Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Twin Cities / St. Paul

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Twin Cities / St. Paul? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

joan's in the Park

5.0

5 (2161)

$50 and over

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

joan's in the Park restaurant and full service bar is an elegantly cozy dining destination, located on Snelling Avenue in Highland Park. We offer a 4 course menu designed by Chef /owner Susan Dunlop, which includes distinctive American cuisine . We offer only the finest ingredients, sourced locally when possible. Maître d'/owner Joan Schmitt (and Highland Park native) offers first-class hospitality. Our carefully selected wine, beer and signature cocktail list will also appeal to all tastes. joan's is a must try, if you enjoy great food and amazing hospitality in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Top review

Don

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent service, delectable food, memorable anniversary celebration!

Boca Chica Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1426)

$30 and under

Mexican

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Boca Chica Mexican Restaurant has served the flavorful, authentic cuisine of Mexico since 1964. It was then that Guillermo and Gloria Frias opened the doors to their new restaurant that seated only 28 patrons. Today, Boca Chica has grown substantially and is rated "one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Twin Cities," according to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine’s March 2018 issue.

The authenticity of the food is maintained by making everything from scratch, the old-fashioned way, with fresh ingredients. Even the fiery salsa is still made with fresh tomatoes, chiles, and that special Frias family touch. Our menu includes some of the more traditional foods such as guisados, sopes, carne asada, chile rellenos, and tamales. Taste is never compromised. We also have a full bar featuring the city’s best selection of Mexican beers and premium tequilas. Voted "Best Margarita" by City Pages.

Top review

KimVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Awesome brunch with family great service and reasonable prices

The Lexington

4.8

4.8 (3115)

$31 to $50

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

The Lexington is more than a restaurant, it’s an institution. Located on the corner of Lexington Parkway and Grand Avenue, this St. Paul community was the most fashionable at the turn of the 19th century. The St. Paul elite lived just blocks away and the first electric trolley brought visitors up and down Grand Avenue. The Lexington opened in 1935, after the end of prohibition, and was a popular neighborhood bar to gather and socialize. Previously operating as a speakeasy, the expansive wood panels were perfect for hiding a little booze and one can only imagine the shenanigans going on beyond the hidden staircase behind the coat check. For decades following, The Lex, as it’s called by locals and enthusiasts alike, was the place to be seen; business dealings, cocktail hours, and milestone celebrations were a regular occurrence for St. Paul socialites.

Top review

mikeVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Server Eric was Excellent.

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4.8

4.8 (149)

$50 and over

Venezuelan

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Crasqui is a lively Venezuelan restaurant in Saint Paul. Recipes are inspired in our chef-owner Soleil Ramirez childhood, family and friends in her home-country Venezuela.

For us Crasqui is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vessel for memories, dreams, flavors, and connections. We will keep infusing our passion, dedication and love into every dish to make every guest experience memorable.

Top review

Brent

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

We had a wonderful meal last night at Crasqui. All of the food, from appetizers to entrees, was great. It is not your typical St. Paul fare, which we appreciated. My goat entree was particularly good. We tried several of the specialty coctails. They tended to run a bit sweet side, but were generally enjoyable. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and very personable. The meal ran more than $100 per person. I think the food justifies it. However, the overall vibe of the restaurant is pretty casual, so it might seem a bit discordant. Overall, we highly recommend Crasqui.

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Experience

Date Night Wednesdays!

Experience

Paella & Sangria Sundays

Experience

Paella & Sangria Sundays

DeGidio's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (47)

$30 and under

Italian

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Family owned Italian restaurant

Top review

patti

Dined 2 days ago

Always a fantastic meal and service at DeGidios. It would be great to provide a bit more light in the restaurant. Again, a great experience, but just a little dark to read menus and see the awesome food!

Holman's Table

4.7

4.7 (755)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Intimate setting in a beautiful, historic building overlooking the runway of Holman's Field. Fresh, modern dishes complemented by a classic bar and beautiful wine list. Open to the public with no security checks required.

Top review

Peter

Dined 7 days ago

Holman's is a reliable place to get an interesting meal at a reasonable price. Every plate is carefully constructed to please both sight and taste. The range of dishes offered is relatively small but imaginative, and so far in my experience every choice has been well above the ordinary.

Parlour St. Paul

4.7

4.7 (76)

$30 and under

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Parlour St. Paul is a casual diner and craft cocktail bar located blocks from downtown St. Paul and the Xcel Energy Center. Try the famous Parlour Burger, a double patty smash burger with American cheese and pickles or one of our other unique and delicious items while having a craft cocktail. We serve lunch Wednesday - Friday, brunch on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 11 am and more eclectic dishes in addition to breakfast food all day. We offer complimentary Valet service before an Xcel game or event.

Top review

Chad

Dined 3 days ago

The pacing was terrific, the service was attentive we all enjoyed a great meal. The Chicken Pot Pie ended up getting served a couple of minutes after the others, with apologies that the first came out of the oven slightly overbaked. They soon delivered a phenomenal looking pie, that I am told was delicious.

Downtowner Woodfire Grill

4.6

4.6 (3889)

$31 to $50

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

"simply beyond the ordinary"
"****" - Kathie Jenkins - Saint Paul Pioneer Press

Downtowner Woodfire Grill specializes in Persian fire roasted meats, grilled steaks and chops, and gourmet wood-fired pizzas. The atmosphere is warm & lively offering 2 fireplaces, a full bar with 3 fountains and live jazz. The restaurant offers free parking with convenience to both the Xcel Energy Center & Ordway Theater. Downtowner Woodfire Grill also provides a full menu for breakfast & lunch, and a children's menu. This cozy restaurant serves a great plate as well as provides an experience to savor.

Top review

Rick

Dined 6 days ago

Delightful ambiance, delicious food and friendly, capable service. What’s not to like?

Kincaid's - St. Paul

4.5

4.5 (5098)

$30 and under

Seafood

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Artfully serving quality steaks, and fresh and innovative seafood since 1986. Enjoy lunch, dinner or perhaps a special business or romantic occasion in our warm and inviting dining room.

Top review

Meghan

Dined 7 days ago

Kincaid's never fails to be an overall great experience.

1881 Eating House

4.2

4.2 (163)

$30 and under

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

A century and a half ago, Eating Houses transformed train stations into more than mere transit points—they became destinations. More than restaurants, they offered warmth, connection, and a taste of home. That’s who we are: a place where history lingers, bold flavors bring comfort, and every guest becomes part of the story.

1881 Eating House is a modern gastropub nestled in the heart of St. Paul’s historic Union Depot. Here, the building’s rich past meets a lively, contemporary atmosphere—perfect for any occasion. Our menu features bold, innovative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and local brews, all served in a stylish yet welcoming space.

Whether you’re stopping by for a laid-back night out, a first date, or a quick bite before your train, 1881 Eating House is where you gather, savor, and enjoy.

The name "1881" pays homage to the year both the original Union Depot and our partner restaurant, Lake Elmo Inn, opened—reflecting the deep historical connection we proudly carry forward.

Top review

KenVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The food, service and atmosphere were all wonderful. We'll be bach.

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Experience

The Glizzy Tower

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