Papa’s Pizza And Pasta

Love the fact that our home is within walking distance of this fabulous eatery. Decent selection for vegetarians, not so much for vegans though.

I had the chicken caesar salad and the pasta fagioli soup, and it was really good. But by far, I enjoyed and appreciated the friendliness and attentiveness of our server (Wish I caught his name). The owner came out to talk to our table too, and that was a nice touch.
One downside, if you can call it that, was they had live music playing, but because the restaurant is small, it was a little too loud and hard to hear our conversations. Fortunately, the music didn’t last too long.

Good classic pizza in a friendly neighborhood joint. This isn’t neopolitan-​style pizza, and in my mind the Punches of the world are an entirely different food group. When you’re craving classic, simple, freshly made pizza (and reasonably priced wine), Papa’s is a great option.

Came here with friends one evening; takeout a week later because I was craving it.
It’s a small joint and its entrance is through their deli. The deli is sparse and somewhat lacking. Décor in the deli, as well as in the hallway where the bathrooms are, is questionable-​garage-​sale-​purchase-​esque.
Decorations in the dining area are tasteful. Service was fast. The food at the tables surrounding us looked great. We passed on pizza opting for pasta instead. I got the fettuccine alfredo and LOVED it. The sauce is light but flavorful. Noodles were perfectly al dente. The chicken I ordered in it was tasty, too. So was the garlic bread (two giant slices!).
But I cannot stress enough how amazing the sauce is. Best fettucine alfredo I’ve had in the Cities. My companions raved about the spaghetti as well.
Takeout experience was just as good. Ready when they said it would be, same portions and quality, thoughtful packaging. Added a slice of homemade Jersey-​style Cookies and Cream cheesecake for the boy and he loved it.
I’ll be back! There is plenty to try at this place… the pizza seems to be popular so maybe that’s next.

Finally got the opportunity to check out Papa’s Restaurant and Deli this morning, for breakfast.
As soon as we entered the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by a lady who turned out to be the owner, Kris. Between the greeting and the cozy dining room of the restaurant, it felt a little like taking a meal at a bed and breakfast — someone’s house. We had a lovely conversation with Kris, who was super friendly and a genuine person. We’re not morning people, and we’re definitely not «people people», but nevertheless, she brightened our morning and got our day off to a wonderful start.
The menu was diverse, and we both picked out omelettes that we haven’t come across elsewhere. I asked if they put any wheat in their omelettes (some places do), mentioning that I can’t have wheat. As she asked what type of toast my husband wanted with his meal, I mentioned that I’d be giving my toast to him, and to order the same type for my meal.
When our meals came, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had put my toast on my husband’s plate. That’s the first time that’s ever happened for us — usually restaurants put the toast/​bread/​whatever on my plate (sometimes right on top of the food!), and I hand it over. I appreciated that level of consideration and attention to detail.
Our hashbrowns were cooked all the way through, crispy on both sides, and lacked the nasty greasy texture found at most other restaurants. My omelette — the «New Jersey» — was delicious. It was packed with 3 kinds of deli meats and 2 cheeses… I mean, to the point where it was essentially meat and cheese, held together with a bit of egg, and encasing even MORE cheese. Wonderful! Both of us agreed that we couldn’t recall ever having a better omelette.
Kris’s husband Mick came in, and she introduced us — remembering both of our names. Like his wife, he was extremely warm and welcoming. Truly, this is the first time I can recall really feeling like a guest of a restaurant, rather than a *customer*. Both of them engaged in friendly conversation not only with us, but with the other table of four diners. The restaurant definitely had a neighborly feel to it. Though we’d never been there, didn’t know anyone there, and aren’t usually all that social with strangers… it was all very comfortable.
Mick himself came around with coffee refills, and our waitress boxed our leftovers for us — a nicety we don’t usually see in restaurants that are so down to earth and reasonably priced!
We will definitely be going back!

Great pizza. More like east coast style pizza than your typical MN pizza. To my tastes, Cossetta’s sets the bar for that style of pizza. I’d consider Papa’s another variation on that style of pizza. Crust is not as thick and chewy as Cossetta’s — maybe just a little thinner and crispier. If I lived nearby, this would probably be my pizza takeout joint of choice.
And Surly by the can!

Stopped in for dinner, cuz I heard the Philly cheese steak was good. Restaurant is a little in the hood, but would not feel in danger since I used to go to that auto shop across the street all the time… the building is a lot smaller than I thought it would be, but did give the ambiance of a cozy mom and pops restaurant. We were not expecting a live jazz band to be playing. Music was nice touch.
Philly cheese steak was pretty good. Baguette bread was toasted and the beef and cheese were warm and melted. I’ll admit not the best one I’ve had (been to Philly so will always use that as my baseline). I’d like more beef in my philly samich. Wife got the New Jersey style Italian Hoagie. I thought it was also pretty good and rich with ham, capicola, and salami with the vinegar and oil dressing. Nothing mind blowing, but a solid sandwich… so all around good food with great prices. Would go back to try the pizza. Living by north side, it’s good to see local restaurants with decent food in an area most people drive past to go downtown.

Salinee H. and I stopped at this special place after a breezy bike ride. Papa’s isn’t just a pizza restaurant, they also have a deli with meats and cheeses, and wait for it… GELATO!
We ended up splitting the chicken parmesan panini as an app, then we got the deluxe pizza as our main meal. The panini was good, but it was served on what seemed to be a hamburger bun and not the crispy panini dream that I envisioned. The pizza was delicious! The crust on the pizza was my ideal crust: perfectly crisped with just enough crust for me to grip my pizza properly. Afterwards, we ordered canolis! I’ve never had a canoli before so I have nothing to compare it to, but it has changed my life. However keep in mind that I don’t think Papa’s makes their own canolis, but don’t quote me on this.
All in all, Papa’s is great. Our server was a little slow with refills, but friendly, Papa himself was in full force helping out around the restaurant, and they have a nice patio and if you have a dog bring it! One lucky pooch got some salami from the deli!

Came here cos i didn’t want to go all the way into town, and was looking for some italian. read the reviews about the tomato pie — they weren’t wrong!
the deluxe tomato pie was amazing!
In my mind, pie meant something different, but geez, this was damn nice!
I thought i wouldn’t be able to finish it, but it was so good i did. Some may say the price might be high for a «pizza», but the taste was worth it!
The service was good, and the atmosphere in the place is nice. I couldn’t take advantage of the happy hour since i was by myself, but seems like pretty good value drinks for 2!
Oh, my gps went haywire coming here… telling me to drive on sidewalks and off freeways, so it’s not the easiest to get to, but worth a try!

Got pizza… oh boy… can one survive on pizza alone? if they delivered I would be in serious trouble.
I would put their pizza in the same grouping as Black Sheep… and a bit of Pizza Luce.
Like Kevin… I just can’t believe I’ve lived here this long and am just now getting to know this jem of a place.

My buddy and I walked into the wonderful scent of a North Eastern Minneapolis Italian and Philly specialty restaurant. There were people waiting, while the wafting aromas of homemade sauces were simmering like a melting pot of volcanic goodness.
We both ordered the Surly Furious 16 ouncer which we held onto like an old lumber jack waiting for his next redwood to cut.
The Surly Furious came, but we both waited until the unbelievable Philly Cheese Steaks arrived. The bread was pretty good, crispy but instead of 5 stars, I thought, they did not make their own bread but my friend said in Philly it was more torpedo like. The beef was succulent and every bite made you glad you were an American. Nowhere else could beef so tender and look up to you and say «Yo! I am good stuff!»
The Surly Furious was like a sweet nectar of hoppy goodness that mixed well with the wonderful marinade and sweet smell of the veggies on top.
The service was awesome, if they had Surly on tap it would be a 5.
Solid Restaurant.

I’ve eaten here twice this week. I love everything about this place! It’s a local business with yummy jersey style italian food. I tried the pizza, spaghetti with meatballs and manicotti. They were all really delish. They have half priced wine during happy hour and serve cans/​bottles of good beer. You can also get 15% off every time you go, if you have a «twin cities fun» card. If you don’t have one already, they will get you one.
p. s. You can bring your dogs and eat out on the patio. They will bring your pup a bowl of water and a bone. :)
p. p. s. I have a new found respect for New Jersey for having really delicious food. Fist pump!!!

First let me start by saying that three stars is not a bad rating. This place hits the spot. My second disclosure is that I know Kris (Mama for lack of better terms) and anything I say here, she has heard from me already.
This is a nice neighborhood spot and I have enjoyed coming here; bringing friends from outside of the community for many meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). It is great to have a place like this in the neighborhood. I find the pizzas to be the best value and the weekend breakfast menu is also quite good.
I have found over the years that while the food is good, it isn’t always convenient to pop over there. Papa’s would earn another star if they offered delivery. In talking with Kris, she said the intention of the restaurant is to create a community space and they want to keep the place full and allow people to sit and converse. So delivery is not on the table.
The restaurant seats about 35 – 38 people and during the summer it has outdoor seating, allowing more people to dine. On some occasions the place is packed and there is a line to get in. At times like this, sometimes there is some minor chaos.
On some summer evenings, there is a live performance through a partnership with the Camden Music School.

I love having this in my neighborhood. Great pizza. Best in the city? Probably — I’m usually so hungry when I go there it’s not fair for me to go definitive.
What I like best is that I just feel happy when I’m there. Completely intangible I know, but it’s the truth. Atmosphere, service, food, everything just makes me smile.

Papa’s is a nice little Italian restaurant in the Victory neighborhood of Minneapolis.
I always start out with an order of garlic cheese bread. Cooked until the outside of the bread is slightly crisp while the inside is soft, cheese melted nicely on top, and served with a generous portion of delectable marinara sauce on the side, you can’t go wrong by ordering this item.
Papa’s offers a wide selection of delicious hoagies (try the Philly Cheese or New Jersey Italian), pizza, and pasta. The portions for the dinner menu are right for the price, and the service here has always been excellent.
For a very good meal, in a low-​key setting make sure to check out Papa’s Pizza and Pasta.

I honestly had issues with the owners when they first set up shop in Victory.
That aside, they have calmed down and become much more business friendly with their neighboring businesses.
I have to say that they have GREAT FOOD. You are fed ample portions of delicious, mouth watering food. They have pizza and pasta down to an art form.
I will not, as another critic said, say they are better than Dulano’s but there is a reason for that. Dulano’s is who you call for late night, after-​drinking pizza. They are not in the same league.
Papa’s offers a nice, informal dining experience with affordable food that should be enjoyed rather than scarfed down by the 2am drunk.
After all is said and done they are a very welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Great cozy little family run place on the boarder of Robbindale & N. Mpls.
The pasta was pretty good, the pizza was really good. The gelato was fantastic!
Definitely worth checking out. We will be back.

Really great to have this little family-​run joint in my neighborhood. The pizza is really good, the hot sandwiches are decent (mmm Philly cheese steak), and I will have to try the Sunday wine deal (½ off!) and weekend breakfast.
For me the real highlight is being able to walk down the street and get a scoop of gelatto on a summer’s day! Yum. Do try it.

GREAT food and really good service.
We stopped by for a bite and we were the only ones in the joint on a Sunday. They have 2 for 1 happy hour on beer and wine. They serve local beers– such as all the Surly’s in can and tap you can imagine.
We ordered the pizza– but it was the pie– fresh tomatoes and olive oil. the crust was crisp and tasty. I was very impressed. I honestly think the best thin crust I’ve had in Msp. Or maybe it was the personal service and atmosphere but truly a great pizza.
The waiter was the owner’s son and he told us about how his parents meet at the only Pie shop in Trenton. They feel in love moved to MN to have kids and moved back to NJ and then back to MN. Opening Papa’s a few years ago. My dining partner happened to have been to that Pie Shop also and they chatted it up.
The outside patio looked really inviting. Lattice and flowers around a brick laid patio. Really sweet set up on a not busy street.
They offered us homemade dessert but I was stuffed. Next time though I will save room.
PLEASE consider supporting this locally owned and small restaurant. Keep the Northside in business. It truly was a great find.
They have a poor mans breakfast on the menu too. Affordable and fresh ingredients.

I’m currently house hunting, and looking all over Minneapolis. Found this place when I was out looking at homes.
Cute Mom/​Pop place — not too fancy. If I move into the area, I will be here a lot — With a diverse Italian menu you could eat here once a week for a year and not try everything. They fly their gelato in from Italy — kinda cool.
I’ve only had a ½ sandwich and cup of soup so far. Soup was great — homemade creamy tomato basil. This quick lunch was spendy at almost $ 9 (and I had water).
So check it out if you are in the neighborhood — but would I drive here from Stillwater just to try it, no.