When one thinks of North Dakota, images of wide-open farm lands or oil derigs typically come to mind. The state is known for its simple beauty and unassuming way of life. That doesn't mean, however, that North Dakotans don't appreciate a good meal. From stick-to-your-ribs meat and potato dishes to unique pizza or burger combinations to fine dining… North Dakota is a treasure trove of interesting dining experiences that will leave you with a new respect for the state. On your visit to North Dakota, add one or more of the following restaurants to your itinerary. You will not be sorry.
A trip to downtown Fargo is not complete without a visit to Mezzaluna. Considered casual fine dining, the restaurant is part simple elegance and part exquisite cuisine. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, but the food is anything but ordinary. With a menu based on traditional American fare that is elevated to the highest of levels, Mezzaluna is the type of restaurant that leaves diners begging for more. Interested in a traditional burger? The restaurant's house-ground burger will knock your socks off. Looking for something swankier? Try the grilled duck breast & leg confit. You'll feel like you are dining in Paris.
Repeatedly voted the most iconic restaurant in all of North Dakota, the Red Pepper has been feeding hungry college students and nostalgic alumni for over fifty years. Home of the infamous Grinder Sandwich, the restaurant has built a reputation on simple foods cooked to perfection. By using fresh, local ingredients and its own special sauce, the Red Pepper has been able to elevate ordinary dishes to a level that is without compare. With a second location in Fargo, you will have two opportunities to have your mind blown.
If you are looking for an authentic Irish experience, look no further than the Blarney Stone. With 36 unique draft beer selections, the restaurant is as much an experience as it is a dining option. The Blarney’s Stone’s menu includes such Ireland-inspired entrees as bangers and mash, Guinness stew, and corned beef and creamedcabbage, and offers authentic appetizers like mussels, drunkin’ spicyshrimp, and salmon lox. Miss the home country of your ancestors or simply like to experience new cuisine? The Blarney Stone Irish Pub is for you.If you are looking for an authentic Irish experience, look no further than the Blarney Stone. With 36 unique draft beer selections, the restaurant is as much an experience as it is a dining option. The Blarney’s Stone’s menu includes such Ireland-inspired entrees as bangers and mash, Guinness stew, and corned beef and creamedcabbage, and offers authentic appetizers like mussels, drunkin’ spicyshrimp, and salmon lox. Miss the home country of your ancestors or simply like to experience new cuisine? The Blarney Stone Irish Pub is for you.
Dining at the Starving Rooster is an experience that will allow you to go back in time to a simpler way of life. The restaurant was originally opened (in another building) in 1919 and the owners have made a commitment to preserve the authenticity of the Starving Rooster name by repurposing materials from the original building. The tables, booths, and design all point back to the original ambience that made the restaurant so popular. Famous for its brick-oven pizzas, flatbreads, and paninis, the Starving Rooster is the perfect combination of historical significance and contemporary flavor.
There are those among us who like breakfast more than any other meal of the day. If that describes you, a visit to Peacock Alley is in order. Although the restaurant serves lunch and dinner as well, they are most celebrated for their breakfast options. Consider biting into a heaping pile of caramel roll French toast or a delectable plate of grilledsalmon eggs benedict. Specialty plates include biscuits and gravy, the Countryside Skillet, and Kitchen Sink Omelet, among others. As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your day cannot get started any better than with a visit to Peacock Alley.
Family owned and operated since 1988, the Speedway has been a local favorite for decades. Meals are prepared with the tender loving care that is often absent in today’s fast-food world. With local ingredients and secret recipes, the Speedway is able to elevate dishes to provide a fine dining experience that is very casual and comfortable. With appetizers like home-made queso or parmesan crusted deep-fried walleye strips and entrees that include a beef brisket platter or jumbo shrimp, the Speedway has something for everyone in your party.
If you are tired of the same old pizza options, Rhombus Guys will blow your mind. With a second location in Grand Forks, the restaurant has completely changed the pizza game. Consider biting into the Pacific Northwest, a combination of garlic infused olive oil, salmon, tomato, green olives, capers and feta. Not your style? Try The Rockefeller, made with roasted garlic white sauce, bacon, shrimp, spinach, onion, tomato, cream cheese and mozzarella, or the Tater-Tot, made with cream of chicken sauce, beef, tater-tots, corn, jalapenos, mozzarella and cheddar. For those not interested in pizza, Rhombus Guys also offers a varied selection of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches.If you are tired of the same old pizza options, Rhombus Guys will blow your mind. With a second location in Grand Forks, the restaurant has completely changed the pizza game. Consider biting into the Pacific Northwest, a combination of garlic infused olive oil, salmon, tomato, green olives, capers and feta. Not your style? Try The Rockefeller, made with roasted garlic white sauce, bacon, shrimp, spinach, onion, tomato, cream cheese and mozzarella, or the Tater-Tot, made with cream of chicken sauce, beef, tater-tots, corn, jalapenos, mozzarella and cheddar. For those not interested in pizza, Rhombus Guys also offers a varied selection of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches.
If you are looking for a Thai/sushi bar, the Little Blue Elephant is for you. What began as a food truck, the restaurant has quickly turned into a local favorite, especially for those interested in trying new and unique flavor combinations. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, try theLittle Mermaids, fried shrimp with cream cheese and vegetables served in a sweet chili sauce, or the King of the Ocean, steamed mussels topped with garlic bell pepper and basil in a spicy Thai chili bean sauce. The restaurant also offers a complete line of traditional Thai dishes, unique noodle dishes, and a variety of soups and salads.
Let’s be very clear, you will not forget a visit to Parrot’s Cay. With a fun atmosphere and décor straight out of “Animal House,” the restaurant is much more than just amazing food. Known for its beer selections and wings that range from traditionally hot to oh-my-gosh scorching, Parrot’s Cay has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for many years. In addition to its staples, the restaurant is also known for its wide range of appetizers, like the bayou samples or seven-layer dip, and a unique selection of lahvosh and burgers.
If you are interested in a restaurant that combines authentic Irish cuisine with a comfortable, family-oriented atmosphere, a visit to Ebeneezer’s is in order. Although the restaurant is known for its full menu, their breakfast options are among some of the best in the entire state. Imagine biting into Ebeneezer’s famous omelet, which includes sausage, bacon, ham, onions and mushrooms, and delicious hollandaise sauce or the traditional Irish breakfast, made up of two eggs, two bacon strips and one sausage patty, Irish fries, sliced tomato, and warm Guinness bread. The lunch and dinner menu includes such favorites as Irish stew and corned beef nachos.
Boasting one of the largest beer selections in the state, IDK (I Don’t Know) is the perfect place to relax, watch the big game, and enjoy some amazing food. With appetizers ranging from pizza fries to southern fried pickles and entrée options that include grilled steak strips, grilled salmon, country fried steak, or chicken & waffles, IDK is a combination of downhome food and a friendly, comfortable atmosphere.
A Fargo staple, Kroll’s Diner has been wowing guests for over 40 years. With locations in Fargo, Bismarck, Mandan, and Minot, there are many opportunities to visit the 50s-style restaurant. Famous for its award-winning knoephla soup and hand-scooped shakes and malts, Kroll’s will leave even the pickiest eaters satisfied. The restaurant is famous for its “Sit Down and Eat!” tagline, which is exactly what you should do. For those that grew up enjoying Norwegian cooking at its finest, Kroll’s will take you on a nostalgic journey that will leave both your tummies and your hearts full.