The best restaurants in Owatonna

“Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.”

“Buffet chain offering pizza, fried chicken & classic American sides in an Old West-themed setting.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Gas-station & convenience-store chain stocking snacks, hot foods, beverages & sundries.”

“Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Laid-back American place with a martini menu & unique wines, plus nightly specials.”

“Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.”

“Fast-food chain featuring Mexican-inspired tacos, burritos, nachos & breakfast fare.”

“Fast-food outlet serving up namesake root beer, plus burgers, chicken & fries.”

“Chain eatery specializing in thick-crust pizzas, also offering sides & desserts.”

“Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.”

“Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.”

“Ample portions of Mexican-American classics & colorful margaritas in a simple, no-frills restaurant.”

“Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.”

“Low-key kitchen featuring sushi rolls, classic Japanese entrees & Thai dishes, plus lunch specials.”

“Market grill for hot breakfasts, salads & sandwiches, plus gluten-free items & baked goods.”

“Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.”

“Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.”

“Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.”

“Farm-to-fork cafe making American eats for brunch & dinner in an industrial-chic space with a patio.”

“Scott Ja-Mama's keeps it simple and tasty with traditional flavors, tender ribs, and pulled pork sandwiches that travel well. It’s a tiny, memorabilia-packed, takeout-first spot with a friendly crew, perfect for a low-key dinner when you want real-deal barbecue without fuss.”

“Casual eatery with a New York City vibe, serving freshly baked bagels, schmears and brunch-focused options like sandwiches and soups.”

“Pizza & casual Italian food from a no-frills counter-service chain that also offers delivery.”

“Basil nails the classics then gets playful with pies like the Basil, Falafel, and Penne Alfredo, plus a solid Greek salad and wraps. Gluten-free options and meatless mains like the Impossible Burger make it easy to feed mixed diets without drama, perfect for Saint Louis Park weeknights.”

“Whether you're feeling indecisive or just hungry, Sushi Train - Uptown sends a steady parade of sushi and sashimi past your seat so you can grab what looks great, then keep going. Fresh ingredients, simple choices, zero fuss... perfect for a quick bite before the rest of your evening.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Whether you’re meeting after work or plotting a low-key date night, Yumi Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Edina brings pristine sushi, sake, and smart cocktails to Southdale Center with the same hospitality that made the Excelsior original a favorite. Bonus points for a happy hour locals actually plan around.”

“Takumi Sushi turns weeknights into little victories with pristine nigiri, silky sashimi, and specialty rolls crafted with authentic technique and really fresh fish. When you want flavor without fuss, their bento and lunch sets make it easy to eat well and keep moving.”

From the Saint Louis Park newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Whether you’re craving clean, classic rolls or Thai favorites, Wakame Sushi & Asian Bistro nails that casual Japanese plus Thai sweet spot in a stylish room with an outdoor patio. It’s the kind of dependable spot you keep on speed dial, with easy online ordering when the couch wins.”

From the Shakopee newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Bussin Birria Tacos - Uptown keeps it simple and ridiculously good with made-from-scratch Mexican built around one move, birria, with beef and chicken braised 12 hours. The Uptown location is halal, and there’s a legit vegan option, so the whole crew can claim a favorite.”

From the Saint Louis Park newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Pizzeria Lola is that rare spot where a Korean immigrant turned her mom’s cooking memories into a neighborhood wood-fired pizzeria named after her dog, Lola. Expect creative wood-fired pies and even parbaked pizzas to finish at home for nights when the couch wins.”

“When nothing but pizza and a hot hoagie will do, Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies serves up serious comfort using locally sourced ingredients, Legendary Pizzas and Original Hot Hoagies that actually fill you up. Since 1975, they’ve been a Twin Cities staple, with calzones, pastas, salads and shareables for the crew.”

From the Edina newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Family-owned since 1999, Prima turns simple, seasonal ingredients into handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and house desserts, often grown on their own Waconia farm. Rustic Italian done right, with daily specials and a thoughtful wine list that pairs beautifully with everything on the table.”

“Stylish locale offering modern Italian food, wine & cocktails, plus a seasonal patio & pergola bar.”

“Casual eatery featuring a menu of fresh sushi and hand rolls, including a bluefin tuna option.”

“If your week needs a delicious reset, Lito’s Burritos specializes in exactly what the name promises... hefty, freshly wrapped burritos with bold Mexican flavors that satisfy without overcomplicating things. The kind of quick, comforting meal you’ll keep in your rotation when cooking feels optional.”

From the Saint Louis Park newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Broders' Pasta Bar is a south Minneapolis staple since 1994, turning out house made, cooked-to-order pasta and risotto with Italian wines and daily specials that actually change. Walk-ins only, which keeps it lively, and the bowls arrive fast, hot, and dangerously twirlable.”

From the Edina newsletter, August 31, 2026

“When you want that Twin Cities to Spain escape, Rincón 38 serves shareable Spanish tapas with cozy, old world vibes. Since 2012, this neighborhood spot pairs delicious small plates with a thoughtful lineup of old world wines and rotating beers, perfect for lingering conversation with your crew.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, August 5, 2026