Cossetta Alimentari

Cossetta is my go-to St. Paul spot, whether it's for lunch, dinner, or even just dessert! The food is incredibly good and comes with great portion sizes, and genuinely my only issue here is choosing what to get, since this is one of the only only places where I don't have a singular go-to item because everything is so good.It's a cafeteria-style situation so you grab a tray and go through the different stations--salads, soups/sandwiches, mains, and pizza--before paying. The line can get long, especially if you go on a busy night or a weekend, but it's so worth it. The chopped salad is always an absolute MUST for me--it clocks in at $12.75 for the large, and comes with lettuce topped with tomato, green onions, pennette pasta, pine nuts, crispy prosciutto, gorgonzola cheese, and a garlic vinaigrette. The textures and flavors on this salad are both INCREDIBLE but be warned: it is as SALTY as the freaking ocean (but in the best way possible). It's a great value for not only the taste, but also when you think about the raw ingredients--they give you a truly unfathomable portion of pine nuts, cheese, and the crispy prosciutto bits alone.For mains, I usually go for the chicken marsala ($15.95)--the marsala wine sauce is DELICIOUS and very generous on the mushrooms, and the chicken is perfectly cooked every time. All of the mains (or, "secondi" as they're called) come with a side of their mostaccioli con ricotta pasta and a breadstick.Now, I could write an entire love letter to the mostaccioli con ricotta on its own. It's one of the singlular best bites I've had in Minnesota, and it's one of those things where you can't wrap your head around how something so simple can be so good. It's the mostaccioli pasta (which is very similar to penne--in fact, I have no clue what makes it different) with a white ricotta cheese sauce and a tomato sauce over top, and it's INCREDIBLE. However, as enticing as all of the entrees may be, make sure you save room for dessert! Their patisserie is incredible, boasting cookies and pastries galore, in addition to a true gelateria selection just like you could find in Italy--the cannoli gelato is a non-negotiable. They also have a neat little market section where you can get some really nice breads, meats, cheeses, and dry goods!They also have a free parking lot available to customers while at the restaurant, which is a true gem in downtown St. Paul and honestly a big part of what makes this a no-brainer for me whenever I'm in the area.

What a unique spot in the Twin Cities! Stopped here for some lunch while scrolling for options online and selecting it randomly. I had no idea what it was, but I will definitely be back.I ordered a pepperoni pizza and shared a Caesar salad with my husband. Yummy! The staff is kind and helpful if you're unsure where to go or what to get.The set up is like an Italian food market. So it was nice to have different options to choose from. There's is plentiful seating on the second floor. We also stopped at the bakery and all I can say is, wow! Definitely a must try if you're in the area.

I've been eating at cossettas my entire life and it hits every time. It's changed over the years but the old timey feel is still perfect. The tortellini with alfredo is my go to, and of course the chocolate covered cannoli. It's the only cannoli worthwhile in the twin cities. It may not be "authentic" Italian food as I've seen other reviews say, but it sure is delicious! It gets packed during meal times but the seating area is massive. The only downside is I really wish they would cut down on the single use plastic. I hate wasting plastic containers and utensils.

This place is a national treasure and Minnesota institution. I've been coming here since I was a kid and this dinner stop was another great meal. I stopped by for takeout knowing g I would have plenty for two meals. I started with their wonderful chopped salad. It has a great assortment of components to it-blue cheese chunks, small pasta pieces, tomatoes, bacon bits, toasted pine nuts and of course lettuce. It comes with their house Italian dressing which is nice and tangy. For my main I had the iconic chicken Marsala. It comes with two nice size pieces of chicken, a delicious Marsala gravy with fresh mushrooms and a side of their penne with sauce. It's my usual go-to and as always it did not disappoint! The ambience of this place is so comfortable and clean. Super friendly staff. Def recommend!

Cossettas has good pizza but not the greatest. They have other better foods you can buy at Cossettas that will taste much better. I do enjoy the ambiance and the bakery and the small store. Service is great and fast.

Love to come here when I am nearby! Such delicious food, service is always wonderful and the building has such charm and a warm environment!

Hey Travoodies. I was a first timer to @cossettas and I believe I am hooked. For dinner I tried the tortellini with Alfredo sauce and I was blown away. The atmosphere is so lively with a cafeteria format to it. The people are super nice and if you aren't paying attention may be a little overwhelming. We hit the upstairs for an almost rooftop like dining experience. However I ended the day by visiting the bakery and dessert shop... a haven indeed! If you are ever in the St. Paul area be sure to stop by and enjoy it's a best seller in my book.

A little bit of Italy right on W. 7th Ave. What a cool old school Italian shop with fresh meats, desserts, sandwiches and anything luxurious you can think of. I bought a handful of hopefully delicious chocolates...you can't go wrong with chocolate right? My hubby says the bread is to die for.

Still our family's favorite place to eat! Delicious food, especially the mostaciolli sauce. Gorgeous views of downtown from the outdoor seating. Plenty of space for large or small groups. Service is cafeteria style.

Cossetta's is always a treat! They always have rotating specials to enjoy and some amazing classics. This trip I got the Italian Sausage and the Ricotta pasta. The service is fast and efficient - but you may have a long line.