When you think of Winona, MN, you think of a city with eye-catching parks and interesting cultural sites. However, the city, which is located in the state’s southeast region, has plenty of nice restaurants any local or visitor will love.
This list contains something for everyone’s tastebuds and the most high-quality eateries you could find in the Midwest. From Italian to good old comfort American food, here are the 15 Best Restaurants in Winona.
1. El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina
$$ | 507-961-0241 | WEBSITE
This authentic Mexican restaurant has some of the finest cuisines in the Minnesota area. El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina, with locations in Winona and Austin, gives you quality Mexican food made from scratch with fresh ingredients.
They also offer some vegetarian-friendly options such as Spinach Flautas. Come in during lunchtime and grab a taste of their delicious Fajitas or Shrimp Fiesta Tacos.
During dinner time, get your fill of traditional Mexican dishes of tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, as well as interesting spins on old classics. You’ll also enjoy their bar menu of tequilas, wines, and beers.
2. Blooming Grounds Coffee House
$$ | 507-474-6551 | WEBSITE
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Located in the heart of downtown Winona, this American coffee and sandwich shop serves a variety of coffee, tea, smoothies, and blended drinks.
Blooming Grounds Coffee House offers its customers a cozy atmosphere with freshly made sandwiches, paninis, soups, baked goods, and salads.
There are some vegetarian-friendly options as well. Come during dinner time for some fresh pizza and live music performances (check for scheduled dates). Blooming Grounds also offers art/crafting classes periodically.
3. Signatures Restaurant
$$$ | 507-454-3767 | WEBSITE
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This classy restaurant serves some of the best gourmet entrees, homemade desserts, and offers a full-service bar with a grill. Signatures Restaurant is an American sophisticated eatery that offers attractive dishes such as roasted halibut and pan-seared pheasant.
Their dishes are prepared with locally-sourced ingredients that aim to please their guests. They offer a diverse array of sandwiches, soups, salads, and more on their lunch and dinner menu.
They even have a 2-4-1 Burger Night on Wednesdays. Their grill restaurant is great if you’re planning on bringing your family members.
4. Rocco’s Pub & Pizza
$$ | 507-454-5911 | WEBSITE
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A low-key pizzeria serving both thin-crust and Chicago-style pies, Rocco’s Pub & Pizza has been serving made-to-order food for over 50 years. Their dough is made fresh with only the finest ingredients on their toppings.
If you have kids, this quaint pizzeria and pub also have an arcade room for them to enjoy. Choose one of their favorite combos such as the Rocco Taco or build your pizza. Bring your family to one of Rocco’s two Minnesota locations, including Winona, and you won’t be disappointed.
5. Miya Japanese Bistro
$$ | 507-961-0200 | WEBSITE
At Miya Japanese Bistro, you will be well treated with a healthy portion of Japanese sushi and hibachi at affordable prices. Many customers have been praising this restaurant for its delicious and well-presented dishes.
Try their Spicy Lobster Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, or their Goya Dumplings with a light dipping sauce. If you’re craving some of the finest Japanese cuisines in Winona, pay a visit to the family-owned restaurant Miya Japanese Bistro today.
6. Beno’s Deli
$ | 507-452-2761 | WEBSITE
This legendary sandwich shop serves up some of the finest sandwiches for meat-eaters and vegans. Beno’s Deli is a well-known staple that has been around for almost 30 years in Minnesota.
Locals and regular customers love to come to this place, despite it being only open at lunchtime. For the first 18 years, it was located in a small space on Center Street.
However, after a fire in 2001, it relocated to the historic old city hall building in Winona. Stop in to try their Beno’s Combo with a side of soup.
7. Mango’s Mexican & American Grill
$$ | 507-454-4484 | WEBSITE
Here’s another authentic Mexican restaurant that also serves American-style eats. Mango’s Mexican & American Grill brings the best of both cultures with a great atmosphere and food.
This family-owned eatery serves delicious fajitas such as the new Fajitas Vallarta, which contains chicken, steak, and chorizo mixed with grilled veggies. Mango’s also serves molcajete, which is a dish covered with their homemade cheese sauce.
Their American menu includes burgers and sandwiches served with french fries including the new Cowboy Burger. Visit Mango’s Mexican & American Grill for great service and friendly staff.
8. Sammy’s Pizza and Restaurant
$$ | 507-474-7400 | WEBSITE
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This pizzeria and buffet initially started as a small cafe in a rural Minnesota town. Now it’s a restaurant that has grown to 15 locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.
Sammy’s Pizza and Restaurant has been around since 1954 offering quality pizza with fresh ingredients, locally-sourced meats, and sliced in-house mozzarella cheese.
This restaurant is so well-loved that it was inducted into the Pizza Hall of Fame in 2015 by PMQ Pizza Magazine. Come to this family-owned restaurant and you will be treated to fine service and good food.
9. Blue Heron Coffeehouse
$$ | 507-452-7020 | WEBSITE
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If you’re looking for a simple coffeehouse that offers food made with locally-sourced, organic ingredients, look no further than Blue Heron Coffeehouse.
This modern cafe offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and lighter bites made with fresh ingredients. Blue Heron’s coffee is organic, sustainable, and made with care.
A popular hang-out spot for local college students, Blue Heron also gives local musicians and artists a platform to show their work. Whether you just want a perfect cup of coffee or a delicious breakfast, Blue Heron is a great choice for all of these things in Winona.
10. Nosh Scratch Kitchen
$$ | 507-474-7040 | WEBSITE
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This vibrant American restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes such as seafood paella and scallops. Nosh Scratch Kitchen gives you farm-to-table western Mediterranean-influenced American cuisine.
They create their dishes in-house with the freshest ingredients. Their desserts and loaves of bread are freshly baked to their customer’s delight.
They also have a bar that offers quality affordable wines and cocktails. When you visit Nosh Scratch Kitchen, you’ll be visiting a sophisticated eatery with a pleasing menu.
11. Ocean Sushi Japanese and Thai Restaurant
$$ | 507-961-1266 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving some good sushi or Thai food, Ocean Sushi Japanese and Thai Restaurant might be a good fit for you in Winona.
This Asian fusion restaurant, which specializes in Japanese and Thai cuisine, makes its dishes with high-quality ingredients. They care about making healthy and natural cuisine to satisfy their customer’s needs. Try their delicious Miso Soup, Sashimi Lunch, and Sashimi Dinner.
12. Cafe Sapori di Sicilia
$$ | 507-474-6155 | WEBSITE
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This authentic Sicilian bakery cafe offers freshly made bakery goods, pasta, gelato, and Sicilian breads. Cafe Sapori di Sicilia is a modern-looking European eatery that gives you a taste of Italy with each of its cuisines.
Come during lunchtime and try one of their sandwiches such as the Capicola. Enjoy one of their delectable gelatos for dessert. You can visit the welcoming cafe or place an order on their website.
13. Winona’s Pizza
$ | 507-474-2555 | WEBSITE
This local pizzeria works hard to live by its motto, “Hunger is the Best Sauce.” At Winona’s Pizza, you can order either one of their 14 specialty pizzas or just your custom-made pie.
Some of the interesting specialty pizzas that the restaurant has are the Chicken Bacon Ranch, Taco Pizza & Bacon Cheeseburger.
Along with your pizza, you can order a nice side of either boneless or bone-in wings, and try one of their desserts such as Cinnamon Sticks. Bring your family to Winona’s Pizza for a fun night out.
14. Wellington’s Pub & Grill
$$ | 507-452-2103 | WEBSITE
This unique local pub and bowling alley is known for its juicy burgers. Wellington’s Pub & Grill is a great place to hang out with your friends, hold a company gathering, or just spend time with your family.
It all started when founder Paul Wellington Gardner opened a 16-lane bowling alley in 1961. In the ’80s, his family decided to open a pub and grill naming it after him.
Wellington’s Pub & Grill was established and has been a local Winona favorite since. Watch your favorite sports team on one of their state-of-the-art TVs and chow down on some juicy burgers, delicious chili, or smoked ribs.
15. The Boat House Restaurant
$$ | 507-474-6550 | WEBSITE
What makes this last restaurant unique is that it’s Minnesota’s only riverfront restaurant. The Boat House Restaurant is a modern sophisticated restaurant offering traditional American cuisine with a modern twist.
Located right by the Mississippi River, come ready to dine on mussels, Walleye fish and chips, and salmon burgers while enjoying a view of the river. Come and enjoy a Minnesota brew at The Boat House Restaurant’s bar while you wait for a table.
Summary
This interesting town certainly offers a diverse array of quality restaurants worth spending your money on. Savor the taste of Sicilian food or eat some delicious Chicago-style pizza at one of these 15 Best Restaurants in Winona.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
