A Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has deep culinary roots, thanks in part to Italian immigrants who came here in the middle of the last century and opened the first pizzerias. Since then, the city has become a center of diverse flavors, where pizza takes on new forms and recipes. Here you can taste both authentic Neapolitan pizza made according to traditional recipes and modern author's versions with local ingredients, with each restaurant having its unique approach.
1. Young Joni
Located in Northeast Minneapolis, Young Joni was created by Chef Ann Kim, who won the prestigious James Beard Award. The pizza here is cooked in a wood-fired oven with unexpected combinations: try the Korean BBQ with short rib, kimchi, and miso-ricotta cheese. Or get the La Parisienne with prosciutto and caramelized onions. Better make reservations for weekends.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/youngjoni_mn/
2. Punch Pizza
Punch Pizza started on Lake Street but now has another restaurant on Northeast. Their Neapolitan pizza is cooked for 90 seconds at 800 degrees in the oven. The dough is prepared only from flour 00, without sugar and oil. Margarita Extra with DOP mozzarella is their signature, but Vesuvius with spicy salami is also worth trying.
Photo Credit: facebook.com/LakeStreetPunchPizza/
3. Black Sheep Pizza
Black Sheep Pizza is the first pizzeria in Minneapolis to start cooking pizza over coal. Their pizzas have gained popularity thanks to a special charcoal-burning process that gives them a smoky flavor. They also have vegan options, including lactose-free cheese.
Photo Credit: facebook.com/blacksheeppizza/
4. Pizzeria Lola
In Pizzeria Lola, there is a plain copper Le Panyol oven. Owner Anne Kim (yes, the same one) experiments with Korean ingredients – Lady ZaZa with kimchi and Korean sausage is a hit. The dining room has a photo wall where visitors have been adding their photos for 10 years.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/pizzerialola/
5. Pizza Lucé
Open since 1993, Pizza Lucé has become known as one of the first pizzas for vegans and people with celiac disease. Their pizza with baked potatoes and vegan bacon is definitely worth a try. On weekends, they also serve pizza until 2:30, so it's a popular place to go after the bar.
RELATED: Simple and Flavorful Vegan Pizza Recipes to Try at Home
Photo Credit: instagram.com/pizzerialola/