15 Best Restaurants in Eden Prairie, MN
This article was written by local contributor Albert Meyer & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Growing up in Eden Prairie, I've had the pleasure of sampling the diverse culinary scene that this charming Minnesota city has to offer.
From cozy neighborhood cafes to upscale dining experiences, there's something here for every taste and occasion.
Over the years, I've discovered some true gems that I simply can't keep to myself.
So, join me as I share the best restaurants in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where you'll not only savor delicious flavors, but also make memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Smokin Hottdish
I absolutely love stopping by Smokin Hottdish whenever I'm in town.
I remember the first time I went there with my partner; I had the crab cake po boy, and she had a chicken wrap.
We also ordered tator tots with dill pickle seasoning and a side of ranch.
Everything was just perfect!
The po boy melted in my mouth, and the chipotle sauce on my partner's wrap was divine.
Another time, we picked up their Easter dinner special, which was advertised to feed 8-10 people.
However, my family of five ended up getting three meals out of it, with seconds!
We loved everything – the brisket and glazed ham were amazing, the mac & cheese was over the top, the dirty rice was a game-changer, the firecracker green beans were a hit with my youngest daughter, and those honey butter biscuits were finger-licking good!
The first time I tried their fries and cheese curds, they were crunchy and freshly prepared.
Kuubs Modern Mediterranean
I recently discovered a gem in my neighborhood called Kuubs Modern Mediterranean, and I simply can't get enough of their delicious food!
As soon as you walk in, you'll notice the bright and fresh atmosphere, with a beautiful display of fresh and enticing veggies behind the counter.
I've tried several dishes here, and they never disappoint.
Last time I went, I had the gyro and the chicken kabob gyro, each with french fries, and a side of hummus.
The pita bread was incredibly soft, the Tzatziki sauce was full of flavor, and the meat was perfectly seasoned.
The hummus was rich and topped with seasoned onions which I ended up taking home for leftovers.
The menu also offers several vegetarian options if you're into that.
Bo Diddley's
I recently visited Bo Diddley's after hearing so much about their amazing sandwiches and soups.
Let me tell you, it lived up to the hype!
I ordered a 1/3 size corned beef and a 1/2 size roast beef sandwich, and one of their soups of the day, a roasted red pepper.
Everything was incredibly fresh - from the bread to the lettuce to the meat.
The flavor of the oil they use just added an extra zing to the sandwiches!
I've been to Bo Diddley's a couple of times now, and each visit has been fantastic.
The sandwiches are massive and super filling - I usually order a whole and either split it with someone or save the rest for later.
Their soups are equally delicious, and the Italian sandwich has quickly become my favorite.
I'd highly recommend this place if you're looking for an affordable, quick, and satisfying meal.
When I visited the deli at 5:30 PM, there was no wait, and I was welcomed with a smile.
Plus, they offer a great variety of chips to choose from, unlike some other sandwich places.
I'm honestly surprised this place isn't busier, considering how good the food and service are.
Crumb Gourmet Deli
One of my favorite places to grab a quick and delicious lunch in the area is Crumb Gourmet Deli.
Their menu has a great variety of cold and hot sandwiches, wraps, and salads, which means there's always something new to try.
Plus, I appreciate that they include a side with every sandwich, with options like fruit, mac & cheese, and chips.
Crumb's prices are fair and even cheaper than Panera, and I have to say, the quality is even better.
They have a few outdoor tables and plenty of indoor seating, making it a comfortable spot to sit down and enjoy a meal.
I've tried the half sandwich and soup combo, with the Filmore sandwich and wild rice soup, both of which were absolutely delicious.
As a local, I've also heard fantastic reviews about their catering service for events.
Their house salad with pears, craisins, and balsamic dressing is one of my favorite menu items, and the Balsamic Chicken sandwich is another winner.
Detello's Pizza & Pasta
A few friends and I decided to visit Detello's Pizza & Pasta for a casual dinner, and I must say, it was a great decision.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a family-run vibe that makes you feel right at home.
As for the food, I decided to try the Alfredo Chicken Garlic thin crust pizza, and it was absolutely delicious!
My friends were also extremely satisfied with their orders, and one of them even mentioned that the 10-inch pizza was perfect for a single serving.
The crispy crust of the pizza was particularly memorable.
TequeArepa
As a resident in the area, I've had the pleasure of trying out various Latin American cuisines, and I must say, TequeArepa has introduced me to the delicious flavors of Venezuelan food.
Their service also sets them apart and contributes to the overall amazing experience.
Now, let's talk about the food!
I ordered two vegetarian arepas, one vegan and one with cheese, along with a side of yuca.
The wait was a bit longer than usual, but that's only because they prepare everything fresh, so it's definitely worth it.
The taste of the arepas was simply delightful, and I couldn't help but give them a 5-star rating in every category: taste, ambiance, quantity, vegan/veg options, and value for money.
But that's not all - I've been back several times since my first visit, and I can attest to the consistency of the food and service.
I always get the pernil arepa with added onions and avocado, and pair it with their garlic and hot sauce - trust me, it's a must-try!
I've also ordered a cachapa made with their homemade Venezuelan cheese and pork, which was pure perfection.
And let's not forget about their scrumptious tres leches dessert.
HAVEN Asian Eatery
I discovered HAVEN Asian Eatery quite unexpectedly, but it turned out to be a fantastic find in the neighborhood!
Upon entering, I was greeted with warm hospitality that made me feel right at home.
The food was a bit on the sweeter side for my taste, but it was still quite enjoyable.
As someone who appreciates authentic "wok hei" in Chinese dishes, I was pleased to find it here.
The portion sizes were substantial – in fact, I had to take some leftovers home, which made for a delicious lunch the following day.
On my next visit, I plan to try their curry dishes, which I've heard great things about.
One thing that stood out to me about HAVEN Asian Eatery was their excellent service.
Lions Tap
I've been going to Lions Tap for years now, and it has never disappointed me.
The atmosphere is always fun, and the food is just divine.
Whenever I visit Lions Tap, I usually start with a double bacon cheeseburger with extra pickles and a side of fries.
After I've enjoyed that, I end my meal on a high note with a single mushroom swiss burger with bacon and, of course, extra pickles.
Most of the time, I wash it all down with an ice-cold Dr. Pepper.
What I love about this place is that they keep it simple.
There's no need for a fancy menu or an extensive beer selection – just perfectly seasoned, juicy burgers served on the most delicious buns.
Punch Pizza Eden Prairie
The other day I decided to treat myself to some delicious pizza at Punch Pizza Eden Prairie, and I have to say, it was a fantastic experience!
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy some delicious Neapolitan pizza.
I opted for one of their wood-fired Neapolitan pies and was absolutely blown away by the taste.
The sauce was incredibly fresh, with pureed tomatoes that tasted like they were just picked from the vine.
The wood-fired crust added a unique and authentic flavor that I just can't find anywhere else.
I also tried a slice of their gluten-free crust, and I was amazed at how tasty it was!
I couldn't help but overhear a family sitting nearby, who had brought their Italian exchange student to Punch Pizza.
Watching her enjoy the pizza with a huge smile on her face only solidified my belief that this pizzeria is the real deal when it comes to authentic and delicious Italian pizza.
Even their To Go service is impressive, which I've used on busy nights when I just want to enjoy their scrumptious pizza at home.
Smith Coffee & Cafe
I absolutely love spending my mornings or afternoons at Smith Coffee & Cafe.
It's a quaint and cozy bakery that offers a variety of delicious Euro-style breads, pastries, coffee drinks, sandwiches, and soups.
The ambiance is perfect for both casual meet-ups with friends and focused work sessions on my laptop.
One of my favorite things to do is to grab a cinnamon roll or a piece of monkey bread and enjoy it while sitting on their front patio or in their beautiful hosta trails at the back.
The outdoor seating area is especially nice during the summer months when the sun is shining and the weather is warm.
During the winter months, I love to cozy up inside with a hot cup of coffee.
One of my go-to menu items is their Green Goddess sandwich – it's simply delicious!
Additionally, they host great events like pizza and wine nights that are worth checking out.
Baker's Ribs
Just the other day, I decided to visit Baker's Ribs again, since it's been quite some time since my last visit.
As soon as I parked my car, the mouthwatering aroma of barbecue welcomed me.
Upon entering, the sight of their massive 12-foot long blackened smoker, fed with logs all night long, only heightened my sense of excitement and anticipation.
I opted for a full rack of dry ribs without any sauce or sides.
When my order arrived, I couldn't believe the size and quality of the ribs!
Each tender piece was individually cut, making it so much easier to enjoy.
I couldn't resist their spicy BBQ sauce for dipping though, as the taste is just the right balance of tangy and not too sweet, with a subtle hint of heat.
Most people prefer getting takeout, but I found the seating area to be more than adequate for a casual meal.
Chalet Pizza
One of my favorite places to grab a pizza in Eden Prairie has to be Chalet Pizza.
Over the past 12 years, I've been here countless times, and it never disappoints.
They used to be located just outside of downtown Hopkins before relocating to Eden Prairie a few years ago.
It's an enduring counter-serve pizza joint that specializes in thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pies, and it's cash-only, which gives it that classic, old-school pizza joint vibe.
The crust on their pizzas is amazing – thin and crispy, just the way I like it.
They top it with high-quality cheeses and meats, and everything is always perfectly cooked.
The best part?
You have to call in your order, just like the good old days.
No online ordering here, which just adds to the charm.
Eden Vietnamese Restaurant
Whenever I'm in the mood for some traditional Vietnamese cuisine, I head over to Eden Vietnamese Restaurant.
This cash-only eatery is open only on weekdays, making it a perfect lunch spot for me and my coworkers.
One of my favorite things about this restaurant is its unpretentious atmosphere, allowing me to enjoy my meal without any distractions.
Their egg rolls are a strong favorite of mine.
Every time my family or friends visit, I make sure to take them to Eden Vietnamese for a meal.
My dad, in particular, has been a huge fan of this place for the last 24 years and can't stop raving about the egg rolls and shrimp toast, which is available only on Fridays.
He's not usually a fan of shrimp, but he can't resist the shrimp toast from Eden Vietnamese.
But what really keeps me coming back is their lo mein.
It's always perfectly cooked with just the right balance of flavors, and the portion sizes are generous, making it easy to share with others or save some for later.
Whenever I get the chance, I also try their beef and potatoes, which is always a hit among my friends.
Jet's Pizza
I have to admit, I'm a bit of a pizza connoisseur, and when I first tried Jet's Pizza in Eden Prairie, I was hooked!
Their Detroit style deep dish crust is a game-changer – it's crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and oh-so-delicious.
One of my favorite things to do is grab their lunch special, which includes a couple of slices and a drink.
And let me tell you, if you haven't tried their turbo crust, you're missing out.
It adds a whole new level of flavor to the already scrumptious pizza.
Nautical Bowls
I've always heard good things about Nautical Bowls, so I recently decided to take a walk and finally stop by to try it out.
Turns out, it was a great and dangerous idea at the same time.
The food is fantastic, but the dangerous part is how close I live to this location.
In less than three days, I went there twice and tried different flavors.
My first time, I had the traditional açaí (anchor bowl), and it was pretty good.
The second time, I opted for the big island, which was so delicious and refreshing at the same time.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical of trying so many new flavors and different things that I've never had before, but I'm happy I tried them, and I loved it!
Another great thing about Nautical Bowls is the build-your-own option, where I can pick exactly what I want.
The fruit selection is always ripe and flavorful, and the base blends are delicious.
Final Thoughts
Eden Prairie offers a diverse and flavorful dining scene that I've had the pleasure of exploring and enjoying throughout my time living here.
From the mouthwatering barbecue at Smokin Hottdish to the authentic
Don't forget to end your night with a tasty treat at Nautical Bowls or a perfectly brewed cup of coffee at Smith Coffee & Cafe.
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