Burnsville
Burnsville is a cute neighborhood south of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Burnsville is proud of its lively food scene, which is home to more than 60,000 people. Burnsville has a wide range of restaurants, from traditional American steakhouses to restaurants serving food from around the world. There is something for every taste and price.
There are many great places to eat in Burnsville, whether you’re a longtime resident looking to try somewhere new or a guest excited to try the flavors of Minnesota. People from Burnsville love the cozy central area where you can find popular cafes, delis, and diners.
If you want to try creative food from around the world, you have to leave downtown. To make sure their customers get the freshest seasonal flavors, many places get their fresh ingredients from local vendors or grow their own gardens. Burnsville’s restaurants offer great food in comfortable settings, from fancy places for a date to casual places for the whole family.
To help you choose where to eat in Burnsville, we’ve put together a list of 12 of the best places that show off the city’s wide range of tastes and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find out what makes each place special, what dishes you shouldn’t miss, and what the atmosphere will be like. Burnsville has a wide range of restaurants, from well-known steakhouses to cozy mom-and-pop shops and unique gastropubs serving food from around the world.
SEE ALSO: 13 Best Restaurants in Pine Bluff, Arkansas
1 .Doolittles Woodfire Grill
From handcut steaks to seafood flown in fresh daily to clever shareable sides and starters, Doolittles Woodfire Grill makes every ingredient shine with creative culinary touches across their contemporary American menu. Steaks star on the menu with eight options including a 48-ounce porterhouse to wow serious carnivores. Beyond beef, you’ll discover diver scallops with a sweet corn purée, miso glazed Alaskan cod over fried rice and other refined yet approachable entrees prepared in their wood oven, on the grill or other scratch preparation methods.
While a classic steakhouse at heart, shareable small plates allow you to sample broader influences from across the globe. Korean fried cauliflower bites into crispy tempura batter coating tender florets while high-low pork nachos pile pulled pork atop fried wonton chips before dousing everything in three cheese sauce—just enough decadence to balance the healthy starters.
Sleek décor with wood accents connects the warm, welcoming vibe to its namesake woodfire grill. Gather at tables or the vast granite-top bar to watch sports on large screen TVs. Out on their year-round patio, strings of lights glowing against twilight resemble a slice of California cool in Burnsville.
2.El Fuego Mexican Grill
The El Fuego Mexican Grill is known for its modern takes on traditional Mexican meals. It serves fresh, made-to-order food in a stylish space. Traditional tacos, fajitas, burritos, and more are made by a chef-driven process at this modern cantina, with a focus on bright tastes and high-quality ingredients. Craft drinks with fresh juices and mixes made in-house add a sophisticated touch.
Unusual taste combinations in appetizers like the skillet queso fundido baked with chorizo show how creative chefs can be. They serve more than just Tex-Mex. The taco ingredients, which include soyrizo, Korean beef bulgogi, and jerk shrimp, show that they have food from all over the world. When you make a burrito bowl, you can choose the base, chicken, toppings, and sauce that you like best. El Fuego Mexican Grill already serves dinner, but now they also serve lunch on the weekends. While you sip a blood orange cocktail, try creative breakfast foods like Mexican chocolate waffles or carnitas hash.
The modern industrial interior of El Fuego is stylish, with artwork, Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and bright tiles. You can expect lively, personalized service that goes well with the menu’s strong flavors whether you sit at the main bar or in a cozy seat.
Don’t miss the Skillet Queso Fundido, Bulgogi Beef Tacos, or the Brunch Burrito with Chorizo.
The atmosphere is modern and stylish, with touches of industrial style.
3.The Lowry Wine Bar and Small Plates Restaurant
The Lowry brings a sleek, sophisticated wine bar vibe to Burnsville, featuring global small plates made for sharing alongside their stellar wine list boasting over 50 selections by the glass. Graze on chef-driven plates showcasing seasonal and regional ingredients as you sip. Favorites include cast iron mussels steamed in savory herb broth, Japanese fried chicken wings with gochujang glaze and spicy tuna tartare tacos stacked on wonton shells.
Their menu focuses primarily on sharable small plates, however heartier dishes like braised short ribs over creamy polenta also make an appearance. With ingredients sourced locally whenever possible and scratch preparation techniques that let flavors shine, The Lowry takes a meticulous approach towards producing creative yet comforting food. Ask their knowledgeable staff to recommend perfect wine pairings with each course.
The chic, low-lit interior lined with wine displays cultivates an urban wine bar ambiance. Gather with friends around the marble-topped bar, sink into a plush booth or relax fireside for an intimate evening out. Their enclosed heated patio allows for al fresco dining during Minnesota’s short summers. Sophisticated with a cozy vibe, The Lowry infuses big-city style into this Burnsville hotspot.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Cast Iron Prince Edward Island Mussels, Miso & Honey Roasted Pork Belly, Cabernet-Braised Short Ribs
Atmosphere: Sleek and upscale wine bar serving sharable small plates
4.Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
Bringing Atlantic City-style Japanese hibachi dining complete with masterful teppanyaki flair to Burnsville families and special occasions, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse dazzles with its dinner spectacle. Watch expert chefs perfectly prepare hibachi specialties like lobster tail, filet mignon and jumbo scallops tableside on large open grills while entertaining you with their egg tosses, onion volcanoes and other tricks. Sakura takes dinner and a show to the next level.
Beyond hibachi, Sakura’s extensive menu encompasses all varieties of Japanese cuisine including sushi rolls and nigiri, ramen bowls, teriyaki bento boxes and ethereal ice cream tempura for dessert. Their sushi chefs artfully construct rolls both classic and creative—you’ll find takes like The Burnsville Roll incorporating fried jalapeños for a touch of heat.
The vibrant dining room incorporates traditional Japanese design elements such as private tatami rooms along with the bustling hibachi seating. With friendly, gracious service, Sakura provides hospitality to match its outstanding quality. For celebrations big and small, Sakura promises a feast for the senses beyond just exceptional flavors—their dazzling chefs put on unforgettable performances sure to delight all in your party.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Seafood Hibachi, The Burnsville Roll: spicy tuna, cucumber, crab stick, avocado, masago, scallion, fried jalapeño, eel sauce
Atmosphere: Vibrant atmosphere with lively entertainment
5.The Borough
Housed in a restored turn-of-the-century building, The Borough brings modern gastropub cuisine focusing on seasonal and regional flavors to an iconic downtown corner. Their menu showcases scratch preparations with creative twists on comfort food favorites along with craft beers and signature cocktails. Weekend brunch features fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes, shakshuka rancheros baked with local eggs and other craveable morning options.
Dinner offerings range from starters like The Borough’s award-winning giant pretzel served with IPA beer cheese fondue to hearty mains such as bison & boar Bolognese simmered with handmade pappardelle pasta. For the quintessential gastropub meal, sink your teeth into their juicy Borough Burger stacked with candied bacon and blue cheese spread.
With relaxed yet lively ambiance indoors at its warmly lit bar and darker wood booths along with covered outdoor patio seating, The Borough works for every occasion from casual happy hour meetups late into the evening as the locale transforms into a sleek downtown lounge.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Giant Soft Pretzel with IPA Beer Cheese Fondue, Borough Burger with Candied Bacon and Blue Cheese Spread, Truffle Parmesan Fries tossed in white truffle oil
Atmosphere: Modern industrial meets small-town charm in this gastropub
6.Lucky’s 13 Pub
As a Burnsville institution for over two decades, Lucky’s 13 Pub serves award-winning pub grub and handcrafted drinks in an enviably expansive two-story space. Fun, contemporary decor sets the scene for a lively night out with Minnesota sports playing on seemingly endless TV screens spread over every inch of wall space. Their menu runs deep with classics like Juicy Lucifer burgers and Irish nachos along with over three-dozen draft handles pouring regional and specialty brews.
While best known for their happy hour specials and late night scene, Lucky’s lunch and dinner services deliver solid renditions of bar bite favorites. Daily lunch specials such as pot roast sandwiches or broasted chicken impress with their generous portions.
Expect heaping helpings whether you order wings by the pound, a mound of haystack onions or their piled-high stuffed burgers. Lucky’s also serves weekend brunch with hearty options like steak and eggs or Captain Crunch French toast to fuel up for a full day out.
Spread out in booths or saddles at their extra-long bar while taking in a game. With pool tables and other amusements, Lucky’s massive space accommodates private parties as easily as it does its bustling daily crowds. The good-times atmosphere matched by friendly service makes Lucky’s a reliable fixture.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Juicy Lucifer Burger with American cheese, fried egg and special sauce, Irish Nachos heaped in corned beef, Whiskey Grilled Salmon brushed with whiskey glaze
Atmosphere: Expansive, lively sports bar and pub
7.Minnesota Barbecue Company
As suggested in the name, smoked meats take center stage at Minnesota Barbecue Company. Pitmaster and owner Dave Holt adheres to Texas-style low-and-slow smoking methods to produce exceptionally juicy, beautifully burnished ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken and sausage seamlessly blended with oak, applewood and hickory smoke. Seasonal specials like smoked turkey around Thanksgiving or St. Louis Ribs in the summer delight barbecue enthusiasts.
Beyond expertly barbecued entrees, Minnesota Barbecue Company plates up classic Southern sides like fluffy cornbread, sweet & tangy bbq beans, creamy coleslaw, crispy onion rings and buttery cornbread. Wash it all down with local craft brews or their signature rhubarb lemonade.
Dine in their laidback dining room decorated with wood accents, license plates and other homey touches or grab your loaded tray to go. Outdoor picnic tables allow for al fresco feasting during warmer months. Owned and operated by award-winning competitive pitmaster Dave Holt, Minnesota Barbecue Company smokes incredibly authentic Southern barbecue done right in Burnsville.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Smoked Brisket Sandwich piled high on a bun, Baby Back Ribs with Sweet & Smokey dry rub, Burnt Ends
Atmosphere: Casual and welcoming, featuring classic barbecue joint décor
8.India Palace
Regarded as one of Minnesota’s finest Indian restaurants, India Palace transports diners to the flavors of Northern and Southern India through fragrant curries, grilled entrees and freshly baked flatbreads. Their scratch kitchen crafts family recipes originating from different Indian states into beautifully spiced, artfully plated dishes. Specializing in Mughlai cuisine which uniquely fuses Indian and Persian elements, India Palace creates refined yet approachable Indian fare.
Begin an Indian feast with crisp samosas or minced lamb kebabs grilled in the tandoor oven. Branch out with rich curries such as scallop coconut korma or a lush chickpea spinach dish flavored with cumin and garlic. Round out your meal with fluffy basmati rice or naan baked by their tandoor masters. For the full experience, opt for the Royal Indian Feast prix-fixe including soup, salad, rice, naan and select curries. Or make reservations for their weekend buffet to sample dozens of India Palace specialties.
An elegant ambience featuring carved woodwork, white linens and traditional Indian music enhances the top-notch cuisine. The knowledgeable staff gladly guide diners through menu items and their heat levels to ensure the best meal. With fine dining attention to every detail of service and cuisine, India Palace ranks among the Twin Cities’ leading Indian establishments.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Baingan Bharta roasted eggplant mash, Royal Feast with select chicken, goat, seafood and vegetarian curries
Atmosphere: Refined and upscale featuring ornate décor
9.The Wild Onion Kitchen and Bar
The Wild Onion brings chef-driven New American fare focusing on seasonal and regional ingredients along with excellent hospitality, to Burnsville in a welcoming upscale-casual setting. Their scratch menu stars appetizers like maple bourbon bacon flatbread baked with havarti and entrees such as cider-brined pork chop with apple raisin chutney. Handcrafted cocktails, a curated beer list and carefully chosen wines further enhance the quality cuisine.
While steaks, seafood and chops make menu appearances, The Wild Onion takes familiar dishes up a creative notch. Starters include their signature she-crab bisque – a rich soup blending lump crab with corn, bell peppers and sherry then topped with gremolata herb crumbs. Their French onion burger pairs caramelized onions, Swiss and rosemary garlic aioli with the patty for a gourmet spin on a backyard barbecue staple.
An inviting modern rustic interior featuring a striking quartz-topped bar, exposed brick walls and contemporary lighting elements sets an upscale yet comfortable scene. The Wild Onion accommodates special celebrations in their private dining room while the main dining room and bar area create a lively ambiance perfect for connecting with friends while enjoying elevated dishes and drinks. Outstanding service pulls everything together seamlessly.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Maple Bourbon Bacon Flatbread, Cider-Brined Pork Chop with apple raisin chutney, French Onion Burger
Atmosphere: Modern rustic with inviting hospitality
10.Masu Sushi and Robata
Bringing together the contrasting elements of fire from their robata grill and refreshing chilled seafood and sushi, Masu Sushi and Robata enlivens Burnsville’s dining scene with contemporary Japanese flavors. From tender Wagyu skewers kissed with smoke and char to perfectly balanced sushi rolls, Masu combines cuisine crafted by fire and blade to artistic effect on stunning plates. This sleek, modern eatery electrifies tastebuds with originality you won’t find elsewhere locally.
The robata menu stars shareable grilled delights like miso sake Scottish salmon and chicken meatballs glazed in sweet & spicy sauce. Their sushi bar produces creative rolls like The Last Samurai wrapping lobster tempura, avocado and cucumber in soy paper and seared rare tuna nigiri that melts on the tongue. Cool umeshu cocktails made with Japanese plum wine balance fiery dishes.
Minimalist black and red décor with striking metalwork and textured wood paneling translates their fusion style into the atmosphere. Expect exceptionally attentive service catering to your pace whether you settle in the lively lounge upfront or more intimate booths in back. Masu brings big-city Japanese innovation paired with notable hospitality to this Burnsville favorite.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Wagyu Robata Skewers, The Last Samurai Lobster Tempura Roll, Tuna Tartare Crispy Rice with yuzu kosho
Atmosphere: Sleekly modern with artistic minimalism
11.Gigi’s Café
This beloved breakfast and lunch café packs the house daily with its menu of over-the-top Benedicts, pineapple coconut pancakes, chicken wild rice soup, freshly baked breads and bountiful sandwiches. The signature Disappearing Benny, dubbed as “one of Minnesota’s most iconic brunch dishes” tops English muffins with Canadian bacon, poached eggs all smothered in creamy hollandaise that soaks into every layer so deeply, the sauce seems to disappear.
Nearly everything is made in-house including all soups, baked goods and even salad dressings like their popular poppy seed vinaigrette. Sandwiches arrive on house-baked rolls and buns including their hot prime rib sandwich served open faced with sautéed mushrooms and onions in rich au jus. Drawing loyal regulars, area hospital staff and visitors from across the state seeking their famous flavors, Gigi’s café feel and friendly servers make this locally iconic breakfast favorite genuinely welcoming. With most menu items under $15, the downhome cooking at tremendous value is part of the consistent appeal at Gigi’s.
Dishes You Can’t Miss: Disappearing Benny, Caramel Sweetie Pancakes with praline crumbles, Hot Turkey Bacon Artichoke sandwich open faced on focaccia
Atmosphere: Homespun and charming neighborhood café
12 .The Pot Roast House
This homey diner serves some of the most tender and flavorful beef around, and they are known for their slow-cooked pot roast dinners. The owners, Tony and Heidi Giesen, are proud that their pot roasts are made with only salt, pepper, and their special spice blend on top of high-quality cuts of meat. Because the pot roasts are cooked for hours, the meat is very moist, fork-tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Guests at The Pot Roast House can choose two sides, such as corn, green beans, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or dinner rolls. You can also get sides that are loaded. The bacon cheddar potatoes and bacon jalapeno mac and cheese are both delicious.
The main dish is definitely the pot roast, but there are also smoked wings, sandwiches, and soups on the menu. On the weekends, they eat brunch and watch TV games. This restaurant serves comfort food in a casual counter-service style that adds a tasty twist.
Don’t miss the Hobo Sandwich with hand-pulled smoked pork shoulder or the Beef Pot Roast Plate with savory pan gravy.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with a sports bar feel.
Conclusion
From steakhouses serving the juiciest cuts to mom and pop diners dishing out comfort food, Burnsville offers an array of distinct restaurants to suit any occasion. Downtown, discover homegrown cafes and gastropubs favored by locals while international cuisine from sushi to Indian thrives in sites beyond the town’s core.
Many restaurants source fresh, seasonal ingredients from local purveyors or maintain herb gardens on-site, letting regional flavors shine. Others import high-quality seafood daily to craft creative shareable plates and refined entrees that compete with offerings in big cities like Minneapolis. From the brimming plates at beloved breakfast fixture Gigi’s Cafe to Sakura’s dazzling tableside hibachi show, Burnsville provides memorable fare across mealtimes in inviting spaces.
Alongside exquisite cuisine, you’ll find Burnsville restaurants deliver exceptional hospitality through knowledgeable and gracious staff. Venues like The Wild Onion and Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill craft upscale yet comfortable dining rooms suited for special occasions without pretense.
The Borough and Lucky’s 13 Pub packs their expansive bars and patio spaces nightly as community gathering places to cheer the big game.
Boasting national award-winning BBQ, a signature eggs benedict that makes diners disappear and other iconic dishes, Burnsville holds its own as a dynamic Twin Cities food suburb. For residents and visitors alike, expect a warm welcome through outstanding service paired with culinary diversity spanning comfort food to global fusion. Burnsville’s combination of charming hometown appeal and vibrant urban dining secures its reputation as an underrated restaurant destination.