Cathedral Hill, perched in the heart of St. Paul, strikes a perfect balance between old-world charm and modern sensibility. This historic neighborhood, with its leafy avenues and Victorian architecture, is also home to one of the Twin Cities’ most eclectic and inviting food scenes. From bustling cafés and date-night destinations to family-run bakeries and hidden gems, here’s an enthusiastic tour of the best dining Cathedral Hill has to offer.
The Classic Staples: Where Everyone Starts
- W.A. Frost and Company
Nestled at the corner of Western Avenue and Selby, W.A. Frost is the go-to for locals seeking romance or celebration. The candle-lit exposed-brick cellar and sun-dappled garden patio set an unforgettable scene for enjoying refined New American cuisine. Dishes like duck confit, roasted beet salad, and beautifully plated steaks dominate the menu. Entrées usually range from $22-$38, with a well-curated wine list. Don’t miss their legendary crème brûlée!
- The Red Cow
Also on Selby Avenue, The Red Cow is a gourmet burger bar with a neighborhood pub vibe. From stacked signature burgers to truffle fries and creative vegetarian options, there’s something here for everyone. The beer list is massive and local-centric, and the happy hour is a Cathedral Hill tradition. Prices range $12-$20 for mains, perfect for casual dinners and families alike.
Sidewalk Cafés and Cozy Corners
- Cafe Latté
For a perfect day, start with a slice of life at Cafe Latté. Known citywide for its decadent desserts—the turtle cake is a must—this European-style café right on Grand Avenue doubles as a bustling soup-salad-pizza spot for lunch and dinner. You’ll see freelancers, friends, and families all gravitate here. Mains fall from $10-$16, with cakes and coffees around $5.
- La Grolla
Just off Selby, La Grolla is a beloved Italian eatery with sidewalk seating that’s prime for people-watching. The house-made pastas, wood-fired seafood, and extensive wine list make it date-night central. Mains range $18-$30 and the tiramisu is legendary among Cathedral Hill regulars.
- Ginkgo Coffeehouse
For those who seek quieter, creative corners, Ginkgo at Selby & Dale is a classic. This warm, plant-filled spot is famous for its fair-trade coffees, house-made bakery treats, and strong connections to St. Paul’s creative community. Expect $3 lattes and $6 sandwiches, plus frequent live music and poetry nights.
Bakeries and Sweet Tooth Stops
- Bread & Chocolate
An offbeat gem of Selby Avenue, Bread & Chocolate has been fueling locals with chewy baguettes, melt-in-your-mouth pastries, and rich, chocolatey tarts for decades. Grab a croissant, hot coffee, and snag a spot by the window to watch Cathedral Hill pass by. Items start at $2, with full breakfast and lunch options under $10.
- Marc Heu Pâtisserie Paris
A taste of France right on Selby, Marc Heu crafts airy croissants, colorful macarons, and mirror-glazed entremets almost too pretty to eat. Locals swear by the pistachio pain suisse and salted caramel eclairs. Most item prices range $3-$6.
Global Flavors and Hidden Gems
- Vintage on Selby
A New York-style steakhouse with nods to Mediterranean and French cuisine, Vintage serves up classics like steak frites and roast chicken amidst an elegantly worn-in atmosphere. Their late-night happy hour draws a lively crowd. Entrées run $18-$36.
- Russian Tea House
Tucked inside a turn-of-the-century home on University Ave, just a short stroll from Cathedral Hill, this family-run outpost features famous Russian piroshki (stuffed buns), borscht, and tea. An affordable lunch run, everything is under $10, drawing lines of regulars and curious newcomers alike.
- Louisiana Café
Near Dale and Selby, this colorful diner is ground zero for hearty breakfasts. With Cajun-inspired hashes, massive pancakes, and zippy house coffee, it’s the unpretentious, cheery place for refueling after a Selby sidewalk stroll. Breakfasts and lunches range $8-$15.
Food Trucks, Pop-ups, and Local Foodie Traditions
Cathedral Hill’s scene goes far beyond brick-and-mortar. On warmer days, food trucks often line the avenues around Selby and Western or gather at local events like Selby Avenue JazzFest. Here you might encounter:
- Chef Shack Truck: Smoked brisket sandwiches and cardamom-sugar doughnuts.
- K-Town Street Foods: Korean-inspired tacos and bibimbap bowls.
- Holy Land Mobile: Gyros and pillowy fresh pita pockets.
Keep your eyes peeled for periodic neighborhood pop-ups—like dumpling stands outside Golden Thyme Coffee or the annual “Taste of Cathedral Hill” event, where neighborhood favorites offer bites and sips under festoon lights.
Neighborhood Vibes: Why Cathedral Hill Feels Special
What sets Cathedral Hill apart is its blend of tradition and trend. The cobblestone streets, grand mansions, and the ever-impressive Cathedral of Saint Paul form a backdrop for genuine community. It’s not uncommon for dinner at W.A. Frost to end with a spontaneous stroll past musicians playing outside Nina’s Coffee Café, or for coffee dates to spill out onto church steps overlooking the city skyline.
Locals love the walkability—one can spend a Saturday hopping from fresh bread at Bread & Chocolate, to a lunch of Russian piroshki, to an artisan cocktail at Red Cow, all under the leafy canopy of Selby Avenue. The neighborhood honors both its storied past and boundary-pushing newcomers, which is why the food scene remains fresh, heartfelt, and always welcoming.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Food Destination
Whether you’re a serious foodie, a casual brunch-hopper, or someone in search of a welcoming café to get lost in a book, Cathedral Hill delights at every turn. Spend a day (or a week!) eating your way across Selby, Western, and Grand—supporting storied icons and discovering the kind of hidden gems that make you feel like a local yourself. Stop by, dig in, and let Cathedral Hill’s unique flavor impress you—no reservations required.