Minnesota’s ‘Most Irresistible’ Italian Restaurant is One of the Oldest in the State

91 Years of Italian Comfort Food: A Hidden Gem in Minnesota

Tucked away in the heart of Minnesota is a restaurant that has been quietly serving up Italian comfort food for over nine decades.

It’s the kind of place where history seeps into every corner, where the walls could tell stories of family dinners, first dates, and neighborhood gatherings.

This unassuming spot recently earned national recognition when MSN's Love Food declared it home to be Minnesota's “Most Irresistible” Italian meal.

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The story, according to the restaurant's website, begins in 1932, during the Prohibition era, when the restaurant's founder, Francesco, opened a humble tavern serving near-beer.

LOOK: MN's Best Restaurant On 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'

A year later, the business expanded and became a café where Francesco introduced St. Paul to the Italian sport of bocce ball, installing the first alleys in the city. These same alleys still see action today.

In 1947, Francesco passed the torch to his sons, who rebranded the restaurant with its current name.

Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant Has Minnesota’s Most "Unmissable" Italian Meals

Located at 635 Payne Ave, it's a great place to grab a classic hearty Italian meal and soak up the nostalgic vibes of an old-school Italian eatery. This St. Paul institution is a living testament to the Yarusso family’s dedication to great traditional Italian food.

MSN's Love Food says this about the restaurant:

An old-school Italian through and through, Yarusso Bros is one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in St. Paul, in operation under its current name since 1947. It's a mom-and-pop joint serving pure comfort food, with the likes of pasta, garlic cheese toast, and pizza options all on the menu. But customers are really there for the huge meatballs and red sauce with spaghetti.

What Makes Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant So Special?

Over the decades, every family member has contributed to the magic, from running the kitchen to creating the welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere that keeps locals coming back. Yarusso Bros has stayed remarkably true to its roots. The red sauce still follows Francesco’s original recipe, and the menu continues to spotlight the classics.

For third-generation owners David, Fred, and Michael Yarusso, it’s all about tradition and the loyal patrons who make the restaurant feel like an extension of their own homes. Some customers are now fifth-generation diners, bringing their children to the same tables where they once sat with their parents and grandparents. This deep sense of connection makes every meal feel like a family gathering, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular.

If you're craving more dining inspiration, scroll down to check out the list of the 15 most booked restaurants in Minnesota.