Contemporary American / New American · Snelling-Hamline / Highland

Joan's in the Park

★ 4.8 · 456 Google reviews · $$

James Beard Outstanding Hospitality semifinalist 2026. Intimate neighborhood establishment. Wed-Sat 5-8:15pm.

The Room

What it's actually like

Joan's in the Park is overwhelmingly celebrated as a premier fine-dining destination with consistently outstanding food, impeccable service, and a genuinely warm atmosphere that makes guests feel special. The four-course tasting menu format with carefully curated dishes and generous wine pairings justify the premium pricing. Reviewers consistently praise the owners' personal touch, attentive staff, and the restaurant's ability to balance sophistication with accessibility, making it a top choice for anniversaries, celebrations, and special occasions.

cozyromanticthoughtfully curatedfamily-owned charmunpretentious elegance
Diners keep mentioning
brown butter puddingmasa corn dumplingsscallopsshort ribsfilet mignoncavatelli with lobsterwine pairingsonion knot bread with whipped ricotta
Ambiance
intimate
Noise level
quiet
Dress code
smart casual
Outdoor seating
Yes
Good for
anniversary dinner, special celebration, birthday dinner
Reservations
OpenTable

Wait reality — Reservations strongly recommended and essential, especially for special occasions. Small restaurant with limited seating means walk-ins unlikely to be accommodated. Best to book well in advance for weekends and special dates.

Derived from 75 recent Google reviews — not marketing copy.

Menu

What's cooking

Appetizer

Braised Calamari in Black Bean Sauce$12
Toasted farro, rhode island calamari, fermented black bean, parsley
Corn Dumplings & Crunchy Shrimp$14
Pablano sabayon, fresh cheese, cilantro
Crab Toasts$12
Lump crab, lemon oil, ghost chili
Potato Gnocchivegetarian$12
Brown butter, butternut squash, tarragon
Rutabaga Raviolo$14
Duck gizzard, green peppercorn, swiss chard
Smoked Lamb Ribs$14
Apple, mint, red cabbage, elderberry
Steak Tartare$12
Hand cut raw beef tenderloin, caper, shallot, mushroom oil
Steamed Veal Sweetbread Buns$12
Radish, pickled parsnips, apple, herbs

Salad

Charred Beetvegetarian$11
Toasted walnut, gorgonzola dolce, breezy hill apple, cumin seed
Kale Caesar$12
Soft egg, fried oysters, pecorino, anchovy
Lobster$14
Fingerling potato, bacon, mustard seed vinaigrette
Roasted Sweet Potatovegetarian$11
Spoon mustard leaves, hazelnut, malt vinaigrette, goat cheese
Shaved Butternut Squash$11
Cured smoked ham, seeds & nuts, celery, buttermilk

Entree

Bell & Evans Farm Roasted Chicken$24
Cider brined 1/2 chicken, cranberry hazelnut syrup
Braised Beef Cheeks$29
Grass fed beef cheeks, sweet cabbage puree, sautéed beech mushroom with winter greens
Slow Cooked Pork Shank$28
Beelers farm duroc pork , mashed potatoes, rosemary gravy

Steak

Rib-eye Steak$34
Marinated rib-eye, brussels sprout petal, pine nut, shallot vinaigrettee

Side

Cauliflower "Risotto"vegetarian$11
Cream, porcini, swiss chard
Heirloom Winter Squashvegetarian$11
Gorgonzola dolce, brown butter, stout reduction, chili
Red Mashed Potatovegetarian$11
Buttermilk, chive
Sauted Mushroomsvegetarianvegan$11
Miso, garlic, thyme

Dessert

Brioche Bread Custard$9
Bourbon maple caramel, hazelnut praline
Cran Apple Dutch$9
Cranberry sorbet, apple cider butter
Signature Brown Butter Pudding$8
Chocolate caramel, whipped cream, citron salt

Seafood

Market Fish
Our market fish is determined by season and inspiration
New Bedford Day Boat Scall$29
Apple, bacon, brussels sprout
Details

Find it

Address
631 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN
Phone
651-690-3297
Restaurant group
independent