Tanpopo Noodle Shop

12/23/07

Best Kept secret of Saint Paul

by jayleck

I absolutely adore this restaurant. In the winter, nothing hits the spot better than the Nabayaki Udon. I recommend this place to everyone I know. Food is always fresh and is consistently delicious. Also has the best tempura green tea ice cream in the Twin Cities.

• Pros: Quality and taste
• Cons: if you have a party less than 6, go early or late for dinner on Saturday to get a table

04/10/07

St. Paul Gem

by tcfoodie68

After all these years of living in the Metro I finally ate at Tanpopo Noodle shop. Let me tell you, it is such a great little space. Who could ask for more! Simple sophisticated dishes that after ward you don't feel like your endangering your health. I can't exactly say one thing to try because everything I sampled was delicious. There was a bunch of us all trying everything. If only St. Paul could get a few more little gems like this in the Downtown/ Lowertown area.

• Pros: The very relaxing atmosphere and seemingly healthy cuisine

03/15/07

Delicious Kitsune Soba!

by shinycake

I went to this restaurant two Fridays in a row because of the wonderful Kitsune Soba. The broth is extremely flavorful - so much so that I had to ask the server if it was made with beef or chicken broth (she assured me that it's a traditional dashi - seaweed and fish - broth). The tofu tastes amazing the way it's prepared; it's not what you think of when you think of tofu (even though I do like the bland white cubes). It's cut really thin and perfectly seasoned. My bowl also had three big shiitake mushrooms, which were mouth-watering. The noodles themselves are tender and delicious. Overall, my new favorite food!

• Pros: Vegetarian friendly (can subsititue mushroom broth for dashi), cute space
• Cons: Parking

11/22/06

Pleasantly surprised

by jgravunder

We went to Tanpopo Noodle for the first time about a month ago and were very pleasantly surprised. The ambiance is bland and there are only about 12 tables, so we were apprehensive walking in, but as soon as the food came we knew we had made an excellent choice. Everything was delicious and the prices were terrific. Tanpopo is definitely a hidden jem. Take in some jazz after dinner at the Artist's Quarter and you'll have a terrific night!

• Pros: Great prices, Great food
• Cons: Not many tables, so make reservations

The simple, chic loft space matches the artistic Japanese noodle dishes that come from the kitchen.

by Contributor

In Short
A hand-planed wood waiting bench welcomes guests; dishes are served in thrown pottery and soaring ceilings don't detract from the comfy, casual vibe. The St. Paul Farmers' Market is just across the street, and the Tanpopo chefs carry armloads of fresh ingredients back to their kitchen. Traditional Japanese noodle dishes are served hot (soups) or cold (salads), and you choose either udon or soba noodles to go with the simple mushroom, chicken and veggie combinations.

02/26/06

One and only Japanese Noodle Shop in town

by chefminni

The owner and chef knows what it needs to be a noodle shop. They (she) is not afraid to try new ingredients and ideas. They can be noticed in the specials and the desserts. Good service. I would have to say I prefer their old location when the chef and owner is also the waitress (who has now retreated to the kitchen) but nevertheless it is still a great little noodle shop.

• Pros: Great food, Service , Ambience
• Cons: Parking, hours (close aft lun)

08/15/05

If you like japanese noodles...

by ipark98

...you'll love tanpopo. I went there for the first time and I was impressed.

The broth for the udon was tasty and steaming hot, noodles were cooked perfectly, the prices are really great and large portions.

I will definetely be back.

• Pros: great food, cheap, great atmosph
• Cons: none

11/19/04

a neighborhood jewel

by yevuta

Just what a neighborhood place should be--great food, good service, and a lovely setting. Don't just try the noodles, though, check out the daily teishoku, a great combo of rice, miso, salad, and entree. Very affordable and a great date place.

• Pros: great space, affordable

05/14/04

Fantastic

by lorwest

The space is great, the servers friendly, and the prices are unbelievably low for what tastes and feels like the freshest food outside your own garden.

• Pros: Inexpensive, Ambience, Parking

07/11/03

Still a winner

by lisapaynethompson

I've been back to Tanpopo 4 times since it has reopened. The food is still great and affordable. The waitstaff is friendly and down to earth. On our first visit after the reopening, our favorite server from the old location rushed over to greet us and see how we had been doing since the Selby Ave. closing.

• Pros: friendly, inexpensive
• Cons: parking difficult