With more than 60,000 people, Woodbury, Minnesota is a bustling suburb of both St. Paul and Minneapolis. In the past few years, this family-friendly neighborhood has grown quickly, in part because of the arrival of large companies and great school districts.
Woodbury also has a lively and varied restaurant scene, with everything from traditional steakhouses to places serving exotic foods from around the world. There are many great choices for every taste and price, from quick bites to fancy places to celebrate an event.
There are 13 of the best and most popular restaurants in Woodbury that we will talk about in this piece. For each entry, you’ll find important details like the type of food served, the price range, what makes the place unique, the signature dishes, and more. You can use this guide to find the best places to eat in Woodbury, whether you live there or are just going through.
All of these places were chosen based on reviews from other customers, suggestions from locals, awards and honors, and personal dining experiences in Woodbury. Each entry promises tasty food in a nice space, making it great for date nights, family get-togethers, or any other event.
1. Porter’s Five and Ten
Porter’s, which is named after the famous dining cars of American’s “golden age” of rail travel, wants to bring fancy meals on wheels to a cozy Woodbury restaurant. They use the market to decide what kinds of New American dishes to serve. Some examples are pot roast, shrimp and grits, bourbon-glazed fish, and chicken alfredo bucatini.
See Also: 15 Best Mexican Restaurants In Temecula, CA – Best Places To Eat
After a hearty meal, save room for desserts like their famous salted caramel cake. There are touches of old-fashioned decor, exposed brick, a fancy bar lounge, and sometimes live music that bring out the speakeasy theme from the Prohibition era. Porter’s is popular with locals for small get-togethers or big family meals because it has a classy but casual vibe.
2. La Familia
People in the neighborhood love La Familia because they serve freshly made Mexican food in big amounts. From the mild, hearty salsas to the tangy citrus marinades, all of their meals are made from scratch and are bursting with real flavors. The sizzling fajitas, loaded burritos, mole sauce with lots of different textures, and combination plates like the Yucatan Special with a tamale, taco, beans, and rice are some of the dishes that guests love the most.
Most people come here for the food, but you’ll also enjoy the warm, lively atmosphere and helpful service. La Familia is a great place to hang out with family or friends because the prices are fair. It will be busy during busy times.
3. Biella’s Italian Restaurant
People in the neighborhood love La Familia because they serve freshly made Mexican food in big amounts. From the mild, hearty salsas to the tangy citrus marinades, all of their meals are made from scratch and are bursting with real flavors. The sizzling fajitas, loaded burritos, mole sauce with lots of different textures, and combination plates like the Yucatan Special with a tamale, taco, beans, and rice are some of the dishes that guests love the most.
Most people come here for the food, but you’ll also enjoy the warm, lively atmosphere and helpful service. La Familia is a great place to hang out with family or friends because the prices are fair. It will be busy during busy times.
4. Blend
Blend has one of the best wine and cocktail lists in Woodbury and serves fresh New American food. It has a fine dining feel without being too stuffy. On their menu, you can find everything from grilled scallops to braised short ribs to wild mushroom risotto, with creative sauces and sides to go with each dish.
The sleek, modern interior creates a stylish yet cozy atmosphere, whether you’re in the dining room, the bar, or the patio. Even though the prices are higher here than at other high-end restaurants in the Twin Cities, they are still fair for special occasions. People who like to try new things will enjoy Chef Wyatt’s tasting menus, which go well with wine or craft drinks.
5. Woodbury Grill
Classifying itself as an upscale sports bar, Woodbury Grill offers full-on comfort food in indulgent portions. Their scratch menu focuses on American favorites like juicy burgers, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, crispy chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese skillets, and baskets of fried shrimp or chicken tenders.
With plenty of screens everywhere, Woodbury Grill provides a lively atmosphere for catching any sports game. Enjoy your food inside the bustling dining room or on their dog-friendly patio. Happy hour deals, late night menus, and weekly specials make this a popular neighborhood hangout any day of the week. Families will also feel right at home here.
6. 1958 – A Neighborhood Diner
As you may guess from the name, 1958 aims to emulate a classic 1950’s-style diner – albeit with better food and some contemporary twists. Diners will find familiar options like deli sandwiches, burgers, pot roasts, fried chicken, meatloaf, and blue plate specials across the lengthy menu.
Daily breakfasts bring out the best pancakes, eggs benedict, and bottomless coffee. Those with a bigger appetite can try the “Minnesota Big” options topping 2 pounds! Despite the nostalgic theme, 1958 incorporates gluten free, vegetarian, and healthy menu items as well. No matter when you visit, the service stays friendly, swift, and accommodating.
7. ANDO Fusion Cuisine
With its sleek styling and creative menus, ANDO brings an upscale and modern dining experience unlike anywhere else in Woodbury. As the name suggests, diners can expect an artful fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisines with other pan-Asian influences. That means diners can enjoy sushi, bibimbap, bulgogi, ramen, and Vietnamese pho all under one roof.
The extensive sushi menu dazzles with specialty rolls like the Caterpillar (eel, avocado) and Samurai (spicy tuna, cucumber). Traditional hot pot dishes allow ingredients to cook at your table in steaming broths. Lunch and happy hour specials allow you to sample ANDO’s creative cuisine at a bargain. Expect an energetic ambiance and vibrant, contemporary décor.
8. Balkan Treat Box
This order-at-the-counter eatery provides a mouthwatering taste of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean right in the heart of Woodbury. Their specialty is Somun sandwiches packed with flavorful Balkan meats like cevapi sausage and leskovački sausage. Other highlights include hearty plates featuring Romanian mititei, stuffed peppers, baklava, and best of all – crispy Jufka chips.
The efficient counter-service setup allows diners to select standard items or daily rotating specials listed on boards up front. While Balkan Treat Box may be casual, their perfected recipes draw out complex flavors in ways you won’t find elsewhere nearby. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, this is a crave-worthy destination for adventurous food lovers on a budget.
9. Fuji Ya
Consistently rated as one of the best sushi restaurants in the entire Twin Cities metro, Fuji Ya brings elegant Japanese dining to Woodbury’s CityPlace development. Step inside the relaxed contemporary interior and you’ll discover pristine fish imported directly from Japan. Their sushi chefs apply precision and artistry to every special roll and sashimi platter.
Beyond sushi, Fuji Ya offers cooked Japanese entrees like hibachi noodles, teriyaki dishes, tempura, and steaming hot pots. Extensive options are available for vegan diners as well. For a modern, upscale Japanese meal in Woodbury, nowhere else compares to Fuji Ya. Be sure to make reservations if visiting during peak times.
10. Mancini’s Char House
People who live in the Twin Cities know about Mancini’s, a famous steakhouse that opened in St. Paul in 1948. Carnivores love their perfectly cooked steaks made with wild game like bison and house-aged USDA prime cuts. On the menu, you can also find seafood like giant prawns and lobster tails.
Hearty cuts go well with sides like au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. The red leather booths, white tablecloths, and professional waitstaff all give off an old-school feel. A romantic dinner or a special event would be perfect in a room with dim lighting. Mancini’s Woodbury site has been satisfying steak lovers for over 20 years with their classic charm.
See Also: 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Beaufort (SC)
11. Tavern 4&5
Woodbury residents love Tavern 4&5 for its perfectly prepared main courses and casual atmosphere where they can enjoy high-end pub food that is found locally. The menu is mostly made up of comfort foods that people are used to, but they are served in creative ways that use local products. You can get Minnesota craft beers on tap to go with your chicken and waffles, bison burgers, wild rice meatballs, or a spiced tempeh reuben.
The interior’s rustic-industrial style makes it a comfortable spot to watch the game or hang out with friends. During the warmer months, get a spot on their porch by the creek. Families and adults alike like the deals during happy hour, the brunch drinks, and the live music nights that happen often. Tavern 4&5 is a reliable neighborhood favorite because it serves good food without any pretense.
12. The Boathouse
The first place on our list is a fancy but friendly fine eating spot with a view of the beautiful Woodbury waterway. The Boathouse has won a lot of praise for its great seasonal New American food, especially its steak and fish dishes.
There is a beautiful nautical theme inside, and people can eat seafood risotto, filet mignon, sesame roasted tuna, and fresh fish that is caught every day. There is also a long list of wines that are specially chosen to go with fish. Ask for a table on the deck outside for the best view. Overall, The Boathouse is one of the best places in Woodbury to eat for a special event.
Conclusion
There are great places to eat in Woodbury for every taste, mood, and price, from global ethnic flavors to juicy steaks to pub food that you can’t stop thinking about. People in this suburb have welcomed new restaurants like Porter’s Five and Ten, ANDO Fusion, Balkan Treat Box, and others that have opened recently and changed the way people eat. At the same time, restaurants that have been around for a long time, like The Boathouse, Biella’s, Fuji Ya, and Mancini’s Char House, continue to amaze customers.
Woodbury has become an underrated dining spot in the Twin Cities metro area thanks to its wide range of unique restaurants that all serve delicious, made-from-scratch food and have cozy atmospheres. The top 13 places listed here are sure to have something that appeals to you, whether you’re looking for a fancy night out or just a quick dinner during the week. Just come hungry and ready to find the gems that people in your area love.