50 Best Italian Restaurants near Mendota Heights

“Outstanding in so many ways. The atmosphere transports u to another place. Seating options are all great including at the fancy bar, in the bar at a high top, fancy dining room and my fav: patio on a warm day. Food amazing, drinks amazing, staff amazing. Easy parking. Italian food store attached. Great for special occasions, happy hour, any time really.“

“I've been coming here for years! One of my favorite spots for a delicious sandwich. It always smells so good in here. Lots of options to pick from. Frozen foods, sandwiches, pasta made to order, salads, and deli area to get premade salads and meats. They also sell desserts and amazing bread.... Do not skip on the jalapeño cheddar bread which is only sold on Fridays. Seriously, the BEST bread. Staff have always been friendly and eager to help each time I've visited. I will continue to come back.“

“Visited 4/15/24. Back at BLG. As always, give yourself time (and money) for parking. I like the ramp across the street vs trying to find street parking. We got a reservation in advance which was good because this place was popping on a Monday night! To start, we split the garlic and EVOO and then the charred red onion with goat cheese bruschettas. My sister and I were partial to the goat cheese one but both were solid. I got the gnocchi with cauliflower and orange (my fave), my sister got the red wine with pine nut spaghetti, and my mom got the mushroom and taleggio agnolotti. I've had the gnocchi before and it was just as good this time. The sleeper hit of the night was as the red wine with pine nut spaghetti-honestly a good price for the portion size and the overall flavor. The agnolotti was rich but delicious. Honestly everything that I've had at BLG has been on the richer side but that's low key how I prefer my Italian food. I love this place and would recommend it to anyone. Old school Italian meets modern in a trendier place that still feels homestyle like my Italian grandma's kitchen.“

“Great service and food!!!!“

“The best Italian food in the Twin Cities by far, and I’m an Italian food snob.“

“Whoa, all those suggestions are weird. IE has been our favorite place since they opened. The service is always good, the food is always good. It’s a little bit upscale but we regularly bike there so I never particularly care what I wear. Cocktails are good. Amari is really good.“

“The restaurant is very beautiful. The space is fairly large and there are different coves for seating. There's also a decent size bar area. The restaurant is also very aesthetically pleasing. Our server was great and explained everything to us. He was also very knowledgeable about the food choices. I would say the food was just okay. Nothing really to rave about. I don't think there was a single thing we had that I could say was phenomenal. The portion sizes are small, but it's definitely good for a tapas style meal if you get enough. I would give this place a four out of five stars more so because of the great service.“

“My new favorite restaurant in Minneapolis! We were particularly impressed with Adana Kebab; it was incredibly tasty. San Sebastian was indescribably delicious. We were also very pleased with the service and would like to extend a special thank you to the staff. Ending our meal with Turkish tea was a lovely final touch to the experience. I would definitely recommend this place.“

“Hyacinth is a keeper. Creative food, well prepared, small but extremely well chosen wines. Portions were large, a bit too large in my view. Hyacinth is one of the few restaurants in the post Covid dining world that is daring to show us how innovative dining can be done.“

“Had a wonderful family dinner at Zelo last night Service great Food and wine wonderful Round table great to catch up with family members in from out of town with on a cold MN January evening“

“This place has the pizza in the state. Tony and crew are awesome and so nice. Thin crust pizza with a massive amount of cheese. Sauce is perfect. If you haven't had the pizza here you are missing out. The hot Dago sandwich is huge and awesome.Make sure to get here, you won't be disappointed.“

“I had not been to Little T’s since the change in ownership and man was I blown way! We arrived around 7 pm with a large group and got a table right away. Our server, Sara, was super attentive, charming and very helpful. The drinks were delivered fast as was water for everyone. Our drinks were strong and delicious but the food is what really makes this place killer! We tried everything on the starters menu and each plate was flavorful with distinct and unique combinations. The cauliflower was incredible! The smash burger was so good that everyone at the table had to taste it. The atmosphere is delightful as well. I can’t rave enough about our experience at Little Tijuana’s!!!Vegetarian options: There is something for everyone!“

“I always have a great time there. The service is wonderful. The place is beautiful and the food is always great. I love it there so much!!!!“

“We had a delightful time celebrating with family Friday evening. We have visited your restaurant from our homes in northeast Minneapolis and Bloomington several times over the last several years, and have enjoyed your classic and innovative menu which never disappoints. You are well worth the drive!“

“Date night. Food was good. Wine was good. The waiter could be more attentive. He did not even ask us once how the food was and if we needed anything. Had to get extra sauce from the girl who brought out our food.“

“Dominick's is my go to spot for pizza, Strombolis, and sandwiches in the metro! The food is always amazing and the owners employees are always friendly and engaging. I was nervous, like everyone, when the ownership changed in 2023 but the good news is the food and service is exactly the same still!“

“This was an amazing Italian food shoppe with lots of cheese, desserts, and imports. Napolitano , Pistachio Gelato, tiramisu, or my favorite was la duce del Vito. Lots of decadent desserts like Italian horn, and cream puffs and so many more she said. This is in a great location convenient to Airport. Reasonable prices as well.“

“Great pizza napoletana and a lovely staff. We have been patrons for over 20 years. Our family is from Campania and having Punch is a wonderful reminder of home. Grazie mille!!!“

“Everyone was friendly from the moment we walked in. Our waitress, Taylor, was attentive, and had great recommendations. The food was delicious, as were the drinks! We will absolutely be back.“

“All and all- really good! Would go back, maybe do a online order...I have never been so wanted to check it out- small, friendly and helpful staff, canolli was delicious, we also ordered sandwiches- which they make fresh. Spendy- you pay for what you get!“

“One of the best pizza places around! They always have great food. My sister and I went on a Friday evening, which we knew would be busy. We arrived at our designated time only to find out that they were behind on orders. The first thing I noticed was how hard your employees were working. They looked so overwhelmed and stressed out, but we’re still able to give us great customer service. I saw the order receipts flowing in by the bunches to the point they had to put them in a huge pile on the countertop. Please limit how many people can order per time slot online. Your employees are working so hard for indoor dining as it is.“

“My first time there. The food and everything was so beautiful I had to take a picture. My sandwich was delicious!“

“I brought my boss who was visiting Minneapolis for the first time to this place. The pizzas were absolutely delicious. Though for some reason we only ordered four items and ended up spending $150. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, because he paid for the meal. So I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you for making corporate spend money on me. The staff were great and again, the food was incredibly delicious.“

“We frequent Yarusso’s and will always be a favorite! Decided to have them cater my girlfriend’s 40th and Jerry absolutely knocked it out of the park!!! First class food and service that is unmatched“

“Can I give EATO, ten stars? Food - the best I have had in years; the service - flawless, perfect mix of professional and friendly; the atmosphere - welcoming and casual. I would not have changed a thing! I had a large group of people coming into Minneapolis from all over the country and a few local friends recommended EATO for the group farewell dinner. A few weeks ago I stopped in and talked to the manager, Jason, and he suggested a half restaurant buyout for the group with tables over by the bar. (Excellent idea, it worked out great!) Then he connected me with Chloe who helped me pick menu items so my guests could choose a salad course and an entree course from five options, with optional protein additions, she also printed out custom menus to welcome my guests. Super easy process, and Chloe had great suggestions,. When we arrived Jesse, Connor, and Chloe were ready and waiting at the bar to handle the group of 30 people, serving them drinks with fresh flowers in them, special tap beers, and bubbly Prosecco. I think part of the group also had some killer Old Fashions they raved about. Connor and Jesse were our servers and they moved through the tables taking orders, delivering the food, filling water glasses, getting drinks, etc. The table service was impeccable, these guys know how to treat guests like honored family. (What more could you ask for?!) I don't know the chef's name, but kudos to the kitchen. The food came out quickly, and was plated beautifully. Without fail, every guest told me that their meal was fantastic. I personally had the beet salad (yum!) and the chicken Parmesan. It was the best chicken parm I have ever had, not kidding. Thank you, EATO, for helping me put on a wonderful event! - Libby Huebner, corporate event planner“

“Delicious bread, pasta, and drinks. Good prices at lunch. Free validated parking. Great and friendly server.“

“got 4 pizzas with my pal. one of the bathrooms had bambino support.Vegetarian options: good vegetables.Dietary restrictions: had bambino support.Parking: lots of spaces.Kid-friendliness: had bambino support.Wheelchair accessibility: had a ramp.“

“I loved the food here. It was really good. I had a shrimp pasta dish (Shrimp Garganelli) from here and it was really yummy. We also had the cheese curds and they were delicious. The beets were good too. Had a cherry flavored drink and that wasn't my favorite but their sparkling water was amazing.“

“Very friendly staff. Owner is amazing. Great food. Friendly atmosphere.“

“Best pizza in town. Everything here is great though: the sammiches, the gelato, the staff, the cooks..Dining room is a bit tight when busy but you can always take it home.It's the only reason I go into murederapolis anymoreParking: Busy intersection and neighborhood, small lot, limited parking. you may walk a bit but it's worth it!“

“My husband and I visited Mucci's a few months ago and had a wonderful experience. It's a small, intimate place that felt cozy and relaxing. We started with the focaccia with rosemary and salt. It was amazing! It didn't look at all like what we were expecting, but when we bit into it it was so full of flavor and had a great texture. I would absolutely order it again. We each had a pasta dish with mushrooms which was delicious. Service was exceptional and the food and atmosphere made for a very relaxing, special evening.“

“The food was very good. The service was very good. The atmosphere was lovely. the prices are very reasonable. No sur charges! And they were patient with us hogging our table at Easter brunch for two hours. (we felt bad) Tommy one of the sous chefs was our waiter. He was great. One of the best all around restaurants in North East Minneapolis if not Minneapolis as a whole. We are definitely going back. Give them a try, you will leave their full and content.“

“One of the best pizza spots in Minneapolis! I've never had a pizza I didn't enjoy but the meatball and mushroom versions are my go to. In the spring and summer when the garage doors are up I can't think of a nicer place to have a meal.“

“Had a very special celebrations here recently and it was amazing. Staff was awesome, food was delicious and ambiance was top notch. Every person in our party commented on what a great find this place was and how they couldn’t wait to come back. Thank you to the Luci Ancora team for making our celebration so wonderful.“

“Our three days were just perfect. The staff is wonderful, friendly, and desperate to fulfill their goal of making everything about staying here ideal. Spotless facilities, quiet rooms, comfortable beds, good food… I’m not sure what more to say in order to make my point. One cannot go wrong staying at a Four Seasons!“

“This place has some of my favorite pizza, even if the ownership changed! Make sure to try it out especially if you like variety. They used to ship the water in from Jersey which made it delicious, can't tell if they still are but still tastes great.“

“I've seen dagwoods recommended on quite a few pages so I made my way in when i had a weekday downtown. It is good, but not outstanding. Friendly counter staff. Quick enough. I just expect a lot out of an Italian sandwich and I've had better. But it's worth a stop“

“I drove 7 hours to Minneapolis to see the twins play baseball on Friday May 3rd and stopped in for lunch before the game with my son. We ordered The Bear pizza. I got to say the food was worth the trip. Best pizza I have ever had. Sorry Casey's. My next trip to Minnesota I will be stopping there for sure. Make sure to stop at the downtown location. Hands down well worth it. Thank me later. Thank you Pizza Lucé downtown team for all that you do.“

“absolutely phenomenal pizza and great service“

“We had a party of 16 at short notice who needed to be accommodated and we were very well attended to. Little Oven Staff knocked it out of the park! Thank you all!“

“The food and ambiance was spectacular. We love the atmosphere and the lobster ravioli was delicious. Not to mention my Cosmopolitan was awesome. We have been going here for years and never have been disappointed. John does a great job of making everyone feel at home.“

“I really enjoyed the atmosphere! This reminded me a lot of another wonderful Italian restaurant that I've eaten at: Dino’s in Mankato, Mn. There are many Italy-related pictures on the wall, and it's a great family-friendly restaurant. There was a birthday there, and most of the rest of the restaurant joined in and sang and clapped.The chicken in my Fettuccine Alfredo was cooked to the right temperature and tasted fresh and was hot! I liked the aesthetic arrangements on the plate as well! The garlic bread was also perfectly cooked. I enjoyed the fact that they didn't overcook or overseason it. The portions are enough to feed four people.The bill was reasonable in comparison to the amount of food that was on the plate. Still on the pricier side, it's worth trying, though. The waitress made a mistake with the total and charged me $111 when I only owed $67.18. I waved her down, and luckily, she fixed it and was very kind about it before I left. I was frustrated and probably shouldn't have gotta irritated with her, and I apologize for that on my end. I will probably come back for my birthday next month.“

“Yum! All I need to say!“

“I love this Carbone’s Pizza location! I tell everyone about it. Seriously top notice!My family actually lives in another town and we have another location here and rather drive out to the Saint Paul Park location. You guys know what you’re doing for sure!“

“Always the BEST Pizza and antipasta Salad!!!“

“A really nice place to eat. The lasagna was excellent. I'll be back.“

“My family and I will travel nearly 3100 miles from Fairbanks, AK to pizza from here. My husband and I always stopped by after school concerts to have pizza. Love this place.“

“What a delight. This place was recommended for one of the must dos in the area and it did not disappoint. It was just after lunch and it was not crowded and quick service. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Meatballs were spot. To top it off I had it with a Fanta which I haven’t had in quite a while. Will be back!“

“Incredible homemade italian and such an incredible, incredible value for the price. Best italian food I have had in a long time!“

“Andrea Pizza has been a fixture in the Skyway for many years. At lunchtime, they crank out pizza by the slice for the hungry office workers in downtown Minneapolis - and it's really, really good. No frills - pick your slices, they put them in the oven to warm, put them on a paper plate and hand you a cup. Quick and easy. A handful of tables to sit at, or take it back to the office. My fave - the veggie artichoke and tomato slice.“