20 Eden Prairie Restaurants Bringing Flavor to the Suburb

Eden Prairie restaurants are often overlooked compared to places to eat in Edina or Minneapolis, but lately, the increasingly stylish suburb is stepping up its game.

I grew up on the border of Eden Prairie and Bloomington, frequently dining at some of the most popular restaurants in the area. The dining scene in the suburb is something that’s near and dear to my heart—for 32 years, my aunt and uncle owned one of the top Chinese restaurants in Eden Prairie and my family and I were of course, regulars.

Since The Great Mandarin closed, I’ve found myself stepping further into the diverse culinary offering in Eden Prairie, trying authentic Venezuelan arepas at TequeArepa and fusion-fueled Indian pizza at Bombay Pizza Kitchen.

Below are the best Eden Prairie restaurants to try this year, bridging newcomers to the city and tried-and-true favorites.

1. Aurelia’s Authentic Mexican Food

The Twin Cities metropolitan area has some surprisingly solid traditional Mexican cuisine. While most of the best spots are littered along East Lake Street in Minneapolis, Aurelia’s Authentic Mexican Food allows Eden Prairie residents to skip the drive and find decent homestyle bites closer to well, home.

Putting Chipotle to shame, Aurelia’s serves up burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos in addition to other staples like chile relleno, flautas, and tamales.

Best for: A casual, inexpensive, and indulgent meal

Location: 16388 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

2. Bombay Pizza Kitchen

The Twin Cities isn’t known for the Indian spin on pizza slowly spreading across the United States, which makes it even more interesting that Eden Prairie has not one, but two pizzerias to try a tikka masala-topped pie.

Bombay Pizza Kitchen is one of these spots. The pizza restaurant in Eden Prairie offers your usual suspects, like pepperoni and meat lovers toppings, but where they shine is in pizza crust loaded with Indian gravies, spices, meats, and cheese and spiced wings. My butter masala pie arrived weighed down by piles of paneer on a rich butter masala sauce, replacing red pizza sauce.

While it doesn’t quite stack up to my favorite spot for this fusion feast (Curry & Pie in Washington, D.C.), this trendy pizzeria is a worthwhile order if you’re in the area. Just do yourself a favor and pass on the Bombay Chaat Fries.

Best for: Spicing up your usual takeaway pizza order

Location: 16518 W 78th St, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

3. Baker’s Ribs

Texas barbecue and St. Louis-style ribs are served on iconic red and white checked tablecloths at Baker’s Ribs. The Southern spot slow cooks their meats over hickory wood, complementing their juicy ribs with sides like dilled potato salad and smoky baked beans.

Meat is served by the pound, as a combo platter, or on sandwiches, each relatively reasonably priced–especially compared to the top barbecue joints down south.

Best for: A casual feast, carnivores

Location: 8019 Glen Ln, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

4. TequeArepa

The origins of the arepa, a maize flatbread opened and stuffed with flavorful filling, is a heated debate between Venezuela and Colombia but one thing is certain: If you’re in the Twin Cities and want a fusion-y, modern arepa, head to Hola Arepa in Minneapolis. Those that want the real deal—a traditional Venezuelan arepa—should find time to get to TequeArepa in Eden Prairie.

As its name suggests, this counter-service, bare bones spot specializes in arepas but also offers other Venezuelan specialities such as cachapas, empanadas, and tajadas. I love the Patapata arepa here (cheddar cheese, black beans, and avocado).

TequeArepa is conveniently located near several office buildings in Eden Prairie, which makes it a popular choice for lunch. That said, my wait during dinner was 45 minutes after placing my order despite the restaurant being nearly empty—I wouldn’t risk it if your boss has an eagle eye on your lunch hour or you need to make a meeting.

Best for: Casual dinner carry-out

Location: 7733 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

5. Hawaii Poke Bowl

Between greasy bar bites and cheese-laden delights, the Twin Cities suburbs can, at times, feel like a desert for healthy lunch and dinner options. Hawaii Poke Bowl is the cure-all to these woes, offering decently healthy poke bowls made with traditional Hawaiian technique in mind.

If you’re in a hurry (or indecisive) opt for one of the restaurant’s signature bowl recipes. Otherwise, take the DIY route and customize to your heart’s desire. Select from proteins like ahi tuna, eel, salmon, and crab in addition to chicken and organic tofu, then pile on fresh vegetables and select from several different sauces.

Best for: Quick lunch that isn’t going to put you in a mid-day slump at the office later

Location: 8353 Crystal View Rd #103, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

6. Bo Diddley’s

If you’re looking for a quick sandwich in Eden Prairie, you’re probably going to be met with search results for national chains like Jimmy John’s and Subway.

While I love a #6 Veggie as much as the next vegetarian, skip the Jimmy John’s line for Bo Diddley’s, a local chain of delis with locations in Eden Prairie, St. Joseph, and St. Cloud. 

Established in 1981, the sandwich shop slices all of their meats in-house daily, and relies on locally sourced ingredients to craft their subs, which are served on a cracked-wheat hoagie.

Best for: Grabbing a sandwich, lunch

Location: 9633 Anderson Lakes Pkwy, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

7. Redstone Grill

National grill house chain, Redstone Grill, is Minnesota born and raised. Founded by Dean Vlahos of of BLVD, Champps, CōV, and Pub 42 fame in Wayzata in 1999, Redstone follows the same successful formula that most of Vlahos’ other ultra-popular restaurants across the Twin Cities do: subtle elevation to familiar favorites, palatable pricing, and widespread appeal that feels just nice enough for a laidback date-night but not so pretentious that you can’t take the kids.

Redstone’s lack of good vegetarian options means I don’t find myself there all that often anymore, but when I do, I’m sure to order Breaking Bread (Garlic Butter, Fig Spread, & EVOO with Balsamic). The simple spread sampler regularly rotates its selection, but is always a hit.

Best for: A hearty sit-down lunch or dinner with friends or family

Location: 8000 Town Ctr Pl, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

8. Tavern 4&5

Where Edina has Tavern on France, Eden Prairie has Tavern 4&5. A rotisserie and wood-fired oven rule at this spot known for contemporary interpretations of typical American pub grub.

In true Minnesotan fashion, there’s nothing better to wash down an order of tater tots (handmade, panko crusted, monterey jack cheese, bacon ketchup) or Ellsworth Creamery cheese curds (craft beer batter, creole ketchup) than with national and local craft beers, which Tavern 4&5 keeps on tap.

Happy hour at Tavern 4&5 is from 2 to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Drinks start at $4 and food deals begin at $5.

Best for: Elevated American bar food, grabbing a drink

Location: 16396 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

9. Punch Pizza

Punch Pizza is not just one of the best Eden Prairie restaurants, but one of the top casual places to eat in Minnesota. This family-run chain has locations across the state, specializing in wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. How they aren’t a national phenomenon, I have no idea.

The restaurants feel slightly more stylish than your typical counter-service fast-casual joint but aren’t as stuffy as full-service dine-in, either. Pizza prices are unbelievably reasonable, starting at just $8.50. Build your own or select from one of the chain’s preconceived pies (the Adriatico, topped with crushed tomato, capers, feta, onion, oregano, and saracene olive is my choice). Also worth ordering is the pulcinella, which is any of Punch’s salads stuffed into warm focaccia.

Best for: Quality pizza that won’t break the bank, lunch or dinner any day

Location: 8353 Crystal View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

10. Kuubs Modern Mediterranean

There isn’t a lot of good Mediterranean in Minnesota, but Eden Prairie has some of the best with Kuubs Modern Mediterranean. Bowls, gyros, and kabobs at this spot are filled with falafel, chicken, and beef.

Choose from one of the restaurant’s signature recipes or opt to build-your-own bowl. Most items are under $17.

Best for: Quick lunch, an alternative to Naf Naf Grill

Location: 12555 Castlemoor Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

11. My Burger

Minnesota’s answer to Shake Shack is My Burger, a family-run chain that’s flipped American fast food on its head with quality ingredients and burger combinations more akin to a gourmet eatery than a Culver’s, like the Jalapeño King (peppered bacon, pepper jack cheese, Jalapeno mayo, jalapenos, lettuce, and tomato on a brown buttered bun). Fries are given an upgrade with a choice of cajun or jerk seasoning.

Opening in 2004, My Burger now has eight locations across the Twin Cities, with restaurants in Edina, Eagan, Stadium Village, the Skyway, and beyond in addition to Eden Prairie.

Best for: Fast food cravings

Location: 9258 Hennepin Town Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

12. Detello’s Pizza & Pasta

Most Italian cuisine in Minnesota is more Italian-American than it is Italian-Italian, and in Eden Prairie, Detello’s Pizza & Pasta  is the spot for it. The restaurant emphasizes its familial ties proudly, creating signature pizzas for each of the family’s relatives.

There’s plenty of red sauce to go around, if not just on the thin crust and deep dish pizza, but also the pasta. Spaghetti and meatballs, baked rigatoni, fettuccine alfredo, and lasagna also make appearances.

Best for: Family-friendly dinner, comfort food

Location: 6207 Dell Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

13. Wildfire

Step back into the 1940s at Wildfire, a Chicago-based chop house that found its first location outside of Illinois in the Eden Prairie Center. Since arriving, the upscale steakhouse has been a local hit, serving decadent steaks, chops, and seafood such as oven-roasted lump crab cakes served with mustard mayonnaise.

Wildfire is part of the Lettuce Entertain You group, which also includes other Twin Cities restaurants like Twin City Grill and Big Bowl. Wildfire gift cards can be used at any of these establishments.

Best for: Special occasions like birthdays, graduations, holidays, and anniversaries, date night

Location: 8251 Flying Cloud Dr #3020, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

14. Lion’s Tap

One of the best burgers in Eden Prairie comes from one of the suburb’s oldest and most nostalgic restaurants. Lion’s Tap’s roots predates most of the major development in Eden Prarie, going all the way back to 1933 when the bar was opened as a vegetable stand by Severin II and Ernest Peterson.

The burger that Lion’s Tap is known for today was introduced in 1958, but it wasn’t until 1977 that the restaurant received the name it has today. Still running strong nearly a century later, Lion’s Tap’s homey, wood-clad space serves burgers stacked high and draft beers to the community.

Best for: Casual group hangouts, families

Location: 16180 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

15. India Palace

There’s a few good Indian restaurants in Eden Prairie, but India Palace is my go-to. Founded in 2003, the restaurant serves North Indian cuisine like paneer makhani, fully customizable to spice levels from mild to extra hot.

You’ll find typical curries and gravies on the menu, plus biryani, Indian breads like naan, and lassis. During lunch, the restaurant has a combo deal to try three different entrees, served with rice, naan, and dessert. Plenty of vegetarian options are available across the menu.

Best for: Traditional Indian cuisine, a great lunch deal

Location: 936 Prairie Center Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

16. Original Pancake House

The Original Pancake House may be a chain across Minnesota, but that doesn’t stop Eden Prairie residents from filling up the restaurant in the mornings, ordering plates of decadent Dutch pancakes. The apple pancake, my favorite order, is so large that it could easily serve two, if not three people.

Unlike its name suggests, OPH doesn’t just do flapjacks. Though they may be the star of the show, a full menu American breakfast classics are on order here, like omelettes, french toast, and waffles.

Best for: Family-friendly breakfast

Location: 549 Prairie Center Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

17. Pizza Karma

Like Bombay Pizza Kitchen, Pizza Karma’s tandoor-fired pies bridge American, Italian, and Indian cuisines. Where Bombay Pizza Kitchen leans more Indian with its fusion pizzas that only leverage toppings such as paneer and curry gravies, Pizza Karma takes on a more westernized approach, topping its pies with gooey mozzarella in addition to the Indian flavors.

Aside from pizza, the local chain, which has since expanded to locations in Maple Grove and Apple Valley in addition to the original Eden Prairie storefront, also receives praise for its crispy okra fries dusted in cayenne, tandoor-fired wraps, and dry rub wings.

Best for: Pizza night

Location: 8451 Joiner Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

18. Fat Pants Brewing Co.

Most breweries in Minnesota operate without a kitchen, electing to host a rotating swath of food trucks instead due to restrictive regulations from the state, but not Fat Pants Brewing Co.

This family-owned brewpub in Eden Prairie keeps craft beers on tap and a grubby menu of staple bar food flying out of the kitchen.

Best for: Large group gatherings, meeting up with friends or coworkers

Location: 8335 Crystal View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

19. Pizza Lucé Eden Prairie

Minneapolis’ most nostalgic pizza chain is now in the suburbs. Open until 11 pm, Pizza Lucé is one of the only late-night restaurants in Eden Prairie, up there with the likes of Champps. This pizza joint, founded in 1993, serves some of Minneapolis’ best slices made from local ingredients, as well as hoagies, wings, and craft beer.

There are plenty of ways to save on your Pizza Lucé tab. Weekly happy hour is from 3 to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Deals include $5 taps, rails, and house wine, and $2 off select appetizers. Come back after 10 pm from Monday to Thursday for a late-night happy hour with the same deals.

In addition to its happy hours, the restaurant also has daily rotating deals such as Whiskey Wednesday and Tequila Thursday.

Best for: Watching the game, a night out in the suburbs, pizza night

Location: 11347 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

20. The Greek Grill & Fry Co.

If there was ever a hidden gem in Eden Prairie, The Greek Grill & Fry Co. is it. This bare bones, counter-serve Greek restaurant is hidden away in a gas station convenience store—but don’t let that deter you.

Prices are a little high for the locale and format, but the gyros and platters, piled with shawarma, falafel, spanakopita, yellow rice, and the like, keep locals in the know coming back.

The Greek Grill & Fry Co. has an additional location at the Eden Prairie Center.

Best for: Lunch or dinner to-go, a quick bite

Location: 8795 Columbine Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344