the local hangout and place of employment for Charli’s mom in all three of The Mighty Ducks films.

The Loon Café

A longtime Minneapolis favorite that is home to the original Grape Ape and award-winning chili crossed the river to establish its second location inside the Historic Hamm Building. It's a great pick for lunch, happy hour or before and after a show at the nearby Palace Theatre and Park Square Theatre.

A Sweet Pick-Me-Up

CandyLand

What would you say if we told you Chicago Mix popcorn was actually invented in Saint Paul? It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but dang is it good. Pick up a bag and other handmade chocolate confections or gummy candies at Candyland’s original downtown location.

HepCat

Inside Osborn 360 is a retro-inspired cafe featuring delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffees suited to curb your appetite during weekday breakfasts and lunches.

Legacy Chocolates

In the historic Pioneer Endicott Building lies the cure for all of your chocolate cravings. The truffles and bark are Legacy Chocolate’s specialty, but you’ll also want to try their chocolate-infused coffee drinks for a decadent pick-me-up.

The Lobby Bar

Located in the lobby of The Saint Paul Hotel is this perfect spot for a quick pastry and coffee or in the later hours opt for a handcrafted cocktail and tasty appetizer to cap off the night.