Top restaurants list
10 Best Italian Restaurants in Minneapolis
- 10 restaurants
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Updated December 21, 2025
The best Italian restaurants Minneapolis has to offer are Bar La Grassa, Broders’ Pasta Bar, Zelo, Red Rabbit Minneapolis, Martina, Pizza Lucé, Rinata, Luna Di Luna, Fat Lorenzo’s, and Nonna Rosa’s Ristorante Italiano. The experience at these and other top establishments is centered on high-quality, handmade pasta and a blend of authentic regional recipes with a modern, Midwestern ingredient-driven approach. Italian restaurants Minneapolis are famous due to a core group of nationally acclaimed, chef-driven restaurants and long-standing neighborhood institutions that have set a high standard for pasta and Italian cooking in the city for decades.
Signature Italian dishes to expect include fresh pastas like gnocchi with cauliflower and orange, lobster bruschetta, and classic bolognese, alongside wood-fired pizzas and creative risottos. The average meal price ranges from $25 at a casual pizzeria to over $100 per person at a fine dining restaurant. The types of Italian establishments found in Minneapolis are often high-energy pasta bars, cozy neighborhood trattorias, and contemporary restaurants blending Italian food with other influences. Many restaurants in the city offer vegetarian and gluten-free options; Pizza Lucé is a standout for its extensive, dedicated menus for vegan and gluten-free diners.
Among the city's many excellent choices, Bar La Grassa is a standout overall experience due to its extensive and inventive handmade pasta menu, its consistent high quality, and its lively, energetic atmosphere in the North Loop. For a fast-food style experience, Pizza Lucé is a top choice for its creative pizza by the slice and efficient delivery service. For a premier fine dining experience, Zelo is a long-standing downtown destination known for its sophisticated setting, professional service, and classic, upscale Italian menu.
-
1
Broder's Pasta Bar is a beloved Italian dining destination in Southwest Minneapolis, Minnesota. The restaurant focuses on authentic house-made pasta and risotto, drawing inspiration from regional Italian traditions and seasonal...- Item Prices
- 98
- Average Item Price
- $17.26
Broders' Pasta Bar Menu PricesMore about Broders' Pasta Bar
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining.
Type of Food:
Italian (Regional Pasta).
Signature Dishes:
Lemon Chicken Risotto, Ravioli di Mais, Fettuccini con Manzo.
Location:
5000 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419.
Special Feature:
A no-reservations policy, a focus on authentic regional Italian pasta recipes, and a very small, cozy dining room that creates a communal feel.
What Makes It Special:
Its 30+ year reputation for serving some of the best and most authentic pasta in the Twin Cities.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of its no-reservations, high-demand status with its unwavering commitment to authentic, high-quality pasta.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
2
Martina, a concept from Chef Daniel del Prado, serves Argentinian-Italian inspired food, with a focus on wood-fired grilled meats, fresh seafood, and handmade pastas in a stylish, energetic Linden Hills setting.- Item Prices
- 24
- Average Item Price
- $20.95
Martina Menu PricesMore about Martina
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual.
Type of Food:
Argentinian-Italian.
Signature Dishes:
Sweet Potato Churros, Crab Benedict, Spaghetti Fra Diavolo.
Location:
4312 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
Special Feature:
A prominent wood-fired grill, a dedication to Argentinian grilling methods, an extensive crudo selection, and craft cocktails.
What Makes It Special:
The successful fusion of Argentinian and Italian flavors, with a strong emphasis on live-fire cooking and fresh ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:
Its unique blend of these two food styles, the quality of its wood-grilled items, and its lively neighborhood hotspot atmosphere.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Price:
$50 to $90 per person.
-
3
Pizza Salads Italian DessertRinata is a neighborhood Italian restaurant in Uptown Minneapolis focused on serving a concise menu of fresh, handmade pastas and classic Italian entrees in an intimate, rustic setting.- Item Prices
- 82
- Average Item Price
- $15.22
Rinata Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Rinata Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining.
Type of Food:
Italian.
Signature Dishes:
Sambuca Tiramisu, Ravioli, Sausage Pizza.
Location:
2451 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
Special Feature:
A strong focus on house-made pasta, a cozy and romantic atmosphere with exposed brick, and a popular date-night reputation.
What Makes It Special:
Its dedication to the craft of fresh pasta, served in a charming and intimate neighborhood environment.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of high-quality, authentic pasta with a warm, rustic ambiance, making it a go-to for a romantic Italian meal.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Sunday & Monday: Closed.
Price:
$25 to $50 per person.
-
4
4. Fat Lorenzo's
5.0 (1 Reviews)
Fat Lorenzo's is a pizza restaurant in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in award-winning Italian cuisine. Signature menu items include the Pizza New Haven, Fat's Combo Pizza, and Lorenzo's Lasagna. The lowest-priced...- Item Prices
- 141
- Average Item Price
- $9.61
Fat Lorenzo's Menu PricesMore about Fat Lorenzo's
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining / Pizzeria.
Type of Food:
Italian-American, Pizza.
Signature Dishes:
Fat's Pizza, Meatball Sub, Paola's Pasta.
Location:
5600 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
Special Feature:
Bright, whimsical murals covering the interior and exterior walls, a full in-house gelateria, and a very casual, neighborhood feel.
What Makes It Special:
Its fun, artistic atmosphere combined with a menu of satisfying, classic Italian-American comfort food.
What Sets It Apart:
The unique, colorful art and the on-site gelateria offering a wide selection of flavors make it a memorable family destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
Price:
$15 to $30 per person.
-
5
Nonna Rosa’s was a cozy traditional Italian restaurant, an escape to Naples for award-winning true Italian food, created by Chef Peppe from Naples, Italy. Note: This restaurant is now permanently closed.- Item Prices
- 73
- Average Item Price
- $20.83
Nonna Rosa's Ristorante Italiano Menu PricesMore about Nonna Rosa's Ristorante Italiano
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining.
Type of Food:
Southern Italian, Italian-American.
Signature Dishes:
Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Manicotti.
Location:
4168 W Broadway Ave, Robbinsdale, MN 55422.
Special Feature:
A focus on authentic family recipes from Southern Italy and a comfortable neighborhood atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:
It provided a genuine taste of Italian-American home cooking, served with friendly, personal service.
What Sets It Apart:
The commitment to traditional family recipes and the classic, unpretentious Italian-American restaurant experience.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed.
Price:
N/A.
-
6
6. Bar La Grassa
Bar La Grassa is a bustling North Loop Italian restaurant from Chef Isaac Becker, celebrated for its extensive menu offering both fresh and dry pastas and traditional Italian pasta dishes.More about Bar La Grassa
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual.
Type of Food:
Italian.
Signature Dishes:
Gnocchi with Cauliflower and Orange, Crab Ravioli, Soft Eggs and Lobster Bruschetta.
Location:
800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
Special Feature:
A lively, high-energy dining room, a strong focus on a wide variety of expertly crafted pasta dishes, and an open kitchen.
What Makes It Special:
Its consistently excellent and creative Italian food, especially the pastas, served in an energetic, always-popular setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The impressive variety and quality of its pasta offerings and its enduring reputation as a vibrant spot that delivers outstanding food.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Sunday: Closed.
Price:
$40 to $80 per person.
-
7
7. Zelo
Zelo is an upscale Italian restaurant in downtown Minneapolis, offering contemporary Italian food, an extensive wine list, and professional service in a sophisticated, grand setting.More about Zelo
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining / Upscale Casual.
Type of Food:
Modern Italian.
Signature Dishes:
Linguini di Mare, Chicken Parmigiana, Gelato.
Location:
831 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Special Feature:
Its location on Nicollet Mall in a high-ceilinged, elegant space, a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list, and a popular happy hour.
What Makes It Special:
Its status as a long-standing downtown destination for refined Italian dining, suitable for business dinners and special occasions.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a classic, big-city restaurant atmosphere with a menu of well-executed contemporary Italian favorites.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday, Saturday, Monday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Sunday: Closed.
Price:
$40 to $80 per person.
-
8
8. Red Rabbit Minneapolis
Red Rabbit is a modern, casual Italian restaurant in the North Loop neighborhood, serving a menu of pastas, oysters, and wood-fired pizzas in a lively, industrial-chic space.More about Red Rabbit Minneapolis
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining.
Type of Food:
Italian-American.
Signature Dishes:
Oysters, Spicy Salami Pizza, Rigatoni with Meatballs, Cacio e Pepe, Focaccia with Goat Butter.
Location:
201 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
Special Feature:
A vibrant bar scene with a focus on cocktails and wine, a raw bar with fresh oysters, and a commitment to from-scratch cooking.
What Makes It Special:
Its energetic, neighborhood-hotspot atmosphere combined with a menu of satisfying and well-made Italian-American fare.
What Sets It Apart:
The blend of a casual pizza and pasta spot with a more upscale raw bar and cocktail lounge feel.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Monday: Closed.
Price:
$25 to $50 per person.
-
9
9. Pizza Lucé
Pizza Lucé is a beloved Minnesota-based group of restaurants famous for its creative and extensive pizza menu, late-night hours, and a strong commitment to offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.More about Pizza Lucé
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining / Pizzeria.
Type of Food:
Pizza, Italian-American.
Signature Dishes:
Luce's Chicken Wings, Artichoke Dip, Baked Potato Pizza.
Location (Downtown Minneapolis):
119 N 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (Multiple locations exist).
Special Feature:
A very large and inventive menu, a dedicated gluten-free and vegan menu, brunch on weekends, and delivery service until late at night.
What Makes It Special:
Its reputation as a go-to spot for creative, high-quality pizza that caters to all dietary needs.
What Sets It Apart:
The sheer breadth of its menu and its pioneering role in providing extensive and delicious vegan and gluten-free options.
Operating Hours (Downtown location):
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM.
Price:
$10 to $30 per person.
-
10
10. Luna Di Luna
Luna Di Luna is a charming Italian restaurant in Bloomington, offering guests a real bistro experience with a menu of classic Italian and European dishes.More about Luna Di Luna
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining.
Type of Food:
Italian, European.
Signature Dishes:
Shrimp Carbonara, Beef Bourguignon, Chicken Parmigiana.
Location:
8820 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420.
Special Feature:
A cozy, intimate setting that provides a classic bistro feel, with a menu blending Italian and French classics.
What Makes It Special:
It serves as a reliable neighborhood spot for a comfortable and satisfying European-style meal.
What Sets It Apart:
Its blend of familiar Italian-American comfort food with classic European bistro dishes.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM. Sunday: Closed.
Price:
$20 to $30 per person.
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Italian Restaurants in Minneapolis Famous?
Italian restaurants in Minneapolis are famous for their focus on high-quality, handmade pasta and their blend of authentic regional recipes with a modern, ingredient-driven approach. The city is known for long-standing institutions that have perfected the craft of pasta-making, as well as for chef-driven restaurants that offer creative interpretations of Italian food. Establishments like Bar La Grassa and Broders' Pasta Bar have gained national and local acclaim, cementing the city's reputation as a serious destination for excellent Italian dining.
What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in Minneapolis?
The Italian restaurant landscape in Minneapolis offers a range of establishment types, from bustling, high-end pasta bars to casual neighborhood pizzerias, reflecting the city's appreciation for quality Italian food. These different types of restaurants provide a breadth of dining experiences for various occasions. The types of Italian restaurants commonly found in Minneapolis are listed below.
- Pasta Bars/Ristorantes: This is a strong category in Minneapolis, with a focus on high-quality, house-made pasta. Establishments like Bar La Grassa and Broders' Pasta Bar are famous destinations centered on this concept.
- Trattorias and Osterias: These comfortable, neighborhood-focused restaurants serving home-style food are present in the city. Rinata, with its cozy atmosphere and fresh pasta, fits the mold of a classic Italian trattoria.
- Pizzerias: Minneapolis has a strong pizza scene, from casual slice shops to more upscale restaurants serving artisan pies. Pizza Lucé is a well-known local chain with creative pizzas, while Red Rabbit offers wood-fired options in a more contemporary setting.
- Modern Italian/Fusion: Some restaurants blend Italian food with other influences. Martina is a prime example, combining Italian sensibilities with Argentinian live-fire cooking.
Does Minneapolis Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?
Yes, Minneapolis has several authentic Italian restaurants, proven by their dedication to regional recipes, house-made ingredients, and traditional cooking methods. Broders' Pasta Bar is a clear proof point, as it has focused on serving authentic, regional Italian pasta dishes for over 30 years, with a menu that rotates to showcase specific preparations from all over Italy. Bar La Grassa also demonstrates authenticity through its commitment to making a wide variety of fresh pastas in-house and its focus on classic Italian flavor combinations.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Minneapolis?
The signature dishes at the best Italian restaurants in Minneapolis often highlight fresh, handmade pasta, creative appetizers, and well-executed classics. From inventive bruschetta to rich, slow-cooked meat sauces, these dishes represent the high quality of Italian cooking in the city. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.
- Soft Eggs and Lobster Bruschetta: A famous and indulgent appetizer from Bar La Grassa that has become a must-try dish in the city.
- House-Made Pastas: Fresh pasta is a hallmark, with dishes like the Gnocchi with Cauliflower and Orange at Bar La Grassa and the rotating regional specialties at Broders' Pasta Bar being standouts.
- Bolognese: A classic rich meat sauce served with fresh pasta, this dish is a signature offering at many spots, including Rinata.
- Cacio e Pepe: A simple yet difficult-to-perfect Roman pasta dish, this is a popular item at modern Italian spots like Red Rabbit.
- Artisan Pizza: Creative pizzas, like the Baked Potato Pizza from Pizza Lucé or the Spicy Salami Pizza from Red Rabbit, are signature items at these popular establishments.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto, often with seasonal ingredients, is a signature offering at many upscale Italian restaurants. Broders' Pasta Bar, for example, features risotto on its menu.
Does Minneapolis Enjoy Italian Food?
Yes, Minneapolis enjoys Italian food immensely; it is one of the most popular and highly acclaimed food styles in the city. This is proven by the presence of multiple, long-standing, and nationally recognized Italian restaurants that are consistently among the most difficult reservations to get. Establishments like Bar La Grassa and Broders' Pasta Bar have been celebrated for years for their dedication to handmade pasta. The continued success and popularity of both classic neighborhood spots like Rinata and modern interpretations like Red Rabbit demonstrate a strong and sustained appetite for Italian food across the city.
Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Minneapolis?
Yes, several Italian restaurants in Minneapolis offer vegan options, largely due to the city's overall progressive food scene. While traditional Italian food is heavy on cheese, eggs, and meat, many chefs are accommodating. Pizza Lucé is a standout example, as it offers a dedicated and extensive vegan menu, including a variety of pizzas made with plant-based cheese and mock meats, as well as vegan appetizers and pastas. Other restaurants may offer vegan dishes upon request, such as a simple pasta with marinara or aglio e olio, ensuring the pasta itself is egg-free.
Do Italian Restaurants in Minneapolis Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, many Italian restaurants in Minneapolis offer gluten-free options, a common feature in the city's dining landscape. The most frequent accommodation is providing gluten-free pasta, which can be substituted in many dishes. Pizza Lucé is well-known for its extensive gluten-free menu, which includes a wide variety of pizzas made on a gluten-free crust, as well as gluten-free pasta and appetizers, all prepared with protocols to reduce cross-contamination. Upscale restaurants like Zelo also often have gluten-free pasta available and can guide diners toward naturally gluten-free entrees like grilled fish or steak.
What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Minneapolis?
The average meal price for Italian restaurants in Minneapolis can range from $20 to over $100 per person. At a casual, family-style pizzeria or a neighborhood spot like Fat Lorenzo's or Pizza Lucé, a person can expect to spend between $20 and $40 for a full meal. For an upscale-casual or more contemporary Italian restaurant like Rinata or Red Rabbit, the price is often between $40 and $75 per person. At high-end, fine dining Italian establishments such as Bar La Grassa or Martina, the cost for a meal will start at $70 and can easily exceed $100 per person with multiple courses, cocktails, or wine.
More top restaurant lists in Minnesota
Find your next favorite spot
Can't decide? start here: