10 Italian Restaurants In Minnesota That Locals Swear Are Worth The Wait
I remember the first time I waited forty minutes for a table at an Italian spot in Minneapolis, stomach growling like a restless bear.
My friend promised it would be worth every second, and when that first bite of handmade pasta hit my tongue, I understood why people lined up out the door.
Minnesota might be known for hotdish and Juicy Lucys, but our Italian food scene is seriously underrated.
These restaurants have earned their reputations through consistently delicious food, warm atmospheres, and dishes that make you want to hug the chef.
1. Broders’ Pasta Bar – Minneapolis
Walking into this neighborhood gem feels like stumbling into your Italian grandmother’s kitchen, if she happened to have impeccable taste in drink and a gift for making pasta that could make angels weep. The space is snug, the kind of cozy that makes strangers smile at each other while waiting.
Every noodle here is rolled and cut by hand, which means you’re getting the real deal. The menu changes with the seasons, so you might find butternut squash ravioli in fall or fresh pea tortellini in spring. Portions are generous enough to satisfy without leaving you in a food coma.
Reservations are tough to snag, but walk-ins sometimes get lucky during off-peak hours. The staff treats regulars and first-timers with equal warmth, making everyone feel like family.
2. Bar La Grassa – Minneapolis
Celebrity chef sightings aren’t common in Minnesota, but this spot has earned national attention without losing its Midwest charm. The open kitchen lets you watch culinary magic happen while you sip something bubbly and contemplate which pasta to order first.
Their gnocchi is so light it practically floats off the fork, and the wood-fired pizzas have a perfect char that adds smoky depth to every bite. Small plates are designed for sharing, which means you can taste more of the menu without committing to just one dish. The drink list is thoughtfully curated, featuring Italian bottles you won’t find at your local grocery store.
Peak dinner hours see lengthy waits, but the bar area offers full menu service. Weeknight visits often mean shorter lines and the same spectacular food.
3. Mucci’s Italian – St. Paul
This place channels old-school Italian American vibes in the best possible way, complete with red sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering since the Eisenhower administration. The portions could feed a small village, and the prices won’t require you to take out a second mortgage.
Meatballs here are legendary, perfectly seasoned and tender enough to cut with a fork. The lasagna comes out bubbling hot with layers of cheese that stretch dramatically when you dig in. Their garlic bread is dangerous because you’ll fill up on it before your main course arrives, but it’s so good you won’t even care.
Weekend waits can stretch past an hour, but they take your number and let you explore the neighborhood. Lunch service is quieter and offers many of the same beloved dishes.
4. Cossetta’s Italian Market & Pizzeria – St. Paul
Part grocery store, part restaurant, entirely delicious, this St. Paul institution has been feeding families since 1911. You can grab ingredients to cook at home or settle into the dining room for pizza that rivals anything you’d find in New York.
The cafeteria-style ordering might seem casual, but the food is seriously good. Their thin crust pizza has a satisfying crunch, and the toppings are piled high without making the slice soggy. The Italian market section sells imported olive oils, fresh mozzarella, and pastries that make excellent dessert or breakfast the next morning.
Lines move surprisingly fast despite the crowds, especially during lunch rushes. The rooftop patio offers fantastic city views during warmer months, making the wait feel like part of the experience.
5. Rinata – Minneapolis
Tucked into a Minneapolis neighborhood, this restaurant proves that fancy doesn’t have to mean stuffy. The wood-fired oven dominates the dining room, sending out pizzas with blistered crusts and creative topping combinations that somehow just work.
Their approach to Italian cooking feels modern but respectful of tradition, like they’re updating grandma’s recipes for the twenty-first century. Seasonal ingredients shine in dishes that change regularly, keeping the menu fresh for repeat visitors. The pasta is made in-house, and you can taste the difference in every perfectly cooked strand.
Reservations are recommended but not always required for smaller parties. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between date night special and comfortable enough for regular visits. Service is attentive without hovering.
6. Red Rabbit – Minneapolis
This North Loop spot brings serious creativity to Italian classics without crossing into gimmick territory. The menu reads like poetry, with descriptions that make you want to order everything at once.
Their take on carbonara includes unexpected ingredients that shouldn’t work but absolutely do, creating flavor combinations that stick in your memory long after the meal ends. The kitchen isn’t afraid to experiment, but they never sacrifice taste for novelty. Appetizers are substantial enough to build an entire meal around if you’re feeling snacky rather than hungry for a full entree.
The industrial-chic space fills up quickly on weekends, with waits that can test your patience. Bar seating offers a front-row view of the kitchen action and usually has shorter wait times. Happy hour deals make trying multiple dishes more budget-friendly.
7. Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant – Duluth
Up in Duluth, this family-owned spot has been serving honest Italian food since 1985, proving that good cooking never goes out of style. The recipes come from actual family traditions, not corporate test kitchens, and you can taste the difference.
Their marinara sauce has a devoted following, with people literally buying jars to take home. Chicken parmesan arrives hot and crispy, blanketed in melted cheese that stretches dramatically across your plate. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, the kind of place where kids are genuinely welcome and nobody judges if things get a little messy.
Tourist season brings crowds, but locals know the best times to visit for shorter waits. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the generous portions. Takeout is popular for those wanting to enjoy the food at home.
8. Va Bene Caffe – Duluth
This Duluth gem brings European cafe culture to Minnesota’s North Shore with style and substance. The menu offers both quick bites and leisurely meals, making it perfect whether you’re grabbing lunch or settling in for dinner.
Fresh ingredients shine in simple preparations that let quality speak for itself. Their paninis are pressed to crispy perfection, and the pasta salads make excellent picnic fare if you’re heading to the lake. The coffee program is taken seriously here, with espresso drinks that could hold their own in any major city.
The casual vibe means you can pop in wearing hiking boots or dress up for a special occasion. Patio seating during summer months offers prime people-watching opportunities. Lines form during breakfast and lunch rushes, but service moves at a good clip.
9. Yarusso Bros. Italian Restaurant – St. Paul
Since 1933, this St. Paul landmark has been serving the kind of Italian American food that makes you nostalgic for an era you never actually lived through. The decor hasn’t changed much over the decades, which is part of the charm.
Their ravioli is stuffed generously and swimming in sauce that tastes like someone’s nonna made it with love. Portions are enormous, the kind that guarantee leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. The prices feel like a time machine back to when dining out didn’t require a small fortune.
Locals bring their out-of-town guests here to show off authentic Minnesota Italian heritage. Weekend dinners see the longest waits, but the dining room can accommodate large groups with advance notice. Cash is preferred, so hit the ATM before you go.
10. Catrina’s Cucinita – Minneapolis
This tiny spot in south Minneapolis operates on a simple philosophy: make everything from scratch and keep the menu focused on what you do best. The results speak for themselves in dishes that punch way above their weight class.
Limited seating means every table feels special, like you’ve been invited to a private dinner party. The chef often comes out to chat with diners, creating personal connections that turn first-time visitors into regulars. Daily specials showcase seasonal ingredients and creative inspirations, giving you reasons to return frequently.
Reservations are essential unless you enjoy standing outside hoping for cancellations. The intimate size creates a romantic atmosphere perfect for anniversaries or date nights. Prices reflect the quality and care put into every plate, making it a splurge-worthy destination.