Best Casual Restaurants in Albert Lea

Price

€€
€€€
€€€€

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

FargoTwin Cities / MinneapolisTwin Cities / Northern SuburbsTwin Cities / Southern SuburbsTwin Cities / St. PaulTwin Cities / Western Suburbs

Areas

BloomingtonBurnsvilleCalhoun IslesDowntown / Loring ParkDowntown / Mill DistrictDowntown / North Loop

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

114 restaurants available nearby

1. Billy Sushi

4.9

Exceptional(66)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Downtown / North Loop

There are ninety-nine different ways to write “sushi” in the Japanese script of kanji. Each with its own unique interpretation and meaning. It was with great deliberation that our founder, Billy, chose 寿司 to best represent his personal interpretation of the word - Celebration of Fish!That’s exactly how Billy feels about the art of making sushi and the atmosphere that surrounds it - it should be a celebration! Which is why Billy Sushi is more than just a restaurant, it is an experience for anyone who allows themselves to take part. A three-ring performance of sorts - sushi bar, sake bar and dining room - brought to life by the performances of sushi chefs, bartenders and servers. And the Ring Master and your host, Billy.

A photo of Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis restaurant

2. Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

4.6

Exceptional(5770)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 135 times today

Comfort food with an upscale twist...In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, appropriately located in a beautiful underground space, you'll discover Hell's Kitchen, an employee-owned restaurant known for its damn good food. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks 7 days a week, and enjoy REAL comfort food made by chefs who care, described by food writers as "unique but not fancy; interesting but not fussy". Almost everything is made from scratch, from our award-winning peanut butter to our unique dips and dressings, winning us over 67 "best" awards as well as accolades in Gourmet Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Midwest Living, and other national magazines. And bring the kids along... you should see the cheeky notes they write to us!"Rather than rave on, let us just say if you're in Minnesota and want to wow your tastebuds, go to Hell's Kitchen. It is inspired and inspiring." (Jane & Michael Stern, NPR)

3. Young Joni

4.8

Exceptional(867)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Northeast Minneapolis

Booked 62 times today

Young Joni is James Beard award-winning chef Ann Kim's restaurant located in the Arts District of Northeast Minneapolis. The menu is inspired by wood fire cooking and features an array of globally influenced dishes and signature pizzas. Dining Room reservations are offered for dinner and weekend brunch; walk-ins are available at our bar and community table.Young Joni is the recipient of 2019's James Beard Award for "Best Chef Midwest"; it has been featured in the New York Times and Vogue, and on Netflix's "Chef's Table: Pizza." Tucked discreetly behind Young Joni is the back bar, serving full and no-proof craft cocktails and pizzas in a warm, analog setting. Esquire named it one of 2019's Best Bars in America and Eater called it an "Essential Minneapolis Bar." Walk down the alley alongside Young Joni and look for the red light; when the light is on, the back bar is open!

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

4. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(5274)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Café and Bar Lurcat, located next to Loring Park, is a hip, urban venue that boasts serious food and voguish design. Café Lurcat is a perfect blend of classic old world style with a Noveau twist. The expansive bar and lounge is ideal for casual cocktails and a la carte bites, while the romantic dining room creates the perfect ambiance for an exceptional foodie experience featuring sophisticated comfort food. We offer the perfect event venue for family celebrations, trendy parties, marriages, Bar Mitzvahs, showers, charity events, galas, graduations and black tie events. This iconic Minneapolis restaurant continues to age like a fine wine as it approaches its 20th year.

5. The Copper Hen

4.6

Exceptional(2203)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• American • Whittier

Booked 56 times today

Welcome to the award winning premier farm-to-table restaurant and bakery in Minneapolis! Serving incredible comfort food from scratch - including chicken pot pie, steak, an incredible brunch, Easter brunch, Mother's Day brunch, and more! Enjoy an amazing cocktail list, beer on tap and wines by the bottle and glass. Also, great for large groups.

6. Milwaukee Road

4.0

Excellent(227)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Milwaukee Road at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot is a favorite among guests as well as Twin Cities residents, featuring distinct menus with specialized and local flare. You can always count on Milwaukee Road for a hearty breakfast buffet to start the day, followed by unique regional lunch and dinner entrées.Our chef combines the best of regional culinary specialties with memorable dishes and tempting desserts – any of which pairs beautifully with a selection from our wine list or one of our many regional craft ales. Enjoy your meal in the gorgeous restaurant dining room or our outdoor seasonal patio; you'll find either setting to be warm, welcoming and distinctly Minnesota.

7. noa

4.3

Awesome(169)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Noa, situated in the IDS Center in the heart of Minneapolis, provides guests with chef-crafted dishes in a welcoming and expansive setting. The restaurant exudes a cozy ambiance and vibrant energy, offering a selection of upscale yet accessible menu options. Featuring earthy hues and abundant natural light and greenery, Noa creates a relaxed environment for visitors throughout the year. Additionally, the establishment includes a private dining space for hosting events and is capable of handling large orders and accommodating special requests.

8. Pizzeria Lola

4.8

Exceptional(175)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • South Minneapolis

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 Butcher & the Boar restaurant

9. Butcher & the Boar

4.6

Exceptional(125)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Mill District

We are fine-casual dining with a fire at the core of its heart. Through the smoke and whiskey ashes of the previous iteration which closed its doors in 2020 rises a new haze of smoke and whiskey as we bring back this iconic brand, smoked meats, bourbon, beer, deep hues, and various spaces to a new location in the North Loop. Butcher & The Boar will honor its beloved roots, while spreading new ones in the fresh foundation that will help our guests embark on a journey with notes of nostalgia that carry the torch forward with new tastes and experiences. With immense gratitude, we invite you to Live Full Boar with us.

A photo of Hazelwood Food & Drink - St. Louis Park restaurant

10. Hazelwood Food & Drink - St. Louis Park

4.7

Exceptional(2270)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• American • St. Louis Park

Booked 102 times today

Welcome to Hazelwood Food and Drink in St. Louis Park. A modern New American restaurant serving modern comfort food with a family feel in a bright and contemporary interior with a scratch kitchen that offers wonderful dishes from our rotisserie and wood burning pizza oven, everyone is sure to find a new favorite! We are open 7 days a week with our signature brunch offered on Saturday and Sunday. Hazelwood is the perfect spot for your work meeting, date night, or family outing!We'd love to take care of you.On the go, call us at 952.977.800 for take out.Online reservations available at hazelwoodfoodanddrink.com

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
LynanVIP
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined today
This is a quaint neighborhood restaurant. It has an excellent unique cocktail menu. The dinner menu has a great selection of lite bites and hearty meals. The menu is creative and the portions are large. The staff is very welcoming. There is a laid back but hip vibe. There is also a great selection of wine.
More info
The Copper HenPrice: Moderate• American• Whittier
•
4.6
M
MarekVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is a wonderful restaurant we are going to for 25 years. The food is outstanding ,very predictable, high quality. Service is fantastic. Ross, one of the hosts, is a germ- very kind and helpful.
More info
Cafe Lurcat - MinneapolisPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.7
T
Teresa
Minneapolis - St. Paul •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Enjoyed a few items off the happy hour menu, along with a triple C burger split between my boyfriend and myself. Our friend and birthday boy, Tony enjoyed to Bison Bolognese. Deviled eggs were the star of the show!
More info
Hell's Kitchen MinneapolisPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6
N
Neil
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was amazing! The only thing that I would recommend is more n/a options for drinks and wine.
More info
Billy SushiPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.9
L
Leo
Minneapolis - St. Paul •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 Feb 2025
Our entire experience exceeded expectations…innovative menu was exceptional. Professional staff were gracious, experienced, personable, helpful and knowledgeable. There was tasty music and we could converse and hear. I highly recommend Young Joni for an adventure into fresh dining experience dealt by professional staff.
More info
Young JoniPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Northeast Minneapolis
•
4.8

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