A Local Ranks Mall of America’s Best Restaurants (Top 10)

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Mall of America is huge.

It rocks over 500 stores, including a not-insignificant portion of restaurants. Not surprisingly, deciding where to eat can be overwhelming!

But fret not!

I used to work right next to the Mall of America, and my daily lunch routine consisted of a meal at the mall. In other words, I’ve tried them all! And I’m here to report back on the very best restaurants at the Mall of America. (Whether you’re looking for fancy sit-down or quick fast-casual.)

The best restaurant at Mall of America: Twin City Grill

Of all the restaurants at the Mall of America, Twin City Grill has the best reputation, by far. The MoA is a place that’s famous for opening and closing restaurants of questionable quality like a revolving door, yet Twin City Grill has been a Mall of America constant for over 20 years.

And there’s a good reason for that. This classic steakhouse/grill consistently turns out the best overall food you can find at the mall!

Located on the north side of the bottom floor, Twin City Grill is a surprisingly classy vibe. This is a full-service, sit-down restaurant decorated with retro flooring, wood-paneled walls, and even a fully stocked bar. It’s like a relaxing restaurant oasis in the middle of the chaos that can be a busy day at the Mall of America!

Food-wise, you’ve got tons of delicious options here. If you want to eat like a local Minnesotan, don’t miss their quality cheese curds to start. (It’s a northern thing that you’ve gotta try!) They also serve a mean walleye (Minnesota’s state fish!) available either fried or almond-crusted and pan seared. (Both options are popular preparations in this part of the country!)

Otherwise, you can also find all the other steakhouse classics here, whether you’re lokoing for a filet mignon done right or a meatloaf that will make mom proud.

• Directions: Head to the first floor, then head directly North of Nickelodeon Universe.
• Address: 130 North Garden 1ST FLOOR, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: Twin City Grill

Best fancy, farm-to-table spot: Cedar + Stone, Urban Table

While Twin City Grill above is plenty classy, if you’re looking for an even trendier spot with some fancier food and high-class service, check out Cedar + Stone.

This sit-down restaurant is attached to the J.W. Marriot, connected to the mall’s north side, and its every bit as trendy as the hotel it’s attached to. Inside, you’ll find a sleek interior with a modern vibe. When the weather is nice, you’ll even find a neat outdoor patio space with some fire pits.

Marriot advertises the restaurant as a fusion, and as promised, the menu runs the full gamut of cheffy takes on various classics. You can find pizza, salads, soups, steaks, fish, craft cocktails, and even a popular breakfast during weekdays and brunch during weekends.

P.S. – Cedar + Stone is a legitimate farm to table restaurant, with all ingredients sourced within 200 miles of the restaurant. We even featured it on our list of the best farm to table restaurants in Minneapolis.

• Directions: On the first floor, directly underneath the North Food Court.
• Address: 2141 Lindau Ln, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: Cedar + Stone

The most fun restaurant at the mall: The Fair on 4

Do you prefer your meals with a side of axe throwing and go kart racing? Then The Fair on 4 is your spot!

The Fair on 4’s name is a play on this restaurant’s menu (Minnesota State Fair food) and location (the fourth floor of the mall).

In case you haven’t heard, us Minnesotans go nuts for our state fair. It’s the biggest state fair in the country, and the main attraction is undoubtedly the food. So, this restaurant has taken all the best food at the Minnesota State Fair and converted it to restaurant format.

Yep! Cheese curds, corn dogs, turkey sandwiches, mini donuts, fried pickles… it’s all here! Sure, their takes aren’t quite as legendary as the fair’s authentic Pronto Pups or Mouth Trap Curd vendors, but we still appreciate the effort. Plus, when you consider that food can be eaten while enjoying a game of axe throwing, racing laps around the go-kart track, or racking up points at the arcade, there’s no question that this is the most fun, family-friendly restaurant at the Mall of America.

• Directions: On the fourth floor, in the southeast corner.
• Address: 402 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: The Fair on 4

Best burgers: Shake Shack

Shake Shack is a fast-food icon, and for my money, its location in upscale North Food Court consistently turns out the best cheeseburger in the entire mall.

Hey, these folks have it down to a science, and you just can’t beat that perfectly soft bun, extra saucy cheese, or oh-so-addicting crinkle cut fries. Finish it off with a namesake shake, and you’ve got the most sinfully delicious meal at the mall.

• Directions: At the entrance of the North Food Court.
• Address: 332 North Garden, Bloomington, MN
• Website: Shake Shack Mall of America

Most unique fried chicken: Bonchon

True story: the first time Lily tried Bonchon’s fried chicken in Uptown, Minneapolis, she immediately called me to rave about the Korean flavors slathered onto their boneless wings.

Recently, the NYC-based franchise expanded into the Mall of America’s South Food Court. Shots fired at B-Dubs and Popeye’s… the mall has a new challenger for unique fried chicken flavors. Bonchon’s soy garlic and spicy wing flavors are so addicting!

One bit of warning – the Mall’s location doesn’t seem to be as consistently delicious as some of the Bonchon’s other Twin Cities locations. Here’s to hoping they work out the kinks.

• Directions: In the South Food Court.
• Address: Mall Of America, 372 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: Bonchon Mall of America

Most popular fast food: Chick-Fil-A

Have you ever heard of this local mom and pop shop called Chick-Fil-A?

I kid…

And as silly as it seems to include this spot on our list, let’s be honest. At the Mall of America, fast food dining options are king, and among those, Chick-Fil-A reigns supreme. At least if we’re judging by the crowds… this CFA in the North Food court is consistently the busiest restaurant in the entire Mall.

• Directions: At the northernmost tip of the North Food Court.
• Address: 354 Central Pkwy, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: Chick-Fil-A Mall of America

My favorite healthy option: Jamba Juice

If all the burgers, fried chicken, and sweets have gotten to be a little much, Jamba Juice is an one of your better bets for healthier food options in the mall.

Because of Jamba Juice’s location on the east side of the mall, far removed from the mall’s two food courts, it’s an often forgotten chain. But when your belly needs a breather, Jamba Juice is a solid choice.

Back when I worked near the Mall, this was my go-to spot for a lighter lunch

• Directions: On the third floor, eastern side near the large rotunda area.
• Address: 317 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: Jamba Mall of America

3 Honorable Mentions near the Mall of America

If you couldn’t tell from the number of fast food chains rounding out our list above, the Mall can admittedly be a little limited on authentic dining options.

But if you’re willing to step outside the mall’s doors and take a short walk across the street, your world will open up to a few of the best options for a meal near the mall.

1. Fogao Gaucho

FoGau Gaucho is one of the best brazilian steakhouses in the Twin Cities, and it just so happens to be located a few hundred feet across the street from the Mall’s south exit.

• Address: 1901 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: Fogao Gaucho

2. Hazelwood Food & Drink

In my article about the best restaurants near the MSP airport, I raved about how Hazelwood has the quick business lunch or dinner down to a science. That praise also applies to folks who are willing to walk the 500 feet from the Mall’s east parking garage to Hazelwood, located just across the mall on 24th avenue.

• Address: 8150 26th Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: Hazelwood

3. Pizza Novara

If Sbarro ain’t gonna cut it, consider heading across the street to Pizza Novara. It’s one of the highest rated pizza spots in Bloomington, thanks to a daily homemade dough that creates one of the best thin crust pizzas in town.

• Address: 8170 26th Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Website: Pizza Novara

Map of Mall of America’s Best Restaurants

Other Options

Lastly, as a local food blogger, I’m obligated to disclose that Mall of America doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of our city’s amazing food scene.

If you want a true taste of the city, consider checking out some of the best restaurants in North Loop Minneapolis. (That neighborhood is arguably Minneapolis’s food mecca, and one of the biggest hotbeds for award winning restaurants in the country.) Likewise, Northeast Minneapolis is also packed with amazing food.

Also consider that the Twin Cities have some of the best cheeseburgers of anywhere in the world, not even counting our legendary Juicy Lucy burgers. And when it comes to Asian food, we have some of the best pho in the country, our Thai food can compete with anyone, and I love our Banh Mi sandwiches so much that I once ate nine of them in five days.