Seven Minnesota pizzerias have been featured in Yelp’s list of the 100 Best Pizza Spots in the Midwest, highlighting the state’s growing reputation for top-notch pizza. This recognition adds to the list of recent accolades Minnesota’s pizza scene has received.
Despite this honor, the number of Minnesota restaurants making the list may seem modest given the state’s strong pizza culture and the high profile of cities like Chicago and Detroit within Yelp’s Midwest region. Other notable cities in the Midwest, such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis, also have thriving pizza scenes.
Leading Minnesota’s representation on the list is Young Joni, which ranks 25th. Chef Ann Kim, who is behind Young Joni, is a James Beard Award winner. Her other establishment, Pizzeria Lola, also made the list at 80th. Kim’s Uptown restaurant, Kim’s, recently made headlines for unionizing.
Among the Minnesota pizzerias that made the list, only two are located outside the Twin Cities. Brianno’s Deli-Italia in Eagan is ranked 82nd, and the Maplewood location of Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks is 89th.
Yelp compiled the list by evaluating user reviews, including the number of reviews and their ratings, and consulting with its Community Managers to identify popular spots.
Here are the Minnesota pizzerias that made the Yelp list:
25.Young Joni, Minneapolis
27.Mama’s Pizza, St. Paul
39.Boludo, Minneapolis
80.Pizzeria Lola, Minneapolis
82.Brianno’s Deli-Italia, Eagan
87.Element Wood Fire Pizza, Minneapolis
89.Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks, Maplewood
Notable Minnesota pizzerias such as Pig Ate My Pizza, Wrecktangle Pizza, and Zorbaz did not make the list despite receiving previous acclaim from Food & Wine, Good Morning America, and the New York Times, respectively.
In the overall rankings, Minnesota is tied for sixth place with Wisconsin and Iowa. States ahead of Minnesota are Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, and Indiana. States with fewer entries include Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
