Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Albert Lea

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Twin Cities / MinneapolisTwin Cities / Southern SuburbsTwin Cities / St. PaulTwin Cities / Western Suburbs

Areas

BloomingtonDowntown / Mill DistrictDowntown / North LoopEaganEdinaGolden Valley

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Pizzeria Lola

4.8

Exceptional(178)

££££Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • South Minneapolis

Booked 34 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.

2. Breva

4.1

Excellent(112)

££££Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 6 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 The Melting Pot - Minneapolis restaurant

3. The Melting Pot - Minneapolis

4.4

Awesome(2878)

££££Price: Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 45 times today

Bring your big appetite to the big city. In downtown Minneapolis, The Melting Pot is your quintessential fine-dining restaurant. Start with freshly made salads and handcrafted dressings before you skewer succulent strips of steak, and finish the smorgasbord with our famous chocolate fondue. Desserts rank high here, and just like the complex taste of our entrées, there’s something to be said of our artisan cheeses and luscious chocolates. But in our cozy corner of dessert paradise, we’re more than just a classy addition to Minnesota’s culinary scene. We are casual and approachable, which makes us an excellent choice for reconnecting with long-lost friends, updating loved ones about your life, or simply breaking the ice on a romantic date.

A photo of Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro restaurant

4. Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(102)

££££Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Northeast Minneapolis

Booked 26 times today

Just on the edge of downtown, we’re located in the stunning Mill District! Milly’s is a gathering place whether you are a wine enthusiast or novice, we hope to find the perfect pairing for you. Our goal is to make wine accessible, affordable, & fun, with food to delight your taste buds.Pull up a chair, grab a book, try something new, meet a neighbor or make a new friend. Like we always say- ‘Come for a glass, stay for a bottle!’

5. Stonegarden

4.9

Exceptional(86)

££££Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • South Minneapolis

Booked 9 times today

Minutes from Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport (MSP), Stonegarden blends global influences with French technique to create a chef-driven destination for breakfast and brunch. Join us when meeting friends, enjoying a date day, or business lunch; our modern, bright, and warm space is perfect for groups and individuals. Start with our nourishing bone broths, the Scotch Egg or Maryland Crab Cake. Perhaps, indulge in the Poutine with smoked tomato gravy and sunny egg. Favorites include the French Onion Omelette, Norwegian Benedict with house-cured gravlax, Challah French Toast or delectable tartines. Pair your meal with our handcrafted cocktails, like the Espresso Martini or Sage 75, mocktails, unique wines, or espresso beverages. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices make Stonegarden inclusive and welcoming.Open early, Stonegarden is perfect for travelers, locals, and business persons seeking delicious breakfast and brunch.

A photo of Topgolf Swing Suite at Graduate Minneapolis restaurant

6. Topgolf Swing Suite at Graduate Minneapolis

4.4

Awesome(31)

££££Price: Moderate

• Sports Bar • Downtown / North Loop

Make a sport out of socializing at the new Topgolf® Swing Suite® at Graduate Minneapolis. Cheer on the Gophers while playing a game of your own. Rent out a hitting bay (or the whole space!) for your next work or social gathering. It’s the perfect spot to host a party, hang with pals, or even practice your drive during the off-season.

7. Stray Dog

4.3

Awesome(491)

££££Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 9 times today

Stray Dog is a comfortable yet fun take on your traditional bar and grill in Nordeast Minneapolis. Fantastic burger styles with hand-cut fries or tater tots. From sandwiches to salads, to soups and Kramarczuk's hot dogs. We have a full vegetarian and vegan menu with gluten-free options. We have local craft beer and Belgians on tap. Stray Dog is open Monday-Thursday from 11am to 11pm for indoor dining and bar. Thursday has all day Happy Hour along with Trivia at 8pm. Late night eats until Midnight on Friday and Saturday. Saturday and Sunday morning we offer brunch from 11am-3pm. We have a Main Menu, Vegetarian Menu, and Kids Menu. The more you Stray, the better you feel!

A photo of Trax Burgers and Bar restaurant

8. Trax Burgers and Bar

4.5

Awesome(229)

££££Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 3 times today

We are now open!

9. Kyndred Hearth

4.7

Exceptional(1215)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Eagan

Booked 42 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.

10. The Lexington

4.8

Exceptional(3047)

££££Price: Expensive

• American • St. Paul

Booked 29 times today

The Lexington is more than a restaurant, it’s an institution. Located on the corner of Lexington Parkway and Grand Avenue, this St. Paul community was the most fashionable at the turn of the 19th century. The St. Paul elite lived just blocks away and the first electric trolley brought visitors up and down Grand Avenue. The Lexington opened in 1935, after the end of prohibition, and was a popular neighborhood bar to gather and socialize. Previously operating as a speakeasy, the expansive wood panels were perfect for hiding a little booze and one can only imagine the shenanigans going on beyond the hidden staircase behind the coat check. For decades following, The Lex, as it’s called by locals and enthusiasts alike, was the place to be seen; business dealings, cocktail hours, and milestone celebrations were a regular occurrence for St. Paul socialites.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Justin and Tanner were so kind and wonderful!! the shareables we ordered were so tasty, albeit small, and the wine pairings were excellent. we’ll definitely be back!
More info
Milly's Wine Bar & BistroPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Northeast Minneapolis
•
4.9
H
Heather
3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a wonderful meal, shared 3 different pizzas (Cubano special, Forager, & Korean BBQ) and each one was delightfully and deliciously different yet completed each other. Our sever was knowledgeable and attentive. The only issue is we were seated too close to the speakers so it was difficult to hear each other. I should have asked to move tables, so that’s on me. Something to be aware of though if you are more than two people.
More info
Pizzeria LolaPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• South Minneapolis
•
4.8
E
Eileen
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Lovely place. Service was excellent. Food was really tasty.
More info
StonegardenPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• South Minneapolis
•
4.9
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Truly enjoyed the experience and would definitely do it again!
More info
The Melting Pot - MinneapolisPrice: Expensive• Fondue• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.4
M
michaelVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Mar 2025
Cool place in NE. Stopped for lunch. Drinks were great. Food comes in large portions! Great vibe with dog paintings adorning all the walls.
More info
Stray DogPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.3

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Area
Worth the drive

Albert Lea

Waconia
Maple Grove
Woodbury
Eagan
Downtown St. Paul
Rosemount
Edina
New Brighton
Bloomington
Robbinsdale
Minneapolis
Wayzata / Long Lake
Apple Valley
Savage
Downtown / Mill District
Phillips
Little Canada
Lake Elmo
South Minneapolis
St. Croix Falls