Where to Eat on University Ave

University Avenue has one of the most diverse selections of food in all of Saint Paul’s dining scene. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the delicious food options here, so we compiled a list to help you narrow it down. Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll find it along the Green Line.

Cafe Biaggio

Homestyle neighborhood Italian restaurant serving up flavors of Chicago, Illinois, the East Coast and Italy. Venture to this cozy space to get a taste of comfort through a selection traditional spaghetti, tortellini, gnocchi and raviolis.

Spicy Feta

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine drawing inspiration from Afghan, Turkish and Greek family recipes. From pitas and wraps to bowls and loaded fries, customers are guaranteed a delicious, fast-casual experience that is also 100% Zabiha Halal.

Work Horse Coffee Bar

Queer owned workspace crafting locally roasted coffee drinks in the Creative Enterprise Zone. Stop by for morning pick-me-up, sit down and socialize for a while, or visit the Smallest Museum in Saint Paul which is housed in a vintage fire hose cabinet on the side of the cafe.

On's Thai Kitchen

The owner and head chef, On Khumchaya, always had a knack for the culinary scene. She began her cooking journey at just eight years old when she would create dishes for her siblings in Thailand. Since, her passion has flourished and led her to open her first venture in the U.S. in the heart of the Midway neighborhood.

Turf Club

A historic landmark in the Midway neighborhood, the Turf Club originally opened in the 40s as a supper club and dancehall. Today, the venue is a beacon for live entertainment every night of the week on either its larger 350- capacity stage and bar upstairs or cozy basement bar and stage, called the Clown Lounge. Stop in for dinner (the kitchen is only open for service during shows) and a show.

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar

Your gateway to the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. Delve into a vegetarian-friendly menu that features spongy and sourdough flatbreads, savory lentils and comforting stews.

Homi Restaurant

Take the first two letters of each name, Hortencia and Miguel, and you get HOMI. The flavors on the menu, which features classic favorites like chips and guacamole, tacos, enchiladas, tamales, fajitas, and more, were inspired by the food they longed for in their home country of Mexico.

The Best Steak House

Family owned and operated since 1986, The Best Steak House prides itself in providing delicious and affordable steak dinners. Choose from a variety of cuts and accompany your meaty meal with a slice of garlic toast, cheese fries or a classic baked potato.

West Indies Soul Food

A real island delight! Enjoy authentic Caribbean and Southern soul food spiced to perfection. Choose your heat range of spices (or opt out to embrace the natural flavors of the whole foods) that are inspired by the multicultural Caribbean character and calypso-style music of the West Indies.

Hoa Bien Vietnamese Restaurant

Known for its pho and chow mien, Hoa Bien is the perfect place to get your Vietnamese food fix. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly substitutes such as mock duck and a variety of seasoned tofus.

Master Noodle

Venture to the home of the first Chinese fresh-hand-pulled noodles in Minnesota. Visitors can try a variety of traditional noodle dishes and appetizers like cheese wontons, cold cucumber salad, and fried or steamed dumplings.

Flava Coffee & Cafe

Located in the Rondo neighborhood, Flava Coffee & Cafe is a social enterprise community cafe that provides coffee, food and programming to help eliminates disparities for women of color and gender expansive youth.

Hickory Hut

Enjoy real BBQ in the heart of the Midway neighborhood! From a selection of ribs, wings, fried fish, shrimp, pulled pork and mac and cheese, there is something for every tastebud.

King Cajun Seafood

Seafood boils are all the craze lately. So, head to King Cajun, which waws voted Best Seafood in Saint Paul by the Restaurant Guru in 2023, for Louisiana-style eats served fresh in a range of spice levels. Its signature dishes are the catfish sandwich, fried calamari, soft-shell crab sandwich and seafood gumbo.

Los Ocampo

Welcome to the home of the masa cakes (corn cakes)! Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine created from recipes that have been passed down for generations.

Slice Brothers

Serving New York-style pizza-by-the-slice right in the Rondo community. Grab a piece of the original cheese, supreme or a Midwestern classic (and State Fair inspired) Dill Pickle Ranch pizza.

Trung Nam French Bakery

This neighborhood bakery opened its doors to the Frogtown community in 1989. Since, it has been a staple for baked goods (which are made fresh everyday) ranging from French breads and croissants to Vietnamese classics like Banh Bao Buns and Banh Mi sandwiches.

Bangkok Thai Deli

Stir-fried rice and noodle bowls with curries, meats, and vegetables are the stars of the menu alongside pho-style soups. Don't forget to specify your spice-level for an extra kick of flavor!

Cheng Heng

Family recipes sharing the flavor of Cambodian eats that will transport your tastebuds to the bustling markets of Phenom Penh, the tranquil temples of Siem Reap, and the comfort of home.

The Luscious Crab

Opened in 2020, The Luscious Crab provides the Midway community with the opportunity to taste fresh flavors of the ocean through its selection of fresh seafood like lobster, crab, shrimp, crawfish and more. Get your hands dirty and delve into a seafood boil featuring a selection of sauces, spice levels and extras like potatoes, steamed rice, boiled eggs, coleslaw and more.

Peking Garden

Peking Garden has provided authentic Chinese and Cantonese dishes to Saint Paul since 1991. Enjoy an array of delicious eats from crispy spring rolls, kung pao chicken and beef with Chinese broccoli and more its extensive menu.

Little Szechuan Hot Pot

Enjoy a unique, self-guided and cooked meal at your table at the first hot pot restaurant in the Twin Cities. Hot Pot combos feed up to three people and include a soup base and protein choice (beef, lamb, seafood or vegetarian).