8 Bemidji Restaurants That Locals Love For Food, Vibes & Views!
A beautiful and charming lake-side town, Bemidji can only be described as a tourist’s haven! There’s lots of things to see and do, but we thought we’d make your trip a little easier by outlining all the best restaurants to stop by during your time in town.
Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy a sit-down dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from in Bemidji, including Mexican cuisine, Japanese specialties, BBQ, Italian, and even restaurants with gorgeous lakeside views!
So, have fun and enjoy your time roaming around Bemidji before eating the best food available at our favorite restaurants below. Bon appetit!
The Best Restaurants In Bemidji, MN: Food Worth Waiting For!
1. Tutto Bene
Modern yet classic Italian eatery bringing rich flavors and professional service to the town. They have a lovely sheltered outside patio too.
If you’re looking for the perfect night out, whether that’s date night with your significant other or quality time with friends and family, then Tutto Bene – one of the most popular restaurants in Bemidji – is just the place to go.
With amazing food, exceptional service, and an awesome interior, this excellent restaurant will make sure you have a special experience every time.
The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with dim lighting and romantic music setting the mood. It’s recently been renovated so everything feels and looks brand new, giving it an air of luxury too. The outside patio just adds to that as it feels cosy and intimate, and as it’s covered you won’t get caught out by any Minnesotan evening rain.
Plus, the service at the restaurant is very professional and you’ll find the staff attentive and knowledgeable about the menu – so make sure to consider any suggestions they have.
To start, why not order the Lunch Bruschetta, which is bursting with flavor thanks in part to the fresh tomatoes and basil. For the main course, try their Gnocchi & Chicken, which is cooked to perfection and has the perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors.
Their Brasato Panini is also equally delicious and a great addition to any meal, so make sure you try that too!
Tutto Bene is closed on Sundays and Mondays. They open for lunch from Thursday to Saturday 11:30 am to 2 pm and for dinner on Tuesdays through Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm, so there’s plenty of time to visit.
Address: 300 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN
2. Table for 7
Farm to table restaurant that has some of the best and freshest dishes made to order! Outdoor seating is available.
Whether you’re a foodie looking for a unique dining experience or just someone who appreciates fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, you won’t be disappointed by a visit to Table for 7.
This unique farm-to-table restaurant makes dining a lavish experience due to the quality and standard of their food alongside the great wine selection available – it’s an experience that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
The atmosphere is rustic and welcoming, with charming decor and a cozy ambiance. But the standout feature of the restaurant is not its vibe, but their focus on fresh ingredients.
The menu features a variety of dishes made with local, seasonal produce, meats, and dairy products from nearby farms. The food is known for always being incredibly fresh and flavorful, and you can tell that a lot of care goes into the preparation of each dish.
Try their Chicken Pot Pie, Fish N Chips, or Smash Burger to really enjoy all the diverse flavors and offerings they have on their menu. Apart from those they also have some great appetizers like the Squash Soup and Truffle Fries which are perfect if you just want to snack on something light.
Plus, their desserts have often been the talk of the town, so make sure to try their cheesecake in particular so you end your meal on the best note possible!
Table for 7 is closed from Sunday to Tuesday. But they reopen on Wednesday from 4 pm to 8 pm. Whilst on Thursday to Saturday they are open from 11 am to 8 pm.
Address: 414 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN.
3. Mi Rancho Cocina Y Copas
Recently renovated Mexican restaurant serving authentic and traditional Mexican wares in a great ambiance!
Aptly named, Mi Rancho Cocina Y Copas which translates to Kitchen & Drinks, has recently undergone a major management shift and renovation process, after which it become one of the hippest restaurants in Bemidji. So, if you’re looking for a new place to try out, then this better be on your list!
The space has been completely transformed, with a fresh and modern decor that gives the restaurant a new energy. One of the best parts of the renovation is the open kitchen, which now allows diners to watch the chefs at work as they prepare dishes.
That kitchen is clean and well-organized too, and it’s abundantly clear that the chefs are very passionate about their craft.
Their menu has also been updated, with a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes, as well as some creative and innovative takes on classic favorites.
Regulars often suggest trying the Tacos De Birria. That’s an amazing amalgamation of meat and vegetables which is then served with a variety of fresh salsas and toppings. Or try their popular Fajitas and Tex Mex options.
The portions are generous too, and the flavors in every dish are bold and authentic – just what you’d expect from a Mexican restaurant.
And of course no visit to a Mexican eatery would be complete without some speciality drinks, and Mi Rancho doesn’t disappoint there with Head Bartender Umberto whipping up cocktails inspired by the country.
Mi Rancho Cocina Y Copas is open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, and on Friday they open from 11 am to 9:30 pm. On Saturday they open from 8 am to 9:30 pm and on Sunday they are open from 8 am to 9 pm.
Address: 677 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN.
4. Sparkling Waters Restaurant
American favorites served in a popular restaurant with a lakeside view and an extensive wine list. Outdoor seating is available too.
Transform from a customer to a friend in this family-owned restaurant with picturesque views of Lakes Bemidji and Irving!
Not only does Sparkling Waters Restaurant guarantee exceptional food, but it also has some unique views that you can’t find anywhere else in town. That combination makes this place an unmissable location, especially if you’re looking to dine in style and get those all-important evening pics for your social media.
Located right in the middle of both lakes, this restaurant really does have stunning views that can be enjoyed from nearly every table. But for that extra wow factor, ask to be seated outside on the dog-friendly patio!
The atmosphere, whether inside or outside, is relaxed and welcoming, with friendly and attentive staff.
The menu features a wide variety of seafood options, as well as several meat and vegetarian dishes. Try their Atlantic Salmon, which is going to be flaky and fresh and comes accompanied by a delicious array of vegetables.
Their Ribeye and Filey Mignon are also raved about, so you can try them too. Or, if you want the best of both worlds then order from their ‘together’ section and enjoy meat and seafood!
On top of the excellent food, this restaurant also has a well-curated selection of wines and cocktails, so make sure you pair something with your food.
Sparkling Waters Restaurant is open from 4 pm to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday, with their happy hours being from between 4 pm to 6 pm daily!
Address: 824 Paul Bunyan Drive S, Bemidji, MN.
5. Tara
Tantalizing Thai cuisine made from scratch with the best possible ingredients, perfect for date night or a family get-together!
Anyone looking for delicious, authentic Thai cuisine in Bemidji needs to visit Tara at least once to enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of Eastern cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with efficient and warm service. However once you taste their food, we think you’ll definitely be coming back for more!
From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted with the warm and inviting smells of lemongrass and coconut. That food cooking away in the kitchen, coupled with their décor which is stylish and modern with traditional Thai artwork on the walls and comfortable seating, easily makes Tara one of the best restaurants in Bemidji.
Even their staff add to the magic and allure of the place, as the servers are all kind and compassionate and are always on the lookout to make sure your drinks are filled and that you have everything you need.
As for the menu, Tara has a wide variety of food options, ranging from classic dishes like pad Thai and green curry to more unique offerings like the Mix Seafood Gaprow.
Their red curry with chicken is especially highly rated and will not disappoint – it has the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, and the chicken is tender and tasty.
Their specialties of Shu Mai and Ginger Stir Fry are also classic additions to any meal, so make sure you add those too.
This place is closed on Sundays, but open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm for lunch, and 5 pm to 9 pm for dinner.
Address: 401 Beltrami Ave NW Suite A, Bemidji, MN.
6. Fozzie’s Smokin Bar B Q
Tasty barbecue made just right, in an awesome ambiance with friendly service and owners!
This family-run business opened as a food truck but with some amazing local support and patronage it has now become a two-restaurant wonder that serves some of the best barbecue and accompaniments in town.
So, if you’re a meat lover and are looking for a place that’s unique and different Fozzie’s Smokin Bar B Q should definitely be on your list of must-visits.
Their ambiance is warm and inviting, with the scent of smoky meats wafting through the air more than enough to make you hungry the minute you sit down. The service is excellent too, with the waitstaff happy to make recommendations based on your preferences as well as answer any questions.
As for the food, this eatery is absolutely packed full of delectable barbecue selections, ranging from ribs and pulled pork to brisket.
Why not choose the Trio or meat plates, which will enable you to try a little bit of everything without restricting yourself. The meats are known for being cooked perfectly, with a delicious smokey taste.
Locals also really appreciate the ribs, which are delicious and covered in a tasty barbecue sauce. And if you want to have a healthy side, you can always order some salad to make the meal a well-balanced one.
Fozzie’s is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but are open every other day of the week from 11am to 10pm, expect Wednesday when they close a little later at midnight.
Address: 114 3rd St, Bemidji, MN.
7. Wasabi of Bemidji & Slurp Ramen
A Japanese restaurant serving arguably the best ramen and sushi in town, with a thematic ambiance and great service.
If you’re like us and enjoy your weekly fix of Sushi and Ramen then Bemidji has one of the best Japanese restaurants in the state!
Wasabi of Bemidji & Slurp Ramen is known for both dishes and a whole bunch of other specialties as well, so you’ll always be spoilt for choice. So grab a friend or come alone, but just make sure you visit this place at least once.
The restaurant itself is clean and inviting, with a modern and sleek design. In fact the décor and interior almost appear right out of Tokyo! From the mural on the main feature wall to the bar-style seating where you can watch the chefs make your food, everything about the place feels genuine and authentic, adding to the magical experience.
Start off with some sushi and be amazed by the freshness and flavor of the fish. The rice is absolutely sublime as wel,l and the presentation is a work of art – truly beautiful.
As for ramen lovers, they have a selection of flavors to choose from, and all will come with a rich and flavorful broth. The noodles are known in town for tasting phenomenal, and the toppings will be fresh and add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Wasabi has different lunch and dinner timings but is open 7 days a week! Catch them every day from 11 am to 2:30 pm for lunch or from 4:30 pm to 9 pm for dinner. On Sundays, they are open throughout the day from noon to 8 pm.
Address: 419 Beltrami Avenue Northwest, Bemidji, MN.
8. Dave’s Pizza
Neighborhood Pizza Parlor, offering some of the most scrumptious flavors and combos you’ll ever have. one of the most popular restaurants in Bemidji for families!
If you’re in the mood for a slice of heaven, look no further than Dave’s Pizza. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting aroma of fresh-baked pizza. Is there anything more appetizing than Pizza fresh out of the oven? A visit to Dave’s is a must for any pizza lover. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
The decor is cozy and unpretentious, with wooden tables and photos adorning the walls. But it’s not just the décor and pizza that sets Dave’s apart from all the other local, neighborhood pizza parlors, it’s the service and vibe!
The staff are super friendly and welcoming, always eager to chat and make sure you’re having a great time. They also know a lot about the town, so if you have any questions about what to see or do when you’re in Bemidji, they’ll be happy to help hook you up with some of the best places in town.
But the real star of the show at Dave’s is the pizza itself. The crust is perfectly crispy and chewy, with just the right amount of char – and the toppings! Oh, the toppings. From the classic pepperoni and mushroom to the more adventurous buffalo chicken and pesto, there’s something for everyone here.
Plus, the cheese is gooey and stretchy, and the sauce is bursting with flavor. Apart from this, they also have loads of appetizers and slides that you can choose from like Baked breadsticks, Cheese Sticks, and more.
Dave’s is open from Sunday to Thursday 4 pm to 8 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 pm to 9 pm, so there’s plenty of time to check them out.
Address: 422 15th St NW, Bemidji, MN
