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 (2152)

$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

Lauren

Dined 5 days ago

Joan is always so welcoming (and remembered us from two years ago too!). We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner for our 5th wedding anniversary and had great service from Jen.

Boca Chica Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1420)

$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

bjoern

Dined 5 days ago

Good food. Overall good experience. Will somit again if we are in the area.

The Lexington

4.8

4.8 (3110)

$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

Daniel

Dined 1 day ago

First time on the rooftop and loved it. Will be back soon! Very cozy, nice ambiance and always great service!

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4.8

4.8 (147)

$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

Hector

Dined 5 days ago

We went to celebrate our anniversary and were absolutely delighted. From the moment we arrived, the staff made a beautiful gesture by decorating our table with little hearts and welcoming us with two glasses of delicious sparkling wine. The food was outstanding from start to finish. The appetizer—crispy pork belly with guasacaca sauce—was bursting with flavor. For the main course, the fish was perfectly cooked with fresh, well-balanced flavors, and the “Domingo” grill was amazing: juicy meat, flavorful sausages, and the morcilla was simply perfect. The cocktails were also a highlight—very tasty, fresh, and beautifully served with attention to detail. And the dessert… what a treat! It was one of the things we loved the most. The combination of flavors was incredible and the perfect way to end a night of delicious food. The service was impeccable. The entire staff was kind, attentive, and gave us great recommendations. We absolutely recommend this place 100%. From today on, it’s officially one of our favorite restaurants. An experience worth repeating!

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Experience

Paella & Sangria Sundays

Experience

Paella & Sangria Sundays

Experience

Date Night Wednesdays!

DeGidio's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (42)

$30 and under

Italian

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Family owned Italian restaurant

Top review

Eva

Dined 2 days ago

I have never had a bad meal at DeGidios. The food is always delicious! The only dilemma is what to order-I have to go often to rotate through my favorites.

Holman's Table

4.7

4.7 (751)

$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

Lani

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

Always a great spot for a special occasion or casual get together.

Parlour St. Paul

4.7

4.7 (70)

$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

Bradley

Dined 7 days ago

I must say we had a wonderful time and experience at the Parlour St. Paul location. We went out to celebrate my wife's birthday and when we arrived there was a hand-written colorful birthday card for my wife already on the table they had reserved for us after I made the reservation. Our server, Samantha M, was very attentive, made wonderful suggestions for cocktails and food, and provided my wife with a complimentary drink and dessert for her birthday. The food was delicious, as always, and the atmosphere and service was spectacular. I love all the food items but I especially go there for the Parlour burger, cocktails, and popcorn. We had a wonderful experience and I would definitely return again and recommend the Parlour St. Paul location to anyone. Thanks again for the wonderful experience and service.

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Experience

Parlour Beer Dinner with Pryes Brewing Company

Downtowner Woodfire Grill

4.7

4.7 (3882)

$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

melinda

Dined 7 days ago

Great food, wonderful service. Food came out fast and hot

Kincaid's - St. Paul

4.5

4.5 (5094)

$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

SariVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Lovely staff and wonderful food selection! Great location in St. Paul

1881 Eating House

4.3

4.3 (156)

$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

Lori

Dined 2 days ago

We visited 1881 Eating House for a work gathering to celebrate the retirement of a co-worker. Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. The sandwiches were all exceptional, including the cranberry turkey, chicken salad croissant, and the avocado BLT. The service was also exceptional. Our server Alyssa was friendly and very helpful. We all would recommend this restaurant for a lunch or evening dinner.

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