Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Dinkytown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

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

Neighborhoods

BloomingtonDowntown / Mill DistrictDowntown / North LoopEdinaGolden ValleyLittle Canada

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Breva

4.2

Awesome(118)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 7 times today

Welcome to Breva, the quintessential neighborhood gathering spot in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. At Breva, we invite you to experience the essence of conviviality, served up with a touch of elegance in a casual chic setting. Our culinary journey is guided by a team of seasoned hospitality professionals. Together, they've crafted a menu that's a true celebration of the New American spirit – elevated, unpretentious, and discerning. Breva is just minutes from the Convention Center and Orchestra Hall, and a short drive from local theaters and sports stadiums. Breva is an ideal destination for all groups and occasions!

A photo of Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro restaurant

2. Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(134)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Northeast Minneapolis

Booked 23 times today

Just on the edge of downtown, we’re located in the stunning Mill District! Milly’s is a gathering place whether you are a wine enthusiast or novice, we hope to find the perfect pairing for you. Our goal is to make wine accessible, affordable, & fun, with food to delight your taste buds.Pull up a chair, grab a book, try something new, meet a neighbor or make a new friend. Like we always say- ‘Come for a glass, stay for a bottle!’

A photo of Topgolf Swing Suite at Graduate Minneapolis restaurant

3. Topgolf Swing Suite at Graduate Minneapolis

4.4

Awesome(32)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sports Bar • Downtown / North Loop

Make a sport out of socializing at the new Topgolf® Swing Suite® at Graduate Minneapolis. Cheer on the Gophers while playing a game of your own. Rent out a hitting bay (or the whole space!) for your next work or social gathering. It’s the perfect spot to host a party, hang with pals, or even practice your drive during the off-season.

A photo of The Melting Pot - Minneapolis restaurant

4. The Melting Pot - Minneapolis

4.6

Exceptional(2874)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 34 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. Stray Dog

4.4

Awesome(496)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 4 times today

Stray Dog is a comfortable yet fun take on your traditional bar and grill in Nordeast Minneapolis. Fantastic burger styles with hand-cut fries or tater tots. From sandwiches to salads, to soups and Kramarczuk's hot dogs. We have a full vegetarian and vegan menu with gluten-free options. We have local craft beer and Belgians on tap. Stray Dog is open Monday-Thursday from 11am to 11pm for indoor dining and bar. Thursday has all day Happy Hour along with Trivia at 8pm. Late night eats until Midnight on Friday and Saturday. Saturday and Sunday morning we offer brunch from 11am-3pm. We have a Main Menu, Vegetarian Menu, and Kids Menu. The more you Stray, the better you feel!

A photo of Trax Burgers and Bar restaurant

6. Trax Burgers and Bar

4.7

Exceptional(232)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

We are now open!

A photo of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen & Rumbar restaurant

7. Pimento Jamaican Kitchen & Rumbar

4.4

Awesome(108)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Jamaican • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 4 times today

AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN JERK, FROM AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN JERKSJamaicans have been embodying the Natural, Local, & Slow Food philosophies for generations – without even trying! That’s why Pimento is so committed to product purity, seasonality, and mindful preparation. These are the cornerstones of our cuisine.Family recipes meet French technique in all of our authentic Jamaican dishes.Please no reservations Monday and Tuesday’s Wednesday -Friday Happy hour 4-7pmHalf price Drinks , Food Specials(Light Background Reggae Music, nice atmosphere & time for Family meal or Dinner meeting) FYI on Fridays at 7pm Live dj will start his show. Seating is limited due to covid compliance. Masks are required!

8. Pizzeria Lola

4.8

Exceptional(201)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • South Minneapolis

Booked 50 times today

Pizzeria Lola is James Beard award-winning Chef Ann Kim's neighborhood pizzeria in Minneapolis. Our menu features signature wood-fired pizzas, sharable salads & sides, wine & beer wine, and a curated list of classic cocktails. Pizzas include familiar classics including My Sha-Roni (pepperoni & sausage) and Margherita, and signature guest favorites like Lady Zaza (kimchi and Korean sausage) and Korean BBQ (our #1 best-seller). Our menu is vegetarian-friendly and offers a housemade gluten-free crust as an option for all of our pizzas. Pizzeria Lola has been featured in the New York Times and on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," "CBS Saturday" and Netflix's "Chef's Table: Pizza." Pizzeria Lola is located in Southwest Minneapolis (just off Highway 62) and is easily accessible on the way to or from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.We're open for lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are available and walk-ins are always welcome.

9. Ciao Bella

4.8

Exceptional(6847)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Bloomington

Booked 121 times today

CURRENTLY, ALL RESERVATIONS MADE WILL BE FOR INSIDE SEATING. PATIO SEATING IS ALL FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. THANK YOU.At Ciao Bella, we serve simple, fresh Italian cuisine made from local ingredients. Our handcrafted meals are accompanied by a thoughtful, approachable wine selection. We believe dining is more than food: it is an experience, and ours is quality. Enjoy your handcrafted meal on our lively outdoor patio, or take in the local art collection in our dining room. Our philosophy is simple: quality food and wine presented with welcoming service. Every meal. Every day. Please join us. A Minneapolis metro favorite, Ciao Bella was opened in 1997 by Minneapolis restaurateur Rick Webb, whose pursuits have set the standard in Twin Cities dining for over 40 years. Heading downtown? Visit Ciao Bella’s sister restaurant, Zelo, for another dining experience from Rick Webb featuring handcrafted food and dedicated service.

10. The Lexington

4.8

Exceptional(3105)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Saint Paul

Booked 30 times today

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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tom
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lovely service, darling environment…and great wine! Thank you!
More info
Milly's Wine Bar & BistroPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Northeast Minneapolis
•
4.9
B
BeckyVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •50 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food and service was outstanding! Great neighborhood gem for lunch.
More info
Bullvino's Churrascaria BloomingtonPrice: Expensive• Brazilian Steakhouse• Bloomington
•
4.5
K
Katelyn
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 1, 2025
Food and drinks were really great! It was nice to try a combination that I wouldn’t ordinarily go for. The crust on the pizzas was fantastic. Our server was great at handling allergies and explaining the restaurant’s allergy procedures.
More info
Pizzeria LolaPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• South Minneapolis
•
4.8
B
BetsyVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •70 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 21, 2025
Our service was excellent from the hostess to our server, the gentleman removing our dirty dishes and two different managers checking in. The food tasted even better than it usually does and maybe that’s due to the new system of bringing the cheese already hot and mixed? Our server was excellent!
More info
The Melting Pot - MinneapolisPrice: Expensive• Fondue• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6
B
BethVIP
Chicago / Illinois •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
Good food and service. Fun decor. Everyone enjoyed their food.
More info
Stray DogPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.4

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