Best Affordable Italian Restaurants in Minneapolis | Affordable Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Affordable Italian Restaurants in Minneapolis | Affordable Italian Food

• Gold Room — American · rated 5/5: The Gold Room pulses with a vibrant energy, drawing guests into a stylishly bold setting where the air is thick with the savory aroma of Southern-inspired indulgence. Tables overflow with shareable treasures like zesty buffalo shrimp and crisp fried green tomatoes, while decadent bowls of spice-kissed Cajun pasta offer a soulful heart to a menu built for social dining. It is a place where every bite—from the crunch of golden-fried okra to the rich, melted pull of loaded Philly fries—celebrates the joy of comfort food elevated by a touch of modern flair.
• Ginelli's Pizza — Italian · rated 5/5: The air at Ginelli’s Pizza is thick with the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough, drawing guests into a lively space where flour-dusted counters and the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched crusts set a soulful stage. Each pie emerges from the oven with a perfectly charred, golden rim, topped with vibrant sauces and savory ingredients that transform a simple slice into a masterclass of balanced textures and bold, nostalgic flavors. It is a quintessential neighborhood anchor where the warmth of the ovens is matched only by the convivial energy of a room filled with the steam of fresh pies and the hum of happy diners.
• Rustica Bakery & Cafe — Italian · rated 4/5: The scent of toasted grain and sweet butter fills this sun-drenched sanctuary, where golden, hand-shaped loaves and sugar-dusted pastries are displayed like edible art. It is a place where the rhythmic hum of the espresso machine meets the satisfying crunch of a fresh baguette, inviting guests to slow down and savor the soulful, artisanal heart of traditional baking.
• Pryes Brewing Company — Italian · rated 4/5: This riverside sanctuary blends industrial-chic design with a vibrant social energy, where the scent of blistered wood-fired pizzas mingles with the crisp, botanical notes of award-winning craft brews. Guests lounge in the sun-drenched taproom or compete on the feather bowling lanes, savoring a curated experience that celebrates the art of the perfect pour alongside bold, globally inspired flavors.
• Agra Culture — American · rated 4/5: Step into a bright, modern sanctuary where the vibrant colors of seasonal produce and the earthy aroma of garden-fresh herbs celebrate the beauty of the harvest. Guests find comfort in a menu that balances wholesome vitality with soulful indulgence, from crisp, nutrient-dense salads to juicy, flame-seared burgers and ribbons of pasta tossed in fragrant, emerald-green pesto.
• Mother Dough — Italian · rated 4/5: Sunlight dances across flour-dusted surfaces in this warm, artisanal haven where the intoxicating aroma of fermenting yeast signals a devotion to the ancient craft of sourdough. Each blistered, wood-fired crust offers a perfect harmony of tangy crunch and airy chew, serving as a soulful foundation for vibrant toppings that transform simple ingredients into a communal celebration of flavor.
• 331 Club — American · rated 4/5: This legendary Northeast cornerstone hums with a soulful, artistic energy, where the dim glow of the bar and the rhythm of live music create an inviting sanctuary for the local community. Crisp pints of Fair State and Pryes flow freely alongside bubbling, thin-crust Giovanni’s pizzas, offering a quintessential neighborhood experience where simple, savory comforts meet the vibrant pulse of the city’s creative heart.
• Slice Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: This vibrant neighborhood haunt hums with energy as the scent of toasted flour and bubbling mozzarella wafts from the glowing ovens. Hand-tossed dough meets vibrant, herb-flecked sauces to create artisanal pies that balance a satisfyingly crisp, charred crust with a molten, savory center. Whether stopping in for a quick, foldable slice on the go or lingering over a specialty pie with friends, guests find a welcoming sanctuary dedicated to the timeless art of the perfect bake.
• Bricksworth Beer Co. - North Loop — Italian · rated 4/5: This vibrant North Loop destination pulses with industrial-chic energy, where the scent of garlic-rubbed cheesy bread and golden waffle fries wafts through a lively, sun-drenched taproom. The kitchen balances indulgent, bold flavors like the savory Artie Bucco with the bright crunch of orange poppy salads and nutrient-rich grain bowls, creating a versatile space perfect for both spirited happy hours and casual weekend feasts.
• Paper Boy — American · rated 4/5: Paper Boy reimagines the classic deli experience as a vibrant urban retreat where the crunch of San Carlo pesto chips and the earthy aroma of white truffle sea salt set the stage for a gourmet midday escape. Masterfully crafted sandwiches like the indulgent Pistachio Paradise and the herb-brightened Villa Verde showcase a devotion to bold Italian flavors, layering premium ingredients to create a meal that feels both nostalgic and entirely modern.
• Broadway Fast & Fresh — American · rated 4/5: Broadway Fast & Fresh pulses with a vibrant energy where the savory aroma of crispy, sauce-tossed wings and bubbling Italian cheese bread creates an immediate sense of comfort. The kitchen masterfully balances indulgent soul food like golden Wisconsin curds and smoky BBQ pork nachos with the bright, crisp crunch of orchard-fresh salads. It is a welcoming neighborhood destination where bold, zesty flavors and high-quality ingredients come together for a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and expertly crafted.
• Day Block Brewing Company — American · rated 3/5: Housed in a historic 19th-century building, this vibrant brewpub pulses with urban energy, where exposed brick and soaring ceilings frame a lively communal atmosphere. The scent of inventive, hand-tossed pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients wafts from the kitchen to meet the crisp, hop-forward notes of craft ales poured straight from the source. It is a spirited gathering spot where the industrial grit of the Mill District meets modern culinary creativity, inviting guests to linger over a pint and a slice while soaking in the soulful character of the city.
• Up-Down — Italian · rated 3/5: Bathed in the electric glow of neon and the rhythmic clatter of pinball flippers, this high-octane destination transports guests to a nostalgic playground of vintage arcade classics. Between rounds of joystick-fueled competition, diners refuel with towering slices of creative, hand-tossed pizza and an expansive selection of craft brews that keep the energy soaring late into the night.
• Ava — Italian · rated 3/5: Bathed in a soft, amber glow, Ava unfolds as a chic sanctuary where the air is thick with the enticing scent of charred herbs and citrus-infused spirits. Vibrant, artfully composed plates celebrate the brightness of coastal flavors, inviting guests to linger over shared treasures in a space that feels both effortlessly glamorous and intimately welcoming.
• Zelo — Italian · rated 3/5: Sunlight streams through expansive windows into a grand, high-ceilinged space where the clinking of wine glasses and the hum of a vibrant crowd create an unmistakable urban energy. The kitchen breathes life into Italian-inspired classics, pairing the rustic charm of wood-fired flavors with the delicate elegance of handmade pastas and vibrant, seasonal ingredients. This polished sanctuary of downtown sophistication offers a warm, amber-hued atmosphere where every meal feels like a spirited celebration of the senses.
• Punch Pizza — Italian: The crackle of a wood-burning oven and the aroma of charred dough define this lively space, where the art of the Neapolitan pizza is practiced with fiery precision. Guests watch as thin, delicate crusts emerge from the flames with signature blistered edges, topped with vibrant San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella that melt into a perfect, savory harmony. It is a soulful, fast-paced retreat that honors centuries-old traditions, bringing the authentic taste of Italy to a warm and welcoming neighborhood setting.
• Tenant — American: This intimate, high-energy space feels more like a lively dinner party than a traditional restaurant, where guests gather around a bustling open kitchen to watch chefs craft an ever-evolving multi-course journey. Hand-rolled pastas and vibrant seasonal ingredients take center stage, delivered with a playful spirit and a curated soundtrack that strips away the formality of fine dining to focus on pure, soulful flavor.
• Leaning Tower of Pizza — Italian: Step into a lively neighborhood haunt where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough and the warm glow of the pizza oven create a backdrop of timeless charm. Golden, blistered crusts emerge from the heat laden with vibrant sauces and molten cheeses, offering a comforting symphony of flavors that celebrates the simple joy of a perfectly baked pie. Whether shared over red-checkered tablecloths or enjoyed as a quick, savory slice on the go, every bite captures the soulful essence of a classic community pizzeria.
• Mothership Pizza Paradise — Italian: Mothership Pizza Paradise transports diners to a whimsical, high-energy universe where glowing neon and retro-futuristic accents set the stage for a cosmic culinary adventure. The kitchen turns out artisanal, wood-fired pies with perfectly blistered crusts and imaginative toppings, creating a vibrant atmosphere where every bite feels like a celebratory escape from the ordinary.
• Pizza Lucé — Italian: This vibrant urban haunt pulses with an eclectic energy, where local art lines the walls and the intoxicating scent of roasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella fills the air. Hand-tossed crusts serve as a canvas for inventive toppings that push the boundaries of tradition, offering an inclusive feast where gourmet vegan and gluten-free options shine alongside bold, savory pies. It is a neighborhood cornerstone that feels both rebellious and welcoming, capturing the spirited essence of the city in every flavorful bite.
• Rinata Restaurant — Italian: This intimate neighborhood gem glows with a warm, candlelit ambiance, inviting diners to settle into a space where the rhythmic toss of handmade pasta defines the evening. The kitchen breathes life into rustic Italian traditions, crafting soul-warming dishes that balance bold, sun-ripened flavors with the delicate texture of fresh, hand-rolled dough. It is a place where time slows down over a bottle of red wine and plates of authentic, heart-led cuisine that feel both sophisticated and deeply comforting.
• Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza — Italian: The roar of the coal-fired oven anchors this high-energy space, where the air is perfumed with the intoxicating scent of charred dough and bubbling, artisanal cheeses. Each hand-stretched pie emerges with a beautifully blistered crust and a signature smoky depth, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates the raw, elemental power of fire and fresh ingredients.
• Carbone's Pizzeria — Italian: The air at Carbone’s Pizzeria is thick with the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted garlic, drawing guests into a lively space where the warm glow of the oven serves as the restaurant's beating heart. Hand-tossed crusts emerge from the heat with a perfect, leopard-spotted char, providing a crisp foundation for vibrant sauces and molten cheeses that celebrate the soulful simplicity of a classic pie. Every slice is a masterclass in nostalgic comfort, offering a welcoming atmosphere where friends gather over cold drinks and steaming pizzas to savor the timeless spirit of the neighborhood.
• A Slice of New York — Italian: Step into a vibrant slice of Manhattan where the intoxicating aroma of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour drifts from the deck ovens, instantly transporting diners to a bustling street corner in the Big Apple. Skilled hands toss hand-stretched dough into the air before it is transformed into oversized, foldable masterpieces with a signature charred crust that shatters with every savory bite. Whether grabbed on the go or enjoyed at a high-top table, each slice offers a nostalgic taste of urban tradition that celebrates the simple, greasy-fingered joy of an authentic New York classic.
• Nightingale — American: Nightingale pulses with a vibrant, social energy, where soaring ceilings and industrial-chic accents create a grand yet inviting backdrop for lively gatherings. The kitchen celebrates the bounty of the season through an array of inventive shared plates, from blistered wood-fired pizzas to vibrant, garden-fresh compositions that burst with bright, clean flavors. As the clinking of artisanal cocktails mingles with the hum of conversation, guests find themselves immersed in a dining experience that feels both effortlessly sophisticated and warmly communal.
• Boludo — Spanish: This vibrant Argentine gem pulses with an urban energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of hand-folded empanadas and signature salt-flecked, oblong pizzas emerging charred from the oven. The experience is a sensory celebration of Buenos Aires soul, where bold, savory flavors and a lively, hip atmosphere transform a simple meal into a spirited cultural escape.
• Arturo's Pizza — Italian: The air at Arturo’s is thick with the intoxicating scent of bubbling mozzarella and charred dough, drawing guests into a lively space where the warm glow of the pizza oven serves as the heart of the room. Crispy, blistered crusts emerge from the flames topped with vibrant tomato sauce and artisanal ingredients, offering a soulful bite that bridges the gap between old-world tradition and modern craft. Whether tucked into a cozy booth or watching the rhythmic toss of dough at the counter, diners find a timeless sanctuary where every slice celebrates the simple, sun-drenched flavors of Italy.
• Bryn Mawr Pizza & Deli — Italian: This neighborhood cornerstone hums with the comforting aroma of bubbling cheese and freshly sliced deli meats, inviting locals into a space that feels like a warm community embrace. Golden, hand-tossed crusts emerge crisp from the oven to meet generous layers of savory toppings, while overstuffed sandwiches showcase the timeless art of the classic deli counter. It is a vibrant slice of Americana where every bite tastes like home, perfect for a quick midday escape or a relaxed family tradition.
• Martina — Argentine: Martina pulses with a chic, high-energy elegance where the glow of the wood-fired grill illuminates a stylish space filled with the hum of a lively crowd. The air carries the enticing scent of charred seafood and prime meats as the kitchen artfully marries the bold, smoky flavors of Argentine grilling with the refined soul of Italian coastal cuisine. From the first sip of a botanical cocktail to the last bite of house-made pasta, every moment feels like a sophisticated celebration of fire, salt, and seasonal vibrancy.
• Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks — Italian: The sizzle of thinly sliced ribeye on a hot griddle mingles with the yeasty aroma of hand-tossed dough, drawing diners into a space that pulses with the unpretentious energy of a classic urban eatery. Molten cheese cascades over tender steak and charred pizza crusts emerge blistered from the oven, offering a masterclass in the soulful, messy joy of East Coast comfort food.