This Tiny But Delicious Restaurant Minnesota Proves That Good Things Come In Small Packages

Packed into an old train car in the state's capital, Tori is a beloved noodle house in St. Paul, Minnesota that proves size doesn't matter - except, of course, when it comes to portions of its steaming ramen. Let's find out how this tiny restaurant delivers such big flavors.

In 2020, Tori moved from its original St. Paul location, near Selby and Victoria, into an old dining car in St. Paul's West Seventh neighborhood, near downtown.

Believe it or not, this was a step up in size for Tori.

Its previous location only had 20 or or so seats. The current location is a definite improvement - but it's still a tiny space compared to most restaurants.

But Tori's tiny size doesn't mean that it can't deliver big on flavor - in fact, it appears the opposite is true: Big, bold dishes burst from this intimate crucible of deliciousness.

Like the chunjang ramen, made with black bean paste, pickled corn, and egg.

Tori also delivers big on a regular selection of specials and new dishes that come and go like gastronomical gestalt.

Like Korean egg drop ramen with elk ribeye yakitori - maybe you'll see it, maybe you won't.

Tori St. Paul is open late on Friday and Saturday nights. It offers a special late-night menu that changes monthly.

The Bali is a fan favorite among the late night crowd. (It's often available on the regular menu, as well).

You'll find a fanciful selection of craft cocktails on regular rotation at the restaurant - they'll help spice things up or cool things down - or both.

The late night menu often has a signature cocktail of the month.

When the weather warms up, Tori hosts its Garage Sale - late afternoon happy hour - when you can try out new cocktails and menu items. To see the menu or learn more, visit Tori St. Paul on its website or look for Tori's specials and events on its Facebook page. If you need a little more elbow room, head over to Tori 44 on the west side of the Metro in Robbinsdale. It's a little bigger still!

Tori isn't far from Crosby Farm Regional Park, so consider getting out for a walk or exploring the park's "secret" slot canyon before you squeeze into your seat at this incredible noodle house in St. Paul, Minnesota.