Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown St. Paul

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Twin Cities / MinneapolisTwin Cities / Northern SuburbsTwin Cities / St. PaulTwin Cities / Western Suburbs

Neighborhoods

BlaineBloomingtonCalhoun IslesDowntown / Loring ParkDowntown / Mill DistrictDowntown / North Loop

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

103 restaurants available nearby

1. Billy Sushi

4.9

Exceptional(82)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 91 times today

There are ninety-nine different ways to write “sushi” in the Japanese script of kanji. Each with its own unique interpretation and meaning. It was with great deliberation that our founder, Billy, chose 寿司 to best represent his personal interpretation of the word - Celebration of Fish!That’s exactly how Billy feels about the art of making sushi and the atmosphere that surrounds it - it should be a celebration! Which is why Billy Sushi is more than just a restaurant, it is an experience for anyone who allows themselves to take part. A three-ring performance of sorts - sushi bar, sake bar and dining room - brought to life by the performances of sushi chefs, bartenders and servers. And the Ring Master and your host, Billy.

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

2. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1127)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 64 times today

**Please note all reservations are for Nolo's Kitchen, the rooftop is first come, first serve. For cabana rentals please visit https://www.rooftopbarmpls.com/cabanas**Located at the historic Gardner Hardware Building at 515 Washington Ave N in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. The NOLO's team consists of Marty Collins, Brett Johnson and Peter Hoff, each native Minnesotans with extensive industry experience. Marty has owned over 10 restaurant concepts in Minneapolis, MN, Kansas City and Columbia, MO, and Iowa City, IA. Brett and his family have owned and operated The Hilltop Restaurant for the past 40 years. Pete, the head chef, brings his most recent culinary experience and creativity from California to NOLO’s, The Rooftop Bar and The Basement Bar. His culinary vision and passion for local ingredients create new modern comfort food dishes. The team shares a passion for the restaurant and bar industry and sees an opportunity to fill gaps in the market in the North Loop.

A photo of Cosmos - Minneapolis restaurant

3. Cosmos - Minneapolis

4.3

Awesome(5)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Northeast Minneapolis

The Lofton Hotel features an intimate escape known as Cosmos Restaurant & Bar. The Iconic Cosmos bar has been operating within the hotel for over 20 years with much of the same staff! Cosmos offers the perfect atmosphere and cuisine for a relaxed dinner onsite or a kick-start to your day with a spectacular breakfast. Or it makes for an amazing mid-day retreat for lunch. Located on the fourth floor of The Lofton Hotel, Cosmos serves modern American, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Midwest favorites to provide a local culinary experience to our guests. Cosmos is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

4. Young Joni

4.8

Exceptional(871)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Northeast Minneapolis

Booked 54 times today

Young Joni is James Beard award-winning chef Ann Kim's restaurant located in the Arts District of Northeast Minneapolis. The menu is inspired by wood fire cooking and features an array of globally influenced dishes and signature pizzas. Dining Room reservations are offered for dinner and weekend brunch; walk-ins are available at our bar and community table.Young Joni is the recipient of 2019's James Beard Award for "Best Chef Midwest"; it has been featured in the New York Times and Vogue, and on Netflix's "Chef's Table: Pizza." Tucked discreetly behind Young Joni is the back bar, serving full and no-proof craft cocktails and pizzas in a warm, analog setting. Esquire named it one of 2019's Best Bars in America and Eater called it an "Essential Minneapolis Bar." Walk down the alley alongside Young Joni and look for the red light; when the light is on, the back bar is open!

A photo of Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis restaurant

5. Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

4.6

Exceptional(5775)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 68 times today

Comfort food with an upscale twist...In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, appropriately located in a beautiful underground space, you'll discover Hell's Kitchen, an employee-owned restaurant known for its damn good food. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks 7 days a week, and enjoy REAL comfort food made by chefs who care, described by food writers as "unique but not fancy; interesting but not fussy". Almost everything is made from scratch, from our award-winning peanut butter to our unique dips and dressings, winning us over 67 "best" awards as well as accolades in Gourmet Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Midwest Living, and other national magazines. And bring the kids along... you should see the cheeky notes they write to us!"Rather than rave on, let us just say if you're in Minnesota and want to wow your tastebuds, go to Hell's Kitchen. It is inspired and inspiring." (Jane & Michael Stern, NPR)

A photo of Butcher & the Boar restaurant

6. Butcher & the Boar

4.6

Exceptional(133)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 49 times today

We are fine-casual dining with a fire at the core of its heart. Through the smoke and whiskey ashes of the previous iteration which closed its doors in 2020 rises a new haze of smoke and whiskey as we bring back this iconic brand, smoked meats, bourbon, beer, deep hues, and various spaces to a new location in the North Loop. Butcher & The Boar will honor its beloved roots, while spreading new ones in the fresh foundation that will help our guests embark on a journey with notes of nostalgia that carry the torch forward with new tastes and experiences. With immense gratitude, we invite you to Live Full Boar with us.

7. Milwaukee Road

3.9

Excellent(227)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Milwaukee Road at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot is a favorite among guests as well as Twin Cities residents, featuring distinct menus with specialized and local flare. You can always count on Milwaukee Road for a hearty breakfast buffet to start the day, followed by unique regional lunch and dinner entrées.Our chef combines the best of regional culinary specialties with memorable dishes and tempting desserts – any of which pairs beautifully with a selection from our wine list or one of our many regional craft ales. Enjoy your meal in the gorgeous restaurant dining room or our outdoor seasonal patio; you'll find either setting to be warm, welcoming and distinctly Minnesota.

8. noa

4.3

Awesome(169)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 9 times today

Noa, situated in the IDS Center in the heart of Minneapolis, provides guests with chef-crafted dishes in a welcoming and expansive setting. The restaurant exudes a cozy ambiance and vibrant energy, offering a selection of upscale yet accessible menu options. Featuring earthy hues and abundant natural light and greenery, Noa creates a relaxed environment for visitors throughout the year. Additionally, the establishment includes a private dining space for hosting events and is capable of handling large orders and accommodating special requests.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Minneapolis restaurant

9. Fogo de Chao - Minneapolis

4.3

Awesome(5100)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 121 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

10. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(5278)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 15 times today

Café and Bar Lurcat, located next to Loring Park, is a hip, urban venue that boasts serious food and voguish design. Café Lurcat is a perfect blend of classic old world style with a Noveau twist. The expansive bar and lounge is ideal for casual cocktails and a la carte bites, while the romantic dining room creates the perfect ambiance for an exceptional foodie experience featuring sophisticated comfort food. We offer the perfect event venue for family celebrations, trendy parties, marriages, Bar Mitzvahs, showers, charity events, galas, graduations and black tie events. This iconic Minneapolis restaurant continues to age like a fine wine as it approaches its 20th year.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Robert
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
The service was good :) They accommodated my preferences
More info
Hell's Kitchen MinneapolisPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6
C
CandaceVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Ilsa our server was very good! Great food Had a fun chat with Billy. Love this place
More info
Billy SushiPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.9
G
GretchenVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
The ambience is great, fun atmosphere. Food was delicious. Unfortunately our server was not attentive and quite rude to our group. Aside from that, our experience was great.
More info
Nolo's Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.7
K
Kathryn
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Great place to celebrate a birthday with family! Salads and apps were terrific, followed by an excellent assortment of pizza. Tess, our server, was friendly, attentive and made our evening one to remember!
More info
Young JoniPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Northeast Minneapolis
•
4.8
D
Dinnerandshow1
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Lexi was outstanding with our group! Our daughters enjoyed their food coming out early as requested! All of our food was delicious and we were even able to taste some of the wine before we purchased our bottle. Will go back.
More info
Cosmos - MinneapolisPrice: Moderate• American• Northeast Minneapolis
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Casual

Downtown St. Paul

Phillips
Saint Paul
Hudson
Downtown St. Paul
Robbinsdale
Edina
Breezy Point
Burnsville
Northeast Minneapolis
Richfield
Duluth
Brooklyn Park
Hopkins
Prospect Park
Minnetonka
Wayzata / Long Lake
Little Canada
Minneapolis
Excelsior
Long Lake