Iconic Saint Paul Restaurants

Indulge at these longstanding Capital City restaurants that have withstood the test of time and continue to serve up a taste of the city.

More Dining Options

Explore More

A Taste of Tradition

While new restaurants are exciting, Saint Paul also holds a deep appreciation for the businesses that have served generations of hungry visitors. Here in Minnesota's Capital City, you will find an old-school steakhouse with Goodfella’s-styled class, saucy wood-roasted corn on the cob, an old-time dining car, mouthwatering desserts, and more.

Discover these iconic Saint Paul restaurants that have withstood the test of time.

Boca Chica

Since 1964 this family-run restaurant has been serving Saint Paul Mexican food favorites. Even as the vibrant neighborhood grew up and changed around it, Boca Chica remained steadfast in serving the carnitas and enchiladas that were born from family tradition. Learn More

Café Latte

For 40 years, this cafeteria-style eatery on Grand Avenue has been host to modern comfort food in a cafeteria-style setting. Its menu features an ever-changing selection of fresh-baked goods, decadent desserts, customizable salads and sandwiches. Plus, a cozy pizza and wine bar in the back. Learn More

Cecil’s

For over 70 years, Cecil’s has been serving Saint Paul’s best pastrami on rye inside this Highland Park deli. Folks line up on the weekends for giant orders of sliced meats, fresh bread, irresistible coleslaw, and the famous homemade matzo ball soup from its full-service restaurant in the back. Learn More

Cosetta’s

Once a tiny Italian market, is now a multi-level complex filled with imported market goods and fresh-made eats. Stop in for a New York-style slice, shop authentic ingredients to take home, delight in a sweet treat from the bakery featuring the No. 1 ranked Panettone (a airy and sweet celebratory holiday bread) in the world, or cozy up for date night atop Louis with one of the best views of the Cathedral around. Learn More

Cooks of Crocus Hill

Initially a "Cooking School with a store attached" since 1973, the business has evolved, expanded, and thrived over the years, now employing 125 people across three Twin Cities metro locations. It's also a prominent national and international culinary destination, attracting top chefs for classes. Learn More

Degido’s

DeGidio’s has roots going back as far as Prohibition. Much has changed about the city, and this restaurant since then, but it remains deeply embedded in the fabric of the neighborhood. On the menu are generous portions of red sauce coated pasta, an old-school hot dago, and one of the best burgers in the city. Learn More

El Burrito Mercado

Since 1979, El Burrito Mercado has been serving the Saint Paul community with a unique Mexican, Latino marketplace experience. El Burrito features specialty groceries, cooking spices & peppers including fresh produce, unique meats, a full deli, restaurant, cantina, catering, food truck, imported gifts & home décor. Learn More

Grand Olé Creamery

Summer in Saint Paul comes with lines out the front door at this family-owned shop. Visitors wait to grab scoops of ice cream before finding a spot to sit, often on the sidewalk along Grand Avenue. Even during colder months, the sweet smell of the waffle cones being made beckons like a siren song to the rich treats waiting inside. Learn More

Mancini’s Char House

Whether stopping inside the 1970’s cool of the massive bar, with giant red booths and live music or settling in one of the dining rooms for a char-kissed steak, Mancini’s has long been Saint Paul’s first stop for event dining. The old-school service includes complimentary pickle plates and charred bread, while visitors are also invited to read the living history of the establishment from the preserved artifacts and articles that adorn the walls. Learn More

Mickey’s Dining Car

Mickey’s is a living legend of a dining establishment, harkening back to 1939 when this brand new, sleek dining car was the epitome of class. Nowadays, Mickey’s is a central piece of the downtown landscape, offering hot diner meals to all of the city’s residents. Freshly shredded hashbrowns are crisped up alongside fried eggs all morning, and smashed burgers and thick shakes take over later in the day.

Moscow on the Hill

This family owned and operated establishment in Cathedral Hill has been serving up an authentic Russian dining experience since 1994. Specializing in European, Ukrainian, and Russian comfort foods, the menu is host to classics like beef stroganoff, pelmeni, vareniki, borsht, and deruny. Learn More

W.A. Frost & Company

A jewel in the historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood, this stunning restaurant has been serving New American cuisine to the area since 1975. Inside there are several rooms to dine in, including a more casual bar, dining room, and a cozy basement. Long summer nights are best when enjoyed on the expansive patio, shaded by a canopy of trees. Learn More

Yarusso

Francesco Yarusso was an Italian immigrant who first opened a tavern in Saint Paul in 1932. Thanks to Prohibition, the early days meant only near-beer was being poured inside. So, he went on to open a cafe and set up some of the first bocce ball lanes inside the city. When Francesco retired in 1947, the business he built was handed down to his sons, as Yarusso Bros. Visitors today pile into the dining room for the same homemade recipes with heaping portions that have made this restaurant a long-standing tradition. Learn More

Find More Flavor

Best New Restaurants in Saint Paul

Make sure you’re on top of all the newest restaurant openings in the Capital City.*

Cathedral Hill Dining: Places to Eat on the Hill

Saint Paul's most historically charming neighborhood also happens to serve up some of the city's best food.

Grand Eats on Grand Ave

“What's the best place to eat on Grand?” *Inhales deeply*

Lowertown Eats

This urban center welcomes visitors to delve into a variety of eateries spanning from chill breweries, rooftop hangouts, quaint bakeries, and more!

Dive Deep Into the Wealth of Great Dining on West 7th

Stretching from the edge of downtown, this iconic strip is packed with incredible neighborhood bars, grab-and-go hotspots, beloved city classics and family-friendly eateries.