The June Hit List: Young Joni, Martina, Black Walnut Bakery, and More

Ann Kim isn’t just a pizza goddess — she’s a pizza goddess with a James Beard award. All three of her pizza endeavors have a playful way with ingredients, but the char-crusted pies at Young Joni (available with regular or gluten-free crusts) are stamped with a flavor profile all their own. Examples: The Korean barbecue pizza boasts short ribs, mozzarella, arugula and a soy-chile vinaigrette, a YOLO trio of meats — fennel sausage, bacon, and pepperoni — red sauce and cheese. And don’t forget to purchase a ticket to the photo booth, where you can mug for the camera before finishing the night with a drink at the moody back bar, accessed via an alley door marked by a red light. (If it’s off, you’re out of luck.)

Seafood of all kinds reigns at this warehouse-meets-the coast spot, but it built its rep on lobster. We’re talking whole lobster, lobster rolls (two kinds daily plus a weekly special), lobster bisque, lobster guacamole, lobster poutine, and a lobster mac and cheese that’s incredibly rich but worth it. Other crustaceans and sea creatures make an appearance, and there’s even fried chicken, steak, and a burger for the surf averse. The popular patio fills up quickly, but there’s usually ample space in the dining room or around the bar.

Call 612-259-7288 for reservations.

The 60/40 may be the much-talked-about hamburger here — a mix of certified Angus beef and ground bacon topped with Wisconsin cheddar, beer mustard, and candied bacon — but there are plenty of other handheld options to satisfy the curious. Take the Breakfast Burger, which layers two patties, peanut butter, an egg, bacon, and cheddar between a pair of sourdough bread slices.

Non-red meat choices aren’t overlooked, either, with many people saying the turkey burger is the best they’ve had. Go big by upgrading to a side of truffle-Parmesan fries or tots or even bigger by starting off with a basket of beer-battered cheese curds. (And don’t forget the Minneapolis locations, including Uptown and 50th & France.)

Since heading out on his own in 2017, chef Daniel del Prado has built a mini-empire. The gorgeous Martina was his first launch, and has kept its game strong. A wood-fired grill figures prominently in the open kitchen, giving asado flair (del Prado hails from Argentina) to steak, salmon, chicken, and vegetables like cucumbers and sunchokes. You’ll find plenty of seafood and pastas, plus chilled and hot appetizers. The empanadas, stuffed with a creamy blend of leeks and gorgonzola cheese, have their own fan club — as do the artfully served cocktails (boozy and booze-free). Try the new Palma: rye whiskey, scratch-made citrus vermouth, black tea, honey, amaro, and lemon.

A favorite option for date nights, IE has plenty of love to offer bigger groups as well. Two extra-large seating options — the Community Table and the Godfather Booth — can fit eight to 10 people, while the tucked-away private dining nook or the outdoor Pergola Bar offers space for about 25.

Made-from-scratch pastas are the calling card (think mushroom cappelletti, beet triangoli, fusilli with prawns and scallops), but you shouldn’t overlook the other mains, especially the dry-rubbed beef short rib.

Call 612-223-8504 for reservations.

You won’t find a more charming patio (or a more coveted one, probably) in all of St. Paul. The space is ringed by greenery, and strings of lights swoop between the trees, diffusing a dreamy golden glow over the tables. The food is contemporary American: spinach-artichoke dip, shrimp salad, a grilled chicken sandwich, a dry-aged rib eye. Fun finds on the cocktail menu include a no-proof Ginger Sour; the low-proof, shochu-based Japanese Martini; and the full-proof Closing Argument, which unites mezcal, Centum Herbis (“100 herbs”) liqueur, maraschino cherry liqueur, and lime juice in a summery sipper.

Call 651-224-5715 for reservations.

The menu is vast and varied, the atmosphere casual — making this all-day place in the southern suburbs a real draw for families. Pizza, burgers, pasta, salads, and sandwiches all vie for attention, with diners giving the 10,000 Lakes chicken pot pie, tater-tot hot dish, and chicken saltimbocca high marks.

The bar offerings are also extensive: cocktails, wine flights, and more than 20 local beers, including an IPA from Eagan-based Bald Man Brewing. No meal’s complete without a treat from the adjacent bakery, Cupcake. Pop in to choose your flavor and they’ll add it to your dinner bill.

West metro fans of this born-in-St. Paul Mexican bistro were elated when a second location sprouted up in the 50th & France neighborhood. The menu has grown slightly, thanks to the addition of wood-fired entrees, alongside a handful of tacos, “not tacos” (elote-style brussels sprouts, chilaquiles), and, of course, flights of housemade salsas with chips.

The interior has a Minnesota-meets-Mexico vibe, with colorful Día de los Muertos murals adorning the walls and a stag’s head watching over the bar. Those birdcages hanging from the ceiling? A nod to the restaurant’s name, which translates as “little bird.”

Generous portions, high quality ingredients and location near Lake Minnetonka have ensured Yumi’s popularity for years. Put yourself in the chef’s hands by ordering the chirashi platter, which comes with five types of fish and a variety of vegetables over a bed of rice.

Want more? Size up to Yumi’s Sashimi Platter, a 30-piece beauty filled with seven kinds of seafood. Or try to choose from the large selection of sushi, sashimi, traditional and specialty rolls — and even more special Yumi rolls. We probably don’t even need to mention the Titanic, a whopper with yellowfin tuna, salmon, and yellowtail wrapped with spicy tuna. You won’t go home hungry.

The pastry cases here are guaranteed to make sweets lovers swoon. They’re filled with trays and platters showing off an assortment of yeasty goodies—chocolate-banana croissants, cream cheese Danish, chocolate-studded pain Suisse, breads — plus tarts, cookies, muffins, and mini pies. (Just try to resist the banana cream or anything with seasonal fruit.) Sandwiches, available starting at 10:30 a.m., include a hot-pressed ham and Gruyère and a delightful egg and cheese served on sliced, toasted croissant loaf. Enjoy them on the patio dotted with Parisian-style cafe tables. More info here.