If you’re craving a culinary adventure in Edina, Minnesota, don’t just stop in the usual hotspots. Head over to Sunny Slope—a lush, residential pocket just off 70th Street, sandwiched between France Avenue and Cahill Road—where the dining scene surprises with its intimate eateries, cozy bakeries, and creative food trucks. Whether you’re a long-time local or just popping in, Sunny Slope’s food offerings deliver a delicious taste of community, tradition, and innovation.
Where Sunny Slope’s Food Scene Shines
Sunny Slope may be a quiet residential neighborhood, but food lovers know its tree-lined streets hide a collection of eateries that blend small-town warmth with big-city flavors. Here’s where to start your tastings.
Local Standout Restaurants
- The Slope Kitchen & Bar (70th St. & Cornelia Drive)
- *Cuisine:* Modern American
- *Atmosphere:* Stylish yet family-friendly, with a bustling weekend brunch.
- *Price Range:* $$-$$$
- Fans rave about seasonal Minnesota comfort fare with a twist—think wild rice risotto, walleye tacos, and handcrafted burgers layered with locally-sourced cheese. Their rooftop patio is a summer highlight.
- Terra Bella Trattoria (Near Ida Marie Park, off W 70th St.)
- *Cuisine:* Italian
- *Atmosphere:* Cozy dining room with Edison bulbs and sidewalk tables.
- *Price Range:* $$-$$$
- Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a tiramisu that’s been a staple since the ’90s. It’s a local date-night favorite and the spot for celebratory family meals.
- Lotus Leaf Thai Bistro (Corner of Valley View Rd & Mark Terrace Dr.)
- *Cuisine:* Thai
- *Atmosphere:* Casual, intimate with attentive service.
- *Price Range:* $$
- Don’t miss the Pad Kee Mao or their refreshingly tangy papaya salad. Regulars swear by the “off-menu” spicy curry, if you dare!
Charming Cafés and Coffee Spots
- Sunny Bean Café (W 70th St. strip mall)
- Small-batch coffee roasted on-site, and the house specialty is the lavender honey latte. Their breakfast sandwiches and homemade scones (the blueberry is a must!) make it a neighborhood morning ritual.
- *Atmosphere:* Bright, wood-accented, perfect for remote workers and stroller moms alike.
- Sunrise Bakery & Pies (Just off Cornelia Dr.)
- A true Sunny Slope tradition! This family-run bakery draws crowds with its signature sourdough, decadent cinnamon rolls, and an ever-changing selection of seasonal pies. Watch for their strawberry rhubarb pie in June—it sells out in hours.
Food Trucks & Global Flavors
The stretch around Valley View Road sees an uptick in food truck activity every spring through fall. Here’s what locals line up for:
- El Sabor del Valle
- *Cuisine:* Mexican street food
- *Price Range:* $
- The quesabirria tacos are legendary, dripping with consommé. On Fridays, the truck parks at Valley View Park—bring your picnic blanket!
- Bun Bun Express
- *Cuisine:* Vietnamese
- *Price Range:* $
- Known for hyper-fresh bánh mì and zingy lemon grass chicken skewers. Fans adore the iced Vietnamese coffee, especially in the summer.
Don’t Miss These Local Food Traditions
- Sunny Slope Pie Swap (September at Valley View Park)
- Every September, neighbors and bakers bring a signature homemade pie to swap and sample—pecan, apple-cranberry, and savory options like spinach-feta regularly appear.
- Holiday Cookie Crawl
- December brings a festive cookie crawl where participating homes and cafés create treats from krumkake to triple-chocolate thumbprints. It’s a sugar rush across blocks!
Hidden Gems Loved by Locals
Not every favorite spot has a neon sign. These tucked-away treasures keep residents coming back:
- Mizu Sushi Kitchen (Tucked behind a small strip on Mark Terrace Dr.)
- *Atmosphere:* Minimalist, takeout-friendly sushi bar
- Specialty rolls like the “Sunny Slope Dream” (salmon, avocado, spicy mayo, cilantro) win raves. Reasonably priced lunch combos make it a secret go-to for workers in the area.
- Petite Provence Épicerie (Corner of Valley View Rd & W 70th St.)
- Think tiny Parisian market with grab-and-go baguettes, quiches, and French cheeses. Order the ham & gruyère croissant and a sparkling elderflower soda for a real treat.
Price Ranges & What to Expect
True to neighborhood style, Sunny Slope has a mix of wallet-friendly options and splurge-worthy dinners:
- *Coffee and baked goods:* $-$$
- *Food trucks and casual lunches:* $
- *Sit-down dinners or date nights:* $$-$$$
Most spots are casual, kid-friendly, and focused on quality ingredients—often sourced from Minnesota producers or regional suppliers. Dress casually but come hungry!
Why Sunny Slope’s Food Scene Is Worth Exploring
Sunny Slope stands out in Edina for its blend of tradition and hidden culinary creativity. The local crowd is loyal, and newcomers are always welcomed with a smile. Here, you can savor a top-notch curry one night, a slice of perfect pie the next, or sip a craft coffee while plotting your next bite.
If you want the best this side of Edina has to offer, make Sunny Slope your go-to culinary destination. Bring friends. Bring family. Bring your appetite!