If you’re looking for new food to try in the Twin Cities, keep reading to find out some places I’m sure you’ll love. Over the years, I’ve discovered and tried many different “unpopular” restaurants. I’ve found some places that I believe have some of the best food in Minnesota.

The first restaurant is called Quang (pronounced “Qu-ahnz”). Located on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, Quang is known for their authentic Vietnamese cuisine. They offer a number of appetizers including spring rolls, cream cheese wontons, egg rolls, and more. Their pho soup (pronounced “fuh”) is their most popular dish. It’s a brothy soup, with either clear or egg noodles and your choice of meat. When I come here, my favorite things to get are the sliced beef pho, spring rolls with peanut sauce on the side, and strawberry bubble tea. The costs are averagely priced and the dishes are good sizes. The employees are very welcoming and provide great service. If you are interested in trying some great Vietnamese food, definitely check out Quang.

The next restaurant is called Mesa Pizza, located in both Uptown and Dinkytown. Mesa serves pizza by the slice in several varieties, including BBQ chicken bacon, mac n’ cheese, Hawaiian, buffalo chicken, and several more. One slice costs $5.50, and they are fairly large. My favorite is definitely the mac n’ cheese pizza. It may not sound appetizing, but, trust me, you’ll change your mind once you try it. I highly recommend Mesa Pizza because of its delicious and unique pizza and quality customer service.

Next up is Nakamori Japanese Bistro, located in Edina, Minnesota. If you love Benihana, I’m sure you’ll love Nakamori, which basically is a more affordable version. The workers here are always so friendly and provide great customer service. Nakamori offers really good quality food for very reasonable prices. Some of their appetizers include edamame, gyoza, a tempura platter, and more. They offer many different sushi rolls and I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve tried. If you have a bigger appetite, I highly recommend their hibachi dinners. They include a soup & salad, a side of rice, and a main dish. My favorite thing to get here is the crab meat tempura sushi roll with a side of fried rice. I strongly encourage you to try Nakamori next time you’re craving some Japanese food.

The final restaurant is called Taqueria & Birrieria Las Cuatro Milpas, located in Minneapolis. They serve delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. They are known for their birria tacos, which are hard shell tacos soaked in broth with shredded beef, onion, and cilantro, served with a cup of broth on the side for dipping. If you aren’t in the mood for tacos, they have plenty of other traditional Mexican dishes on their menu. My go-to order is the birria tacos, chips & guacamole, and tres leches cake for dessert. If you’re interested in trying Mexican food other than Chipotle, I highly recommend giving this restaurant a go.