Neapolitan Pizza$$saint-paulSun-Thu 11:00-21:30, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00
Punch Neapolitan Pizza on Grand Avenue has fired Vera Pizza Napoletana pies in the Twin Cities since 1996. The first Italy-certified pizzeria in the Midwest.
Signature: Margherita pizza, Toto pizza
Order: The Margherita pizza and the Toto with prosciutto and arugula.
Tip: Walk-ins only; wait list moves fast. Nine Twin Cities locations spread the load.
Nashville Hot Chicken$$northeastMon-Sat 11:00-21:00
Arif Mohamed's Nashville Coop on Washington Avenue SE has fried Nashville hot chicken with Ethiopian spices in Minneapolis since 2020. Located in Northeast.
Signature: Nashville hot chicken, Hot chicken and waffles
Order: The Hot Chicken sandwich with the medium heat level and house coop sauce.
Tip: Five heat levels from Minnesota Nice to Cluckin' Hot. Closed Sundays at the Stadium Village location.
Global Street Food$$uptownDaily 11:00-22:00
Sameh Wadi's World Street Kitchen on Lyndale runs global street food in Minneapolis since 2013. At 2743 Lyndale Ave S. Reservations advised.
Signature: Yum yum rice bowl, Bangkok burrito
Order: Yum yum rice bowl with chicken and the Bangkok burrito.
Tip: Take a seat at the counter or get it to go. Bar Wadi cocktail room sits next door.
Mexican$saint-paulSun-Thu 09:00-19:00, Fri-Sat 09:00-20:00
El Burrito Mercado on Cesar Chavez Street has run a Mexican grocery and counter in Saint Paul's West Side since 1979. At 175 Cesar Chavez St.
Signature: Carnitas, Tamales
Order: Carnitas plate with rice and beans and a hand-rolled tamale.
Tip: Front grocery sells pan dulce; counter at the back. Sunday brunch buffet runs $14.
Mexican$eat-streetMon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 11:00-18:00
Manny's Tortas in the Midtown Global Market has run Mexico City-style sandwiches in Minneapolis since 1999. Telera-bread tortas; the Cubana stacks five meats.
Signature: Cubana torta, Chorizo torta
Order: The Cubana torta layered with ham, sausage, chorizo and queso.
Tip: Inside Midtown Global Market; counter service. Family-run since opening.
Eastern European$northeastTue-Sat 10:00-20:00
Kramarczuk's on East Hennepin has cured Eastern European sausages in Minneapolis since 1954. Located in Northeast. Priced at $. At 215 E Hennepin Ave.
Signature: Polish sausage, Pierogi
Order: Polish sausage on a bun with sauerkraut and a side of pierogi.
Tip: Cafeteria line moves fast at lunch; the deli counter at the front sells uncooked sausage.