Unearth The Voyage
Minnesota has some amazing places to eat that you might walk right past without noticing. These restaurants don’t always have fancy signs or Instagram-worthy interiors, but locals know they serve incredible food. From Cuban sandwiches to Uzbek rice dishes, these hidden gems prove that you shouldn’t judge a restaurant by its appearance. Get ready to discover spots that will surprise your taste buds and become your new favorites.
1. El Cubano
At 870 Dodd Road in West St. Paul sits a Cuban-Dominican treasure that locals can’t stop talking about. The signature Cubano sandwich packs roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between perfectly pressed and toasted bread. What makes this spot extra special is the yuca fries served alongside, paired with a house-made mojito dip that adds incredible flavor.
Reviewers consistently praise the authenticity and quality, with one declaring it among the best Cubano sandwiches they’ve ever tasted. The setting might be unassuming, but the deeply flavorful food earns very high ratings from everyone who visits. Don’t leave without trying the plantains, which are cooked to sweet perfection and complement the savory sandwich beautifully.
2. Abi’s Restaurant
Located at 2828 Lyndale Ave S in Minneapolis, this Salvadoran-Mexican restaurant has earned a devoted following for its authentic Central American flavors. Pupusas are the star attraction here, with thick corn masa stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat, then griddled until crispy on the outside.
A Salvadoran local from Los Angeles even praised these as some of the best pupusas in Minneapolis, which speaks volumes about their quality. The menu also features delicious tamales and birria tacos that pack serious flavor punch despite the modest exterior. Arrive early for weekend brunch when the kitchen makes fresh batches of tamales. Ask about pupusa wait times since they’re made to order and worth every minute of patience.
3. Moscow on the Hill
This Eastern European gem brings Ukrainian flavors to St. Paul with a menu that feels like a culinary adventure. Deruny, which are crispy potato pancakes, arrive golden and delicious, begging for a generous dollop of sour cream. The borscht soup warms you from the inside out with its rich, earthy beet flavor and tender vegetables.
Pelmeni dumplings stuffed with seasoned meat offer another taste of authentic Eastern European cooking that’s rare to find in Minnesota. The restaurant also features infused vodkas that add a unique twist to the dining experience. This neighborhood spot has a local-only feel that makes visitors feel like they’ve discovered a well-kept secret. Try asking the staff about their vodka infusions for a truly memorable meal.
4. Samarkand Restaurant
Uzbek cuisine might not be the first thing you expect to find in suburban Plymouth, but that’s exactly what makes this restaurant so special. The menu features dishes from Central Asia that most Minnesotans have never tried before, making every visit an exciting culinary journey.
Plov, the signature Uzbek rice dish, combines long-grain rice with tender meat, julienned carrots, and aromatic spices like cumin that create layers of incredible flavor. Word-of-mouth recommendations have turned this hidden gem into a must-visit for adventurous eaters throughout the Twin Cities. The setting may be modest, but the bold flavors transport you thousands of miles away. Order the plov and ask your server about other cumin-flavored dishes to experience the full range of Uzbek cooking traditions.
5. The Anchor Fish & Chips
Fresh cod dipped in special batter and fried until perfectly golden makes this Minneapolis spot a local favorite for authentic British comfort food. The thick-cut fries arrive hot and crispy, ready to be doused with proper malt vinegar for that traditional taste. Tartar sauce and lemon wedges complete the classic presentation that keeps customers coming back week after week.
The cozy, unpretentious atmosphere might not win design awards, but locals insist the food hits every mark for comfort and authenticity. Some days feature a special fish variety or unique batter recipe, so asking about daily specials can lead to delightful surprises. The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite without breaking your budget.
6. Hubbell House
This historic roadhouse in Mantorville looks like just another old tavern from the outside, but step inside and you’ll discover why locals drive from miles away. The steaks here are cooked to perfection with a sear that locks in juicy flavor, served in dining rooms filled with old-world charm and character.
Original architectural details and cozy fireplace seating create an atmosphere that feels both historic and welcoming for modern diners. Though it’s a bit farther from the Twin Cities, the quality punches well above what you’d expect from a small-town steakhouse. Weekend evenings fill up quickly, so reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Request a table near the fireplace for an extra special dining experience that combines great food with memorable ambiance.
7. The Tavern Grill
Behind the rustic facade in Blaine lies a kitchen that elevates comfort food to something truly special. Creative takes on familiar favorites surprise diners who expect standard bar fare but instead discover thoughtfully prepared dishes with unexpected flavor combinations.
Seasonal specials showcase the chef’s ability to work with fresh ingredients and current trends without losing that homey feel locals love. The craft beer list features many local brews that pair beautifully with the menu offerings, creating perfect flavor matches. Regular customers know to ask their server about new additions to the beer selection since it changes frequently. The atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, making it easy to relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family without any stuffiness or formality.
8. Duffy’s Good Time Saloon
Way out in Montevideo, far from tourist traffic, this saloon serves what locals describe as comfort food dreams come true. The cabin-style ambiance with wood paneling and down-home decor creates a welcoming atmosphere that feels authentically Minnesota. Hearty portions of home-style cooking arrive hot and satisfying, perfect for cold prairie evenings.
The remote location means you won’t find crowds of visitors, just locals who know good food when they taste it. Very high ratings from townspeople prove that sometimes the best meals come from unexpected places in small communities. Since small-town restaurants sometimes have limited hours or close on certain weekdays, calling ahead ensures you won’t make the drive for nothing. The experience feels like eating at a friend’s house rather than a typical restaurant.
9. The Good Day Cafe
Tucked into the quiet Linden Hills neighborhood, this cafe-style spot has become a weekend brunch destination for Minneapolis locals in the know. The menu focuses on breakfast and lunch comfort foods made with care and quality ingredients that shine through in every bite.
Small-scale operations mean attention to detail that larger restaurants often miss, from perfectly cooked eggs to fluffy pancakes with real maple syrup. Nothing about the place screams for attention, which is exactly why regulars keep returning without broadcasting their favorite spot to everyone. Weekends see lines forming early as word spreads about the consistently delicious food and friendly service. Arriving before 9 AM gives you the best chance of snagging a table without a long wait, especially on Sundays when brunch crowds peak throughout the city.
10. Estelle
St. Paul’s Mid-city neighborhood hides this Mediterranean gem that locals recommend with genuine enthusiasm. Bold flavors define every dish, but the piri piri chicken stands out with its perfectly balanced heat and aromatic spices that coat tender, juicy meat. Colorful vegetables and thoughtful sides complete plates that look as good as they taste.
The casual hood location keeps it off most visitor radars, which means you’re dining alongside people who genuinely know the local food scene. Staff members are knowledgeable about the wine selection and happy to suggest pairings that enhance your meal experience. The wine-by-glass list offers interesting options beyond the usual suspects found at chain restaurants. Service feels personal and attentive without being overbearing or pretentious.
11. The Butcher’s Tale
On Minneapolis’s West Bank, this secret spot combines inventive cooking with a commitment to locally-sourced ingredients that change with the seasons. The evolving menu means repeat visits always offer something new to discover and enjoy, keeping regular customers excited about their next meal.
Strong local buzz surrounds this place among food enthusiasts who appreciate creativity and quality over flashy marketing or trendy decor. Watching dishes come together at the chef’s bar provides entertainment and insight into the skill behind each plate. The tucked-away location adds to the sense of discovering something special that not everyone knows about yet.
Reservations help secure those coveted chef’s bar seats where you can ask questions and see cooking techniques up close. The atmosphere balances professionalism with approachability, making fine dining feel accessible and fun.
12. Chimborazo
Northeast Minneapolis holds this Andean cuisine treasure that transports diners straight to the mountains of South America. Traditional recipes from Ecuador and neighboring countries feature ingredients and flavor combinations rarely found elsewhere in Minnesota, making each meal an adventure.
Colorful presentations reflect the vibrant culinary traditions of the Andes region, with dishes that balance hearty proteins, grains, and vegetables in satisfying ways. Underrated by those who haven’t discovered it yet, this restaurant earns passionate recommendations from locals who’ve experienced its authentic flavors firsthand.
The neighborhood setting feels comfortable and welcoming rather than touristy or overly polished, which suits the honest, home-style cooking perfectly. Asking your server about traditional Andean dishes helps you navigate the menu if you’re unfamiliar with the cuisine and leads to the most authentic experience possible.
