At the very edge of the neighborhood is Ann Kim’s Hello Pizza. The chef is known for her pizzas, but there’s something extra special and just a little different about this spot. Hot from a traditional deck over, the crust has a different kind of allure and chew. Toppings continue her tradition of mixing traditional with unexpected. Order a New York Style pizza with foldable slices, or a pie topped with tender, spiced chicken adobo. Expert orders always include a pint of Bebe Zito ice cream. Available for delivery and pick up Wednesday through Sunday.

This darling little coffee shop and cafe is ideal for those who appreciate a little spice with their sweets. Pastry chef Shawn McKenzie makes great use of unexpected seasonings, like a little dukkah in a latte, or za’atar on the side with labneh and a sesame-crusted Turkish style bagel. Don’t miss the dense and moist carrot tahini muffins. Open daily.

Daniel del Prado’s second restaurant is this tucked off the street pizza restaurant that offers traditional, food-fire charred pizzas, and slices of thick foccacia-like fluffy crust, available at an affordable price. The brief menu makes it easy to find a favorite and the newly expanded hours means that it’s all available for lunch and dinner, Thursday through Sunday. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and everything travels well for takeaway.

The focus at Naviay’s Thai Brasserie is on the vegetables: always fresh and prepared over high heat to coax out flavors.  Meats options range from chicken and beef to Canadian duck breast and wild Coho salmon.  The menu features familiar dishes like curries, pad Thai, and pho, as well as house specialties including basil turkey stir fry and pineapple duck curry. Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

A popular stop for families in the area, Zumbro Cafe serves comfort food for breakfast and lunch daily. Order the buttery-sauced Benedict and a cappucino to wrap your cold hands around.

An excellent butcher shop that works with small farmers, this tiny shop is known all around the city as an excellent place to grab high quality meat and a few deli-made snacks. Try one of the legendary sandwiches made fresh to order are a vital building block to an ideal picnic at nearby Lake Harriet. Throw in a side of bright yellow pickled cauliflower for a tart, crunchy treat. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Chef Steven Brown is one of the most respected chefs in Minneapolis and his cozy neighborhood restaurant reflects the effortless cool the chef exudes. Try the positively perfect rueben, where everything’s made from scratch. Finish with the spring sweetness of strawberries and cream on a spongey poundcake. There’s even a fantastic kids menu. Plus, oenophiles sing high praises for this wine list. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

Housed in a historic firehouse, The Harriet Brasserie’s menu is influenced by French, Italian, Brazilian, and classic American cuisine. Wander around the menu with snacky little duck tacos, or a more substantial steak frites. The dessert menu is pointedly brief: this tres leches cake is an instantly craveable dish that’s probably best ordered by the twosome. A second day piece banked in the fridge is a perfect gift to your future self. Open Thursday through Sunday.