Watch CBS News

Best Latin American Eats In The Twin Cities

From salsa and guacamole to pupusas and picanha, all the way to the decadent dessert flan: Where to find the best Latin American food in the Twin Cities.

6/15 Restaurants, Bars & Food - Cocina Latina
(credit: Cocina Latina website)


Directory Listing

You'll have to give yourself at least 15 minutes to peruse the huge menu -- this cozy restaurant's offerings are diverse and plentiful. Their specialties are Colombian and Ecuadorian dishes, but Mexican delicacies are on the menu, as well. For meat lovers, we recommend the Latin Meat Platter -- a plate full of grilled beef, pork, sausage and chicarron (crackling), served with plantains, but the tamales and tacos are also fresh and flavorful, definitely a must-try. If you want real "mom and pop" style home cooking, Cocina Latina delivers offering a warm atmosphere after a long, hectic day.

6/15 Restaurants, Bars & Food - Brasa Rotisserie
(credit: Brasa Rotisserie website)


600 E. Henenpin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN
Directory Listing

Serving up a tasty combination of Latin American-style meats and American soul food, Brasa Rotisserie's dishes are made from high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. This is evident in the juicy, flavorful pork and delicious sides (we love the crispy yucca with mojo and rustic cheese grits). Meats get the spotlight in the menu, but vegetarians will be happy to know that Brasa's vegetarian (and gluten-free) options get rave reviews as well -- we recommend the vegetarian bean fritters. If you decide to go on a weekend, get there early as it does get crowded.

6/15 Restaurants, Bars & Food - Samba Taste of Brazil
(credit: Samba Taste of Brazil Facebook page)


Directory Listing

Looking for a taste of Brazil (with a dash of Europe and Africa)? Then this gem in Hopkins is the place. Enjoy traditional dishes such as Feijoada (black bean stew with pork meat and sausages), Moqueca (seafood stew with onions, garlic, tomatoes and cilantro), and of course, Picanha (grilled top sirloin). For the less adventurous, there are dishes such as pasta and baked salmon. Remember to leave room for dessert and try some of their cakes, especially the luscious coconut and pineapple cake. And if you want to take the taste of Brazil home, the restaurant also features a grocery store selling authentic Brazilian food items.

6/15 Restaurants, Bars & Food - ALM Corner Cafe
(credit: ALM Corner Cafe Facebook page)


ALM Corner Café On Facebook

This quaint, newly-opened restaurant offers specialties from Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Mexico and possibly, one of the best cups of coffee in the Twin Cities. If you're craving cachapas (Venezuelan corn pancakes stuffed with "De Mano" cheese) and arepas, they have it. With a good variety of tasty sandwiches (including a delicious Cuban sandwich), pastries and coffee drinks, ALM Corner Café is a good option for breakfast or brunch in the neighborhood.

6/15 Restaurants, Bars & Food - El Centro Pupuseria
(credit: El Centro Pupuseria website)


The El Salvadorean pupusa -- a fresh hot pocket made of handmade corn tortilla stuffed with cheese, cooked pork meat or beans -- may just be the perfect snack. And El Centro Pupuseria may just be the perfect place in the Twin Cities to enjoy one (or two, or three). You can have your fill for less than $3 each, so try a variety of them -- queso, chicharron con queso (pork with cheese), frijol con queso (beans with cheese) or our favorite, the revuelta (a mix of cheese, pork and beans).

Want more Latin American eats in the Twin Cities? Also check out: Mercado Central (Minneapolis),  La Colonia Restaurant (Minneapolis), Los Andes Restaurant (Minneapolis), Manana Restaurant y Pupuseria (St. Paul), El Burrito Mercado (St. Paul)

What are your favorite Latin American restaurants in the Twin Cities? Let us know in the comments section below.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.