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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Twin Cities / St. Paul

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Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Twin Cities / St. Paul? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of joan's in the Park restaurant
5.0
5 (2097)
$50 and over
American
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
joan's in the Park restaurant and full service bar is an elegantly cozy dining destination, located on Snelling Avenue in Highland Park. We offer a 4 course menu designed by Chef /owner Susan Dunlop, which includes distinctive American cuisine . We offer only the finest ingredients, sourced locally when possible. Maître d'/owner Joan Schmitt (and Highland Park native) offers first-class hospitality. Our carefully selected wine, beer and signature cocktail list will also appeal to all tastes. joan's is a must try, if you enjoy great food and amazing hospitality in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Top review
Judith
Dined 4 days ago
A gem of a restaurant! We were warmly welcome at the door, promptly seated, great 4 course menu, friendly staff and owners. Perfect place to celebrate, or just enjoy delicious food.
A photo of Crasqui restaurant
4.9
4.9 (93)
$50 and over
Venezuelan
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
Crasqui is a lively Venezuelan restaurant in Saint Paul. Recipes are inspired in our chef-owner Soleil Ramirez childhood, family and friends in her home-country Venezuela.

For us Crasqui is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vessel for memories, dreams, flavors, and connections. We will keep infusing our passion, dedication and love into every dish to make every guest experience memorable.

Top review
hugh
Dined 4 days ago
What can you say about a restaurant that really has nothing to be compared to? When you are rocking original, creative, Venezuelan cuisine, in Saint Paul, the comps are hard to come by… That said, this very-chef-based small cocina is pushing out creativity and quality that belongs in downtown Minneapolis next to the best of the best. This was a place I’d been promising myself a visit for about six months and finally got there. The menu is eclectic, inspired and wholly-original. Crasqui delivers and Ms. Ramirez is a true chef. Her vision of bringing the cuisine of Venezuela to has been realized and we are lucky that she decided to grace us with her art. The pulpo (octopus) appetizer is a great treatment and fun. If the idea of it throws you; just try it. The entrees, the Conejo (rabbit) and Lomito (tenderloin) were excellent to the point of licking the plates and demanding more. To add to drama, Soleil (Ms. Ramirez) has created a cocktail program that also delivers creativity, novelty and with a serious nod to the powers far-south of the border with citrus, liqueurs and exotics that are unique and well-crafted. Her wine list is also unique and exciting, featuring wines that are uniquely sourced and well-suited to the menu. Ms. Ramirez has relationships with the importers that provide unique bottles that are worth the trip. If you go: enjoy a few of the tapas and the secondi (shareables) knowing that the mains are just what they are. Mains are clean and unadorned with sides, and as such you either fill in with the before or add-on with sides for the entree. In other words; like the rest of the culinary world, you construct your evening and eats, you don’t get an entree with meat/veg/starch. So don’t expect that. In terms of postres (after dinner/dessert) the menu offers unique pieces as well. Lots of fruit-centric yums and as decadent as you like. A companion menu of bevvies for that is also presented including very nice Cherry Wine (think heavy tawny port)
A photo of Downtowner Woodfire Grill restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3804)
$31 to $50
American
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
"simply beyond the ordinary"
"****" - Kathie Jenkins - Saint Paul Pioneer Press

Downtowner Woodfire Grill specializes in Persian fire roasted meats, grilled steaks and chops, and gourmet wood-fired pizzas. The atmosphere is warm & lively offering 2 fireplaces, a full bar with 3 fountains and live jazz. The restaurant offers free parking with convenience to both the Xcel Energy Center & Ordway Theater. Downtowner Woodfire Grill also provides a full menu for breakfast & lunch, and a children's menu. This cozy restaurant serves a great plate as well as provides an experience to savor.

Top review
Deborah
Dined 5 days ago
We had a terrific service along with a great atmosphere where my sister met for lunch. It was quiet and comfortable. The food was really good and our party ordered the salad with grill fired salmon, cheeseburger, fish and grilled chicken. All were very good and we cannot wait to return. The popovers were a nice treat and a great surprise. It brought back some memories of when we were young and our mother would take us to a restaurant at Christmas time where popovers were served. We will be making an annual tradition to visit with family here around the holidays. Thank you for a wonderful time!
A photo of Boca Chica Restaurant restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1394)
$30 and under
Mexican
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
Boca Chica Mexican Restaurant has served the flavorful, authentic cuisine of Mexico since 1964. It was then that Guillermo and Gloria Frias opened the doors to their new restaurant that seated only 28 patrons. Today, Boca Chica has grown substantially and is rated "one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Twin Cities," according to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine’s March 2018 issue.


The authenticity of the food is maintained by making everything from scratch, the old-fashioned way, with fresh ingredients. Even the fiery salsa is still made with fresh tomatoes, chiles, and that special Frias family touch. Our menu includes some of the more traditional foods such as guisados, sopes, carne asada, chile rellenos, and tamales. Taste is never compromised. We also have a full bar featuring the city’s best selection of Mexican beers and premium tequilas. Voted "Best Margarita" by City Pages.

Top review
Diana
Dined on 16 Dec 2024
Always great food. Even though you pay for chips and salsa they were plentiful and generous.
A photo of The Lexington restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2988)
$31 to $50
American
Saint Paul
About the restaurant


The Lexington is more than a restaurant, it’s an institution. Located on the corner of Lexington Parkway and Grand Avenue, this St. Paul community was the most fashionable at the turn of the 19th century. The St. Paul elite lived just blocks away and the first electric trolley brought visitors up and down Grand Avenue. The Lexington opened in 1935, after the end of prohibition, and was a popular neighborhood bar to gather and socialize. Previously operating as a speakeasy, the expansive wood panels were perfect for hiding a little booze and one can only imagine the shenanigans going on beyond the hidden staircase behind the coat check. For decades following, The Lex, as it’s called by locals and enthusiasts alike, was the place to be seen; business dealings, cocktail hours, and milestone celebrations were a regular occurrence for St. Paul socialites.

Top review
Anthony
Dined on 24 Dec 2024
Fantastic food and service. Eric took great care of our party of 11. Definitely worth a visit.
A photo of Kincaid's - St. Paul restaurant
4.6
4.6 (5032)
$30 and under
Seafood
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
Artfully serving quality steaks, and fresh and innovative seafood since 1986. Enjoy lunch, dinner or perhaps a special business or romantic occasion in our warm and inviting dining room.
Top review
Kelly
Dined on 24 Dec 2024
We had the pre-fix Christmas Eve meal. Prime rib and pork chop was the best. The lobster bisque was the best we’d ever had-bar none! Everything was perfect from the bartender to Wynn to the GM!
A photo of Holman's Table restaurant
4.6
4.6 (604)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
Intimate setting in a beautiful, historic building overlooking the runway of Holman's Field. Fresh, modern dishes complemented by a classic bar and beautiful wine list. Open to the public with no security checks required.
Top review
Karon
Dined 6 days ago
Our waitstaff was so friendly and competent. Our time there was enjoyable from seating to exiting.
A photo of Bennett's Chop & Railhouse restaurant
4.4
4.4 (1341)
$30 and under
Steakhouse
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
In every city, there is a natural gathering spot for city folk and neighborhood people in the know. This place in Saint Paul is know as Bennett's Chop & Railhouse. Located on West Seventh & Victoria, it is the perfect meeting place of uptown and downtown, of quiet neighborhood and big city lights.

It's called a chophouse because it specializes in a casual steakhouse atmosphere with top-of-the-line cuts of the finest meats. It is a Rail-house because it is on the old railroad line serving the city and rail drinks (as well as top brands) are served in the convivial atmosphere of the horseshoe bar.

And of course Bennett's is Bennett's because owners Joe and Meghan Bennett ensure that welcoming hospitality is always served. They have taken their decades of experiences with leading hospitality brands and translated it into an intimate venue where you're not only a customer, but more importantly, a welcome guest.

Top review
Mike
Dined on 24 Dec 2024
It’s a great institution! Great food, drinks and service. If you want a really nice steak in a casual atmosphere this is the place to be!
A photo of 1881 by LEI restaurant
4.4
4.4 (105)
$30 and under
American
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
Lake Elmo Inn is opened a new restaurant at Union Depot in Saint Paul. Owners Chef John and Christine Schiltz named 1881. The name “1881” pays homage to the year both the original Union Depot and Lake Elmo Inn opened, reflecting the deep historical connection the restaurant hopes to foster.

Offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, 1881 by Lake Elmo Inn will merge the charm of a storied past with a modern culinary flair, becoming a destination for both locals and visitors.

1881 by Lake Elmo Inn is to be a place where families can build lasting memories. We want to offer an experience that generations can cherish, from proms to graduations to weddings, we’re here to make moments unforgettable.

The Menu is inspired by the success of the original Lake Elmo Inn and will include both favorites from the flagship restaurant as well as exclusive new offerings hand-crafted from fresh, local

Top review
Holly
Dined 5 days ago
Great place to go and enjoy the holidays. Food and service was great
A photo of Bullvino's Churrascaria St. Paul restaurant
4.3
4.3 (1259)
$31 to $50
Brazilian Steakhouse
Saint Paul
About the restaurant
Bullvino's Churrascaria is a family owned traditional Brazilian steakhouse located in Lowertown St. Paul, MN. Churrascaria, which translates from the Portuguese word "barbecue" is served all-you-can-eat. Roving waiters serve the barbecued meats from large skewers directly onto the seated diners' plates allowing each guest to enjoy a variety of options. Included in our flat rate pricing is our large self serve salad bar which has a wide range of salads, soups, meats, and cheeses.

Bullvino's Churrascaria was established in the spring of 2021 by two partners who each have a lifetime of experience working in churrascaria style restaurants. Through their experience they have assembled a dedicated team of service professionals who have perfected the art of churrascaria down to the finest detail.

Bullvino's Churrascaria is the product of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, and Brazilian pride. We welcome you to come visit and enjoy the heart o

Top review
Joshua
Dined 5 days ago
What an amazing experience. Top notch service and the food is one of a kind. Biggest issue is trying not to eat too much at the salad bar. Took my parents, from out of town and they were raving fans. Also, the St. Paul location is conveniently located next to CHS field and the Farmers market!
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