One of the pleasures of living in the Twin Cities is having access to exceptional and diverse businesses. Whether you're stocking a downtown condo for weekend guests, planning a lakeside dinner with friends, or searching for the perfect hostess gift, these local favorites offer everything from artisan cheeses and imported pantry staples to curated wines and one-of-a-kind culinary discoveries.
Southwest Minneapolis
France 44
A Minneapolis institution, France 44 has long been one of my favorite destinations for entertaining essentials. Beyond its exceptional wine selection, you'll find artisan cheeses, charcuterie, specialty groceries, prepared foods, fresh sandwiches, and beautifully curated gift items. The knowledgeable staff makes selecting pairings approachable, whether you're planning an intimate dinner or a larger gathering.
Broders' Cucina Italiana
For lovers of Italian cooking, Broders' Cucina Italiana is a must-visit. Tucked into the charming 50th & Penn neighborhood, this beloved market is filled with imported pastas, olive oils, vinegars, sauces, cured meats, cheeses, and hard-to-find Italian specialties. Enjoy some grab-and-go cuisine like a great slice of pizza while your shop.
One of Broder's most unique offerings is their monthly Pasta Club, a subscription experience featuring a rotating selection of artisanal and imported pasta, sauces, and Italian specialties delivered throughout the year. It's a wonderful gift for food lovers — or a delicious treat for yourself.
South Minneapolis, Uptown & Lakes Area
Midtown Global Market
One of Minneapolis' most vibrant culinary destinations, Midtown Global Market brings together food vendors, specialty merchants, and flavors from around the world under one roof. It's the perfect place to discover unique ingredients, international snacks, handcrafted treats, and ready-to-enjoy meals that inspire your next gathering.
The Wedge Community Co-op
More than a grocery store, The Wedge is a destination for locally sourced foods, artisan products, fresh bakery items, and specialty ingredients. It's particularly well-loved for its thoughtfully selected local brands and seasonal offerings that make everyday meals feel a bit more special. Visit their Lyndale or Linden Hills location for great selections.
Northeast Minneapolis
Stinson Wine, Beer and Spirits
A longtime Northeast Minneapolis favorite, Stinson has earned a loyal following for its thoughtfully curated selection of wine, craft beer, and spirits. What I appreciate most is that it feels approachable while still offering plenty of opportunities to discover something new. Whether you're selecting a bottle for a dinner party, stocking a condo bar cart, or looking for a unique gift, the staff is known for offering knowledgeable recommendations without intimidation.
Locals frequently praise the shop for its friendly service, strong wine selection, and ability to uncover interesting small-batch and hard-to-find offerings. It embodies the neighborhood character that makes Northeast Minneapolis such a special place to explore.
Surdyk's Cheese Shop & Gourmet Market
Few places evoke the spirit of a European market quite like Surdyk's. The longtime Northeast Minneapolis favorite offers an extensive collection of artisan cheeses, charcuterie, specialty foods, bakery items, prepared meals, and entertaining essentials. It's the kind of place where you stop in for a few ingredients and leave inspired to host a dinner party.
Kramarczuk's
A Twin Cities landmark, Kramarczuk's is renowned for its handcrafted sausages, Eastern European specialties, fresh-baked breads, pastries, and prepared foods. Whether you're planning a casual gathering or simply looking for something unique, it's a destination worth visiting.
St. Paul
Golden Fig Fine Foods
Located along Grand Avenue, Golden Fig specializes in artisan foods sourced from local and regional producers. Fresh breads, handcrafted chocolates, specialty cheeses, unique pantry staples, and beautifully assembled gift baskets make this a favorite destination for thoughtful hostess gifts and elevated everyday cooking.
Cossetta Alimentari
For a taste of Italy in St. Paul, Cossetta's market offers imported cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, sauces, olive oils, pastries, and specialty foods. It's one of the best places in the Twin Cities to stock up on authentic Italian ingredients and discover something new.
Edina
Coccinella Mediterranean Heritage
This charming boutique specializes in premium Mediterranean olive oils, vinegars, spices, and gourmet gifts. It's an ideal stop when you're searching for ingredients that elevate simple dishes or looking for a unique hostess gift.
Bringing People Together
Whether you're entertaining at home, heading to the lake for the weekend, or bringing a thoughtful gift to friends, these neighborhood favorites are some of the best places to discover the flavors that make our local food scene so special.
Photo by: @mali.marija
