Where to Eat in White Bear Lake

Jason and Joy delight in the charming lake town’s eateries

Restaurant recommendations from MnMo food critics Jason DeRusha and Joy Summers.


Jason’s Picks

It’s easy to imagine White Bear Lake in its resort days; Mark Twain included it in his book Life on the Mississippi. Today it’s home to 24,000 people, and a surprisingly flourishing food scene. 

Pizzeria Pezzo: I’m an unabashed Chicago-style deep-dish pizza lover (Lou Malnati’s is the best), and Pizzeria Pezzo is number one in Minnesota. The sauce is chunky and not too sweet, the hand-stretched crust is golden brown, and the fennel sausage on The Wrigley has enough flavor to keep the whole thing in balance.

Cup and Cone: For more than 40 years, it’s been impossible to leave this tiny walk-up ice cream parlor without a smile. The prices are astonishingly low: kiddie cones are 47 cents! Three generations of Johnstones have owned this gift to the community.

white bear lake, acqua, restaurants, best bets, jason and joy, food, restaurant recommendations
Acqua

PHOTO BY TJ TURNER


Joy’s Picks

White Bear Lake is a charming little town a stone’s throw from the Twin Cities with a collective of shops and eateries just perfect for strolling.

Acqua: This lovely Italian restaurant serves meals made from fresh, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients that are as stunning as its lake views.  

Red Lantern Sushi: Sushi aficionados rave about the quality of the fish at this nondescript gem. And the cozy interior is especially conducive to a romantic date night.


Read more:
Old Meets New in White Bear Lake: The revitalized downtown balances trendy city life with laid-back lake culture