Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown St. Paul

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

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

Neighborhoods

BloomingtonCalhoun IslesDowntown / Mill DistrictDowntown / North LoopEdinaHopkins

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

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Billy Sushi

4.9

Exceptional(81)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 79 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.

2. Tullibee

4.6

Exceptional(1442)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 14 times today

Tullibee celebrates the lakes and woods cuisine that is so deeply woven into the fabric of Minnesota. Named for a fish native to our Minnesota waters, Tullibee is a tribute to our beautiful state and brings its fresh and authentic flavors to each dish we serve. Under Chef Marque Collins lead, Tullibee's new menu is curated with intention to allow guests to try multiple items on the menu. We will be serving more smaller portions of the menu items meant to be ordered many at a time on a rolling basis throughout the meal allowing guests to experience different options. Come and experience the flavors of the North! Tullibee is a taste of Minnesota. *Reservations are for Tullibee only. Our lounge and rooftop bar are seated on a first come, first served basis.

3. Masa & Agave

4.5

Awesome(78)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 14 times today

Welcome to Masa & Agave, a speakeasy-style cantina hidden below stairs at the historic Hotel Ivy in Downtown Minneapolis. On Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's from 8pm to Close we are first-come, first-served and do not accept reservations during this time.Worshipped as the Aztec gods of fertility and long life, venerated for their powers of sustenance, corn masa and agave have been central to Mexican culture and cuisine since ancient times. Using authentic techniques, we prepare corn masa-based starters and Mexico City-style tacos that are bursting with regional flavors, along with dinner classics like Pork Carnitas and Negro Monelo-Braised Beef Short Ribs. Our collection of 200 agave spirits pays homage to the jimadores and mezcaleros who have labored over their craft for generations. Sip on a copita or two, or gather friends for one of our signature Margaritas - try the Tradicionale, Tamarindo or a Margarita al Gusto mixed with your choice of spirit. Salud!

A photo of The Melting Pot - Minneapolis restaurant

4. The Melting Pot - Minneapolis

4.4

Awesome(2878)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 46 times today

Bring your big appetite to the big city. In downtown Minneapolis, The Melting Pot is your quintessential fine-dining restaurant. Start with freshly made salads and handcrafted dressings before you skewer succulent strips of steak, and finish the smorgasbord with our famous chocolate fondue. Desserts rank high here, and just like the complex taste of our entrées, there’s something to be said of our artisan cheeses and luscious chocolates. But in our cozy corner of dessert paradise, we’re more than just a classy addition to Minnesota’s culinary scene. We are casual and approachable, which makes us an excellent choice for reconnecting with long-lost friends, updating loved ones about your life, or simply breaking the ice on a romantic date.

5. The Smack Shack

4.7

Exceptional(1759)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 18 times today

Casual, coastal restaurant in the North Loop. Reservations taken for dining room only, patio seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Please check in with hosts upon arrival for patio seating.Although named for the boats used to catch lobster, Smack Shack was launched as a food truck in 2010 serving lobster rolls from a land-locked downtown Minneapolis parking lot. Owner Josh Thoma had a great recipe and a belief that appetite for fresh lobster in the Twin Cities was as strong as any coastal city.Smack Shack is committed to serving sustainable seafood and is a current partner in the Minnesota Zoo’s Fish Smart program. Sustainable seafood is wild caught or farm raised seafood that has established practices to ensure the long term growth and thriving populations of seafood with limited harm to the environment.

A photo of Boketto Steakhouse restaurant

6. Boketto Steakhouse

4.7

Exceptional(166)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • St. Louis Park

Booked 26 times today

Boketto merges the rich traditions of a steakhouse with a whisper of Asian elegance & a burst of Mediterranean zest. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a celebration with friends, or a memorable night out, Boketto offers an experience beyond the ordinary. Here, upscale & intimate combine with trendy, vibrant, and most importantly — welcoming.From marbled A-5 Japanese and Australian wagyu to our signature Japanese milk bread, lovingly crafted by Authentic Gourmet, every dish tells a story of tradition meeting creativity. Savor the delicate flavors of our fresh seared scallops, paired with the aromatic trio of Thai basil, cilantro & mint, or indulge in the vibrant contrast of our tomato & burrata, elevated with a hint of Calabrian chili, sweet agrodolce, peppery arugula, & toasted bread.With a cocktail program and wine list designed for the discerning palate, each visit to Boketto is an exploration of flavor & texture, a journey that lingers long after the last bite.

A photo of Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - Minneapolis restaurant

7. Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - Minneapolis

4.4

Awesome(101)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Thai • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 1 time today

Welcome to Sawatdee - Minneapolis! We are OPEN for dine in, take out and delivery. Serving award-winning Thai cuisine since 1983, Sawatdee is home to Thai food, party spaces, a great happy hour, live music, and impeccable service. When we first opened our doors at 1983, the Sawatdee mission was simple: to take our community on an adventure full of Thai flavors and good times. Many years later, that adventure is still as exciting as ever. Not only we expanded with more restaurants to share our flavors with more folks, we've added to to the flavors we offer, as well! Our Minneapolis location is a beautiful warehouse-turned-restaurant, complete with a gold leaf ceiling and glass etchings of a Thai goddess. Specialties include Rama Thai Delight, Pad Thai, and a Tail of Two Cities.Thai it. You'll Like it! (tm)

8. P.S. Steak

4.7

Exceptional(93)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 15 times today

As the name suggests, P.S. Steak was established to continue the story of the historic space that was once famed La Belle Vie. As Chef Mike DeCamp spent 10 years at the former French restaurant, this will be his homecoming and opportunity to write his own chapter for the space. P.S. Steak disrupts the perceptions of a typical steakhouse while honoring the legacy of one of the great culinary foundations in the Twin Cities. The restaurant features an elevated yet accessible seasonal menu, along with a variety of cuts of meat, dry aged in a display case.The lounge has been given a modern makeover with chic furniture and marble table tops. A selection of living floor plants divides tables to create intimate seating. Bringing warmth to the room, the bar and adjacent fireplace keeps guests cozied up to a menu of progressive cocktails.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Minneapolis restaurant

9. Buca di Beppo - Minneapolis

4.5

Awesome(717)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 2 times today

If you are looking for an Italian Restaurant in Minneapolis, MN then come to Buca. Our Italian Restaurant serves Authentic Family Style Italian Food. The Minneapolis, MN Buca at Harmon Place and South 12th Street is just down the street from the renovated Orpheum Theatre, perfectly situated for dinner and a show.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Minneapolis, MN | Lyndale & Lake (Lyn-Lake) restaurant

10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Minneapolis, MN | Lyndale & Lake (Lyn-Lake)

4.6

Exceptional(330)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Uptown

Booked 33 times today

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CandaceVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 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
E
Erin
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We loved our meal here! Patio is really nice, you can't hear much street noise, the crab cakes and lobster boil were amazing and service was top notch!
More info
The Smack ShackPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.7
J
JoelVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •33 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Service was always there when we needed them, and they truly cared about their customers. Most of the food was very good. The elote was too spicey. Margaritas were exceptional. Cool atmosphere, but need to scale back the bass on the music.
More info
Masa & AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown / Mill District
•
4.5
T
Todd
Minneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious food and cocktails. Had the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and the Bison Steak Frites.The Brussels were very roasted and still moist and delicious. The Bison Steak was perfectly done and the accompanying fries tasty all alone or with the optional dill aioli. Only not was the food took a bit to arrive, but was well worth the wait.
More info
TullibeePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Truly enjoyed the experience and would definitely do it again!
More info
The Melting Pot - MinneapolisPrice: Expensive• Fondue• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.4

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