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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Bloomington

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ciao Bella restaurant
1. Ciao Bella
4.8
Exceptional(6608)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Bloomington
Booked 72 times today
CURRENTLY, ALL RESERVATIONS MADE WILL BE FOR INSIDE SEATING.  PATIO SEATING IS ALL FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. THANK YOU.At Ciao Bella, we serve simple, fresh Italian cuisine made from local ingredients. Our handcrafted meals are accompanied by a thoughtful, approachable wine selection. We believe dining is more than food: it is an experience, and ours is quality. Enjoy your handcrafted meal on our lively outdoor patio, or take in the local art collection in our dining room. Our philosophy is simple: quality food and wine presented with welcoming service. Every meal. Every day. Please join us. A Minneapolis metro favorite, Ciao Bella was opened in 1997 by Minneapolis restaurateur Rick Webb, whose pursuits have set the standard in Twin Cities dining for over 40 years. Heading downtown? Visit Ciao Bella’s sister restaurant, Zelo, for another dining experience from Rick Webb featuring handcrafted food and dedicated service.
A photo of Pizzeria Lola restaurant
2. Pizzeria Lola
4.7
Exceptional(143)
Price: Expensive
• Pizzeria • South Minneapolis
Booked 20 times today
Pizzeria Lola is James Beard award-winning Chef Ann Kim's neighborhood pizzeria in Minneapolis. Our menu features signature wood-fired pizzas, sharable salads & sides, wine & beer wine, and a curated list of classic cocktails. Pizzas include familiar classics including My Sha-Roni (pepperoni & sausage) and Margherita, and signature guest favorites like Lady Zaza (kimchi and Korean sausage) and Korean BBQ (our #1 best-seller). Our menu is vegetarian-friendly and offers a housemade gluten-free crust as an option for all of our pizzas. Pizzeria Lola has been featured in the New York Times and on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," "CBS Saturday" and Netflix's "Chef's Table: Pizza." Pizzeria Lola is located in Southwest Minneapolis (just off Highway 62) and is easily accessible on the way to or from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.We're open for lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are available and walk-ins are always welcome.
A photo of Fogao Gaucho restaurant
3. Fogao Gaucho
4.7
Exceptional(134)
Price: Expensive
• Brazilian • Bloomington
Booked 18 times today
Fogão Gaúcho is a family-owned and operated restaurant connecting flavors of Brazil with the community through culinary traditions and culture. With decades of experience, our obsession with high quality food and superior service is reflected in every aspect of the Guest experience. The drive comes from a passion for excellence and attention to detail and quality in everything we do. Our gaúcho chefs prepare a variety of delicious meats and serve them directly to your table side, cooked to your perfection. We here, at Fogão Gaúcho, are filled with culture and passion, ready to serve our guests!
A photo of The Smack Shack Bloomington restaurant
4. The Smack Shack Bloomington
4.6
Exceptional(984)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Bloomington
Booked 14 times today
Casual, coastal restaurant in Bloomington. Reservations are taken for the dining room only, patio seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please check in with hosts upon arrival for patio seating.Although named for the boats used to catch lobster, Smack Shack was launched as a food truck in 2010 serving lobster rolls from a land-locked downtown Minneapolis parking lot. Owner Josh Thoma had a great recipe and a belief that the appetite for fresh lobster in the Twin Cities was as strong as in any coastal city.Smack Shack is committed to serving sustainable seafood and is a partner in the Minnesota Zoo’s Fish Smart program. Sustainable seafood is wild-caught or farm-raised seafood that has established practices to ensure the long-term growth and thriving populations of seafood with limited harm to the environment.Group reservations and private dining available. One of MSP's top 50 restaurants in 2022! Featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
A photo of Big Bowl - Edina restaurant
5. Big Bowl - Edina
4.5
Awesome(1964)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Edina
Booked 27 times today
There’s really only one place for authentic Chinese and Thai–and that’s Big Bowl. It all begins with the highest quality ingredients–naturally raised chicken and beef, heirloom pork, sustainable seafood and produce grown locally. Because Big Bowl believes that the best food is made from scratch, you can taste big, bold layers of flavors in every dish, from the curries right down to the dipping sauces. Everyone raves about the pad Thai, our spicy dishes that are truly hot, and our create-your-own stir-fry–and for good reason. Every element adds up to big taste and takes our food to another level, be it a fresh squeeze of lime, fragrant herbs or the seared Thai chilies. Big Bowl is so big on authentic flavors that even the ginger ale is made with fresh ginger root–from scratch, of course.
A photo of Bullvino's Churrascaria Bloomington restaurant
6. Bullvino's Churrascaria Bloomington
4.6
Exceptional(360)
Price: Expensive
• Brazilian Steakhouse • Bloomington
Booked 18 times today
Bullvino's Churrascaria is a family owned traditional Brazilian steakhouse having It's first location in Lowertown St. Paul, MN. Churrascaria, which translates from the Portuguese word "barbecue" is served all-you-can-eat. Roving waiters serve the barbecued meats from large skewers directly onto the seated diners' plates allowing each guest to enjoy a variety of options. Included in our flat rate pricing is our large self serve salad bar which has a wide range of salads, soups, meats, and cheeses.Now we invite you to visit us at the Bloomington location ! We hope you enjoy !
A photo of La Voya restaurant
7. La Voya
4.3
Awesome(93)
Price: Expensive
• French • Bloomington
Booked 1 time today
Featuring traditional French dishes infused with Minnesotan influence, La Voya delights with a signature twist on favorite classics. An enviable wine and champagne list, as well as expertly crafted traditional cocktails, compliments the Brasserie's well-rounded menu, which offers selections ranging from light, healthy choices to delectable comfort foods. Beautiful windows create bright and inviting spaces for breakfast and lunch, while plush curtains candlelight and music creates an intimate, sophisticated environment for evening dining and lingering, late night drinking.
A photo of Breva restaurant
8. Breva
3.9
Excellent(91)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Mill District
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to Breva, the quintessential neighborhood gathering spot in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. At Breva, we invite you to experience the essence of conviviality, served up with a touch of elegance in a casual chic setting. Our culinary journey is guided by the expert hands of Chef Bjorn Thomson and a team of seasoned hospitality professionals. Together, they've crafted a menu that's a true celebration of the New American spirit – elevated, unpretentious, and discerning. Breva is just minutes from the Convention Center and Orchestra Hall, and a short drive from local theaters and sports stadiums. Breva is an ideal destination for all groups and occasions!
A photo of Boketto Steakhouse restaurant
9. Boketto Steakhouse
4.5
Awesome(91)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • St. Louis Park
Booked 41 times today
Boketto merges the rich traditions of a steakhouse with a whisper of Asian elegance & a burst of Mediterranean zest. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a celebration with friends, or a memorable night out, Boketto offers an experience beyond the ordinary. Here, upscale & intimate combine with trendy, vibrant, and most importantly — welcoming.From marbled A-5 Japanese and Australian wagyu to our signature Japanese milk bread, lovingly crafted by Authentic Gourmet, every dish tells a story of tradition meeting creativity. Savor the delicate flavors of our fresh seared scallops, paired with the aromatic trio of Thai basil, cilantro & mint, or indulge in the vibrant contrast of our tomato & burrata, elevated with a hint of Calabrian chili, sweet agrodolce, peppery arugula, & toasted bread.With a cocktail program and wine list designed for the discerning palate, each visit to Boketto is an exploration of flavor & texture, a journey that lingers long after the last bite.
A photo of Kyndred Hearth restaurant
10. Kyndred Hearth
4.7
Exceptional(1156)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Eagan
Booked 32 times today
With a focus on quality ingredients, simplicity and execution, the menu features James Beard award-winning chef, Ann Kim’s take on familiar favorites. Located on the first floor, Kyndred Hearth is a comfortable, modern setting. It will serve as a welcoming neighborhood gathering space for the community, and gives out of town visitors a taste of the Minneapolis food scene during their stay at Viking Lakes.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rodney
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Met friends for dinner and exceptional service and food were some of the best we have experienced.
    More info
    Ciao BellaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Bloomington
    •
    4.8
  • Olga Lucia
    Miami - Dade •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Love love the experience!!! The Gauchos the best of the best, there is a guy called Victor, OMG his service is exceptional, if I ever have a restaurant he will be the first person I would hire!
    More info
    Bullvino's Churrascaria BloomingtonPrice: Expensive• Brazilian Steakhouse• Bloomington
    •
    4.6
  • Asia
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food taste amazing. We had great dinner and enjoyed. The server was little busy and couldn't get take our order as needed. Overall, restaurant was so beautiful and match the desire of customers.
    More info
    Holman's TablePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Saint Paul
    •
    4.6
  • Stefanie
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 17, 2024
    I celebrated a friend's birthday at Pizzeria Lola last night and we had the most lovely time. The server, Silas, the host, and the manager all checked in to make sure our birthday dinner was going well and we felt genuine kindness from each of them. My friend and I both have quiet voices but, despite the restaurant being packed, the din was quiet enough that we never had to repeat ourselves or lean in across the table to chat (something we both value highly in a restaurant). The Caesar salad was crisp and beautifully dressed, the Forager (mushroom) pizza was robust with umami flavor, and the custard-smooth vanilla soft serve ice cream was topped with a Thai tea caramel topping that nearly reinvented ice cream as a dessert for us. Before we left, we took photos in the photo booth and we were in such high spirits that we had an audience outside interested to discover who the women snort-laughing behind the curtain had been, lol. Thank you for being such a lovely place to celebrate the birthday of a dear friend. I told Kelly that we're coming back in December to celebrate mine! <3
    More info
    Pizzeria LolaPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• South Minneapolis
    •
    4.7
  • Daniel
    Oklahoma City •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 17, 2024
    The Lake Room is a gem! Great for an evening out and/or for entertaining company. The food and deserts were cooked to perfection!
    More info
    The Lake RoomPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Wayzata / Long Lake
    •
    4.7

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Bloomington

Discover the culinary gems in the Twin Cities, where dining options that are "worth the drive" promise an extraordinary experience. Whether you're exploring Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Bloomington, you'll find restaurants that stand out for their unique themes, exceptional service, and commitment to high-quality cuisine. These dining spots are celebrated not only for their innovative menus but also for their ability to provide a memorable dining experience that locals and visitors alike are drawn to. The dining scene here is diverse, offering everything from intimate bistros to vibrant, themed eateries, each providing a distinct atmosphere and culinary adventure. These restaurants focus on sourcing local ingredients, which reflects the region's dedication to sustainability and support for local farmers and producers. Ideal for food enthusiasts and culinary explorers, these establishments ensure a dining experience that is well worth the drive, characterized by both the quality of food and the enriching atmosphere they provide. Embrace a journey through the Twin Cities' most recommended dining destinations, where each meal is a celebration of taste and regional charm.

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