Hello dear
Welcome To Joan's in the Park
Nestled in the heart of Highland Park, “Joan's in the Park” offers an intimate dining experience that feels like visiting a friend who excels in culinary artistry. With a thoughtfully crafted four-course menu, guests can delight in standout dishes such as the toasty farro with porcini and the braised beef neck cappelletti. The cozy ambiance, complemented by attentive staff like Jen and Danny, ensures a memorable evening. Frequented for special occasions, diners rave about the exquisite flavors and perfect presentation, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Each meal is not just dinner; it’s a celebration of flavors.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
PUMPKIN GNOCCHI
CAPPELLETTI
QUINOA
POACHED SHRIMP
CHARRED BEETS
PARSNIP & PORK BELLY
MONTE CARLO ROMAINE
About
Joan's in the Park
Welcome to Joan's in the Park, a charming culinary gem nestled in the vibrant Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. Located at 631 Snelling Ave S, this restaurant offers an intimate dining experience that truly feels like a meal at a friend’s home – if that friend happened to be a culinary maestro. There’s a certain warmth to the ambiance, enhanced by friendly service that goes beyond expectations, making every guest feel like a valued companion.
As you step inside, you’re greeted with a coziness that invites you to linger. Whether you choose to sit indoors amidst softly-lit charm or opt for the covered patio, you’ll find an atmosphere conducive to heartfelt conversation and celebration. Joan's in the Park is not about flash; it’s about well-prepared, thoughtfully crafted food that speaks volumes through its ingredients and flavors.
The restaurant specializes in a four-course menu that highlights seasonal ingredients with a creative twist. From the richness of Pumpkin Gnocchi adorned with pepitas and tarragon to the earthy delight of Toasted Farro with Porcini Mushrooms, each dish is a testament to Joan's culinary finesse. Many patrons rave about the Filet Mignon, perfectly cooked and paired with a dijon bordelaise, exemplifying the kitchen’s attention to detail. The Pappardelle, glistening with lemon butter and fennel, offers a satisfying embrace of flavors that dance on the palate.
For those who appreciate a well-curated dining experience, Joan’s offers more than just delicious plates; it presents an array of expertly paired wines that complement the courses beautifully. Guests like Jenna have lauded their wine recommendations as being “top-notch” and generous, adding a delightful edge to the meal.
Desserts are equally impressive, with the Panna Cotta and the Chocolate Cake being standout options, leaving diners like Matt echoing their praises for finishing the meal on a high note. Each bite evokes nostalgia while also introducing a fresh perspective on classic flavors.
In a world where dining often leans towards the trendy and superficial, Joan's in the Park remains steadfast in its commitment to quality, warmth, and culinary artistry. As customers like Linda and Dan have shared, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a lovely dining experience in St. Paul—where every meal is crafted with care and every guest is treated like family.
Make your reservation today and discover why Joan's in the Park is destined to become your favorite neighborhood spot.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ This is the type of lovely little restaurant everyone wants in their neighborhood. Luckily for the people who live in Highland Park, they have Joan's. It is intimate, has great service, and is a lovely dining experience. At 89 for 4 courses, it is also very affordable. My particular favorites were the chicken liver mousse starter, which was delicious, and the toasted farro with porcini mushrooms and Parmesan. They had a steelhead trout special the day we went, which was served with fiddlehead ferns and morels - the epitome of spring! My husband loved the filet mignon. It was a great meal. I loved the pants cotta for dessert. Eating here is like eating at a friend's, but one that really knows how to cook. It is not hip or trendy - just well prepared food in a lovely setting. ”
“ What a beautiful location! My wife and I enjoyed their hospitality while celebrating my birthday. Interior and patio seating are available. The staff, the atmosphere of genuine service, and the incredible quality of the food options on their four-course menu are amazing and delicious. Excellent presentation. Worth every cent. I highly recommend the chocolate cake for dessert. Phenomenal. ”
“ An Absolute Wonderful Dining Experience !!! My partner and I were visiting St Paul and chose " Joan's " as a place to go for dinner with a good friend. We wanted a place where we could visit easily without a lot of restaurant noise. Also, naturally, we wanted a place that has good food and service. " Joan's in the Park " scored 5 stars on every level !!! The Host was great upon entering. Our Server was " Jen ". What a professional, yet personable attendant !! From start to finish she made us feel welcome. She was thorough in her offering of the menu selections. She was attentive, without being intrusive, in checking to see if there was anything we needed. The food was , well let's just say " Superb in every Course, and sufficient in size ! We all left the restaurant very pleased. My advice to anyone looking for a great dining experience in the Twin Cities, is Definitely do yourself a favor a get a reservation at " Joan's in the Park ". You won't be sorry !! ”
“ We are beaming after celebrating our anniversary at Joan’s in the Park. They made us feel so special and cared for, and the food & wine were divine. Such a cozy atmosphere both inside and on the shaded patio. We enjoyed the coursed dinner & wine pairings. Our server, Danny, was top notch and made our experience so memorable. He was incredibly knowledgable about every dish and wine, and had outstanding recommendations. We enjoyed The ONION KNOT BREAD w/ whipped ricotta, the VIENNESE PASTRY w/ rosemary & cured black olive, the BEEF STEAK TARTARE w/ bonito, sesame, gochujang, the MONTE CARLO ROMAINE w/ pine nut cream, speck ham, green goddess dressing, the TOASTED FARRO w/ basil pistou, porcini mushroom, parmigiano reggiano, the PAPPARDELLLE w/ fennel, sunchoke, lemon butter, the FILET MIGNON w/ broccoli, carrot, dijon bordelaise, and the MARKET FISH. Every single course was 10/10. The Toasted farro was beyond any expectation - the flavor was incredible. Cannot recommend this cozy, delicious restaurant enough. Enjoy! ”
“ A lovely spot for an anniversary dinner. The indoor dining space is cozy and romantically lit. We adored all the little touches put into the ambiance, food, and dining experience. There is a covered patio attached to the restaurant as well and seemed to be plenty of street parking spots available. The menu is a four course meal with several items in each section to choose from. Everything we had was great, from the fresh pastry starters to the mains. My partner opted for the wine pairing which had very generous pours. We’d definitely go back for a special occasion! ”
“ Dining at Joan’s in the Park was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The attention to detail in both the service and presentation was top notch, and the food was absolutely outstanding—elevated and flavorful. A special touch was Joan herself stopping by to check on our meal, which added a warm, personal feel to the evening. The service was impeccable, making us feel truly cared for throughout. The cocktails were beautifully crafted and the old fashioned was one of the best we’ve had. Overall, a memorable and refined dining experience well worth visiting. We’ll definitely be back! ”
“ Unassuming restaurant in the quiet part of Snelling. Although it's nothing extravagant on the interior, the food is thoughtfully designed, prepared, cooked and plated. Every dish on the tasting is fantastic! Well worth the price. Service was great. The only let down was dessert ... that's a miss. ”
“ If you haven’t tried this place, go now!!! We went on our anniversary yesterday and we couldn’t believe the care and attention to detail. Our table was decorated with cute confetti and they offered us some champagne. We don’t drink so they subbed in a mocktail which was delicious!! Food came in a timely manner, the presentation and taste was perfect!! We can’t wait to come back. We’ve been thinking about it since we left!!! ”