Whenever I visit St. Paul, I tend to stop at Cossetta. They have the best selection of Italian cured meats in the state (I’m a sucker for Soppressata). The pastry shop is among the best in town.

My family’s order at the eatery is predictable: a Cossetta salad, Italian sausage and peppers and/or meatball sub, mostaccioli, and a slice of pepperoni pizza. And Louis on the upper level is a great spot for a nice sit-down Italian dinner.