Since first trying Sweet Taste of Italy near where I grew up in the Golden Valley/New Hope/Crystal area, Ive been a fan of their inexpensive menu that doesnt sacrifice flavors. You always get a good, affordable meal there. This location is a little out of the way for those who live in the Minneapolis area, but it's great that people in the outer suburbs have this available to them. They offer the same tasty Italian food as their other restaurant on 42nd Ave in Crystal and the same affordable prices. It may be cliche, but I do love the spaghetti and meatballs here. Im not sure if they do this at both locations, but the people at the 42nd location they have a daily special where you can get a soda with unlimited garlic bread and spaghetti for $7.50! Now that's a deal. The thin crust pizza is also good--it reminds me of Broadway Pizza a little bit. Also, and this is just my opinion, but they have the best cannoli that Ive had in the Twin Cities area. I dont know if they make them fresh or get them from somewhere else, but they are tasty. I would recommend looking for coupons or Groupons as well. I believe their website has some deals listed--so check that out before stopping by. Pros: Best value in Italian food in the cities, tasty food, unlimited spaghetti special, availability of coupons, two locations, friendly people, good cannoli Cons: This location is a little out of the way for people who live in the Minneapolis area
(4)
Tiffanie S.
There is not a chain Italian restaurant in the cities that is better than this. So if you were considering getting your pasta fix at one of those chains, come here instead!! This is fast casual, you order your food and they bring it to you at the table. I really liked the beef ravioli that I ordered. The meat sauce is a little sweet for my taste, but others might love it. The cheese bread was really good. Little chocolate Cannoli were very good. Extra props for being locally and family owned. But they don't have diet coke! Coke, caffeine free (diet?) coke, but standard diet coke... that was kind of sad.
(4)
Sweet Johnny P.
As soon as you walk in, you feel like you are roaming the foothills of Sicily. A few of my paisans work there. You've probably met them... Giovanni and Giuseppi. Nonna Rosa wakes up every day at 5am to make her secret red-sauce... Ok, none of that is true. The place seems to be run by 15 year old white kids and God only knows what they're up to in the kitchen, but honestly, you get a ton for your money. The food isn't authentic Italian, but it's not terrible. Bottomless spaghetti, pizza, lasagna - it's all fine and if you just need something quick, cheap and filling, you've come to the right place. The area is a little sketchy, so I usually come in heavy. I recommend you get the bottomless spaghetti for $8 and get out of there before dusk.
(3)
Jack V.
I came here with my kids because I had a groupon so I figured why not? Dumbest. Idea. Ever. The food was just not great. Me and one of my kids got the "gondola". Even he agrees it's not that great. It tasted like something from his school cafeteria. The kitchen was run by two white guys and a girl, they were pretty nice. The wait time was reasonable. My other kid got the ravioli. I didn't try it but he said it was good. The place is a little rugged and in a semi-sketchy neighborhood, which worried me. Come here in larger groups than 3. Overall, one star for service and on star for mediocre food.
(2)
Jason K.
Our team had an offsite session up near Brooklyn Park and for lunch we called in an order for some lunch. I ordered the Italian Supreme sandwich, which had pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers and their meat sauce on a sweet bread hoagie. I added a side tossed salad with blue cheese as well. My friends got a pizza to split, (The Monson Moster with no mushrooms), a turkey torpedo and what looked like a meatball sandwich. We also got a few orders of garlic bread. The food came back and my sandwich was huge, I was glad I only got the 8 inch. The sauce was overflowing and there was a multitude of sausage hunks and pepperoni slices with tons of peppers and onions. My friend said "Wow, that looks great!" My first bite was like Italian heaven. I went to their other location in Crystal and got the Philly Cheese steak a few years ago, which was also fantastic. I told my buddy this and he said I had to try their Italian offerings, he seemed angry that I went there and didn't order an Italian specialty. Seriously, he almost punched me in the face for not trying the sauce. The sub was sooooo good. Every bite was like a party of meaty sauce and the home made meat was absolutely fantastic. The salad was kind of weak, but it did its job. The blue cheese was good, but I am guessing it was not home made, forgive me STOI if it is home made. My friend said that the pizza was amazing and I have heard that pizza is great from another friend of mine that eats at the Crystal establishment a couple times a month. Everyone was super happy with their order and we had a great team outing. Good stuff!
(5)
Gina D.
I really want to give this place more stars--really I do! Their customer service was phenomenal but the one thing I ordered, the pizza, was not as great as I was hoping. Not very much in the way of toppings but the thin crust was what really did it in for me. Not at all a fan. I wish they had other crust options. However, since customer service can make or break a place IMO I will return in the future and try something else--perhaps their pasta, wings, or sandwiches. I'll just stick to getting my pizza elsewhere.
(3)
Mary N.
Brought my little sisters in today for the first time, first thing I noticed was that you order up front and seat yourself. Before I decided to take a look at the menu, I took a look around, and there was absolutely no clean tables. They were either occupied or filled with previous tables stuff. There are 2 round tables outside as well, that also had dirty plates, cups, etc on them. Therefore we decided to to-go it because dining in was not an option. Absolutely no open tables. Next off, we ordered food. Staff was very nice, though you don't interact much with them. The dishes on the menu are very affordable and cheap. I got the lasagna with garlic bread and my two little sisters got alfredo with chicken for an extra $1.99, and garlic bread. My lasagna was smothered with sauce. The sauce was very thick and salty, where you can't even taste the lasagna because it's so strong. The alfredo sauce was very runny but it was ok. Nothing spectacular. Garlic bread, they give you a good portion of garlic bread for one entree. They weren't crunchy though, they were more on the chewy side..:/ I honestly don't think I will be coming back here, it was the first and last time. The food just didn't live up to it's expectation.
(1)
Joshua H.
Came in with a large group of coworkers. The food was reasonably priced for what you get but just OK. Got a sandwich was was large and filling. The meat sauce was way to sweet for my taste as was the bread. Soda choices were strange. Overall I guess I would go back, but the food is just OK.
(3)
Wayne R.
Stopped in for the first time for lunch to go. 2 friendly high school kids running the show. As friendly as they were they weren't exactly the model of efficiency. Ordered spaghetti with 2 meatballs and a water. $10 bucks. The kids were not getting a lot done basically goofin around as I sat waiting for my order. 2 other people came up to the counter pissed off cause they were waiting too long for their spaghetti. Once the complained they had it in 30 seconds. I continued watching "the show" patiently when my order finally came out after almost 20 minutes. It was below average. Ton of noodles, super skimpy on the sauce with 2, dry unsavorey meatballs. BTW...$10 entree does not come with a single slice of bread. That's extra. I will say the sauce that was there was pretty decent.
(2)
Kassie H.
Had a groupon. The garlic bread is really good, sauce so thick you can eat it with a spoon. The pizza was overpriced & burned in spots. Will not go back for how expensive it was. Even w a groupon it wasn't worth it.
(2)
John C.
Meh. The only thing I go for is the house special. Nothing great, but fast local Italian.
(2)
Alexis F.
Place is clean & quiet, nice people. Food was mediocre at best. Everything tasted reheated. Won't be returning here again!
(2)
Robb S.
Men's restroom was out of soap, the paper towel dispenser was empty and the garbage was over flowing with paper towels. I was there on a Thursday around 3:00 pm. Looked like the restroom hadn't been cleaned in a long time. Male manager type guy was swearing while having conversations with younger female co-workers. Food was just ok nothing special here folks!
(2)
Craig D.
Stopped in tonight with a Living Social deal. Food was good - not great, not bad, but good. My wife likes sweet red sauce, and thought that it could have been sweeter, but I liked it. The portions were appropriate, and we still took a little home. I also have a few desserts in the fridge that I'll be snacking on later. Service was minimal - you order at the window, get your own drinks, and they bring the food out to you. I had to go back to the window to get a to-go box. We'll be back to try the pizza.
(4)
Nicole S.
Sweet Taste has craveable, comforting, fresh Italian food that is priced right and just plain delicious. I LOVE thier pizza and that they have many vegetarian friendly options. I have also used them multiple times for catering and have gotten raves from my guests as well as excellent pricing and service. Sadly (well not really) I have moved to San Diego, but I do miss Sweet Taste!!!
(5)
Melanie B.
If Spaghettios are your idea of good Italian food, then you'll love this place.
(1)
DiveGuy S.
This is a great little mom & pop place, just off 610 on Noble. Absolutely no atmosphere (who cares?) - just really tasty Italian fare for a bargain. I have a tough time choosing each time I stop in - will it be all-u-can-eat spaghetti, the awesome toasted meatball subs, or thin-crust pizza? In any case, you MUST try the sweet bread (hence the restaurant's name). Eat in or get it to go. It's all good.
(4)
S B.
I drive by this place all of the time; had a groupon for it so I thought I would try it out. We ordered a large canadian bacon and pineapple pizza, paid 2 bucks per topping although the toppings were so minimal and scarce- I have no idea why I paid $4 because there were no toppings! The pizza was not great but not bad. Also ordered the cheese ravioli which was also okay; the sauce super dense and thick and tasted like tomato paste. The cheese ravioli pasta was very tasty- this I would order again without the sauce. The garlic bread was sweet, which I am not used to and did not care for. Overall, it is worth trying out for yourself, however, I am not impressed.
(3)
Brian O.
The newer Sweet Taste of Italy located in Brooklyn Park (other one in Crystal). It has great Italian food and very reasonable prices. Even with the low pricing you get lots of food, you will not leave hungry. There is a big variety of food and the garlic bread is tremendous. I have eaten here for many years and keep coming back.
(5)
Don D.
Not the worst Italian food I've ever had, but close. I will say the garlic cheese bread was good, but spaghetti was over cooked and mushy, the meat sauce was horribly over salted to the point that it was all I could taste and the meatballs were dense and over salty as well. One thing it has going for it is that it's cheap.
(2)
Maija M.
I have been going to this place for years - I grew up eating the food, and for years for family holidays out-of-state, we'd bring tubs of the delicious spaghetti & meat sauce. A huge hit every time!
(5)
Holly T.
This hole in the wall, family restaurant has great garlic bread. What makes it special, is that it's made on sweetbread. It's a really unique flavor and we really like it. Their Italian meatball subs are also on this bread and they're delicious. The penne Alfredo is mediocre, but they can't all be winners, I guess.
(4)
Mandy K.
I like this place. Simple and all you can eat spaghetti and very yummy garlic bread oh and cheap too. My bf doesn't care for it as much he tried the other pastas and said the sauces were not the best. I've only had the spaghetti and pizza and over all it was good. It's usually busy so that's a good sign.
(3)
K B.
Fast service, but only average food quality. Get it to go, no atmosphere.
(2)
Chloe S.
My friend Teri has two great loves. Bread and cheese. This is her Mecca. Pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads for eat-in, delivery or take-out. My favorite is any sandwich made on their "sweet" bread. It is quite good. Maybe Teri was on to something.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Jonathan E.
Since first trying Sweet Taste of Italy near where I grew up in the Golden Valley/New Hope/Crystal area, Ive been a fan of their inexpensive menu that doesnt sacrifice flavors. You always get a good, affordable meal there. This location is a little out of the way for those who live in the Minneapolis area, but it's great that people in the outer suburbs have this available to them. They offer the same tasty Italian food as their other restaurant on 42nd Ave in Crystal and the same affordable prices. It may be cliche, but I do love the spaghetti and meatballs here. Im not sure if they do this at both locations, but the people at the 42nd location they have a daily special where you can get a soda with unlimited garlic bread and spaghetti for $7.50! Now that's a deal. The thin crust pizza is also good--it reminds me of Broadway Pizza a little bit. Also, and this is just my opinion, but they have the best cannoli that Ive had in the Twin Cities area. I dont know if they make them fresh or get them from somewhere else, but they are tasty. I would recommend looking for coupons or Groupons as well. I believe their website has some deals listed--so check that out before stopping by. Pros: Best value in Italian food in the cities, tasty food, unlimited spaghetti special, availability of coupons, two locations, friendly people, good cannoli Cons: This location is a little out of the way for people who live in the Minneapolis area
(4)Tiffanie S.
There is not a chain Italian restaurant in the cities that is better than this. So if you were considering getting your pasta fix at one of those chains, come here instead!! This is fast casual, you order your food and they bring it to you at the table. I really liked the beef ravioli that I ordered. The meat sauce is a little sweet for my taste, but others might love it. The cheese bread was really good. Little chocolate Cannoli were very good. Extra props for being locally and family owned. But they don't have diet coke! Coke, caffeine free (diet?) coke, but standard diet coke... that was kind of sad.
(4)Sweet Johnny P.
As soon as you walk in, you feel like you are roaming the foothills of Sicily. A few of my paisans work there. You've probably met them... Giovanni and Giuseppi. Nonna Rosa wakes up every day at 5am to make her secret red-sauce... Ok, none of that is true. The place seems to be run by 15 year old white kids and God only knows what they're up to in the kitchen, but honestly, you get a ton for your money. The food isn't authentic Italian, but it's not terrible. Bottomless spaghetti, pizza, lasagna - it's all fine and if you just need something quick, cheap and filling, you've come to the right place. The area is a little sketchy, so I usually come in heavy. I recommend you get the bottomless spaghetti for $8 and get out of there before dusk.
(3)Jack V.
I came here with my kids because I had a groupon so I figured why not? Dumbest. Idea. Ever. The food was just not great. Me and one of my kids got the "gondola". Even he agrees it's not that great. It tasted like something from his school cafeteria. The kitchen was run by two white guys and a girl, they were pretty nice. The wait time was reasonable. My other kid got the ravioli. I didn't try it but he said it was good. The place is a little rugged and in a semi-sketchy neighborhood, which worried me. Come here in larger groups than 3. Overall, one star for service and on star for mediocre food.
(2)Jason K.
Our team had an offsite session up near Brooklyn Park and for lunch we called in an order for some lunch. I ordered the Italian Supreme sandwich, which had pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers and their meat sauce on a sweet bread hoagie. I added a side tossed salad with blue cheese as well. My friends got a pizza to split, (The Monson Moster with no mushrooms), a turkey torpedo and what looked like a meatball sandwich. We also got a few orders of garlic bread. The food came back and my sandwich was huge, I was glad I only got the 8 inch. The sauce was overflowing and there was a multitude of sausage hunks and pepperoni slices with tons of peppers and onions. My friend said "Wow, that looks great!" My first bite was like Italian heaven. I went to their other location in Crystal and got the Philly Cheese steak a few years ago, which was also fantastic. I told my buddy this and he said I had to try their Italian offerings, he seemed angry that I went there and didn't order an Italian specialty. Seriously, he almost punched me in the face for not trying the sauce. The sub was sooooo good. Every bite was like a party of meaty sauce and the home made meat was absolutely fantastic. The salad was kind of weak, but it did its job. The blue cheese was good, but I am guessing it was not home made, forgive me STOI if it is home made. My friend said that the pizza was amazing and I have heard that pizza is great from another friend of mine that eats at the Crystal establishment a couple times a month. Everyone was super happy with their order and we had a great team outing. Good stuff!
(5)Gina D.
I really want to give this place more stars--really I do! Their customer service was phenomenal but the one thing I ordered, the pizza, was not as great as I was hoping. Not very much in the way of toppings but the thin crust was what really did it in for me. Not at all a fan. I wish they had other crust options. However, since customer service can make or break a place IMO I will return in the future and try something else--perhaps their pasta, wings, or sandwiches. I'll just stick to getting my pizza elsewhere.
(3)Mary N.
Brought my little sisters in today for the first time, first thing I noticed was that you order up front and seat yourself. Before I decided to take a look at the menu, I took a look around, and there was absolutely no clean tables. They were either occupied or filled with previous tables stuff. There are 2 round tables outside as well, that also had dirty plates, cups, etc on them. Therefore we decided to to-go it because dining in was not an option. Absolutely no open tables. Next off, we ordered food. Staff was very nice, though you don't interact much with them. The dishes on the menu are very affordable and cheap. I got the lasagna with garlic bread and my two little sisters got alfredo with chicken for an extra $1.99, and garlic bread. My lasagna was smothered with sauce. The sauce was very thick and salty, where you can't even taste the lasagna because it's so strong. The alfredo sauce was very runny but it was ok. Nothing spectacular. Garlic bread, they give you a good portion of garlic bread for one entree. They weren't crunchy though, they were more on the chewy side..:/ I honestly don't think I will be coming back here, it was the first and last time. The food just didn't live up to it's expectation.
(1)Joshua H.
Came in with a large group of coworkers. The food was reasonably priced for what you get but just OK. Got a sandwich was was large and filling. The meat sauce was way to sweet for my taste as was the bread. Soda choices were strange. Overall I guess I would go back, but the food is just OK.
(3)Wayne R.
Stopped in for the first time for lunch to go. 2 friendly high school kids running the show. As friendly as they were they weren't exactly the model of efficiency. Ordered spaghetti with 2 meatballs and a water. $10 bucks. The kids were not getting a lot done basically goofin around as I sat waiting for my order. 2 other people came up to the counter pissed off cause they were waiting too long for their spaghetti. Once the complained they had it in 30 seconds. I continued watching "the show" patiently when my order finally came out after almost 20 minutes. It was below average. Ton of noodles, super skimpy on the sauce with 2, dry unsavorey meatballs. BTW...$10 entree does not come with a single slice of bread. That's extra. I will say the sauce that was there was pretty decent.
(2)Kassie H.
Had a groupon. The garlic bread is really good, sauce so thick you can eat it with a spoon. The pizza was overpriced & burned in spots. Will not go back for how expensive it was. Even w a groupon it wasn't worth it.
(2)John C.
Meh. The only thing I go for is the house special. Nothing great, but fast local Italian.
(2)Alexis F.
Place is clean & quiet, nice people. Food was mediocre at best. Everything tasted reheated. Won't be returning here again!
(2)Robb S.
Men's restroom was out of soap, the paper towel dispenser was empty and the garbage was over flowing with paper towels. I was there on a Thursday around 3:00 pm. Looked like the restroom hadn't been cleaned in a long time. Male manager type guy was swearing while having conversations with younger female co-workers. Food was just ok nothing special here folks!
(2)Craig D.
Stopped in tonight with a Living Social deal. Food was good - not great, not bad, but good. My wife likes sweet red sauce, and thought that it could have been sweeter, but I liked it. The portions were appropriate, and we still took a little home. I also have a few desserts in the fridge that I'll be snacking on later. Service was minimal - you order at the window, get your own drinks, and they bring the food out to you. I had to go back to the window to get a to-go box. We'll be back to try the pizza.
(4)Nicole S.
Sweet Taste has craveable, comforting, fresh Italian food that is priced right and just plain delicious. I LOVE thier pizza and that they have many vegetarian friendly options. I have also used them multiple times for catering and have gotten raves from my guests as well as excellent pricing and service. Sadly (well not really) I have moved to San Diego, but I do miss Sweet Taste!!!
(5)Melanie B.
If Spaghettios are your idea of good Italian food, then you'll love this place.
(1)DiveGuy S.
This is a great little mom & pop place, just off 610 on Noble. Absolutely no atmosphere (who cares?) - just really tasty Italian fare for a bargain. I have a tough time choosing each time I stop in - will it be all-u-can-eat spaghetti, the awesome toasted meatball subs, or thin-crust pizza? In any case, you MUST try the sweet bread (hence the restaurant's name). Eat in or get it to go. It's all good.
(4)S B.
I drive by this place all of the time; had a groupon for it so I thought I would try it out. We ordered a large canadian bacon and pineapple pizza, paid 2 bucks per topping although the toppings were so minimal and scarce- I have no idea why I paid $4 because there were no toppings! The pizza was not great but not bad. Also ordered the cheese ravioli which was also okay; the sauce super dense and thick and tasted like tomato paste. The cheese ravioli pasta was very tasty- this I would order again without the sauce. The garlic bread was sweet, which I am not used to and did not care for. Overall, it is worth trying out for yourself, however, I am not impressed.
(3)Brian O.
The newer Sweet Taste of Italy located in Brooklyn Park (other one in Crystal). It has great Italian food and very reasonable prices. Even with the low pricing you get lots of food, you will not leave hungry. There is a big variety of food and the garlic bread is tremendous. I have eaten here for many years and keep coming back.
(5)Don D.
Not the worst Italian food I've ever had, but close. I will say the garlic cheese bread was good, but spaghetti was over cooked and mushy, the meat sauce was horribly over salted to the point that it was all I could taste and the meatballs were dense and over salty as well. One thing it has going for it is that it's cheap.
(2)Maija M.
I have been going to this place for years - I grew up eating the food, and for years for family holidays out-of-state, we'd bring tubs of the delicious spaghetti & meat sauce. A huge hit every time!
(5)Holly T.
This hole in the wall, family restaurant has great garlic bread. What makes it special, is that it's made on sweetbread. It's a really unique flavor and we really like it. Their Italian meatball subs are also on this bread and they're delicious. The penne Alfredo is mediocre, but they can't all be winners, I guess.
(4)Mandy K.
I like this place. Simple and all you can eat spaghetti and very yummy garlic bread oh and cheap too. My bf doesn't care for it as much he tried the other pastas and said the sauces were not the best. I've only had the spaghetti and pizza and over all it was good. It's usually busy so that's a good sign.
(3)K B.
Fast service, but only average food quality. Get it to go, no atmosphere.
(2)Chloe S.
My friend Teri has two great loves. Bread and cheese. This is her Mecca. Pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads for eat-in, delivery or take-out. My favorite is any sandwich made on their "sweet" bread. It is quite good. Maybe Teri was on to something.
(3)