Parkwood Knolls, tucked away in the western reaches of Edina, is one of the Twin Cities’ best-kept secrets for locals craving an elevated, yet approachable dining scene. While it may not have the sheer volume of restaurants seen in Uptown or Northeast Minneapolis, Parkwood Knolls surprises food lovers with its blend of upscale eateries, cozy cafés, beloved bakeries, and weekend food truck stops. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed brunch spot with friends, a craft cocktail after work, or an intimate dinner for two, this neighborhood’s food scene is overflowing with flavor and charm.
Welcome to the Parkwood Knolls Food Scene
What sets Parkwood Knolls apart isn’t just what’s on the plate, but the community-centered ambiance and the unexpected delights scattered throughout the winding, tree-lined streets. Many of these gems cluster around the intersections of Vernon Avenue, Gleason Road, and Tracy Avenue—so keep your appetite (and GPS) at the ready for a culinary adventure!
Standout Restaurants: Elevated Eats with Neighborhood Charm
- Bacio (8801 Lyndale Ave S – just minutes from Parkwood Knolls)
- Price Range: $$$
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Contemporary American
- If you ask Edina locals for a top dinner recommendation, Bacio will inevitably come up. With its modern yet welcoming vibe, Bacio is the perfect stop for wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, expertly grilled seafood, and creative craft cocktails. Pro tip: their lobster linguine and honey-balsamic Brussels sprouts are standouts. The wine list is thoughtfully curated and the patio is perfect for a summer evening.
- Tavern23 (7651 France Ave S)
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Cuisine: New American, Steakhouse
- Known for an upscale-casual ambiance and chef-driven takes on classic American dishes, Tavern23 offers something for everyone. From signature flatbreads to expertly aged steaks, and even sushi for the adventurous, it’s great for families, date nights, or after-work happy hours. Their crispy brussels with bacon and sticky wings have a loyal following.
- Red Cow Edina (3624 W 50th St, a short drive east of Parkwood Knolls)
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: American, Burgers, Local Craft Beer
- Red Cow is a Twin Cities legend, and Edina’s location is just around the corner from Parkwood Knolls. The menu sports creative gourmet burgers (try the Double Barrel or the French Onion burger), hand-cut fries, cheese curds, and a tap list stocked with Minnesota’s best. It’s lively, reliably delicious, and feels like the community’s living room.
Quintessential Cafés & Coffee Shops
- Cafe Ceres (100 S Washington Ave – with plans for west metro pop-ups)
- Price Range: $-$$
- Cuisine: Pastries, International Cafe Fare, Specialty Coffee
- You haven’t truly experienced Edina’s café scene without a cardamom-scented pastry or Turkish-inspired flat white from Cafe Ceres. The minimalist yet inviting space is as Instagrammable as it is comforting, and every treat—from pistachio croissants to creative breakfast bowls—shows the chef’s devotion to detail.
- Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros. Bagels (Gleason Road & Vernon Ave)
- Price Range: $
- Cuisine: Coffee, Bagels, Breakfast
- It’s a neighborhood fixture—great for a quick morning pick-me-up, business meetings, or cozy afternoon coffee breaks. Bagels are always fresh, and the coffee is classic Minnesota comfort.
Sweet Stops: Bakeries & Dessert Finds
- Patrick’s Bakery & Café (7700 France Ave S)
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: French Bakery, Café Fare
- Patrick’s is a slice of Paris in the west metro—think flaky croissants, decadent éclairs, fruit tarts, and savory quiches. The bakery’s case is filled with pastel-hued macarons and baguettes crisped to perfection. Don’t miss their Sunday brunch spread or take-home almond croissants.
- Yum! Kitchen and Bakery (4000 Minnetonka Blvd, two miles north)
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: American, European, Bakery
- This local favorite serves up legendary “Yum Yum” bars, lemon cream cake, and a lunch menu featuring soups, salads, and paninis. Cozy, family-friendly, and always buzzing early afternoons.
Food Trucks & Seasonal Treats
In the warmer months, the Parkwood Knolls community puts together events like food truck Wednesdays at local park spaces or pop-up farmers’ markets along Interlachen Boulevard and near Creek Valley Elementary. Recent hits include:
- Parlour Burger Truck
- Their smash burgers are legendary—juicy, perfectly griddled, and best with a side of crispy fries.
- Chef Shack
- Known citywide for global flavors (think curry rice bowls, Indian-spiced tacos, and inventive desserts).
Locals cherish these roll-in food feasts for the relaxed, communal atmosphere. Expect rotating trucks bringing everything from gourmet grilled cheese to street tacos and locally churned ice cream.
Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
- Arezzo Ristorante (5057 France Ave S)
- Price Range: $$$
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Not strictly inside Parkwood Knolls proper, but a quick jaunt to the east—a favorite for cozy date nights. The homemade ravioli, wood-fired pizza, and expert wine pairings make every meal feel like a special occasion.
- Noah’s New York Bagels Pop-Up
- Keep an eye on neighborhood social feeds for announcements about this “bagelry on wheels.” Locals snap up pillowy, water-boiled bagels in classic NYC flavors—especially popular at the corner of Tracy Ave and Bren Road during weekend mornings.
Local Flavors & Food Traditions
Parkwood Knolls takes pride in hyper-local sourcing and a focus on freshness. Many restaurants and event organizers work with Twin Cities urban farms and family-owned dairies to bring exceptional produce and sustainable meats to your plate. There’s a tradition of “Neighbor’s Table” dinners—intimate backyard or block parties where folks share homemade garden-to-table eats, from rhubarb pie to pickled vegetables and wild rice hot dish.
Your Next Food Adventure Awaits
From morning pastries to candlelit dinners, Parkwood Knolls delivers a dining scene full of surprises—where neighborhood pride, culinary craftsmanship, and Midwestern warmth intersect. Whether you’re a resident or a newcomer with a curiosity for Edina’s best-kept food secrets, this corner of the west metro is sure to serve up something memorable every single time you visit. Come hungry, leave happy—and don’t forget to save room for dessert!