Restaurant Guide–North Dakota

Restaurant Guide Main Index


  • Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
  • Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources

Arnegard

Tacos La Mexicana–215 Frontage Rd. (Mexican) Open Daily (apparently it is closed in Dec and Jan). A pretty tough critic says it is very good for ND but not quite authentic. I think this means this is about the best you are going to find in the area. Large variety of tacos and also has other items (tamales, burritos, quesbirria, etc.). Map (Takeout only 10-22-22)

Beach

Buzzy Cafe–27 S. Central Ave. (American) Breakfast and lunch only. Reviewers say this is a good alternative to having breakfast in Medora where there are lines out the door during tourist season. Omelets are said to be very good for breakfast and burgers for lunch. Map (Dining room is open 10-21-22)

Belfield

Burley’s–125 Main St. N (Steakhouse) Closed Sun & Mon.  All the main items are said to be very good. Some do not care for items such as the soup. Many order the burgers and sandwiches. Reviewers say the steak is better here than in the large towns such as Dickinson. Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Bismarck

A Little Taste of Mexico–2700 State St. (Mexican) Closed Sat evening, Sun, U Mon (other days closes at 7 pm).  Said to be authentic by reviewers who seem to know what they are talking about. Tacos al pastor, carne asada tacos, street corn, spicy mango, and horchata are recommended.  Map (Dining room is open 10-21-22)

Huckleberry House–1700 River Rd. (Scandinavian) Open 4 pm to 11 pm (closed Mon & Tue).  Modern (and upscale) version of Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish food. Not super expensive, but in line with good food. Very good reviews  Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Kroll’s Diner–1915 E. Main Ave. (German) See listing under Fargo for more info. Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Kroll’s Diner–2505 State St. (German) See listing under Fargo for more info. Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Little Cottage Cafe–2513 E. Main Ave. (American) Open daily 7 am to 7 pm.  A local favorite and is probably best known for its breakfast. Many people recommend the German food, but only a few items are on the menu. However, the restaurant says it has “secret menus and special offers” that probably have most of the German items they serve. Most say the desserts are one of the best features here. Map (Dining room is open 10-18-22)

Noodlezip–208 E. Main Ave. (Asian) Closes at 7 pm (closed Sat & Sun).  Specializes in Eastern Asian soup (pho, ramen, Korean, and other countries). Also has noodle dishes, and a seasonal menu of Korean dishes. Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Walrus–1136 N. 3rd St. (American) Open Daily. Has an upscale menu. Pizza, pasta, and burgers are the most popular items on the less expensive menu. Reviewers say it has German food, but these must be specials because they are not on the menu (the menu is American and Italian). Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Bottineau

China Inn–1003 11th St. E (Chinese) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm.  Urbanspoon was instrumental in finding this place because there is currently very little information about it. They reported that authentic and special made orders are available from the owners (and therefore it stands out from the vast majority of Chinese restaurants). Map (Dining room is open 10-18-22)

Note: There is a Norway House Restaurant in Bottineau but I did not put it on the list because it seems to not have any Norwegian food (it has the same type of food as dozens of diners across the state).

Dickinson

Country Rose–837 E. Villard St. (American) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Mon).  Very good reviews. Reviewers say the food is home made, including the sausage (which they highly recommend). Caramel rolls are recommended, as are the patty melt and country fried steak. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Dakota Diner–2857 Interstate 94 Business Loop E (American) Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Reviewers say this is standard diner food, but has German specialties that are especially worthwhile. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Island Cuisine–30 7th St. W. (Caribbean) Closed Sun & Mon (and closed from 2 to 4 pm).  Very good ratings. Reviewers say the food is flavorful and an interesting change from the normal local cuisine. Has jerk chicken, curry chicken, beef stew, oxtail, etc. (much of the food is spicy). Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Upin–27 S. Main Ave. (Thai) Open Daily.  Locals love the food. Some people who seem to be more experienced with Thai food think the yellow curry is not bad but were more disappointed with the pad thai. You can get an authentic spice level if you want. It looks much better than the Chinese food here. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Fairfield

Four Corners Ukrainian Cafe–2000 Hwy 85 SW (Ukrainian) Open Wed-Fri 10 am to 5 pm.  Pierogi, roast beef, sausage, borscht, burgers, scones, and blueberry pie are recommended. Beef is locally sourced (has burgers, philly steak sandwich, and patty melt which are also recommended). Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Fargo

Himalayan Yak–1450 25th St. S. (Indian) Closed Sun (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm).  Indian restaurant with some Nepali dishes, and some of them are sampler plates (such as Dinner for Two). Reviews indicate that it is the best Indian restaurant in town because of the fact it has high quality ingredients, and each dish has a unique flavor and is not just another variation of the generic Indian food served in some restaurants. The Nepali menu includes chowmein (probably my favorite Nepali item). Map (Dining room is open 10-17-22)

India Palace–5050 13th Ave. S (Indian) Closed Mon.  I have no way of knowing which Indian restaurant in town is the most authentic (there are at least 3 of them) but this one gets good reviews and has an extensive menu. Menu includes many items I do not see in other restaurants, and they say some are original recipes. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Kollie’s West African–855 45th St. S (Liberian) Closed Sun  Small restaurant with food cooked by the owners. Reviewers say food is excellent, and they really like everything they try. Is in a strip mall with several ethnic restaurants and markets. Map (Dining room is open 10-17-22)

Kroll’s Diner–1033 45th St. S (German) Open 6 am to 9 pm daily (might be open 24 hrs in summer.  This is an American style diner with hamburgers, etc., but is also known for its German items (of which there is an extensive menu). The German menu is not much like ones found in German restaurants, but includes chicken cordon bleu, kielbasa, cabbage rolls, and their “famous” knoephla soup. Also in Minot, Bismarck, and Mandan. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Lucy’s North China Cuisine–4323 45th St. S (Chinese) Closed Tue.  Reviewers on Urbanspoon said this was the only authentic Chinese restaurant in town (now there may be more that are authentic). They said get the “Chef’s Special” dishes. Twice cooked pork is recommended. Map (Dining room is open 10-18-22)

Rugsan–2424 13th Ave. S (Somali) Open daily 9 am to 10 pm.  An East African restaurant with halal and Mediterranean dishes. Reviewers say the food is flavorful and aromatic, like other similar restaurants in the area, but here you get more for your money. Map (Dining room is open 10-17-22)

Sons of Norway–722 2nd Ave. N (Norwegian) Lunch M-F; Dinner Tue-Sat .  This is a private club that serves food to the public. They sometimes have music, and have a display of Norwegian artifacts. I think the Norwegian food consists of a special each day (there is not a large choice of items but what they have should be very good). Map (Dining room is open 10-18-22)

Thaikota–1201 1st Ave. N (Thai) Closed Sun (and closed from 2 to 4 pm).  This is the Thai restaurant with the highest ratings (I don’t know if it’s because it is very authentic or has the sweet flavor that Americans like). Apparently, though, it has dishes from northern Thailand, which probably means it is authentic. Map (Dining room is open 10-18-22)

Würst  Bier Hall–630 1st Ave. N (German) Open daily until 11 pm (midnight on weekends).  This seems to be authentic German food without the fancy setting that drives up the prices. Here you can get items such as elk wurst as well as more common items such as schnitzel (but it looks better here than at most places). Has other items such as borscht. This is well known for its beer and cider. Also in West Fargo. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Grand Forks

Darcy’s Cafe–1015 N. Washington St. (American) Open Daily (breakfast & lunch only).  Said by many to be the best place for breakfast in Grand Forks. Breakfast items include chicken fried steak, corned beef hash, Berlin omelette with German sausage and sauerkraut (and other dishes with the sausage). Lunch is burgers and sandwiches but some breakfast items are also good such as the chicken fried steak (it has maple sausage gravy that many say is especially good). Pancakes are especially popular, such as the cinnamon roll pancakes. Has daily specials M-F. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Kaizen–108 N. 3rd St. (Japanese) Closed Mon (and closed from 2:30 to 5 pm).  Formerly Shing Ya. Has sushi, but other entrees also get good reviews (but not as many items are served as previously). Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

Hillsboro

The Hillsboro Cafe–3 N. Main St. (American) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Sun & Mon).  Looks like a typical small town cafe, but the food is stepped up a few notches from most restaurants. Some recommended items are everything omelette, cranberry wild rice french toast, 1776 burger, Wisconsin cheese soup (or any other soup), salad, scones, mixed berry pie (really everything on the menu). Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Jamestown

Depot Cafe–300 2nd Ave. NE (American) Closed Sun evening. This seems to be the most popular local hangout in town, with breakfast being particularly popular (coffee, chicken fried steak, “train wreck,” and omelet). Burgers are popular, and has knoephla soup. Map (Dining room is open 10-21-22)

Sabir’s Buffalo Grill–103 1st Ave. S. (American) Open 11 am to 10 pm (closed Sun).  Serves upscale food in a place where most people can probably afford it. Popular items include the bison burger, sausage, walleye, flank steak, and prime rib. Map (Dining room is open 10-21-22)

Litchfield

Tasty Treat Drive In–401 5th St. (Hamburgers) Open daily 11 am to 8 pm.  Old style small town drive in that not only reminds people of the good old days, but still serves the same food. Burger, fries, pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, and ice cream all inspire people to make the trip here. Map (Outdoor benches and picnic table 10-21-22)

Mandan

Das Mountain–Location varies (German) Usually serves during dinner hours (and I think usually Fri-Sun).  This is a food truck that serves German food out of various breweries in Mandan (check their Facebook page for details). I’m including it because of their reviews. Dining is indoors in the various establishments they visit. Map (Dining room is open 10-18-22)

Frieds Family Restaurant–1010 Boundary St. NW (German) Closed Sat evening & Sun (open for breakfast).  Mostly American food, but has German specials (I think they have a different special each day). Knoephla soup is on the regular menu and available any time. Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Kroll’s Diner–4401 Memorial Hwy. (German) See listing under Fargo for more info. Map (Dining room is open 10-18-22)

Medora

Little Missouri Saloon–440 3rd St. (American) Open Daily. Has a full bar with a very decent food menu as well. Steak, buffalo burger, and fish & chips are popular. Large outdoor patio for times when the weather is suitable. Reviewers say prices are very reasonable. Map (Dining room is open 10-21-22)

Theodore’s Dining Room– 301 3rd Ave. (American) Breakfast & dinner daily (not open for lunch). At night this is a high end steak house with a few lower priced items such as a dry-aged pork chop. In the morning it is a popular breakfast spot with items such as buffalo eggs benedict (I am guessing there are cheaper places to go). Even though it is expensive the price is not any higher than you would pay in other steak restaurants, and here you get somewhat of a unique setting. Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Minot

Charlie’s Main Street Cafe–113 Main St. S (American) Open daily 7 am to 2 pm. Menu is typical diner food, but it seems to be more elevated. Hot beef sandwich is a specialty, and has unusual burgers such as the Fair Burger with mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce. Has knoephla on Wed. and and “award winning” chili every day. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)

High Third–7 1st St. SE (American) Open daily 10 am to 2 am.  Bar with somewhat upscale (and supposedly good) food. Has rooftop patio dining. Food served on small plates so you can order several items. Some recommended items are tacos, cheese curds, soup, and Saskatoon berry cheesecake. Apparently it has a loud bar atmosphere.  Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Kroll’s Diner–1221 20th Ave. SE (German) See listing under Fargo for more info. Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Little Blue Elephant–22 Main St. S. (Thai) Closed Sun.  Apparently it is very good and gives you the spice level you want. Map (Dining room is open 10-22-22)

Pingree

Pingree Cafe–1760 US 281 (American). Small town cafe that reviewers say has wholesome homemade style food. The most popular items are grilled cheese sandwich, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, and cake.  Map (Dining room is open 10-21-22)

Ray

Lund’s Landing–11350 Hwy. 1804 (American) Open 9 am to 5 pm (closed Sun & Mon).  Has hamburgers, sandwiches, and pies, but may be best known for its juneberry pie (a local specialty). Map (No information about whether the dining room is open 10-17-22)

West Fargo

Freddy’ Lefse–176 Main Ave. E (Bakery) Open 9-5 M-F.  Factory that makes Norwegian flatbread that is especially sought after during the Christmas holidays. Takeout only, but this seems to be a good chance to find out about this traditional treat. Map (Takeout only 10-18-22)

Williston

3E Pastry Cafe–14 2nd St. W (Turkish) Closed Mon.  Mostly has kebabs but also offers Turkish style bread, drinks (coffee and tea), and desserts. For breakfast has fried eggs with olive oil, a Turkish sausage (probably all beef), and other dishes with Turkish spices. Very good reviews (which is how I found it). Map (Dining room is open 10-19-22)

Star Thai–413 Main St. (Thai) Closed Sun.  Has good reviews. Yellow curry looks good but reviewers say the food in general is flavorful. You can ask for the spice level you want. Map (Dining room is open 1-19-24)


  • For additional explanation of this list see Index
  • Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions.

Note About “50 States, 50 Dishes” (Condé Nast)

Condé Nast published an article on Jul. 3, 2018 using various sources to compile a “list of the dishes that capture the hearts, souls, and (oh, yes) stomachs of these 50 states (plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico), and where you should order them.” For North Dakota it was juneberry pie. These are smaller, denser, and bluer than blueberries, and have a slightly nutty taste (also known as Saskatoon berries in Canada).

The editors say a good place to get it is at Lund’s Landing at Lake Sakakawea, and to try it with vanilla ice cream.

Note About “50 States, 50 Cuisines” (Condé Nast)

Condé Nast published an article on Sep. 14, 2020 explaining how they set out to go beyond a previous article that had identified the signature dish for each state, and to find food that goes beyond the classics and “to highlight a cuisine worth traveling to each state for, much of which you truly can’t get anywhere else.” For North Dakota it was Norwegian cuisine, representing the state’s largest ethnic group.

They do not recommend any restaurants, but suggest going to a festival such as the Norsk Hostfest held in Minot.


Sources:

Chowhound (former web site)

Condé Nast Traveler “50 States, 50 Cuisines: The Food Worth Traveling For in Every State”

Condé Nast Traveler, “50 States, 50 Dishes: America’s Favorite Foods and Where to Get Them”

Culture Trip (North Dakota)

Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives (North Dakota)

Google Maps

Urbanspoon.com (former web site which I used for preliminary research)

Yelp (Fargo)