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Best Italian Restaurants In Minnesota

Minnesota is a melting pot of different cultures, tastes, and people. This is one of the things that makes our state great. With such a variety of individuals and experiences to be had, the restaurants have evolved to reflect this diversity as well. Craving a homemade dish of pasta and meatballs? Minnesota welcomes a large selection of fantastic Italian restaurants to its diverse population of locals. So the next time you're craving some amazing pasta and wine, remember that there are so many amazing local options for Italian cuisine right in your own neighborhood.

Pesto Sauce
(credit: Joan Vicent Canto Roig/Getty Images)

Victor's On Water
205 Water St.
Excelsior, MN 55331
(952) 474-8879
www.victorsonwater.com

On the waterfront of Lake Minnetonka, Victor's delivers the perfect spot for a romantic Italian evening. This neighborhood favorite is known for its authentic pasta dishes, like the Pappardelle hand cut Bolognese, that include homemade pasta and the finest locally sourced ingredients. Order off the menu of small plates (try beet cured salmon avocado mousse0, large plates (like the Shrimp and Monkfish with coconut milk), or just share an amazing cheese plate. Although the wine list compliments the food perfectly, the cocktail menu also delivers some of the most refreshing and enjoyable options possible. Dress up and head out for some amazing Italian food at Victor's.

Louis Ristorante & Bar
Cossetta Alimentari
211 7th St. W.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 222-3476
www.cossettas.com

Downtown St. Paul is the fortunate location of a unique Italian grocery, market, eatery, and ristorante. The options for enjoying authentic Italian cuisine are endless at Cossettas. Choose the counter to order take out or a meal to enjoy in the dining area or just allow the host to seat you at the Ristorante and Bar for full service dining. The pasta is made on site and the food is consistently good. Enjoy free parking as well and stop by the bakery to take a cannoli home for later.

Italian Food feature
(photo credit: Thinkstock)

Va Bene Caffe
734 E. Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722-1518
www.vabenecaffe.com

Enjoy a fantastic view of Lake Superior while you enjoy a fresh and tasty Italian dish. Va Bene Caffe, located on Superior Street in Duluth, offers scratch cooking, fresh vegetable and pasta dishes, and an amazingly Italian wine list to wash it down with. The menu is crafted by authentic Italian chefs and each selection is carefully prepared to match the high standards of Italian cooking in the Old Country. Save room for the Italian gelato at the end, it's not to be missed.

Related:  Best Brick Oven Pizzas In The Twin Cities 

Amore Victoria
1601 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 823-0250
www.amorevictoria.com

Uptown Minneapolis welcomes a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant to the night life and character of the area. Enjoy housemade pasta dishes, rooftop dining, and the "Old World" ambiance of Amore Victoria. Each menu item is carefully created and prepared with pride and talent from generations of Italian recipes. For a favorite dish, try the Tortellacci all Panna. The pasta stuffed with veal and prepared in a cream sauce with mushrooms, parmesan and prosciutto is not easily forgotten and may, in fact, be the best meal you ever eat.

Spaghetti Tree
(credit: AP)

Ciao Bella
3501 Minnesota Drive
Bloomington, MN 55435
(952) 841-3031
www.ciaobellamn.com

Often referred to as one of the most under-rated restaurants in Minnesota, Ciao Bella delivers a five-star dining experience with an amazing selection of Italian dishes, wines, and pastries. The menu selections range from hand-tossed pizzas to freshly baked breads and organic salads. Enjoy local and fresh ingredients with a truly Italian menu and be prepared to leave stuffed.

Related: Best Pizza In Minnesota

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.

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