21 Best Restaurants in Burnsville, MN
This article was written by local contributor Ayla Roberts & edited by the Travel Lens team.
As someone who's been living in Burnsville, Minnesota, for quite some time now, I can confidently say that our small town has quite a diverse and delicious restaurant scene.
From cozy coffee shops to upscale fine dining, there's something to satisfy every craving and occasion.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best restaurants in Burnsville, Minnesota, as seen through the eyes of a local food enthusiast.
So, sit back, grab a fork, and let's dive into the culinary gems hidden in our vibrant community.
Kazoku Japanese Restaurant
Just last week, I decided to treat myself to a nice dinner at Kazoku Japanese Restaurant.
I've been there a couple of times before, and I've always enjoyed their sushi selections.
As soon as I walked in, I couldn't help but notice the clean, modern decor.
I opted for their ramen, which came in a generous portion and really hit the spot.
The sushi, as always, was amazing, and I happily munched on my rolls throughout the meal.
Blue Ox Sandwich Factory
I always look forward to my lunch breaks because it means I can satisfy my sandwich cravings at Blue Ox Sandwich Factory.
This counter-service eatery has won my heart with its wide selection of sandwiches, salads, shakes, and smoothies.
The casual blonde-wood space is clean and inviting, making it a great spot to enjoy a quick meal.
On sunny days, I love to take advantage of their outdoor seating area, complete with umbrellas for shade.
The food is not only affordable, but it's also absolutely delicious.
I've tried a variety of sandwiches from their extensive menu, and I have yet to be disappointed.
One of my favorites is the Swamp Thing, which never fails to impress with its unique flavor combination.
My partner, on the other hand, loves the Buffalo sandwich, which can be customized by swapping the blue cheese dressing for chipotle mayo.
Ineffable Brewing Company
As someone who enjoys exploring local breweries, I was thrilled when I discovered Ineffable Brewing Company.
The atmosphere is fantastic, and the beer selection is excellent.
Although I didn't get a chance to try the food menu on my first visit, it looked quite appetizing, and I'm looking forward to returning and trying some of their dishes in the future.
One of the things that set Ineffable Brewing apart from other breweries is the comfortable outdoor space that allows patrons to enjoy the good weather while sipping on their tasty brews.
It's such a fun and inviting place to stop by for a drink with friends or family.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to try their delicious hazy IPA while my partner enjoyed a sour beer.
We also shared some appetizers, like the bone-in wings with homemade ranch dressing, which were absolutely amazing.
The kids' fish sticks and fries were also a hit with our little ones.
Bricksworth Beer Co.
One of my favorite spots to hang out in town is Bricksworth Beer Co.
The beer menu is always plentiful, and their Detroit-style pizza is the perfect combination of cheesy and delicious.
Last Friday, I took my family there for dinner, and even my 5-year-old loved the "upside-down pizza"!
The space is huge, and they have a ton of seating options, making it an ideal spot for large groups.
Plus, it's family-friendly, so I never have to worry about bringing my kids along.
On our last visit, I tried their dark Czech lager, which I highly recommend.
One thing I love about Bricksworth is their commitment to quality ingredients.
The hand-cut fries and sausage crumbles on their pizzas are amazing.
Luvifood
The other day, I stumbled upon Luvifood, a Venezuelan restaurant in the neighborhood, and decided to give it a try with some friends.
I must say, I was absolutely delighted with the scrumptious food and the friendly service we received.
Being a huge fan of arepas, I ordered one stuffed with well-seasoned meat and lots of cheese.
It didn't disappoint!
My friends and I also shared a Venezuelan hotdog, which was quite flavorful, though a bit messy to eat, and some Tequenos - cheese-filled bread with delicious cilantro and garlic sauce for dipping.
The Tequenos was definitely my favorite!
A friend of mine, who had lived in Venezuela for some time, brought her family along, and they enjoyed a variety of dishes, including Venezuelan hamburgers, arepas with different fillings, and a parrilla platter featuring grilled chicken, beef, and chorizo sausage.
They also tried some tequeños and empanadas, which they loved when dipped in the Ajo (garlic) sauce. For drinks, they had a Frescolita, a cherry soft drink, and some Maltas, a fizzy non-alcoholic barley drink.
Olivia's Organic Café
I finally made time to visit Olivia's Organic Café last week after hearing about it for a few years.
As someone with a gluten-free sister, it was a breath of fresh air to walk into a restaurant where everything on the menu was safe for her to eat.
The bakery section caught my eye, and I must say, their cinnamon roll was amazing.
My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our meals.
I particularly liked the chicken salad, which they generously offered to serve over mixed greens instead of the usual bread sandwich.
It was a simple yet delightful change that elevated my experience to a whole new level.
The chicken salad itself was out of this world and definitely, something to write home about.
On a separate occasion, I visited Olivia's for takeout and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly my order was ready.
Their creamy chicken soup had a fantastic blend of herbs and ingredients that worked well together.
The kids' pancakes were soft and delightful, melting in the mouth.
J's Restaurant
Just last week, I decided to revisit one of my favorite spots in town, J's Restaurant.
This enduring mom-and-pop diner never fails to impress me with its unpretentious setting and homestyle American fare.
Whenever I dine here, I always feel like I'm part of their family.
I opted for their eggs Benedict, and as always, it was delicious with nice crisp hash browns and plenty of sauce.
My friend who went with me tried their pancakes, and although they tasted a bit charred, the overall experience was still delightful.
One of the many reasons I keep coming back to J's is their friendly service – it’s a breath of fresh air in today's fast-paced world.
The prices are affordable, and the food is always served hot and quick.
Saigon Palace Restaurant
I have been a fan of Saigon Palace Restaurant for over a year now, and it has become my go-to spot for delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
The low-key space is located in my neighborhood, and it offers a fantastic range of traditional dishes like vermicelli noodles and fried rice.
You can check out their menu and location on their website.
The food at Saigon Palace is always prepared fast, and the flavors are simply on point.
The customer service is great, too, making every visit a pleasant experience.
As someone who loves trying different dishes, I highly recommend their egg rolls - they are flaky and crispy on the outside, perfectly seasoned, and without an excess of cabbage or noodles, which is a characteristic I love about Vietnamese egg rolls.
Another thing that sets Saigon Palace apart from other restaurants is their incredibly fast table service.
I still remember the time when I ordered the house's special egg rolls, and in less than a minute, they were already at my table! It was unbelievable.
The house special pho is also a must-try - it’s the best I’ve ever had.
Tavern 13
Oh wow, I just had the most amazing time at Tavern 13 last night!
As a resident of this town, it's always a delight to stumble upon hidden gems like this one.
The food, though simple, was absolutely delicious.
You can never go wrong with some tasty wings on a night out, and their dry rub wings definitely hit the spot.
The blue cheese dip was the perfect complement to those juicy wings.
I also heard they host a free poker tournament, which adds to the lively atmosphere and small-town feel.
One of the things I love most about Tavern 13 is the cozy ambiance.
There's so much to look at, and you can tell that each little piece of decoration has a story behind it.
It feels like a place where everyone knows each other, and that's something I truly appreciate.
Creek Hardwood Grill
Last week, my friends and I decided to have dinner at Porter Creek Hardwood Grill, and I must say, it did not disappoint!
As soon as we entered, we were impressed by the contemporary setting and the warm ambiance.
We opted to sit outside on their magnificent patio, surrounded by beautiful landscaping and a soothing fountain.
Our appetizer, the artichoke dip with pita, was simply mouthwatering.
It had the perfect balance of richness and flavor.
For my main course, I had the Herb Crusted Hanger Steak, cooked rare, and it was honestly one of the best steaks I've ever had.
It literally melted in my mouth!
My friend tried their Salmon dish, and she couldn't stop raving about how perfectly cooked it was.
We also tried their innovative cocktails, with the Blueberry Basil Lemonade being a standout favorite – it had just the right amount of tartness.
The Buzz Coffee & Cafe
Ever since I discovered The Buzz Coffee & Cafe in a strip mall in Burnsville, it has become my go-to spot for breakfast and coffee.
As someone who loves waffles, their extensive menu of unique and creative waffle options is a dream come true.
From the cookie dough waffle to the savory bacon, jalapeno, and chocolate chip waffle, the flavors never disappoint.
My friends and I can't get enough of this place!
The Buzz definitely caters to different dietary needs, offering vegan and gluten-free options as well.
My personal favorite has to be the Vegan Cheezy Spinach waffle - it's incredibly crunchy and savory!
Aside from the waffles, their egg sandwiches are also a must-try, and their coffee is always top-notch.
JL Beers Burnsville
One of my all-time favorite places to grab a bite and a beer is JL Beers Burnsville.
Their pub-style burgers are fantastic and paired with their creative topping combos, it's always a treat.
The craft beer selection is impressive, and you'll always find something new and exciting to try.
The atmosphere is relaxed, which makes it a great spot to hang out with friends or unwind after work.
I particularly enjoy their outdoor seating area when the weather is nice. Although the inside is a bit small and not very wheelchair-friendly, the outdoor seating is perfect for those with mobility issues.
The food never disappoints – it's always hot and delicious.
I'm a big fan of their Great American Cheese Burger and the fresh-cut fries and chips.
I've also noticed they offer a few more chicken options at the Burnsville location, which is great for variety.
Jensen's Cafe
One of my favorite spots to grab breakfast in town is Jensen's Cafe.
This casual, cozy cafe is known for its all-day breakfast menu, and let me tell you, it's worth every bit of praise it receives.
With outdoor seating available, it is the perfect spot to meet up with a friend or take the family for a delicious start to the day.
I've tried just about everything on the menu, and I can't get enough of their stuffed French toast.
The fluffy, warm French toast is filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients, and I'm always torn between which one to order.
The savory American potatoes and cheesy hash browns are also a must-try.
The cafe is quite popular, so there's usually a bit of a wait, especially on weekends.
But trust me, it's worth it!
The service is always friendly, and the portions are generous.
I also appreciate the quaint, homey atmosphere of the place, which adds to the overall experience.
Cam Ranh Bay Restaurant
Whenever I'm craving Vietnamese cuisine, my go-to place is Cam Ranh Bay Restaurant.
This simple, unpretentious restaurant in Burnsville has been a family favorite for years, and it never disappoints.
The dining room may not be fancy, but it's always comfortable and clean, making it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.
One of the highlights of Cam Ranh Bay is their amazing egg rolls, which I believe are some of the best in the Twin Cities.
I have been known to visit the restaurant just for these crispy, flavorful treats, filled with pork and vegetables and served with a delicious fish sauce for dipping.
Their menu is extensive, offering a variety of meat and vegetable dishes, and there's something for everyone, no matter your taste preferences.
My personal favorite is the "Hot & Spicy Chicken," which, despite its name, isn't too spicy.
Chianti Grill Italian Restaurant
I recently visited Chianti Grill with my partner, and we were blown away by the delightful dining experience!
The spacious contemporary interior had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which made our dinner even more enjoyable.
I couldn't decide between a couple of flatbreads, but they nailed my request to add double caramelized onions to the Margherita flatbread - it was phenomenal!
My partner had the steak chimichurri, and they prepared it perfectly for him, as he requested his steak to be done medium.
We couldn't resist having dessert, and the tiramisu did not disappoint. P
aired with a coffee, it was not overly sweet, and the texture was so smooth and creamy.
Lunds & Byerlys Burnsville
Just last week, I had to run some errands and decided to stop by Lunds & Byerlys Burnsville for some grocery shopping.
I needed to pick up a few things for dinner and hopefully find a surprise birthday cake and cupcakes for my partner.
As I entered the store, I was impressed by the variety of essential oils and the fresh, vibrant flowers on display.
While I was shopping, I decided to check out their meat department as I had heard great things about their freshness and flavor.
I decided to grab some cheese from their fantastic selection before heading to the drive-thru pickup.
Other Restaurants Nearby
Sambosa Restaurant
I happened to discover Sambosa Restaurant quite recently, and I must say it was a delightful experience for my family and me.
We walked into the place, and it was quiet and clean, with a simple but welcoming interior.
My kids and I loved the goat meat and rice with extra green sauce, which was incredibly flavorful and tender.
We also tried the ground beef samosas for the first time, and they were yummy!
My partner, who's usually very particular about the food she eats, was also quite impressed with the samosas.
What made our experience even more memorable was when they offered us a complimentary tea, which was absolutely delicious.
Jensen's Food & Cocktails
One of my favorite spots in town has got to be Jensen's Food & Cocktails.
Whenever my family and I are in the mood for a delicious meal and a lively atmosphere, this is our go-to place.
The moment you walk in, you're greeted with the aroma of freshly baked popovers with honey butter.
Trust me, they're just as mouth-watering as they sound!
Jensen's is known for its classic steak and seafood dishes, and they never disappoint.
My personal favorite is the lobster mac n cheese – it's simply divine.
The lobster bisque also gets my seal of approval.
And if you're in the mood for some surf and turf, you can't go wrong with their snow crab legs and sirloin.
Southern Social
I had been eagerly waiting for Southern Social to open and finally got the chance to check it out recently.
The moment I entered, I felt the lively atmosphere and friendly vibe.
I started off with the pork belly burnt end and a few old fashions, and I must say, they didn't disappoint.
As a fan of Southern cuisine, I was blown away by the shrimp and grits.
The shrimp were seasoned just right, and the cheesy grits were incredibly satisfying.
I also tried the jambalaya, which was packed with flavorful meat and a pleasant heat.
Their menu had so many dishes I wanted to try that it was hard deciding, but I know I'll be back for more.
D. Fong's Chinese Cuisine
I recently decided to give D. Fong's Chinese Cuisine in Savage a try for dinner.
The family-owned restaurant offers a cozy, relaxed atmosphere which was quite welcoming.
When I arrived, I was greeted and seated quickly, and the service throughout the meal was fast and attentive.
The prices on the menu were reasonable, too.
The Chicken Chow Mein was yummy and lived up to the version served at the original David Fongs.
I've heard that the Sesame Chicken at D. Fong's is also fantastic, so I might give that a try next time.
El Parian Mexican Restaurant
One day, while I was looking for a new place to have lunch, I stumbled upon El Parian Mexican Restaurant in Savage.
From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat.
They started me off with some warm chips and salsa, which was absolutely delicious.
The salsa had a bit of a sweet kick to it, but I appreciated the unique flavor.
The menu had a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes to choose from, but I ultimately decided on lobster and shrimp enchiladas.
When my meal arrived, I was blown away by the presentation and how hot the food was.
The enchiladas were nothing short of fantastic, and the rice served with it was equally delightful.
Final Thoughts
I can't stress enough how much Burnsville has to offer when it comes to dining experiences.
With a diverse range of flavors, you'll never run out of options to satisfy your cravings!
From exceptional sushi at Kazoku Japanese Restaurant to the mouthwatering sandwiches at Blue Ox Sandwich Factory, there's truly something for everyone.
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