Minnesota Italian Restaurants Bringing Old-World Flavor To Every Bite

Minnesota might be famous for hot dish and Juicy Lucys, but its Italian food scene tells a different story entirely.

From family-owned trattorias serving recipes passed down through generations to modern kitchens honoring timeless techniques, the state offers a delicious journey through Italy without leaving the Midwest.

Each restaurant on this list brings something special to the table, whether it’s handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, or sauces simmered to perfection.

Get ready to explore flavors that transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Rome, the rolling hills of Tuscany, and beyond.

Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant

Few places carry the weight of history quite like a restaurant that’s been feeding families since the Great Depression.

Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant opened its doors in 1933 at 635 Payne Ave in St Paul, and it hasn’t stopped serving soul-warming Italian comfort food since.

The meatball sandwich here isn’t just food, it’s a legend wrapped in bread and smothered in sauce that tastes like someone’s nonna made it with love.

Spaghetti comes drenched in rich red sauce that clings to every strand, begging to be twirled onto your fork.

Walking inside feels like stepping into a time capsule where recipes don’t change because they were perfect from the start.

Families gather here not just for meals but for memories that stretch back decades.

Every bite reminds you why simple, honest cooking never goes out of style.

Barzini’s Italiano

Theatrical charm meets homestyle Italian cooking in the heart of downtown Anoka.

Barzini’s Italiano sits at 222nd and E Main St in Suite 102, offering a dining experience that feels both intimate and dramatic.

The menu reads like a love letter to Italian comfort, with Alfredo sauce so creamy it coats your spoon like velvet.

You can choose chicken or steak to go with it, and either way, you’re in for a treat.

Tortellini stuffed with cheese pairs beautifully with tender meatballs that practically melt on your tongue.

The ambiance wraps around you like a warm blanket, making every meal feel like a special occasion.

Locals know this spot as a place where date nights and family dinners both feel equally at home.

It’s cozy without being cramped, fancy without being fussy.

Rinata Restaurant

Chef-driven cooking takes center stage in the heart of Uptown Minneapolis.

Rinata Restaurant calls 2451 Hennepin Ave S home, where seasonal ingredients shape a menu that changes with the calendar.

Classic Italian techniques guide every dish, but the creativity behind them keeps things fresh and exciting.

Spring might bring tender asparagus tossed with handmade fettuccine, while fall could mean hearty pumpkin ravioli drizzled with brown butter.

The intimate setting makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s carefully curated home rather than a busy restaurant.

Each plate arrives as a work of art, but it’s the taste that truly captivates.

Locals treasure this spot for special occasions, knowing the experience will be memorable from first bite to last.

The chef’s passion shines through in every carefully composed dish.

Ciao Bella

Art and appetite collide in one of Bloomington’s most vibrant dining destinations.

Ciao Bella stands at 3501 Minnesota Dr, where modern Italian cuisine meets a lively atmosphere that buzzes with energy.

Colorful artwork decorates the walls, turning every meal into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

The wine list stretches long and impressive, offering perfect pairings for every dish on the menu.

When weather permits, the terrace becomes the place to be, where you can enjoy your meal under open skies.

Dishes here honor tradition while embracing contemporary flair, creating flavors that feel both familiar and exciting.

Families, couples, and friends all find their spot here, drawn by food that never disappoints.

The classy yet approachable vibe makes every visit feel like a celebration worth repeating.

Luna Di Luna

Wood-fired magic happens daily in downtown Bloomington’s most beloved Italian hideaway.

Luna Di Luna operates at 8820 Lyndale Ave S, where urban sophistication meets rustic Italian soul.

The pizza oven roars to life each day, creating crusts that emerge blistered and perfectly charred.

Toppings range from classic margherita to inventive combinations that surprise and delight in equal measure.

Beyond pizza, the menu explores Italy’s regional diversity, offering dishes that span from north to south.

Handmade gnocchi practically float on the plate, pillowy soft and bathed in sauces that sing with flavor.

The urban setting brings a contemporary edge to traditional cooking, creating an atmosphere that feels both polished and welcoming.

Locals swing by for lunch meetings and linger over dinner with loved ones, always leaving satisfied.

Broders’ Pasta Bar

Neighborhood charm radiates from every corner of this beloved South Minneapolis gem.

Broders’ Pasta Bar sits at 5000 Penn Ave S, where fresh pasta takes center stage every single day.

The menu rotates frequently, keeping regulars on their toes and always eager to see what’s new.

Pasta gets made in-house, ensuring that texture and flavor remain consistently exceptional.

Sauces range from simple butter and sage to complex ragùs that simmer for hours before reaching your table.

The casual atmosphere encourages you to relax and focus on what matters most—the food in front of you.

No pretense exists here, just honest cooking that honors Italian traditions while keeping things approachable.

Lines form during peak hours because word spreads fast when food this good exists in your neighborhood.

Cosetta Alimentari

Walking into this space feels like stumbling into an Italian marketplace transported across the ocean.

Cosetta Alimentari has been serving St Paul since 1911 at 211 7th St W, blending restaurant, deli, and market under one roof.

The deli counter stretches long and tempting, filled with imported cheeses, cured meats, and fresh-made salads.

Upstairs, the dining room serves plates piled high with pasta, pizza, and other Italian favorites.

Pastries gleam behind glass cases, calling out to anyone with a sweet tooth and a weakness for cannoli.

You can grab ingredients to cook at home or settle in for a meal that tastes like Sunday dinner at an Italian grandmother’s house.

Generations of families have made this a tradition, passing down their love for this special place.

It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience.

Zelo

Contemporary elegance defines every moment spent at this downtown Minneapolis favorite.

Zelo operates at 831 Nicollet Mall, where Italian flavors get a modern makeover without losing their soul.

The menu reads like a tour through Italy’s greatest hits, but each dish arrives with a creative twist that keeps things interesting.

Risotto comes creamy and rich, studded with seasonal ingredients that change throughout the year.

Presentation matters here, with plates arranged so beautifully you almost hesitate before digging in.

The downtown location makes it perfect for pre-theater dinners or business lunches that need to impress.

Despite the upscale atmosphere, the vibe remains welcoming rather than intimidating.

Servers know the menu inside and out, offering recommendations that consistently hit the mark and leave diners delighted.

Tavola

Community and cuisine come together beautifully in this Minneapolis neighborhood treasure.

Tavola sits at 823 Fifth Ave S, where family-style dining encourages sharing and conversation.

Large platters arrive at the table, meant to be passed around and enjoyed together.

Antipasti spreads feature cured meats, marinated vegetables, and cheeses that pair perfectly with crusty bread.

Pasta dishes arrive steaming hot, generous enough to feed the entire table without anyone leaving hungry.

The warm atmosphere makes strangers feel like friends and turns regular dinners into gatherings worth remembering.

Locals appreciate the focus on bringing people together through food, a very Italian concept executed flawlessly.

Reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends when families and friend groups claim their favorite tables early.

Mancini’s Char House

Generous portions and old-school charm have kept this institution thriving since 1948.

Mancini’s Char House stands at 531 7th St W in St Paul, where Italian-American classics meet hearty steakhouse fare.

While steaks get plenty of attention, the Italian side of the menu deserves equal praise.

Pasta arrives in portions that could feed a small army, heaped high and swimming in flavorful sauces.

Fresh bread loaves land on every table, warm and begging to be torn apart and dipped in olive oil.

The vintage dining room feels like stepping back in time to an era when dining out was a true occasion.

Service remains attentive and friendly, with staff who treat regulars and newcomers with equal care.

It’s the kind of place where celebrations happen and memories get made over plates piled impossibly high.

Campiello

Tuscan inspiration flows through every dish served at this amazing spot.

Campiello resides at 6411 City W Pkwy, Eden Prairie, where rustic elegance meets refined Italian cooking.

The wood-fired oven works overtime, turning out pizzas with crusts that achieve the perfect balance of crispy and chewy.

Beyond pizza, the menu explores Tuscany’s greatest culinary traditions, from hearty ribollita soup to tender braised meats.

Fresh ingredients shine in simple preparations that let natural flavors take center stage.

The warm lighting and countryside-inspired decor create an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and comfortable.

Wine flows freely here, with a carefully curated selection that pairs beautifully with every menu item.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving exceptional Italian food, this spot delivers every single time.

Punch Pizza Northeast

Simplicity reaches perfection when Neapolitan tradition guides every pizza that emerges from the oven.

Punch Pizza Northeast operates multiple locations throughout Minnesota, bringing authentic pizza to neighborhoods across the state.

My favorite is at 210 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis.

The dough gets made fresh daily, allowed to rise slowly for maximum flavor and that signature chewy texture.

Toppings remain simple and high-quality, honoring the Neapolitan philosophy that less is often more.

Each pizza spends just minutes in the scorching hot oven, emerging with a leopard-spotted crust that’s both charred and tender.

The casual atmosphere encourages quick lunches and relaxed dinners alike, with no fuss or formality required.

Purists appreciate the commitment to authentic technique, while newcomers simply enjoy how incredibly delicious everything tastes.

It’s proof that when you master the basics, you don’t need anything else to create something truly special.