Yelp's Most Popular Restaurant in MN Right Now Will Surprise You

If you're looking for a restaurant recommendation and you hit up Yelp, you might be surprised by the choice it says is number one in Minnesota this month.

Minnesota *is* the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But it could also be the Land of 10,000 Restaurants. That's because we love our restaurants here in the North Star State, right? They play a unique role in our economy and culture both here in Minnesota and across the country. And the National Restaurant Association currently estimates that there are over 11,100 restaurants in the North Star State right now, generating over $15 billion in sales.

However, difficult hours and high turnover rates mean it's often tough for restaurants here in the North Star State and nationwide to attract and retain workers. And, since the pandemic introduced even more challenges, it's been common to see restaurant closings become a more common occurrence in the news.

ALSO INTERESTING: This Classic Minnesota Restaurant Is Now Closed Permanently

Luckily, there are many restaurants that are not only still open right now in Minnesota but are also thriving and are ranked as some of the best in the state. That's the case with the Yelp 'March's Most Popular Restaurants in Minnesota' list.

The biggest surprise on the list is that the number one restaurant ISN'T in Minneapolis or St. Paul. It's actually located in Minnesota's third-largest city of Rochester. And while Minnesota's Med City is often associated with the world-famous Mayo Clinic, it's also home to First Meeting Noodle, which took the top spot on the Yelp Most Popular Restaurants in Minnesota list for March.

First Meeting Noodle, located on 16th Street SW in Rochester, MN. (Google Street View)

According to its website, First Meeting Noodle is led by Noodle Master Young Shen and Executive Chef John Chen. After opening the very first hand pulled noodle business in St. Paul in 2019 (which they've since sold), they opened First Meeting Noodle in Rochester back in January 2022. The restaurant is known for specializing in authentic Chinese hand-pulled noodles, offering dishes such as LanZhou beef noodle soup and ShanXi shaved noodle soup, among many others.

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First Meeting Noodle currently has 195 5-star reviews on Yelp, putting it first on the Most Popular Restaurants in Minnesota list this month. Here's what one Yelper, Theri V., had to say about the establishment:

'I've been here numerous times. It is my son's favorite spot in Rochester. The food is always fresh, and the heat level is adjusted as requested. I've tried sweeter dishes and more savory dishes, apps too. Everything has been nothing less than delicious.' - Theri V.

I've had the chance to dine at First Meeting Noodle several times, and I have been impressed! If you're a fan of Chinese food, it's definitely a place you'll want to check out. You can dine in or order your meal for pick-up or delivery.

Speaking of Minnesota restaurants, keep scrolling to take a look at the 15 most-booked restaurants in the Gopher State, as well as the rest of the Yelp 'March's Most Popular Restaurants in Minnesota' list:

First Meeting Noodle - Rochester, MN
Jules' Bistro - St. Cloud, MN
Demi - Minneapolis, MN
Mama's Pizza - St. Paul, MN
My Huong Kitchen - Minneapolis, MN
George & The Dragon - Minneapolis, MN
Thai Pop - Rochester, MN
George & The Dragon - Minneapolis, MN
Duluth Grill - Duluth, MN
Fogao Gaucho - Bloomington, MN

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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross