Woodbury, Minnesota is a thriving suburb of St. Paul and Minneapolis with a population of over 60,000 residents. This family-friendly community has experienced rapid growth in recent years, partially thanks to an influx of major companies and excellent school districts.
Woodbury also boasts a vibrant and varied dining scene with restaurants ranging from classic steakhouses to exotic global cuisines. From casual bites to special occasion destinations, there are plenty of excellent options to suit any taste or budget.
In this article, we’ll highlight 12 of the top-rated and best-loved restaurants that Woodbury has to offer. For each entry, you’ll find key information including the cuisine type, price range, what makes the restaurant special, signature dishes, and more. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, this guide has got you covered on the can’t-miss places to eat in Woodbury.
All restaurants listed here are based on diner reviews, local recommendations, awards and accolades, and firsthand experiences dining in Woodbury. Every entry promises delicious food in comfortable surroundings – perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or any other occasion.
1.The Boathouse
Kicking off our list is a refined yet approachable fine dining destination overlooking the scenic Woodbury waterway. The Boathouse has earned many accolades for its flawless service and exceptional seasonal New American cuisine focused on steak and seafood.
Inside the elegant nautically-themed interior, guests can enjoyItems like sesame seared tuna, braised short ribs, seafood risotto, filet mignon, and fresh fish sourced daily. There’s also an extensive wine list specifically curated to pair with seafood. For the best views, ask for a table on their outside deck. Overall, The Boathouse offers one of the best special occasion dining experiences in Woodbury.
2.La Familia
For freshly prepared Mexican food served in hearty portions, La Familia is a go-to neighborhood favorite. Their scratch-made dishes burst with authentic flavors, from the tangy citrus marinades to the mild, hearty salsas. Guest favorites include the sizzling fajitas, loaded burritos, texture-rich mole sauce, and combination platters like the Yucatan Special with a tamale, taco, beans and rice.
While the food takes center stage, you’ll also appreciate the warm, festive interior and friendly service. Reasonable prices make La Familia a great spot for casual gatherings with family or friends. Expect it to be busy during peak times.
3.Biella’s Italian Restaurant
Tucked away in a strip mall, this humble Italian restaurant belies the incredible cuisine found inside. Biella’s has been serving scratch-made pastas, sauces, and more for over 35 years. Fan favorites include the fried calamari, pan-seared scallops with risotto, chicken picatta with linguine, and the extensive selection of wood-fired pizzas.
Beyond familiar Italian staples, chef/owner Julio Biella infuses creativity into daily specials like the Thai peanut pasta with chicken. Everything pairs nicely with their Italian-focused wine list. Reasonable prices make this a popular spot for everything from date nights to family gatherings. Be sure to save room for irresistible desserts like the tiramisu.
4.Blend
For a fine dining experience minus the overly stuffy vibe, Blend offers seasonal New American cuisine alongside one of Woodbury’s best wine and cocktail menus. Their diverse menu ranges from seared scallops to braised short ribs to wild mushroom risotto, accented by creative sauces and sides.
Blends sleek, modern interior provides a trendy yet cozy backdrop, whether seated in the dining room, lounge, or patio. Special occasion dining gets elevated here but the prices still remain reasonable compared to other upscale destinations in the Twin Cities. Adventurous diners will want to explore Chef Wyatt’s tasting menus paired up with wine or craft cocktails.
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
First opened in St. Paul in 1948, the classic steakhouse Mancini’s needs little introduction for Twin Cities locals. Carnivores adore their flawlessly cooked steaks using house-aged USDA prime cuts and wild game ranging from elk to bison. Seafood like jumbo prawns and lobster tails make menu appearances as well.
Sides like au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach complement the hearty cuts. Old school vibes permeate the red leather booths, white tablecloths, and professional waitstaff. Dim lighting sets an ideal ambiance for a special occasion or an exquisite meal. Mancini’s timeless charm persists at their Woodbury location, satisfying steak aficionados for over 20 years now.
11.Tavern 4&5
For locally sourced upscale pub grub, Tavern 4&5 has won over Woodbury diners with its laidback gastropub ambiance and beautifully executed entrees. The menu focuses on familiar comfort foods enlivened with creative preparations featuring regional ingredients. Devour chicken and waffles, bison burgers, wild rice meatloaf, or a spiced tempeh reuben washed down with Minnesota craft beers on tap.
The rustic-industrial interior provides arelaxed place to catch the game or gather with friends. In warmer months, snag a spot on their creekside patio. Happy hour deals, brunch cocktails, and frequent live music nights appeal to both families and adults. Quality cuisine without pretense makes Tavern 4&5 a reliable local favorite.
12.Porter’s Five and Ten
Named after the iconic dining cars of luxury trains from America’s golden era of rail travel, Porter’s aims to recreate lavish meals on wheels within a cozy Woodbury establishment. Their market-driven New American menu features elevated comfort food classics like pot roast, shrimp and grits, bourbon glazed salmon, and chicken alfredo bucatini.
While entrees satisfy, save room for sweets like their signature salted caramel cake. The prohibition era speakeasy theme comes through via vintage décor accents, exposed brick, a swanky bar lounge, and occasional live jazz. With classy yet casual charm, Porter’s delights locals for intimate gatherings orwhole family meals.
Conclusion
From global ethnic flavors to juicy steaks to crave-worthy pub grub, Woodbury boasts exceptional dining choices to suit any taste, mood or budget. Locals have embraced concepts like Porter’s Five and Ten, ANDO Fusion, Balkan Treat Box, and other recent additions evolving this suburb’s culinary landscape. Meanwhile, longtime favorites like The Boathouse, Biella’s, Fuji Ya, and Mancini’s Char House continue wowing diners after decades in business.
With such an array of distinct restaurants all offering delicious made-from-scratch meals, excellent service, and comfortable ambiances, Woodbury has cemented itself as an underrated dining destination in the Twin Cities metro. Whether planning a nice night out or simply grabbing a quick weekday dinner, you’re sure to find something tempting among the top 12 restaurants highlighted here. Just come hungry and ready to discover your own locally loved gems.