10 Diverse Dining Gems in Saint Paul

In nearly every corner of the city are small restaurants, owned by people pouring their passion into sumptuous plates of awe-inspiring food. These restaurants are just a few of the places that are worth tasting. From savory shrimp and grits, spicy pickily kimchi, mountainous asada fries, and more, there is something for every tastebud.

Bole Ethiopian Cuisine

Head to the Como neighborhood to discover a wide menu of authentic Ethiopian food featuring big platters to share like the Tour of Ethiopia, perfect if you someone in the group hasn't had a chance to sample the soul-sustaining comfort of this savory cuisine.

Credit: Yelp // Jamie S.

Credit: Yelp // Emily Z.

Cheng Heng Restaurant

This Cambodian cuisine is packed with loads of authentic flavor. Try for a spicy order of the papaya salad or delve into the tam yam, a tangy spicy soup with lemongrass and lime leaves, that is truly soothing for the soul. For those who don’t love the spicy heat, start with the crispy Cambodian eggrolls.

Crasqui

Head to the West side to try a taste of Venezuelan food in a fine-dining setting. This women-owned restaurant sources its recipes from owner, Soleil Ramirez's rich multigenerational Venezuelan roots. From ceviche and chicharron (deep fried pork belly) to mussels and arepas, the possibilities are endless in this authentic eatery.

Pictured: Empanadas from Crasqui

Credit: Yelp // Krista H.

Golden Thyme

Located on Selby Avenue in the Rondo neighborhood is the quaint cafe. Grab a hearty breakfast like the loaded hashbrowns, or just a simple slice of sweet potato pie with a steaming cup of coffee and spend a little time getting to know this side of town.

Ha Tien Super Market

Inside this Asian grocery store is an expansive deli featuring a selection of fresh, hot grab-and-go items, baked goods, and more. Enjoy an array of dishes ranging from crispy pork, pan seared noodles, rice dishes, and roasted duck. Plus, discover new ingredients to try in your kitchen at home from the grocery side of the market.

Credit: Yelp // BinLee S.

Credit: Yelp // Abimelec G.

Manana Restaurant y Pupuseria

Notorious for its extensive menu of pupusas, 14 to be exact, this Salvadorean restaurant is an East Side staple. Stop in for a delicious bite jam packed with savory meat, cheeses and veggies in a colorful, family-style setting.

Everest on Grand

Experience "The Tallest Taste" on Grand Avenue. Head to the daily lunch buffet to delve into a variety of Nepalese, Tibetan, and North Indian dishes. The menu includes classics like Momo, curries, Tandoor dishes and breads like naan.

Credit: Yelp // Christy F.

Credit: Yelp // Jay S.

On Thai's

Thai classics just like mom would have made, straight from chef and owner On Khumchaya’s kitchen. Try the pad gra prow, a stir fry with your meat of choice that’s filled with purple basil, rich with that singular perfume that tastes like a sunny summer day, tossed in a rich, savory sauce.

Sole Cafe

Fans have been known to make the bold claim that Sole Cafe has the best kimchi in the Twin Cities. Since before rice bowls were popping up on every other new menu, Sole has been serving classic Korean dishes on Snelling Avenue. The jahpchae is presented as tangles of clear noodles threaded with vegetables packing a deeply savory flavored sauce.

Credit: Yelp // Laura W.

Credit: Yelp // Alex D.

Tavial Grill

Ask a local for tasty Mexican food on West 7th Street and an enthusiastic Tavial Grill is the common answer. The menu is stacked with fun hunger-busters like the asada fries, French fries doused in Nacho cheese sauce and studs of shaved steak.

Have some favorites that we missed? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL!