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60 hrs in the City :: The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota
- Josie Hough
- Sep 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Okay okay...it's technically NOT a city, but it is BIG enough to feel like you're in a city! The Mall of America (MOA) is full of fun, delicious and unique food options within the 129-acre shopping and entertainment destination. You can enjoy fine dining or grab a quick bite in the ever-improving food court. I also shared my favorite snack when I'm visiting the mall.
Join me as I explore 60 hrs in the Mall of America :: The Food Tour
Breakfast at the MOA
Level 1 - Inside JW Marriott - North
The first time we grabbed breakfast in the JW's restaurant we were hooked. Everything we've ordered has been incredible. This morning, we grabbed the Croque Madame Pizza, Cinnamon Swirl French Toast (it's got a quinoa crust for an extra fun texture) and the Salmon Benedict. I always love the cute little jams and honey, and the coffee is perfection. You won't find a better staff in the city. I always feel so well taken care of at Cedar & Stone.
Level 2 - Inside Radisson Blu - South
A quiet place to escape the busy MOA and the food is always great. It's day two for breakfast and I grabbed some fresh fruit (my body was craving it) and a sandwich - rather than a big breakfast. I'm not a "big plate" breakfast girl and this combination was the perfect start to the big day ahead. The fresh squeezed orange juice is SO GOOD and like Cedar & Stone, the coffee is too! The dining room is so pretty with the morning sun shining in and the staff was friendly and welcoming.
Dunkin Donuts
Level 2 - East
I enjoyed hotel coffee and lounge breakfast as I worked from my room in the morning, so I wanted to grab a little treat from Dunkin' for the road trip home.
Lunch at the MOA
Level 1 - North / Northwest
The newest addition to the MOA will quickly become a favorite for many. I found the Parisian aesthetic charming without being too "cute" and everything we ordered was great. We tried two savory (Chicken Florentine & Philly Cheesesteak) and two sweet (Cookie Butter & Apple Cinnamon Crème Brûlée) offerings from the menu. They were stuffed full, and we were pleased with our choices. The salad that accompanies the savory crêpes was a perfect addition.
Level 3 - Culinary on North
On level three you'll find several unique food court options. This is not your typical mall food court. As a foodie, I'm all for food courts if this is the future! It was hard to pick just one place to eat with so many fun and unique choices. I settled on a lighter lunch from Piada Italian Street Food. The Avocado Chopped Salad & Caesar Piada were fresh and full of flavor. The menu is awesome and you can't go wrong.
Nordstrom Grill
Level 3 - Inside Nordstrom - North
I've been escaping the mall crowds for years for this exact lunch from Nordstrom Grill. The Tomato Basil Soup alone is worth the stop, but I am obsessed with the Salmon Niçoise Salad. If I had to pick what I love most about it, I could not tell you. It's the combination of the dressing, salmon, eggs, olives, potatoes, and the veggies (don't forget the capers) that makes for the perfect bite.
Dinner at the MOA
Level 1 - North
A longtime favorite of my family is the Twin City Grill located on level one. If you are craving "fair quality" cheese curds, you need to come here and try them! They are second only to the ones you get at the state fair. We love the Calamari here, too. On this night, my son was with me, and he got the special for that night which was the chicken sandwich. It is not on the menu but was good. I love their St. Paul Chopped Salad (along with almost everyone in the place). It is huge so I always get the smaller offering so I can enjoy the appetizers and dessert. We shared the Vanilla Crème Brulée and it was the perfect way to end a great meal.
Level 3 - South
Crave is one of my favorite "chain" restaurants mainly because the menu has something for everyone! If you can't find something here, you are way too picky! It was Monday Night Football, so I sat at the bar and enjoyed a burger, their awesome truffle fries and a cold one. The best way to watch a game! I always appreciate the warm towel for your hands they give you before your meal arrives - you feel extra spoiled.
Level 1 - Inside JW Marriott - North
For my last meal of my last full day at the MOA, I went downstairs for dinner at Cedar & Stone. I enjoyed the Hidden Stream Farm Beets appetizer, the Revol Farm Salad, and the Shrimp & Grits (it's spicy...a good spicy) and finished the meal with another amazing cup of their coffee (decaf) and the Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. It's a treat to enjoy a meal here and I always look forward to trying something new.
My favorite snack at the MOA
Level 2 - Inside Radisson Blu - South
Just inside, at the bar, you can find a place for a snack and a cold one. I always get the Chips & Dips and an order of the Smoked Dry Rub Wings. The Fire & Ice Pickles are the best compliment. YUM!
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