my wife and I flew into town for one of my friends funeral. we have friends we haven't see in over 25 years. we decided to meet at Louis for a good time and good food. Only one of these happened. our waiter Dave was the worst waiter I have ever had in my life. 4 of us had lasagna. this was the worst lasagna I have ever had. I took 4 bites. I couldnt eat anymore. Dave never asked us how our meal was. when took my plate away with only four bites, he never asked if there was a problem. I asked for more iced tea and he made a big deal out of that. with the worst waiter and food, it wasn't the experience we were expecting. I am very disappointed. Flying in from AZ for a good meal didn't happen. There are many good places to eat in St Paul. You can bet, we won't be returning to Cossetas. read more

Cafeteria style eatery. Food was pretty good. Bar upstairs that you can grab a drink from.

Cossetta must mean McDonald's in Italian! I would say it must mean Burger King, but at least there you can have your food your way! I ordered Chicken Parmesan, which is an Italian staple, right?! It was not very good, and the "lunch lady" behind the counter wouldn't let me have any pasta on the side. "You must have the old, basic raggedy pasta" (paraphrased), she said! I offered to pay an up charge and she offers that I can buy a second meal!!! I asked to speak to a manager. Not worthwhile. He was just as rude and the woman in a hairnet. He said, "It's the rule!" Hmmm....so the menu sign says NOTHING about no substitutions. And everyone was eager to take my payment, but not so much to provide good service. I don't anticipate that I will ever return to this place, and unless you want a dessert item I wouldn't recommend you do either! You can use your own "shaker cheese" at home....yeah, that's right. It wasn't even good Parmesan (see photos)! read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Chicken Parmesan with basic "shaker" cheese, and flat tasting side that you couldn't substitute. - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Cossetta... the St Paul landmark Italian joint that it's almost a sacrilege to speak ill of without getting someone in your face. After having my ass handed to me again in bowling, some pity pasta was in order and Cossetta for an early dinner/dessert seemed great. The location is exquisite post re-model. A great, far more open and far more inviting inside than what it used to be. The cafeteria style eating arrangement is a bit of a mess. Especially with very few people directions and if you make one wrong turn. I went with the lasagna while the woman went with the chicken parm. Grabbed a spot and dug in. Lasagna was absolutely amazing. Perfect flavor mix between the sauce, cheeses and sausage. The pasta was also done perfectly without any crunch spots or being too over done and mushy. The standard mostaccioli con ricotta that comes with it was also amazing. Wish the proportion was a bit bigger, but, think that's just because I was that hungry. Chicken parm was really good. Great breading to the chicken, little bit of spice in the dredge that gave an extra spicy component. The garlic bread was a miss. Rock hard, cold, and like eating a salty garlic chair leg. How do I know what that is like? Maybe I was dog in a past life, who know's, but the bread was barely touched by either of us for fear of chipping teeth and dying on the spot of salt induced dehydration. Not so fast my friends! Time for dessert. Lampone (raspberry) sorbet and Cioccolata Al Latte (milk chocolate) gelato together with a piece of strawberry cheesecake. The sorbet and gelato were amazing. Great mix together. While the cheesecake was a lighter style cheese cake (not the hard kind) with a great grahamy crust. Great stuff all around. Just wish the bread was on point. read more

Thank you for staying true to how you have always done things and offering amazing food on W 7th!

A la carte eating.... for a hefty price.... I don't like paying for no service and my bill costs more than if I had gone to a fine dining establishment. My bill was close to fifty dollars for a small slice lasagna, one slice of pizza, one bread stick, two sodas, and a cup of soup.... $40! Ummmmm Olive garden is better for the price. The food was ok. It didn't stand out in flavor... You had to order in certain places like a cafeteria and then go upstairs to find a seat. There is a small convenience store connected to the cafeteria line.... The construction adds to the confusion. I say you can just grab a frozen lasagna from their freezer if you want for $14.00 (size of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich) and go home.... Yes they freeze their meals so you can take it home... I wouldn't make an effort to stop here again but if I didn't have other options, I may be back for a to go order or just to watch the people from upstairs while I tried not to feel bad about overspending to people watch. read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Cossetta's is one of the end-all-be-all St. Paul places. It has been around for an actual century. My grandma, who grew up in St. Paul, ate here when she was a kid... true story. Like a lot of people, I've pretty much been a lifelong patron. It might have been part of a day at the Science Museum or the Landmark Center. It always involved a monstrous plate of that creamy ricotta-tomato pasta and garlic bread. I would insist on getting the large size. There were never any leftovers. I'm embarrassed to say but until I was 22, I never ordered anything except the mostaccioli. It was too good to risk trying something else! I've finally given in a little. I tried the pizza (good, but I don't go crazy for NY-style pizza) and the veal parmesan (very nice, and came with a big side of mostaccioli so that's a win). I still can't bring myself to order a salad, even though they look tempting while waiting in line. That's another thing I love about Cossetta's: the line. If nobody's waiting and you can walk right up to the counter, you're missing out on part of the experience. I don't think that has ever, ever happened, so just go to the back of line like everyone else and enjoy it. I only knocked one star off for the prices, which are a tad steep if Cossetta's doesn't have the nostalgic value to you that it has to a lot of us. The prices are still reasonable-ish. Although, the huge-ass mostaccioli used to be around $4. I know, I know... that was in like, 1998, but it seems like more than just inflation. read more

This place takes "cafeteria style" to a whole new level - wow! I'm going to assume that when I walked in I stood out like a sore thumb since I was literally walking around in circles with my jaw dropped & drool hanging from my mouth... No seriously I was... Picture the most friendly & helpful employees standing around waiting to serve you the most delicious food you have ever seen! Pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches. The list goes on & the decisions get harder. Since I was a little crunched for time, and short on cash, I chose quickly, which turned out to be a great thing because it was frickin' DELICIOUS! A snuck a bite of the super buttery, warm garlic breadsticks as we were pulling out of the parking lot, and let me tell you that I was seriously considering turning the car around to get more. They were that good! By the time we got home the cheese tortellini in cream sauce was a bit cold, and I was very hesitant to re-heat it, but I did anyway and it was still beyond phenomenal! It was hands down the best cream sauce I have ever had - creamy, but not too thick, buttery, but not too greasy... It almost melted in my mouth. No joke.. And thank goodness my son convinced me to get a "treat!" The cannoli's (both regular & chocolate dipped) were excellent! My mouth is already watering as I think about my next trip to Cossetta's! read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Tortellini with cream sauce - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I use to love this place. But what I just tried to eat was disgusting! The sausage was dry (crumble apart dry!). I honestly couldn't eat it. I've rarely ever post bad reviews but this is awful. The cranberry salad was just dripping in dressings. That's all you tasted. My husband got the chicken Marsala and the pasta was dry! How do you screw up pasta at an Italian restaurant?! Not coming back that's for sure. Update: I did receive my money back for the sausage calbrasa thing. read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Dry sausage in sauce. Tree pieces of sausage for $11 no thank you - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Cossetta's is a tried and true St. Paul landmark of a restaurant. If you look at the historic wall decor you will learn that Cossetta's is one of the Italian restaurants that has survived since part of W Seventh St. was a part of Little Italy. When I'm at Cossetta's I feel like I'm in a cafeteria, grab your tray and wait in line. It is very casual but within that line you can get some really good Italian food from salad to pasta to pizza with some great desserts to follow. After you go through the line and pay at the cash register you can take an elevator or walk the stairs to the 2nd floor where you can find your place to sit. When you've finished your delicious and ample portions you bus your own table by taking your tray and disposable dishes to the garbage. Again, very casual, but really good. Cossetta's is a great place to go with family, friends, on a date, before a concert... Just give it a try! read more

This place gets rave reviews from a lot of my friends, and I can understand why to an extent. The presentation, the name recognition, the easy setup (cafeteria style). My review is based on the numerous food items I've tried here. I find most of Cosetta's hot pasta offerings to be bland. They taste fresh for the most part, but it lacks the bold flavors that I really enjoy in Italian food. Some people enjoy the subtlety of the food here, which is fine for them, but I can't remember mainstream Italian food being known for its subtlety. I do enjoy the cold pastas and the salads, so I gave them an extra star for that. Stop by if you want to buy something cold or keep driving and pass up this place read more

I love this place. Whenever I go to the Excel center for an event, this is my go-to for dinner. Now, don't get me wrong - the lines are atrocious and horrible as everyone else had the same idea as me. Thankfully, they move through the crowds really quickly, so it's really not that bad. The overall ambience is warm, although it's often hard to find an empty, clean table. That said, the pasta MOSTACCIOLI CON RICOTTA (which I can never pronounce, and they never judge me for it) is AMAZING and my go-to dish every time. I've also utilized their catering services and their spinach salad + dressing are OUT of this world (The catering is across the street in a poorly marked/labeled brick building). Two thumbs up. read more

I would say 3.5 stars. Maybe because I'm Italian I'm extra harsh on Italian restaurants. It was recommended and has many good reviews. Maybe I just didn't have the right thing. When I go to Italian spots I usually try to order something I wouldn't make at home often. I had the manicotti which was the special for the dat. It was over salted and soggy and they served it with a vodka sauce..that's a no in my book. My husband's had the chicken parm and it was thin and greasy. The salad was good. The penne side with sauce was nothing special just kind of bland. The portions were a nice surprise. I think the concept was cute. I love Italian delis but this was not really Italian in my book but more of a Olive Garden meets Panera bread. The pastries were not all really Italian. But were good. I was excited over the lobster tail pastry. That's not something you see every where. read more

I have never been disappointed. Love the pizza!!! Love the gellato!!! And, pretty much everything else in the desert area. These people know how to run a business. When we first moved here, they only had one area to buy food to eat. Now, you can get in the cafeteria line for pasta and other meals, or go up to the pizza area. Then, they have a completely separate room for their deserts, and this is where I recommend you spend most of your time and money. TRY EVERYTHING!!! And, even if you don't buy anything, you need to check out the deli with all the meat, cheese, and other Italian products. VERY COOL PLACE! read more

This restaurant brought me right home to Little Italy in New York and eating with my dad at his favorite restaurant. The music, the wait staff ,the entire decor, the restaurants perfect.I'm talking about Louies on the third floor. However the downstairs area and the bakery all had amazing food as well. If you want to listen to great music and eat Italian food in a really comfortable environment this is the place to go. We were visiting from out of town and we ate there two out of our four nights! read more

We came here for dinner last Saturday. The cheese pizza was horrible, not good at all .The chicken cacciatore was delicious nicely prepared. For the dessert we ordered Tiramisu which was not at all fresh again very bad . We thought seeing the reviews everything will be good but that's not right . Only the the chicken cacciatore was good . read more

Cossetta was a fun place. Amazing ambiance. Was very busy when we were there but lines moved pretty fast. They have a great selection of food. The food is served cafeteria style where you walk thru the lines. While I've had better Italian food, it was still good and the atmosphere was very cool. read more

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I didn't choose wisely. They Mickey Mouse the Parmesan. Indeed, it came out like cardboard. Tiramisu also had little lady fingers. Service was slow. read more

Cosettas is an OLD family owned business that I have been going to for years! It was a "must stop" whenever I am in St Paul around lunch time. I have had their pizza which is good, they hand toss the dough. A lot of places have pizza so I usually get the Lasagna when I go there. Sometimes they make a couple variations of the lasagna to try. With the lasagna, you get a bread stick and Baked Ziti with a bunch of delicious sauce poured all over the top. How can you go wrong? The dining area upstairs was dated and very close quarters. They just expanded in the last couple years (which made the tiny parking lot smaller) that made the restaurant larger. They improved the flow of the ordering, you take 1 line if you are doing pizza and a different line if you are doing anything else. the lines come together at the central check-out area. This place is very busy during prime time eating hours and before events at the Xcel. They are pretty good at getting you through the line quickly but it gets like a zoo in there sometimes! They also have a store attached where I have also bought fresh dough, sauce and other ingredients to make their pizza at home and call it mine! Today I even went in the store and got some dessert. The Tiramisu was awesome. The influx of traffic and people are a turn off at high eating times. read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Hours are not correct. Disappointed when the gal who answered the phone started to laugh when I explained that Yelp listed the closing hour at 9 pm, not 8:00pm on the door. Stay classy! read more

Food is average cafteria style italian. I think the experience and atmosphere is cool but food is only okay.

Really cool concept of dining, market, and bakery, it's a one stop shop for Italian fixings. The parking is limited and inconvenient so make sure you plan ahead by checking to see if there are any events going on at the Xcel Center. There are multiple lines depending on what you want to order which is confusing and a little unorganized. If you're a first timer don't be shy to ask for direction on where to find certain lines. I ordered the tortellini with prosciutto on top and my boyfriend got the pepperoni pizza. The creamy alfredo sauce on the tortellini was really flavorful and we finished the whole thing. The pizza is only good if you get a fresh slice so wait until they bring out a new pie before you order. It was a little greasy and pretty average, not sure it was worth the $5 per slice. The bakery was also a hot mess with people trying to order. The had a number system but weren't using it that night for whatever reason. I loved the mini cannolis, both traditional and chocolate, because of the crunchy pastry and sweet filling. The tiramisu was flavorless, I would not recommend this to anyone. I think I would have liked this place much more If it was a better organized ordering system and staffed properly for busy times to keep the traffic moving. I would consider trying it again without any events going on at Xcel. read more

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I love Cossettas, the food is great and so is the vibe but the people that serve food are so rude every time and visibly roll their eyes and seem fed up. The people who clean tables are usually the nicest happiest people and I enjoy all of them, but the servers are just so rude and it's clear they don't enjoy their job. read more

Heard good things for years and finally decided to try. Ordered the Arancini for an app and they were big and fresh. The complementary bread is A+, soft on the inside and crusty on the outside. For a main course I got the linguini with clams which was excellent. Tons of clams and I had to get extra bread for the great white wine sauce. The wife got the lasagna which was the size of a roofing shingle and was also great. Of course if you have room, get the gelato. It doesn't matter the flavor. All of that plus a bottle of champagne was under $150, so skip olive garden and go here if you want great Italian for a decent price. read more

This is as good as it gets for me. I miss working in Saint Paul for this very reason. The pizza is fantastic along with the many pasta dishes that they serve. The sausage pizza is my favorite, no need to load on more ingredients that detract from the sausages expertly blended spices. The sauce is fresh and vibrant. One thing you need to check out is the market that is attached to the restaurant., they have imported pasta, real prosciutto and great homemade Italian treats. Everything that I have purchased from there has made absolutely wonderful meals at home. It does get busy and you order in a cafeteria style line some some a little before or after the lunch and dinner rush to avoid a wait. They are currently going through a large renovation so parking can be a bot tricky right now. read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Pizza! - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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This restaurant has been around for over a hundred years. In that time, it has moved to bigger locations because of it's growing popularity, but it has always stayed in the same neighborhood in St. Paul. What's amazing about all this growth, is that they've never compromised their product in the process. When it comes to italian food, it would be easy to make those compromises. Mediocre pizza is still enjoyable for most people. However, this isn't one of those restaurants that just pretends to care about delivering a quality product more than making extra profit. Cossetta's has always served authentic italian food for a great price, which is why my family has been going there for years. The tradition started with my grandparents. A few years ago, it warmed my heart when I discovered that my late grandfather, like me, could never choose only one dessert here! The problem is that the tiramisu is a must but the gelato and cannolis are also heavenly! I grew up eating Cossetta's tiramisu. It turned me into a tiramisu snob. I've never had one that has equaled this one; the mascarpone cheese is whipped up like whipped cream and is in perfect proportion with the espresso soaked lady fingers then topped with delicious shaved chocolate. My friend has recommended a restaurant in Rome, where she said the best tiramisu resides. I am going to Italy for the first time in May. I'll let you know if it stacks up! If you come here and there is a line, you should know it is worth the wait! While you wait in line, enjoy the mouthwatering aroma and the warm atmosphere. They offer a beautiful array of salads made with fresh ingredients here. My dad always get's the caesar. If I have room, I get the flavorful, creamy pollo arrosto pasta salad. The entrees are big, so you may want to take home some leftovers. The best advice I can give to you is save room for dessert! The mostaccioli is my favorite entree. The pasta is tossed with a ricotta cheese sauce then topped with a red sauce and comes with garlic bread. It is always scrumptious, but if I am fortunate enough to get my pasta from one of the fresh hot pans, it makes my day! Most of the other entrees come with a side of mostaccioli. Although, the large satisfying slices of pizza come on their own. Sometimes, you can watch as the cooks hand toss the crust while you're waiting in line. In addition to regular drinks, they offer some imported options as well as beer and wine. I must admit that part of what makes this place special to me is it's history with my family. My dad has been going here since he was a kid. Even though I grew up a an hour outside the twin cities, we still made many visits growing up. My first memories of coming here were with my dad and sister on take your daughter to work day. On my last visit here, I noticed many of the tables were filled with young families eating here. I can't be certain, but I like to think that visiting Cossetta's will become a tradition for them too. read more

Cossetta Alimentari - After eating this, I could die happy! - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

The best italian grocery store in MN! It has everything you need, prosciutto de parma, amazing brands for balsamic, and a large array of cheeses. The italian sub is a bit lacking, too little meat and super heavy on the mayo and the veal parm was lacking in enough sauce. The sub a huge though, definitely just buy 1 to share. You definitely want to make room for dessert. The lobster roll wasn't crisp enough and the creme inside a bit too dense. I'm being super picky, but i know my lobster rolls... and it's just not the same as in boston. sorry. read more

This place is awesome most of the time. This time not so much. We did the Eatery, had the tortellini and the ravioli special. Both dishes were cold and tasted bland. Normally I get a Italian hero which is always good. Cossetta's always has a good vibe, Louis, The Market, bakery, and the Eatery(salads, sandwiches, and pizza) they just need to quality check the hot dishes better. read more

Super cozy and home-y vibes at Cossetta! The main dining area is cafeteria style, so pull up a tray (or two) because you will want to eat everything!! I got the italian hero sandwich, and it was huuuuuuge! If it wasn't my first meal of the day, I'd most likely have leftovers. The sandwich came with peppers on the side, which is a nice option to have depending on whether or not you want peppers inside your sandwich. There is an upstairs dining area and outdoor seating, so don't fret about not finding a table. Lots of seating around this fine establishment! Plenty of parking behind the building. And there is an attached bakery/gelato and grocery store where you can buy fresh baked goods and fresh house made pasta. read more

Best restaurant and experience In StP...dare I even say entire metro. A true StP legend

There is so much to love about cossettas. The reopening was busy. Most of the food is spot on, however I ordered calamari which the squid took second seat to other ingredients that was not calamari. Very disappointed. And to continue the disappointment I ordered the Caprese salad and the heirloom tomato was chopped up like salsa. And the Mozzarella was so fresh it lacked any flavor and feel apart like cottage cheese. For a total of $35.00. I will no go back unless for groceries which is the best. Too bad. read more

THE BEST ITALIAN CARBOHYDRATES E V E R !!!!!! Walking in here is like entering Italy. The walls are filled with photos both of celebrities and non celebrities. Definitely a trip through St Paul history. This is a true treasure for downtown St Paul. The renovations are superb. We arrived after the lunch rush, and the only problem was deciding what to order. We got a huge slice of pepperoni pizza and a HUGE chicken parmigina sandwich. Wow, what a delightful lunch! The 2nd floor was spacious and sparkling clean. All the staff we encountered were eager to help. The chocolate dipped cannoli made with marscapone was, as they say, to die for. What a way to go. Then there is the grocery store. It looks like authentic sausages, cheese, and a whole lot of other items are available. I bought a few goodies, and plan on returning when I prepare my lasagna with 5 cheeses. Authentically made ricotta is the secret ingredient. Shh don't tell anyone. There is a loaf of bread with the procuitto baked INTO the bread. I Love it. It is all about the food here, and any family owned and run restaurant that lasts for decades is doing something RIGHT. And yes, it is a little pricey for some things, but Y O U G E T W H A T Y O U P A Y F O R !!!!!!!!!!! read more

Can't decide where to eat? Tired for talking? Cossetta is a no-miss destination. There is no finer place for casual dining. The food if authentic, fresh, and affordable. Don't be fooled by the cafeteria-style service. The upstairs dining area is uncompromising and includes outdoor, heated seating. Staff is friendly and attentive. Many items, such as the Chicken Parmesan is made to order. The salads are excellent. The pasta and pizza are good. I enjoy the rice balls as a no-meat meatball alternative. Ive eaten here with a family of five. and everyone was happy. The only disappointment? We didn't have room for Gelato after meal. Don't forget to visit the italian bakery and grocery store connected to Cossetta. You'll find some no-miss favorites. Ours includes fresh spices and parmesan cheese from the grocery -- and cannoli from the bakery. read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Cannoli! - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Yelper Kaitlyn F. recommended this place to me and it was everything she described. There are SO MANY options that it was actually a bit overwhelming initially. We came on a Saturday and the lines were up to the doors - about 30-40 minutes just to get food. The parking situation, while free (surprising!), was no better. Inside, the longest lines are for their pasta - the pizza line is shorter. While they have a set menu, they also have a daily specials menu it seems. I honestly can't even tell you what it was that I ate other than it was truly excellent. I'm also terrible in naming Italian food in general - it all pasta to me. Please see the picture below and please let me know if you know! Prices were reasonable and on par with most Italian food (somewhat expensive). The highlight of the experience is really the seating, particularly on the outdoor balcony that faces east towards the Mississippi. Make sure you get these seats! Hopefully your day will be as sunny as ours! read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Absolutely love this place! A great atmosphere and fun place to go when in the Twin Cities. Great options for everyone from salads, Italian subs, pastas, and pizzas. The Italian bakery is awesome and chocolate cannoli is probably one of the best I've ever had. The Italian grocery store is fun also all sorts of great finds here. Plenty of seating for small groups and larger groups. Also love to seat on the balcony a pretty cool view of 7th street in St. Paul. read more

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They did a remodel here from the last time I stepped in this spot. The place is expanded and really nice actually. I was telling Baboy about the pizza at this joint. We both order a slice of cheese. I remember the first time I ever came here with my mom when I was a lot younger. I couldn't believe how ENORMOUS the slice of pizza was! It's still just as big and good! The only thing I am unclear about it when we are done eating, do we dump all of our stuff in the trash or do we leave it on the table for the peeps to clear along with a tip?? I see people walking around but I'm just not sure what their duty is. Anyway we ended up leaving a tip and getting on with our day. read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Slice of cheese! - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Cossettas is a lifelong favorite. The go to is the mostacciolli, sometimes with a meatball. Chicken Parmesan is delicious. Their pizza is great! We buy the frozen dishes in the market to make sure they are always stocked at home too :) read more

We loved this place so much we ate here TWICE during our 4 days in the St. Paul area. Ridiculous red sauce, among the best I've ever had. It's incredible the quality they can maintain with an operation that large. My Lasagna was dense and perfectly filling. Smaller amounts of cheese and meat in between layers of pasta, finished with extra red sauce. The Caesar salad was classic and perfectly dressed. My husbands sausage and peppers had a kick to it from the sausage. Peppers slightly al dente and wonderful. I'm almost glad this place isn't near my hometown or else I might gain 30 pounds. read more

Cossetta Alimentari - Lasagna - Italian Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I look forward to this place every time I visit St. Paul. The new renovation is excellent, it is definitely more of a restaurant now, but I still enjoy the cafeteria style. The Cossetta Salad is the best salad I have ever had, and I typically have a Cossetta Salad and Pasta Fagioli soup. The deli department here is to die for, so many choices of REAL Italian goodies, cheese, meats, breads, etc. I only wish I lived in St. Paul because I would be living in this place! read more

Absolutely horrible service. Sat at the bar upstairs and waited 40 minutes for a drink. We were straight up ignored. Only 4 other people sitting at the bar. They were also ignored while the bartenders focused on washing dishes. I am a bartender and am actually disgusted with the service. Will not be coming back to this bar. read more