Minneapolis is one of my favorite cities. You wouldn't expect such diversity and pure joy in life, where it is so very cold in the winter. Yet, the Twin Cities are just thriving with people from different cultures, and of course, that leads to great food! Here are 7 of my favorite spots to eat in Minneapolis. I know, I am not slighting St. Paul - for that list, click here. And, we've also got foodie finds for Best Juicy Lucy Burger in Mpls, the Best Chinese in Minneapolis/St Paul, and the Best Pizza in Minneapolis/St Paul. YUM.

1. Black Forest Inn
1 E 26th Street, 612-872-0812
 

A lovely German restaurant - with incredible decorations (beautifully painted inside and out, and a gorgeous stained glass panel and lamps), great food, and the best outdoor patio in the Cities. A trickling fountain in the leafy courtyard helps you relax while you ingest incredible spaetzel, sausages, or a variety of authentic German dishes. (And how can you not love a restaurant with the street address of 1?)

2. Quang Pastry and Deli
2719 Nicollet Ave, 612-870-4739

Just down the road from Black Forest, in a street populated with both fantastic and nondescript restaurants, Quang's stands out. They used to be across the road, but built a new place with parking, and I couldn't be happier. Try the Royal Bun - a fantastic noodle dish with several Spring Rolls scattered atop, along with fresh herbs. But just about anything you order here will make you happy...

3. Sinbad Deli & Market
2528 Nicollet Ave S, 612-871-6505

Yes, this will be the last review for this restaurant-filled neighborhood! Right up the street from Black Forest and Quang's is a tasty Middle Eastern deli (great takeout) with an incredible lunch buffet. OH my. Forget the buffets with filler and cheap food - this one looks small, but is filled with authentic delicious Middle Eastern Foods. Oh, I am getting hungry just thinking about it!

4. Big 10 Restaurant and Bar
606 Washington Ave SE, 612-378-0467

Head up the road towards the University, and you'll find the best sandwich in the Cities. Yes! The Big 10 Restaurant and Bar is chock-full of sports memorabilia, and there is a bar area, but locals flock here for the delicious sandwiches. I recommend the Turkey Sandwich - on fresh baked sub buns, piled high with lettuce and onions, melted cheese, and a garlic mayonnaise that is out of this world. Yum!

5. Shuang Cheng Restaurant
1320 4th St. SE, 612-378-0208

Also near the University of Minnesota, in Dinkytown, is the best Chinese restaurant in the Cities. Forget everything you know about Chinese food, and ask the waiter for specials (written high on the wall, in Chinese). It will be worth your while! The roasted green beans are especially delicious, and we always end up with a whole fish to share at our table...

6. Crema Cafe
3403 Lyndale Ave S, 612-824-3868

For dessert, head down past (and east of) Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles for some delicious homemade ice cream at Crema Cafe. They have a cute courtyard for al fresco eating, as well as plenty of seats inside. On the weekends, they have music. But the big draw is their high-quality ice cream, with so many unique flavors.

7. Birchwood Cafe

3311 25th St E, 612-722-4474

This is the place to go for quality homemade food - their desserts (with a huge dollop of freshly whipped cream) put everyone else to shame. They get crowded at breakfast, but it is worth it. And their lunches? Delicious!

This is just the tip of the iceberg for Minneapolis, a great food town - look for more recommendations from me in the future.

What are your favorite places to eat in Minneapolis? Please share!

Related Articles: Best Places to Eat in St. Paul

List of more Best Places To Eat

Foodie Finds is an occasional column from Jessie Voigts, Publisher of wanderingeducators.com. She just LOVES food.