If you ask locals about Edina’s best neighborhoods for a meal out, Pentagon Park might not be the first to come up. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll discover a dynamic dining scene—everything from elegant bistros to bold fusion food trucks, bustling bakeries, and cozy cafés. Pentagon Park is nestled just south of the bustling interchange of Highway 100 and 494, and its eclectic mix of eateries reflects Edina’s appetite for creativity and quality. Here’s the inside scoop on the restaurants and food experiences that make this neighborhood a must-taste destination.
Where to Start: The Vibrant Heart of Pentagon Park
The dining action in Pentagon Park naturally clusters around the intersection of West 77th Street and Metro Boulevard. This easily accessible area hosts a surprising variety of options within a stone’s throw of corporate offices and apartment complexes—which means both quick bites and lingering dinners are right at your fingertips.
Standout Restaurants: A Bite for Every Mood
- The Tavern Grill (8054 Morgan Circle S)
- Cuisine: American, Gourmet Burgers, Build-Your-Own
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Why Go: Big, lively, and reliably delicious—The Tavern Grill is Pentagon Park’s answer to the classic American bar and grill, but with upscale twists. Their “Build-Your-Own” burger and salad menus let you play chef, and their weekend crowd speaks to the locals’ devotion (get the pretzel sticks with cheesy ale dip!).
- CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar (3520 W 70th St)
- Cuisine: Sushi, American Fusion, Gluten-Free Options
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Why Go: Sleek and modern, CRAVE gives Pentagon Park that "downtown date night" feel without the long drive. Sushi lovers will find artfully crafted rolls, while landlubbers can savor gourmet sliders or the decadent lobster mac and cheese.
- Pizza Luce (800 W 66th St)
- Cuisine: Pizza, Italian-American, Vegan-Friendly
- Price Range: $$
- Why Go: A short stroll from Pentagon Park’s core, Pizza Lucé is legendary for creative pies (wild rice sausage, anyone?) and hearty pasta. Their vegan and gluten-free options stack up against any in the Twin Cities, and the bustling dining room buzzes on weekends.
Cafés & Bakeries: Cozy Corners and Sweet Treats
- French Meadow Bakery & Café (1665 West End Blvd)
- Cuisine: Organic Bakery, Brunch, Vegan + Gluten-Free
- Price Range: $$
- Why Go: The lazy brunchers, coffee sippers, and bread lovers gather here for organic pastries, grainy breads, and dreamy cakes. Don’t miss the breakfasts—challah French toast and flaky quiches are habit-forming.
- Nina’s Coffee Café Pop-Up (inside office suites on W 77th St)
- Cuisine: Coffee, Light Bites
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Pentagon Park’s office crowd knows: skip the chain coffee and look for Nina’s pop-up cart for a true pick-me-up. Their espresso drinks are rich and bold, and the locally baked muffins often sell out by 9 AM.
- Edina Creamery (adjacent to Pentagon Park at 50th & France)
- Cuisine: Homemade Ice Cream & Sweets
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: For a retro treat, locals in the know head east to Edina Creamery for churned-daily ice creams. Grab a cone after dinner or a quart for movie night—flavors like “Salty Caramel Swirl” are pure summer joy, year-round.
Food Trucks & Casual Eats: Creative and Convenient
- Wonders of Waffle Food Truck (Metro Blvd & W 77th Parking Rotations)
- Cuisine: Belgian Street Food, Vegetarian Friendly
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Keep an eye on Metro Blvd lunch rotations for this local favorite. The savory waffles (stuffed with herbed scrambled eggs or pulled chicken) are next-level, and the Nutella-and-strawberry option is a must for sweet tooths.
- El Jefe Cocina Mexicana (Pop-ups at Pentagon Park Plaza food court)
- Cuisine: Fresh Mexican, Tacos, Street Food Classics
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Pentagon Park’s mini food court is home to this beloved food truck, known for sizzling al pastor tacos and tangy elote cups. Prices are friendly and portions generous.
Hidden Gems & Local Traditions
- Fusion Bites (6785 York Ave S, Tucked in a Small Plaza)
- Cuisine: Korean-Mexican Fusion, Build-Your-Own Bowls
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Pentagon Park’s sleeper hit is this unassuming counter-style eatery doling out kimchi tacos and fiery bulgogi rice bowls. With a cult local following and lightning-fast service, it’s perfect for adventurous lunches or a casual dinner.
- Lotus Restaurant Edina (7167 Amundson Ave)
- Cuisine: Vietnamese, Pho, Noodle Bowls
- Price Range: $-$$
- Why Go: Tucked in a low-key strip mall, Lotus serves up Pho that rivals the best in the metro—steamy, fragrant, and loaded. Loyal diners flock for fresh summer rolls and deeply spiced broth: it’s a favorite for both takeout and leisurely slurping-in.
Why Pentagon Park’s Food Scene Shines
What makes Pentagon Park’s food scene so much fun is its mix of convenience and creativity. By day, you’ll spot corporate workers lining up at food trucks and bakeries. In the evening, young families and couples fill the bigger restaurants for birthdays and just-because nights out. The diversity of cuisine is remarkable for such a compact area; whether you crave a locally roasted coffee or crave something totally new, Pentagon Park’s got you.
The neighborhood also hosts periodic food truck rallies and summer “taste” events in the plaza, welcoming all with music, snacks, and family-friendly vibes. The area’s growth has attracted even more chefs and indie operators, so count on the lineup to keep evolving.
Final Bites: Pentagon Park, Edina’s Secret Culinary Destination
Many Edina residents head to Pentagon Park just for the food—and leave with new favorites and a few destinations already penciled into their calendars. Whether you love long, chatty dinners, snacky brunches, or globe-trotting food on the go, Pentagon Park will satisfy.
So next time you’re craving adventure on a plate, detour to Pentagon Park. You might just find your new go-to spot.