I Looked to Salt and Flour for Some of the Best Pasta in Minnesota

Is there more comforting food than pasta? It's a rhetorical question - you don't have to answer because the answer is no, there's not. Although, not really known for our Italian scene, Minnesota is home to a few decent pasta places. And thanks to Purpose Restaurants - the folks behind Hope Breakfast Bar - there's another entry on the Twin Cities pasta landscape: Salt and Flour Kitchen. It opened in October 2024, and I've had a chance to try it a couple of times, and I'm a fan. In fact, I'd argue that it's serving up some of the best pasta in Minneapolis, if not the entire state.

Salt and Flour is located on 5th Street in downtown Minnesota, directly across from Target Field.

The space is open and modern, with eclectic decor and artwork. On my visits, it's been busy, vibrant, and comfortable. There's a small bar on one end and an Italian market selling both artisanal and mass-market products. The wine list is somewhat small but well-curated with several options at different price points. The bartenders definitely know how to make a good bourbon old fashioned, and some of the featured cocktails - like the Italian margarita - are downright tasty.

If you're dining with a companion, start with one of the sharing plates. These are not tapas - they are sizable portions made for two. So, if you order one for yourself, you should be hungry or prepared to ask for a box. The roasted beets are wonderful.

The pizzas are wonderful - Neapolitan style and perfect for sharing as an appetizer or a solo meal. I was a big fan of the burrata e prosciutto with its classic Italian flavors. I've also tried Bourdain's mortadella grilled cheese sandwich, which is stacked, savory, and delicious. Be warned, though, it's more of a mortadella sandwich with cheese than a grilled cheese with a slice or two of meat.

And of course, there's the salt and flour pasta, which I think is the main event at the restaurant. The name pretty much says it, doesn't it? The pasta is made in-house and cooked to order - no giant, steaming vats of noodles here. I've tried the Bolognese pasta bowl, as well as the Berkshire pork and kale pasta. Both were rich, creamy, and delicious, and I'm looking forward to going back and trying more. If you're an Italian traditionalist, you'll be pleased to know that you can order entrees after the pasta course, but I'd be surprised if you still had room to eat them.

If you haven't had a chance to visit Salt and Flour Kitchen, I highly recommend you do so - it'd be a great place to grab dinner before a Wolves or Twins game. Check out Salt and Flour's website for more information or to make reservations, which I also recommend. Looking to make a night of it? The Element Hotel is only a couple of blocks away. Have you tried Salt and Flour? Let us know, and be sure to tell us where you think we can find the best pasta in Minneapolis.