Italian food in Minneapolis can be the true epitome of comfort. On a cold, dark night in the winter, few things can perk a person up like a bowl of noodles covered in sauce and accompanied by crusty garlic bread. Those looking to find the best Italian restaurants in Minneapolis, MN might want to keep the following options on their must-go list.

Loring Pasta Bar

Dinkytown is already one of the more fun places in the city to visit, especially when visitors really dive into the heart of the student scene. While checking out everything from the local bands to the eclectic artwork, Loring Pasta Bar is the perfect place to refuel. The menu comes complete with a number of traditional dishes like carbonara, ravioli, and eggplant parmesan.

Plus, Loring Pasta Bar has a solid happy hour and stellar date night. Every Tuesday, couples can come for an appetizer, two entrees, and two glasses of wine for just $30. This restaurant is staff-owned and operated, so people can forget about any corporate vibes getting in the way of their good time.

Address: 327 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Pizzeria Lola

Whether it’s Tuesday for lunch with a soda or Saturday night with a $30 glass of wine, pizza is a staple in Minneapolis. People love Pizzeria Lola because of the high-quality food and interesting flavor combos. Even the most discerning of people are utterly enthralled with just how good a simple salad and a slice of pizza can be.

Pizzeria Lola is also a good place to see and be seen. The trendy atmosphere is an experience in and of itself, and restaurant-goers will be glad they made the effort to get dressed up and go out. As with most trendy places though, people may have to wait a minute (or an hour) or two to be seated.

Pizzeria Lola has a number of unique menu items:

• Korean BBQ (with soy-chili vinaigrette)
• Sunnyside (with guanciale and sunnyside eggs)
• XERXES (with sheep’s milk feta and marcona almonds)
• Lady Zara (with Korean sausage and soy-chile glaze)

Of course, visitors can still get old standbys here too, like sausage or pepporoni.

Address: 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Prima

For those looking for a more farm-to-table experience, it may be time to check out Prima. This restaurant features a number of delicately prepared dishes made from the family’s farm just 35 miles away from the restaurant. Prima uses the ingredients harvested from their land to produce the incredible flavors on their plates. From the tomatoes to the eggs, it’s an organic experience that visitors and locals won’t want to miss. Their menu is stuffed with different kinds of paninis, pastas, salads, and meat dishes.

Address: 5325 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419

Zelo

Last (but not least) on the list is Zelo. This restaurant is a popular one for those who want authentic Italian food done right. While it would be easy to dismiss the menu as basic, guests are impressed with just how incredible everyday food can be when it’s done right. This restaurant opened in 1999 and remains a favorite to this day. The service, wine selection, and quality ingredients are all designed to make the diner’s experience really come alive. Plus, there’s more than a little old-world charm for those who want to step back into an era where the details were all that mattered.

Address: 831 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Minneapolis is a city bursting with talent, and thankfully, there are plenty of chefs who understand the power of a good Italian dish. Those who want to indulge without having to fly over the Atlantic will love checking out these restaurants that bring the best of Italian food to life.