You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just feels like... St. Paul? Not the shiny, corporate version of a city, but the real one. The one with brick, heavy wood, and the smell of garlic that’s been soaking into the walls for decades. That is Louis Ristorante St Paul.
Honestly, if you haven’t been to the third floor of the Cossetta empire lately, you’re missing the best view of the Cathedral in the entire state. It’s basically a rite of passage for anyone living in the Twin Cities. You push through the chaotic, tray-clattering energy of the main floor eatery, dodge a few people carrying boxes of cannoli, and take the elevator up.
Everything changes when those doors open.
The Rooftop and the Vibe
Most people think of Cossetta as just a place to grab a quick slice of pizza or some mostaccioli before a Wild game. And yeah, that’s great. But Louis Ristorante St Paul is a different beast entirely. It’s sophisticated but not stuffy. Kinda like that one uncle who wears a nice suit but still talks with a thick North End accent.
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The rooftop is the largest in St. Paul. That’s not just marketing talk; it’s massive. When the weather actually cooperates in Minnesota, sitting out there with a "St. Paul Strong" Manhattan is peak living. You’ve got the Cathedral of St. Paul looming over you like it’s in Europe, and the West 7th breeze keeps things cool.
Inside, it’s all about the booths. Deep, dark wood. Intimate lighting. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear the person across from you, which is a rare luxury these days.
What to Actually Order (Beyond the Pizza)
Look, we all love the pizza downstairs. But up here, you should be looking at the regional Italian stuff. The menu isn't trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just doing the wheel really, really well.
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- Rigatoni Norcino: This is the heavy hitter. It’s got guanciale, house-made Italian sausage, and porcini mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce. It’s rich. It’s salty. It’s basically a hug in a bowl.
- The Sausage and Peppers: I know it sounds basic. It’s not. They use the family’s own recipe, and the peppers are sautéed until they’re almost sweet.
- Linguine alla Vongole: If you want something lighter, the Manila clams in white wine broth are the way to go. It’s bright and has just enough red pepper kick to keep you awake.
- Louis Brick Chicken: This is one of those sleeper hits. It’s lemon-brined and cooked under a literal brick so the skin gets incredibly crispy while the inside stays juicy.
The History That Built the Place
You can't talk about Louis Ristorante St Paul without talking about Michael Cossetta. He showed up in St. Paul from Calabria, Italy, back in the late 1800s. He started a tiny market in 1911 in the Upper Levee neighborhood.
Fast forward over a century, and his great-grandson Dave Cossetta has turned that tiny shop into a three-story Italian "Alimentari." It’s a legacy project. When they did the big $10 million renovation years ago, they didn't just buy new furniture. They actually had the Pasticceria (the pastry shop) built in Italy, disassembled, shipped across the ocean, and rebuilt here by Italian craftsmen.
That’s the level of obsession we're dealing with. It makes the food taste better when you know someone cared that much about the woodwork.
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Pro Tips for Your Visit
- The Elevator Move: Don't try to navigate the stairs through the cafeteria crowd if it's a Saturday night. Find the elevator near the back entrance. It’ll save your sanity.
- Happy Hour is Secretly Great: They do a seven-day-a-week happy hour. You can get a Spiedini di Mozzarella (basically a giant breaded hunk of cheese with lemon-anchovy sauce) for a fraction of the price.
- Reservations are Non-Negotiable: Especially if there’s an event at the Xcel Energy Center. If the Wild are playing, forget about walking in. Call (651) 222-7378 or use their online portal.
- The Dessert Strategy: Don’t order dessert at the table. Pay your check at Louis, go back downstairs to the Pasticceria, and pick out exactly which cannoli or piece of tiramisu is calling your name. Then take it home or eat it on the second-floor mezzanine.
Why It Still Matters
In a world of "concept" restaurants and QR code menus, Louis Ristorante St Paul stays true to its roots. It’s a family business that actually feels like one. You might see Chef Jake Cossetta roaming around, making sure the 400+ dinners they serve on a busy Friday are up to par.
It’s one of those rare spots that works for a first date, a 50th anniversary, or just a Tuesday where you really need a plate of pasta and a view of the city. It’s comfortable. It’s consistent. It’s home.
If you’re planning a trip, aim for a late Sunday afternoon. The crowd is thinner, the service is a bit more relaxed, and you can really soak in that "Old World" vibe without the pre-hockey game rush.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience, check the Xcel Energy Center schedule before you go. If there’s a major concert or game, plan to arrive at least two hours early or wait until 30 minutes after the event starts to avoid the initial surge. For the best seating, request a "Cathedral view" booth when making your reservation; even if they can't guarantee it, they usually try to accommodate. Finally, make sure to browse the grocery market on the first floor before you leave—their house-made sausages and imported olive oils are better than anything you'll find at a standard supermarket.