Mamma Mia! 5 Top Italian Restaurants in the Twin Cities and Rochester

While it may not have originated in this country, Italian cuisine definitely qualifies as comfort food. Pizza and pasta satisfy everyone on occasions from warm family dinners to a romantic date night for two. Just to show that we go the extra mile, we've put on a few pounds researching these delicious Italian restaurants in the Twin Cities and Rochester.

Broders' Cucina Italiana
2308 W. 50th Street
Minneapolis

This Minneapolis institution of more than 30 years serves such amazing food that it's earned not one but two appearances on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Broders' imports the finest specialty foods from all over Italy to use in their freshly made pizza, pasta and sandwiches. They also have an incredible variety of items for carry-out, including family-style dinners with salad, focaccia bread and dessert. Want to eat like Guy Fieri? Try the fettuccine alla Bolognese or the prosciutto and arugula pizza.

Bar La Grassa
800 Washington Ave. N.
Minneapolis

Bar La Grassa has become a fixture on top-10 lists from both local and national media outlets and restaurant review organizations. Luscious dishes such as egg raviolo and linguine with lamb meatballs are available entrée-size or as small plates perfect for sharing. Be sure to start off with an order of the wildly popular soft eggs and lobster bruschetta.

Pazzaluna Urban Italian
360 St. Peter Street
St. Paul

Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine named Pazzaluna to this year's list of top five St. Paul restaurants. Beautiful mural-covered walls contribute to the casually upscale ambiance. Authentic Italian dishes are served with a modern touch in dishes like duck carbonara and veal medallions with a porcini mushroom crust. Visit Pazzaluna's bar to enjoy one of St. Paul's best Happy Hours, featuring special food and drink pricing from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.- closing seven days a week.

Cossetta Alimentari
211 - 7th Street W.
St. Paul

Far more than just a restaurant, Cossetta is modeled after a traditional Italian marketplace. The Eatery & Pizzeria is perfect for a casual meal of pizza, pasta or salad served cafeteria-style. Head up to the third floor and dine at Louis, a full-service restaurant and bar with mouth-watering dishes like the signature brick chicken, lemon-brined and actually cooked under a brick. Finally, stop off at the Pasticceria and take home some items from their vast assortment of tarts, cookies, cheesecakes and other baked goods and specialty desserts.

Redwood Room
300 - 1st Avenue NW
Rochester

The charmingly rustic atmosphere of the Redwood Room is complemented by a creative menu of Italian and global cuisine. Gourmet pizzas include an Indian version with tandoori chicken, smoked Gouda and a garam masala aioli, and a Thai fusion pie topped with sriracha chicken and creamy peanut sauce. Choose from entrées like coq au vin and the popular apple cider pork. Customers rave about the olive oil and Parmesan bread that accompanies every meal.

Did we miss your favorite Italian eatery? Tell us about it in the comments!