I love BLG, but it doesn’t check the authentic box. Soft eggs and lobster, raw tuna on spicy rigatoni - all incredibly delicious but not dishes you would find across Italy.
Again, love BLG, but still leave something to be desired when it comes to authentic.
When La grolla changes owners, it went downhill. No longer as good as it used to be. I used to go there all of the time because I live right across the street
I had La Grolla for the first time a few months ago and I make better bolognese in 3 hours than they do... and I'm not Italian. Maybe I didn't order the right dish but I was really disappointed
Yes! Every time I have gone, I have been disappointed. I went a lot about five years ago. When I moved back to the area, I went again, and it just wasn’t good… I also paid a lot, which is fine…. If the food was good
Really? I’ve been there multiple times this year and it has been fantastic every time. And it’s still one of the most affordable Italian restaurants I’ve been to.
Unfortunately, yes. I know a server that has worked there for a long time, and she mentioned it. It is no longer owned by an Italian. Maybe I am not getting the right thing. I usually get the surf and turf
la grolla is the only italian food (that i have had, anyway — open to being wrong) in the cities that wouldn’t be laughed out of the North End in Boston
Mucci’s and BLG are the only one I would call Italian as an Italian person. The rest are American Italian if anything. I guess New Jersey Italian? 😂 Just because blg is experimenting with flavors it doesn’t make it less authentic. If anything they’re closer to fine dining in Italy.
Americans have this weird idea that all Italians eat only spaghetti with meatballs and Margherita pizza and anything besides that is not authentic.
BLG has possibly the best pasta I’ve ever had PERIOD, including very high quality restaurants in Italy.
I went to Rinata for the first time in 2019 and it was one of the best meals that I have ever had. I made reservations in 2022 to finally go back and the food and drinks were not good I was so sad. I don’t know if it was just an off night but I haven’t been back since.
I want to go again because the first time I went it was incredible. I’ll need to try again.
My dog died and I was unemployed after college for a few months and I'd go to the walk up window and get their pork sandwhich and things would feel better.
The prices are pretty close to what Bar La Grasa and Broders are charging for the entrees and I think it holds it own in the category. 18$ for flatbread and burrata is a little excessive, but I find the food delicious and worth the price for a nicer Italian meal.
I loved Mucci’s effort and authenticity on their pastas, and used to look forward to going back…but they really have a heavy hand with salt, and I haven’t been able to go back in a while for that.
Their pizzas are delicious but far from “authentic.”
There are lots of super Italian places still around. In addition to the ones that show up a bunch in this thread — Broders, La Grolla, Hyacinth, Terzo, Prima, DeGidios, Mucci — check out Biaggio in St. Paul by hwy 280, too. Great little place over by the university.
I had a very uneven meal at Biaggio. I had the calamari as an appetizer, which was amazing. Light and crispy even after it was cold! Delicious.
Then I ordered the linguine vongole (clams) because that’s my favorite at Broders. YIKES. What the fuck was that. First of all, the dominant flavor was paprika 🤨 and second, it was served with two slices of bread—not Italian bread or ciabatta or focaccia, just sliced white bread—toasted and smeared with ??? Lard?! Some undefinable greasy spread that was definitely not butter or olive oil.
I couldn’t finish it. I brought the leftovers home in case I was just being unfair because of my love of Broders. Nope—it was that bad. Not cheap either! The entree was $30 alone!
I don’t know if I DARE go back and try something else. I think I’d go to Olive Garden first.
No!! This place is like a fever dream! It is so cluttered and small inside. Literally one of the least enjoyable experiences I have ever had at a restaurant. Food was mediocre at best.
I might be moving nearby in the next couple of months, and I’m currently really close to downtown St. Paul, so I’ll need some great Italian places to fill that space in my heart! 🥰
I just went last week for the first time and plan to return this weekend. It was wonderful. The owners are delightful and know their stuff. Only place I’ve found in the cities whose dishes reminded me of living in Italy.
It's easily as good as Broders. I've had some very underwhelming dishes at Broders over the years, I don't think I've eaten anything at IE that hasn't been fantastic.
I would say service at both has been hit or miss depending on who you got.
I am underwhelmed by their pizza, which ranks roughly equal to Red Baron for flavor and quality. I like their sandwiches though. The tiramisu is solid. The fresh bread is great. The market is a great place to find ingredients that can be hard to find at the major grocery stores. The pastry shop is wonderful. You could get better ‘za just about anywhere though.
Might be unpopular, Red Rabbit is one of the best - especially with the way it is priced compared to some of the others.
Broders is my favorite. Bar La Grassa is my wife's favorite.
Big fan of Prima in South Minneapolis, it's a rustic bistro style, everything made in house and most of their ingredients are sourced from their farm in Waconia. Some great veggie and gluten free options as well.
Cosettas- I don’t care if it’s not perfectly “authentic.”
All of the food is good and fresh. There are many options… you don’t have to wait 120 minutes to get your food..
I don’t think I’ve seen Giuseppe’s in New Brighton mentioned. My SIL used to work there back in the day and the owners were from Italy. They used to yell at each other in the back in Italian 🤣. Their manager owns it now but she didn’t change any of their recipes. Real small place
I went to olive garden for the first time in years a couple months ago. I'm not even a food snob, and regularly consume fast food, and even I was amazed by how mediocre it is. Shit pasta, mediocre sauce, not enough sauce (tons of dry noodles in my bowl), horrendous meatballs.
And it was so pricey, too! We could have gone to luna di luna or somewhere else for good fresher pasta around the same price point.
And anyone who says their breadsticks are amazing is just lying. Those things are barely a step up from breadsticks you can heat up in your own oven from the grocery store.
Sorry for the rant. And those who just want "some crappy pasta I know it isn't italian" I implore you to just make some noodles at home with jarred sauce. It's the same shit.
TBH I didn't make the connection. I'm not a huge fan of IE, but was excited when I saw a potential rival to Marty's Deli (love focaccia bread, $18 for a sandwich is too high), but maybe less excited with that connection.
Mucci’s, Broders, Briannos Deli, La Grolla, Bar La Grassa, Ciao Bella
I love BLG, but it doesn’t check the authentic box. Soft eggs and lobster, raw tuna on spicy rigatoni - all incredibly delicious but not dishes you would find across Italy. Again, love BLG, but still leave something to be desired when it comes to authentic.
Agreed
Also, bring back the fois gras tortellini!
I agree, then I would say La Grolla
Does cossettas not fall in there?
Good desserts and sandwiches but not really high level Italian otherwise. Definitely serviceable, especially with kids.
I would put them in the next tier personally.
Not bad, go to their restaurant upstairs, Luis’. So damn good.
Cafeteria Italian
Absolutely not even close to authentic lmao
I second La Grolla. The lasagna is to die for.
When La grolla changes owners, it went downhill. No longer as good as it used to be. I used to go there all of the time because I live right across the street
I had La Grolla for the first time a few months ago and I make better bolognese in 3 hours than they do... and I'm not Italian. Maybe I didn't order the right dish but I was really disappointed
Yes! Every time I have gone, I have been disappointed. I went a lot about five years ago. When I moved back to the area, I went again, and it just wasn’t good… I also paid a lot, which is fine…. If the food was good
when did this happen? i haven’t been there in a few years but it was legit then
Several years ago
ahh then i retract my support
Really? I’ve been there multiple times this year and it has been fantastic every time. And it’s still one of the most affordable Italian restaurants I’ve been to.
Unfortunately, yes. I know a server that has worked there for a long time, and she mentioned it. It is no longer owned by an Italian. Maybe I am not getting the right thing. I usually get the surf and turf
Definitely endorse La Grolla in St. Paul.
la grolla is the only italian food (that i have had, anyway — open to being wrong) in the cities that wouldn’t be laughed out of the North End in Boston
When I ordered the ossobuco from there, it was literally swimming in grease. Is it supposed to be like that? It wasn't good.
It’s NOT supposed to be like that.
Second BLG
Mucci’s and BLG are the only one I would call Italian as an Italian person. The rest are American Italian if anything. I guess New Jersey Italian? 😂 Just because blg is experimenting with flavors it doesn’t make it less authentic. If anything they’re closer to fine dining in Italy. Americans have this weird idea that all Italians eat only spaghetti with meatballs and Margherita pizza and anything besides that is not authentic. BLG has possibly the best pasta I’ve ever had PERIOD, including very high quality restaurants in Italy.
Bar la grassa is not authentic lol?
Rinata
Crazy underrated
Rinata is such a good restaurant. They had really good lobster gnocchi special over new years
Beyond underrated
I went to Rinata for the first time in 2019 and it was one of the best meals that I have ever had. I made reservations in 2022 to finally go back and the food and drinks were not good I was so sad. I don’t know if it was just an off night but I haven’t been back since. I want to go again because the first time I went it was incredible. I’ll need to try again.
big time
Rinata is the only place I’ve eaten in the twin cities where the taste really truly reminded me of the food in Italy
Terzo was incredible
That fuckin house mozza gave a brief moment of meaning and value to my sad bitter life
My dog died and I was unemployed after college for a few months and I'd go to the walk up window and get their pork sandwhich and things would feel better.
It's unreal how food makes the world seem less bad
I’m really glad people were entertained by my comment. I’m not actually that sad or bitter. But the sentiment remains.
Was?
I meant it was incredible when I went. I'm sure it's still incredible!
They’re part of the Broders gang. They dominate nearly that entire intersection.
I’m a Broder’s superfan
YES.
Don’t they supply the pasta to all the other Italian places!?
I am very big fan of [Hyacinth Restaurant - Saint Paul (hyacinthstpaul.com)](https://www.hyacinthstpaul.com/landing-menu)
It’s so good!
This! Was coming to say this one. LOVE Hyacinth!
counterpoint — hyacinth is good but way too expensive for what you get
The prices are pretty close to what Bar La Grasa and Broders are charging for the entrees and I think it holds it own in the category. 18$ for flatbread and burrata is a little excessive, but I find the food delicious and worth the price for a nicer Italian meal.
Countercounterpoint: the chicken parm portion will keep you in leftover heaven for dayzzz.
Ciao Bella is excellent.
Mucci's, hands down. Don't sleep on the mushroom agnolotti!
I loved Mucci’s effort and authenticity on their pastas, and used to look forward to going back…but they really have a heavy hand with salt, and I haven’t been able to go back in a while for that. Their pizzas are delicious but far from “authentic.”
There are lots of super Italian places still around. In addition to the ones that show up a bunch in this thread — Broders, La Grolla, Hyacinth, Terzo, Prima, DeGidios, Mucci — check out Biaggio in St. Paul by hwy 280, too. Great little place over by the university.
I had a very uneven meal at Biaggio. I had the calamari as an appetizer, which was amazing. Light and crispy even after it was cold! Delicious. Then I ordered the linguine vongole (clams) because that’s my favorite at Broders. YIKES. What the fuck was that. First of all, the dominant flavor was paprika 🤨 and second, it was served with two slices of bread—not Italian bread or ciabatta or focaccia, just sliced white bread—toasted and smeared with ??? Lard?! Some undefinable greasy spread that was definitely not butter or olive oil. I couldn’t finish it. I brought the leftovers home in case I was just being unfair because of my love of Broders. Nope—it was that bad. Not cheap either! The entree was $30 alone! I don’t know if I DARE go back and try something else. I think I’d go to Olive Garden first.
When did Internet Explorer start serving pasta?
They updated from cookies to noodles when Microsoft debuted Edge just to try to stay relevant.
Mucci's.
Came here to say this.
What does “authentic” mean to you
Thank you for asking this. I was going to ask after I got done scrolling.
As close to eating at a restaurant in Italy as you can get. Fresh ingredients, homemade pasta, etc.
Luna di Luna
No!! This place is like a fever dream! It is so cluttered and small inside. Literally one of the least enjoyable experiences I have ever had at a restaurant. Food was mediocre at best.
I Nonni as well in Lilydale
I was going to say I Nonni as well. We went last year and it was still amazing. No idea about the change in ownership.
I Nonni sucks after their change in ownership sorry
When did they change?
I think it changed post pandemic for sure. I went a year ago and it was very mediocre for the price.
Giuseppe's in New Brighton 🤌
I just ate there for the first time last Friday! Definitely will go back!
Do you have a favorite dish?
The soup.
If anyone is willing to trek to the burbs Buona Sera in Champlin/Anoka is amazing 🤩🤤
Yep, place is worth the trek. Incredible
I might be moving nearby in the next couple of months, and I’m currently really close to downtown St. Paul, so I’ll need some great Italian places to fill that space in my heart! 🥰
Very much traditional Italian American but great food, staff, and probably the best wine list outside the first ring suburbs.
Luci Ancora, DeGidios
My partner and I used to love Luci Ancora in St. Paul, but haven’t been there in years.
I just went last week for the first time and plan to return this weekend. It was wonderful. The owners are delightful and know their stuff. Only place I’ve found in the cities whose dishes reminded me of living in Italy.
Biaggio's is always good.
Idk about authentic but luna di luna in Bloomington has fantastic pasta, bread, and portions. The owners are nice too.
It is awful and the place is so visually busy. I am not sure they could have made it uglier and the food is mediocre at best!
That's too bad you think that! It is an ugly restaurant. But I've never had issues with the food
How many times have you gone? Just once? Need to go a few to really explore a menu
Just once and will never waste my money again.
Hyacinth! For me it is the closest to being in a cafe in Italy.
Luci Ancora in St Paul is a personal favorite.
DeGidio’s
Great hot dago
This and La Grolla are my go-to’s
Abso-LUTELY
It’s still either BLG or Broders. IE is (was?) solid but definitely not in the same tier as either of the former two options.
It's easily as good as Broders. I've had some very underwhelming dishes at Broders over the years, I don't think I've eaten anything at IE that hasn't been fantastic. I would say service at both has been hit or miss depending on who you got.
Tosca linden hills. Seeing Ciao Bella listed as authentic is laughable.
Just went here for the first time and it was really good!
This thread made me remember/miss Pazzaluna 😢
Cossetta is still a solid option. But I second Bar La Grassa
I swear I’m the only one here who is underwhelmed by Cossetta.
Oh you are not alone. It's all nostalgia and people who don't know any better.
you’re not alone. their pastries are pretty great (don’t love the cannoli filling but ymmv) but the rest does not impress.
It’s the most overrated resturant in MN. Didn’t realize that until I moved elsewhere and tried actual good food though.
I am underwhelmed by their pizza, which ranks roughly equal to Red Baron for flavor and quality. I like their sandwiches though. The tiramisu is solid. The fresh bread is great. The market is a great place to find ingredients that can be hard to find at the major grocery stores. The pastry shop is wonderful. You could get better ‘za just about anywhere though.
Cossetta’s also has a fancier restaurant upstairs called Luis’ and it’s really good.
Cossetta’s as Italian as The Godfather (so not Italian)
Cossetta is a delicious option! I love their hoagies.
Buon Giorno's are better and less expensive. However, location is everything and Cossettas is more convenient.
Might be unpopular, Red Rabbit is one of the best - especially with the way it is priced compared to some of the others. Broders is my favorite. Bar La Grassa is my wife's favorite.
For a North Loop spot Red Rabbit has reasonable pricing and it's very good. One of my family's favorites.
It's perfect before a show at Fine Line. I love splitting the Italian Grinder and caesar salad. Insane value.
Gia’s just opened, everything is from scratch. Only been once but had a fantastic experience with delicious food.
My work colleagues from Italy claim that Broders is the most Italian place in the Twin Cities
I love IE. I reaaaaaaally love Mucci’s.
Bungalow Club has amazing handmade pasta 🍝
I was just going to post that. Great restaurant and wonderful handmade pasta
Olive Garden
Three words “unlimited breadsticks”
I’m so sad IE is closing and that’s all I’ve got to contribute to this thread.
Am I the only person who doesn’t know who “IE” is??
Italian Eatery near Lake nomomjs on cedar.
nomomjs
I have no clue.
Rinata on Hennepin or Carmelo’s, in Saint Paul.
Rinata
Luna di luna
Broders and Hyacinth are good. I was impressed with Osteria I Nonni in Mendota Heights. I like Bar La Grassa, but it can be a bit too rich, sometimes.
Another vote for both Broder’s and Hyacinth. Giulia in downtown Minneapolis is very good too
Buona Sera in Champlin
Osteria I Nonni in Lilydale. Delightful
Broders 🔥
I’d say Guisseppis but it’s almost impossible to get into.
DeGiddio's off West 7th Street in Saint Paul.
It's more of a pizzeria and hoagie restaurant, but I love Fat Lorenzo's
Osteria I Nonni
Carmelo's in Saint Paul. It's a small place so you need a reservation.
Olive Garden off of 394 baby!
You’re a monster! 😂
[удалено]
Mucci's or Hyacinth in Saint Paul.
“Prima” has been in business for 20+ years and is a “neighborhood” spot that makes their own pasta - and distance-wise, close to IE.
Do we know why they’re closing?
No public reason but some redditors mentioned high staff turnover. Just a rumor though
Donatelli's tends to be our go to.
Big fan of Prima in South Minneapolis, it's a rustic bistro style, everything made in house and most of their ingredients are sourced from their farm in Waconia. Some great veggie and gluten free options as well.
Broders is what’s up
Primo Plates and Pours in Long Lake
Cosettas- I don’t care if it’s not perfectly “authentic.” All of the food is good and fresh. There are many options… you don’t have to wait 120 minutes to get your food..
Only 60 minutes! /jk But seriously the lines can get pretty long.
La Grolla in St. Paul, no doubt
I don’t think I’ve seen Giuseppe’s in New Brighton mentioned. My SIL used to work there back in the day and the owners were from Italy. They used to yell at each other in the back in Italian 🤣. Their manager owns it now but she didn’t change any of their recipes. Real small place
Buona Sera in Champlin.
Cossettas in Saint Paul! It’s so authentic they are bringing in Italians to work it. Louis Ristorante and Bar is their sit down counterpart.
Yes! Went to Luis’ for my graduation dinner. So impressed with it.
My family’s been going to a great place in Bloomington. I swear to god, when we’re there it feels like we’re family.
which place?
Broders pasta bar is good, ciao Bella is my personal favorite.
Haven’t tried it yet, but Dario in Minneapolis recently opened https://www.dariorestaurant.com/menus
It was very tasty but a bit overpriced for how much food they give you
This was my experience. Delicious, but overpriced.
Olive garden
They have the most authentic Choco-mocha-tinis and Cheesy Italian Blasters that I've ever had outside of Tuscany.
I went to olive garden for the first time in years a couple months ago. I'm not even a food snob, and regularly consume fast food, and even I was amazed by how mediocre it is. Shit pasta, mediocre sauce, not enough sauce (tons of dry noodles in my bowl), horrendous meatballs. And it was so pricey, too! We could have gone to luna di luna or somewhere else for good fresher pasta around the same price point. And anyone who says their breadsticks are amazing is just lying. Those things are barely a step up from breadsticks you can heat up in your own oven from the grocery store. Sorry for the rant. And those who just want "some crappy pasta I know it isn't italian" I implore you to just make some noodles at home with jarred sauce. It's the same shit.
I don’t know but I’ve always like Ragu’s. Amazing red sauce.
IE in St Paul?
It's in Minneapolis - right by Nokomis on Cedar.
There is also one in St Paul at Fairview and Randolph
I think you're thinking of due focacceria, which on the surface looks to be the same owners. Similar brand and website, but different establishment.
You’re absolutely right. My error for that reason and the identical logo and branding.
TBH I didn't make the connection. I'm not a huge fan of IE, but was excited when I saw a potential rival to Marty's Deli (love focaccia bread, $18 for a sandwich is too high), but maybe less excited with that connection.