Best New Restaurants in Saint Paul

Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar

This iconic eatery in the heart of the Rondo neighborhood is back! This time with two concepts on Selby Avenue: A New-Orleans-style fine dining experience featuring modern takes on Southern classics and a separate casual cafe hangout just a few blocks away.

Khue's Kitchen

Opened: March 2025

Honoring Vietnamese Tradition with Time-Honored Recipes, Generational Craft, and the Soul of Family Cooking. Khue’s Kitchen is a celebration of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, inspired by Chef Eric Pham’s family heritage and deep respect for tradition. Named in honor of his mother, this intimate dining experience brings together time-honored recipes, classic techniques, and flavors that reflect generations of culinary excellence.

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Catzen Coffee

Opened: January 2025

Enjoy locally sourced sandwiches, pastries, coffees and teas in the cozy comfort of adorable cats. Enjoy time in the coffee shop or The Den where you can hang in their purr-esence, play a board game, chat with friends, or bask in the warmth of fireplace in this unique cafe on Grand Avenue.

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Los Ocampo

Opened: December 2024

Los Ocampo is notorious for its authentic, scratch-made Mexican cuisine. With two other locations in the Capital City already, this iconic eatery made its latest debut on Marshall Avenue near the University of St. Thomas Saint Paul campus. Stop in for house-made margarita, tacos, tortas and more!

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OG Zaza x King Coil Spirits

Opened: December 2024

King Coil Spirits, a distillery located in the Vandalia Tower, welcomes OG Zaza's New Haven-style pizza to the menu. Enjoy a selection of quality pies accompanied by delicious craft cocktails.

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ZAO Bakery + Cafe

Opened: December 2024

This Minnesota-based Chinese bakery & cafe is inspired by the early morning meals the owner shared with their family. Enjoy a selection of treats like flavored baked buns including BBQ pork, red bean, curry chicken and more!

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Altera

Opened: December 2024

Located in the former Agra Culture space in Highland Park is a chic, new global-inspired eatery. This restaurant is the latest addition to the InnerBloom Hospitality Group, the masterminds behind beloved Lake Minnetonka eateries Yumi, Macanda, Josefina, and Layline.

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Razava Bread Co.

Opened: December 2024

This craft bakery marks the return of an iconic 137-year-old establishment originating in West Saint Paul, Baldinger Bakery. Its new name, Razava, is inspired by a recipe created by the great grandfather of the Razava owners for "razava bread," a dark, dense and nutritious rye. Stop in to enjoy sourdough breads, bagels, pita, challah with schmears and butters to compliment.

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The Naughty Döner Co.

Opened: November 2024

The team with Spicy Feta, a Mediterranean rotisserie influenced by Afghan, Turkish and Greek recipes, transformed its Snelling Avenue location into this new concept serving a Turkish dish popularized in Germany as modern street food. The Döner is a sandwich made from Turkish flatbread (pide) that is toasted and stuffed with shaved meat, vegetables and sauce.

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Russell's

Opened: November 2024

What once was the beloved Tavern on Grand serving up the best Walleye-centric menu is now an elevated bar serving steaks and sandwiches, inspired by owner Todd Russell's travels. As a Grand Avenue native, Russell hopes to create a neighborhood hub for the community to sit back, relax, and enjoy good food.

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Dilla Sports Bar & Restaurant

Opened: November 2024

The Midway neighborhood welcomes the addition of a new Ethiopian bar and restaurant. Within walking distance of Allianz Field, it is the perfect place for a delicious pregame pick-me-up.

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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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