Best New Restaurants in Saint Paul

1881

Opened: August 2024

For the first time in its 40-year history, The Lake Elmo Inn opened a new restaurant and it's in Union Depot. The name, "1881," pays homage to both the year Union Depot and the Inn opened, fusing the charm of the storied pasts with a modern, culinary experience. The menu features a few Inn favorites like the potato-crusted sunnies or butternut squash ravioli, as well as a new array of salads, steaks, and decadent desserts.

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Local Rumor

Opened: July 2024

Occupying the former Blue Door location in the Merriam Park neighborhood is this eclectic restaurant and lounge. The menu features a variety of reimagined classics like smash burgers, baked Mac N Cheese, flatbreads and wings. Plus, non-alcoholic cocktails, beer and wine.

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Razava Bread Co.

Opened: June 2024

The family behind Razava originally opened their first bakery, Baldinger Bakery, in West Saint Paul in 1888, which became a neighborhood staple on Carroll Avenue. Henry Baldinger, the grandfather of Razava's, debuted the recipe for Razava bread over a century ago (a dark, hearty, nutritious bread from Eastern Europe). This style and flavor of bread continues to be a source of inspiration for the rest of the bakery's old-world baked goods such as sourdough, bagels, pita, as well as coffee, schmears and butters.

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Ruam Mit

Opened: May 2024

As a taste of the delicious Saint Paul culinary scene since 1989, Ruam Mit has re-opened in a new location in the heart of Downtown. As 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!

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Coastal Dive Bar & Oyster Palace

Opened: May 2024

Attached to the new Coastal Seafoods market location on Snelling Avenue is a full-service restaurant that features seafood-centric classics. In an intimate stan-alone building, the space seats about 30 and welcomes guests to their large patio to kick off the summer season. The menu features burgers, lobster rolls, fish and chips, and fresh, raw items (their specialty) such as oysters, shrimp cocktail and poke.

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Pauly's Rooftop

Opened: May 2024

Located in the former Ox Cart Ale House space, Pauly's Bar and Grill is the newest addition to Lowertown this summer. This is the second Pauly's location (the first, which opened on Selby Avenue this past fall) and it features almost the same exact, beloved menu filled with American classics like cheese curds, jalapeno poppers and an extensive list of double-smash burgers.

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La Michoacana Monarca

Opened: April 2024

This is your ultimate destination for authentic Mexican treats—inspired by the rich traditions of Tocumbo, Mexico, the birthplace of La Michoacena. Indulge in a selection of delightful sweets, refreshing beverages and delicious ice cream.

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SoYen Desserts

Opened: March 2024

This delicious pop-up bakery across the street from the iconic Saint Paul Farmer's market features a fusion of sweet flavors inspired by Italian, Thai and Hmong cuisines. Known for their hand-rolled brioche donuts, the bakery is also home to a selection of cheesecakes, crepe cakes, panna cotta and congee. Try their most popular flavor of brioche donut: Ube Oreo. But hurry fast! The donuts sell out each morning in less than two hours!

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Dave's Hot Chicken

Opened: March 2024

As a west-coast icon, Dave's Hot Chicken makes its spicy debut in Saint Paul with a new location in Highland Park. Inspired by the no frills of In N Out burger, this fried chicken shack only serves up chicken tenders and sliders, kale slaw and seasoned crinkle fries.

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Smorgie's

Opened: January 2024

This casual restaurant and bar across from the Xcel Energy Center is serving up a smorgasbord of homestyle Midwestern comfort food like Tater-Tot hotdish, Pickle Fries, Granny's Chicken Salad, and Swedish meatballs. 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 restaurant is attached to the Courtyard Hotel, with a separate street entrance, and is also next to the Apostle Supper Club--another frequented spot by event goers.

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Andiamo Italian Ristorante

Opened: January 2024

A lover of Italian cuisine, chef and owner, Ramon Ruiz, spent nearly 30 years working in the restaurant industry to achieve his lifelong dream of opening a place of his own in 2011. After working for 14 years with Two Guys in Italy in California, Ruiz found comfort in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and embarked on a 17-year career with Bucca di Beppo. No stranger to red sauce and garlic, Ruiz brings exquisite Italian cuisine to Snelling Avenue with his third Andiamo location (this first location is in Eagan and the second is in Woodbury) that is operating out of the former Buffalo Wild Wings space.

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Zamboni's on 7th

Opened: January 2024

Zamboni's moved next door from its original location to take over what was formerly Eagle Street Grille on West 7th Street in Downtown Saint Paul. It's location just kitty-corner from the Xcel Energy Center makes it the perfect spot to grab some pre-or-post-event grub with classic options like pizzas, pastas, and hoagies. Or try for their specialty 'zas like the Das Kraut Pizza with tomato sauce, sauerkraut, sausage, salami, bacon bits, and mozzarella, or the Rosemary Italian Blonde that features a white sauce, fresh garlic, rosemary, sausage, and roasted red peppers.

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Saint City Catering

Opened: January 2024

Saint City Catering is a family-owned restaurant in Lowertown that is inspired by art, music, and loved ones. To provide the best bite for their guests, this French bakery and American bistro partners with local farmers and butcheries for rustic farm-to-table fare. Stop in for a quick bite, come to gather, or work with chef Guillermo to craft the perfect menu for an event.

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Pimento Jamaican Kitchen

Opened: December 2023

In the heart of Downtown Saint Paul is Pimento's sixth Twin Cities location. As its largest venue, the new space features a full rum bar, a self-serve beer wall, a stage for live music and DJs, and of course, its authentic, award-winning Jamaican cuisine inspired by family recipes and French techniques.

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Pa'l Mar Mexican Restaurant & Seafood

Opened: November 2023

This is Pa'l Mar's second restaurant Twin Cities location. The eatery specializes in coastal seafood like ceviche, octopus, and scallops, and classic Mexican fare such as burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, and tacos.

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Saji Ya

Opened: November 2023

Located on Grand Avenue, Saji Ya reopened after almost two years of being closed. Now located on the main floor of a new mixed-use apartment building this Saint Paul staple ushers in a modern venue for their classic Japanese cuisine that has been a part of the Capital City dining scene since 1979.

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EMMETT'S Public House

Opened: November 2023

Formerly apart of Dixie's on Grand as a reimagined gastropub, Emmett's Public House now resides on the main floor of a new mixed-use apartment building and shares the same patio as other Grand Avenue icon, Saji Ya. With authentic Irish charm and elevated Irish-American fare, this pub is the perfect neighborhood joint to sit back, relax and enjoy a fresh brew.

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Pauly's Pub and Grill

Opened: November 2023

Located on Selby Avenue, Pauly's Pub and Grill is the perfect blend of Irish charm with mouthwatering American classics. This neighborhood eatery is known for its signature smash burgers, but the menu also features a selection of other pub classics like cheese curds, jalapeno poppers, onion rings, and sandwiches.

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Mandalay Kitchen

Opened: November 2023

Named after the city of Mandalay in Upper Burma, or Myanmar, Mandalay Kitchen pays homage to chef Chris Tunbaw's childhood experiences in Southeast Asia, his frequent travels to Thailand, and his familiarity with the restaurant scene in the Little Mekong District in Saint Paul. The menu features Knyaw (Karen), Burmese, and Thai cuisine with items like spicy curries and savory noodles to rice salads and egg rolls.

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King Coil Spirits

Opened: September 2023

Located in the Vandalia Tower is King Coil Spirits, a brand-new distillery and cocktail bar with an enticing pizza menu. This exciting venture is brought to you by the same team behind Lake Monster Brewing and is set to open its doors this summer, located just across the plaza from the brewery. Cofounder Matt Zanetti expressed excitement about the addition, stating that Vandalia Tower's central location and fantastic outdoor space have proven to be a significant asset for Lake Monster Brewing. With King Coil Spirits joining the mix, they aim to solidify Vandalia Tower as a must-visit destination for food and beverage enthusiasts in the Twin Cities.

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Crasqui Restaurant

Opened: August 2023

Chef Soleil Ramirez opened Crasquí, a new restaurant inspired by her Venezuelan upbringing and memories of her home country. The menu features Venezuelan flavors with innovative twists on traditional ingredients, blending her fine-dining background and interest in molecular gastronomy. Ramirez's childhood memories and family experiences influence the dishes, with each having a story tied to her heritage. The restaurant's name, Crasquí, is a nod to a Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. The space, previously occupied by Catrina's Cerveza and Grill, provides the perfect location with natural light to evoke the namesake.

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Wrestaurant at the Palace

Opened: August 2023

The Palace Theatre, a live music venue, is bringing a new kind of show this summer: Wrestaurant at the Palace. Wrecktangle Pizza, the winners of Good Morning America's best pizza contest, will develop this unique concept for the space. Alongside their award-winning angular pies and sandwiches, the restaurant will introduce new menu items and a distinctive cocktail selection. It will feature a slice window for quick orders and a full-service restaurant with a 40-seat bar. While different from their other locations, Wrestaurant promises familiar and fun food and beverage options.

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The High Hat

Opened: July 2023

The High Hat, led by former W.A. Frost general manager Michael Noyes, opened its doors in Saint Paul's Cathedral Hill neighborhood. Currently, the restaurant is serving coffee and breakfast dishes, including waffles and gravy, wild rice breakfast bowls, and papaya parfaits. However, Noyes has exciting plans to introduce dinner service, along with a selection of wine and cocktails, later this fall.

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bb.q Chicken St. Paul

Opened: June 2023

bb.q chicken, which stands for "Best of the Best Quality," delivers on its promise with Korean fried chicken known for its crispiness, juiciness, and tenderness. Their secret lies in a blend of Korean tradition and modern research from Chicken University. Founded in Seoul in 1995, their mission was to share high-quality Korean fried chicken worldwide. Now operating in thousands of stores globally, bb.q chicken's success is driven by their passion for chicken and Korean culture, evident in authentic recipes, exciting flavors, and superior customer service across all locations.

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Spicy Feta

Opened: June 2023

The Naughty Greek rebranded under new ownership to "Spicy Feta". The original owner, Angelo Giovanis, sold the business and returned to Greece. Though Spicy Feta kept the fast-casual vibe of the original locations, it features a new, fully Halal menu including doner wraps, hand-stacked steak and chicken cones, build-your-own bowls, various dips, and Greek doughnuts with ingredients imported from Greece, as well as the option to purchase olive oil and tzatziki on site.

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