Summit Hill isn’t just about stately Victorian homes and historic charm—it’s also a treasure trove for St. Paul food lovers. With vibrant Grand Avenue as its main artery and delightful side streets hiding edible gems, this neighborhood offers a rich, diverse, and ever-evolving dining scene. Whether you crave artisanal pastries, inventive comfort food, or global cuisine, Summit Hill is ready to tempt your taste buds. Here’s an enthusiastic guide to the best restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and hidden finds—plus a look at what makes the neighborhood uniquely delicious.
Grand Avenue: The Beating Heart of Summit Hill’s Dining Scene
At the core of Summit Hill’s culinary universe is Grand Avenue, stretching from Dale Street to Snelling Avenue. Renowned for its walkability and architectural beauty, Grand is also where you’ll find clusters of popular food destinations that draw both locals and visitors.
- The Lexington (1096 Grand Ave): A Summit Hill institution since 1935, “The Lex” is the crown jewel of neighborhood dining. Celebrated for its classic American steak and seafood menu and elegant supper club atmosphere, it’s the go-to for date nights and celebratory dinners. Don’t skip the walleye cakes or the famous popovers! Main courses range from $20–$45.
- Red Rabbit (788 Grand Ave): Known for craveable pizza, handmade pasta, and a buzzy happy hour, Red Rabbit strikes the sweet spot between upscale and laid-back. Their warm, contemporary dining room often bustles with families and friend groups alike. Try the spicy vodka pasta or the fennel sausage pizza, with mains in the $15–$25 range.
- Brasa Premium Rotisserie (777 Grand Ave): Chef Alex Roberts brings comfort food of the Americas to Summit Hill at this perennial favorite. Rotisserie chicken and slow-cooked pork shoulder headline the menu, paired with standout sides like cornbread and yucca fries. Vegetarian and gluten-free options abound. Mains run $10–$20.
Bakeries and Cafés: Sweet and Savory Retreats
Summit Hill is a caffeine-fueled, carb-friendly paradise. The neighborhood’s bakeries and coffee shops are local gathering places, creative outposts, and study nooks—all with serious flavor credentials.
- A Piece of Cake (485 Selby Ave): Just off Grand, this unassuming bakery is a beloved destination known for its classic cakes, cookies, and European-style tortes. Their chocolate mousse tortes and lemon cakes are unforgettable. Cakes start at $25; individual pastries are $3–$5.
- Café Latte (850 Grand Ave): Part Euro-café, part bakery, this Grand Avenue mainstay dazzles with unforgettable desserts (the Tres Leches cake is legendary), fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches. The vast sunlit dining room is perfect for lingering. Expect salads and sandwiches in the $10–$15 range, desserts $5–$7.
- Bread & Chocolate (867 Grand Ave): This neighborhood favorite hums from morning to night, serving croissants, scones, hearty breakfast burritos, and barista-made espresso. Their pecan rolls and oatmeal cookies are must-tries. Bakery items $2–$6; breakfast plates up to $10.
Global Flavors: Eclectic Eats from Around the World
Summit Hill’s food scene honors flavors from every continent. Whether you crave Thai, Japanese, or Mexican, you’ll find an array of authentic and inventive options.
- Saji-Ya (695 Grand Ave): A long-standing favorite for sushi and Japanese comfort food, Saji-Ya boasts a robust menu that moves deliciously from tempura to teriyaki. Their creative sushi rolls and bento box lunches make this a great pick for casual nights out. Lunches are $11–$16, dinners $15–$30.
- Augustine’s Bar & Bakery (1668 Selby Ave): A relative newcomer with serious neighborhood energy, Augustine’s offers an evolving menu of global eats—think breakfast tacos, inventive sandwiches, and seasonal soups—in a cozy, sun-dappled space. Entrees are $10–$16.
- Pajarito (605 7th St W, just south of the Summit Hill border): Technically in West 7th but a must for Summit Hill foodies seeking elevated Mexican cuisine. Creative tacos, salsas bursting with flavor, and crave-worthy house margaritas make this a local date night staple. Tacos $5–$7 each; entrees $15–$20.
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Part of Summit Hill’s appeal is its love of the unexpected: quiet storefronts and tucked-away patios often house some of the most memorable meals in the city.
- Moscow on the Hill (371 Selby Ave at Western): Just east of Summit Hill’s boundary but woven into the local dining fabric, Moscow on the Hill serves deeply satisfying Russian fare—think pelmeni, beef stroganoff, and infused vodka flights. Its tree-shaded patio is legendary in the summer. Mains are $18–$27.
- Salut Bar Américain (917 Grand Ave): On the edge of Crocus Hill, Salut is a Parisian-inspired bistro with a Minnesota heart. Enjoy steak frites, moules marinières, a French onion soup that could fix any bad day, and a lively bar scene. Lunches $12–$18, dinners $18–$30.
- Grand Ole Creamery (750 Grand Ave): When the craving for something sweet hits, this old-school ice cream shop delivers with dreamy hand-made scoops in classic and creative flavors. Their homemade waffle cones alone are worth a detour. Cones $4–$7.
Food Trucks and Local Food Traditions
Summit Hill embraces the Twin Cities’ growing love affair with food trucks. During summer months, outside spots like Kowalski’s Markets (1261 Grand Ave) and Summit Avenue parks, you’ll often spot trucks offering everything from artisanal grilled cheese to Korean BBQ.
Summer also brings the Grand Old Day festival—a celebrated St. Paul tradition—when Grand Avenue overflows with local eats, pop-up vendors, and street food that highlight the neighborhood’s diverse culinary flair. It’s the best way to sample Summit Hill’s flavor in one delicious day.
Why Summit Hill Stands Out
What makes Summit Hill’s food scene truly special? It’s the blend of historic charm and culinary innovation. Here, classic old-world establishments coexist with modern cafés and daring new restaurants. Throughout, there’s a palpable sense of community—owners are on a first-name basis with regulars, and patios fill up with friends from nearby blocks.
From twinkle-lit date nights at The Lexington to lazy brunches at Café Latte, from morning runs for pecan rolls at Bread & Chocolate to late-night ice cream treats at Grand Ole Creamery, Summit Hill rewards both loyal locals and hungry newcomers. Each visit promises fresh discoveries—proof that St. Paul’s most picturesque neighborhood is every bit a destination for foodies.