Best Italian Restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota: Cossetta's Italian Market and Pizzeria

There are a lot of pizza parlors in St. Paul, and all of them claim to have the best in the Twin Cities. However, one in particular wins the prize hands down. Cossetta's is one of those rare restaurants with true staying power. The Cossetta family have been dishing up great food in St. Paul since 1911 and are still going strong. Originally located closer to the Mississippi River, Cossetta's (Just a Piece of the Levee) Italian Market and Pizzeria is now located a few blocks away on busy West 7th Street, very close to downtown St. Paul. This eclectic restaurant has a loyal and huge local following, and pizza is just the beginning of the story.

Patrons should be forewarned: this is one busy restaurant, and parking is tight. There is a small lot, but it's usually filled with cars. If you can't find on-street parking, it's possible to use nearby ramps or lots which are normally used by the patients at nearby United and Children's Hospital. Cossetta's will validate parking, and that helps. The frenzied pace is evident once you step inside the restaurant, especially during peak lunch or dinner time hours. It's truly an organized chaos. Due to its proximity to the hospital and downtown, Cossetta's is a popular lunch destination for the office crowd. Seating is minimal, so if you're planning on eating here, go early. There is second floor seating, and that's the best spot if you want to people watch.

The big draw to the restaurant is the thin crust pizza, which is conveniently sold by the slice or by the whole pie. Pick the line to the right if you choose pizza. If ordering by the slice, you will find that the portions are generous. You'll find the other menu items in the line to the left, such as salads, appetizers, pasta and sandwiches. The menu board is huge and making a choice is a daunting task. Everything here looks mouth watering and smells great, it is always a dilemma to pick just one thing. The lasagna and mostoccioli is to die for. Actually, you can't go wrong with any of the pasta choices. The Italian sausage is heavenly, and Cossetta's signature Italian beef sandwich is hearty and scrumptious. The price point is extremely reasonable, and you receive a lot of food for the money.

Cossetta's is also an Italian market, offering imported pastas, sauces and other yummy goodies.

The restaurant is casual, and they do not accept reservations. In addition to the great menu items, they do serve beer, wine and soft drinks. Unfortunately, Cossetta's does not yet have its own web site, but that is on the horizon.

Cossetta's Italian Market and Pizzeria
211 West 7^th Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
651-222-3476