Nestled in the rolling, tree-lined streets of southwest Edina, the Braemar Hills neighborhood isn’t just about its lush parks and family-friendly vibe — it’s a surprising culinary haven for food lovers willing to explore off the usual beaten path. While Braemar Hills is best known for its scenic golf courses and proximity to Nine Mile Creek, residents and in-the-know locals know this area also serves up a mouthwatering spread of restaurants, artisan bakeries, cozy cafés, and occasional pop-up food trucks. Whether you’re hunting for upscale dinner spots, family-friendly eateries, or offbeat lunch gems, Braemar Hills charms with something for every palate and price range.
Classic Favorites Along Valley View Road
The heart of Braemar Hills’ dining scene pulses along Valley View Road, where a mix of tried-and-true favorites and new ventures invite you in. Here’s where to start your edible adventure:
- Hilltop Kitchen (Valley View Rd & Braemar Blvd): This casual eatery is a local go-to for brunch and dinner, fusing traditional Midwest comfort food with lighter, modern twists. The lemon ricotta pancakes at brunch are legendary, while their evening wood-fired flatbreads pair beautifully with an impressive craft beer roster. Most entrées ring in at $15-25, striking a balance between quality and accessibility.
- Valley View Diner: Just a short stroll away, this retro-chic diner will transport you with thick malts, breakfast all day, and the kind of smash burgers that live in your memory. Prices rarely top $15 here, making it a budget-friendly spot beloved by families and teens.
Upscale Evenings & Date-Night Destinations
Looking for a white-tablecloth affair or a celebratory meal? Braemar Hills offers several standouts for a special night out:
- Clover & Leo (near Golf Terrace Heights): This locally owned spot mixes romantic ambiance with a seasonally changing farm-to-table menu. Known for its wood-grilled steaks and inventive vegetable sides, it’s easy to drop $35-50 per entrée, but every bite reminds you why it’s worth it. Their wine list is thoughtfully curated and leans heavily into Minnesota-grown varietals — try a local Marquette if you can.
- Basilico Modern Italian: This upscale Italian destination dazzles with housemade pasta (don’t miss the wild mushroom ravioli) and daily seafood risottos. The relaxing patio, hidden just off Braemar Blvd, draws couples and small groups seeking a slow, savory evening.
Bakeries & Morning Musts: The Heart of the Breakfast Scene
No foodie survey is complete without bakery runs and coffee stops. Braemar Hills brims with choice options for a morning boost or sweet treat.
- Sunrise Bread & Biscuit Co. (Valley View Plaza): Doors open early at this rustic bakery. You’ll find locals queuing up for their signature sourdough, pillowy cinnamon rolls, and grab-and-go egg sandwiches. Gluten-free fans rejoice here as well — their almond flour chocolate chip muffins are the stuff of legend.
- Crooked Pin Café: This cheerful little café churns out pour-over coffees alongside butter croissants and avocado toasts elevated with microgreens and chili flakes. It’s a favorite weekday work-from-café haunt, thanks to fast Wi-Fi and a sun-soaked front patio.
- Hidden Gem: La Flor Churros: If you’re lucky, you’ll find Maria’s tiny churro cart (usually near Valley Park on Saturday mornings and by Braemar Arena in the evenings). Warm, crunchy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar and served up for $3 apiece — a taste of Mexico right in Edina!
Family-Friendly Eats and Quick Bites
Dining with little ones? Braemar Hills keeps things approachable and tasty with these neighborhood gems:
- Braemar Pizza & Pasta: Their chewy, thin-crust pies are a family Sunday-night staple. Kids love the cheesy breadsticks, while grown-ups go for the spicy sausage and roasted veggie combo. Prices cap out under $25 for the largest pies, and gluten-free crust is always an option.
- Wok & Roll Asian Kitchen: Located on Valley View Road, this takeout-friendly spot offers quick stir-fries, savory noodles, and crisp fresh rolls. Their Singapore street noodles and honey-walnut shrimp always draw rave reviews, and most dishes run $10-18.
Food Trucks & Local Traditions
Braemar Hills residents are loyal to their local food truck scene, especially during the summer months and at community events (often centered by Braemar Arena or at the Braemar Golf Course parking lot). Crowd favorites include:
- The BBQ Porch: Smoked brisket nachos and pulled pork sandwiches garner long lines at sunset.
- Northerly Crêpes: Sweet and savory crêpes — think caramel apple or spinach-feta — make perfect picnic fare for an afternoon at the park.
- Braemar Hills Corn Roast: Don’t miss this annual end-of-summer celebration near the Braemar ballfields. Neighborhood volunteers serve up perfectly grilled sweet corn (with all the fixings), and food trucks park nearby for a festival feel. It’s the ultimate small-town Minnesota tradition, right in Edina’s backyard.
Order-In or Takeout: Dinners at Home
Sometimes the best meal is one you savor at home, and Braemar Hills’ food scene rises to the occasion with stellar takeout:
- Oodles of Noodles Thai & Sushi: A fusion gem tucked in a small shopping center, ideal for spicy green curry, pad thai, and surprisingly excellent sushi rolls. Online ordering is a breeze.
- Taste of Punjab: For aromatic curries, pillowy naan, and hearty samosas, this Indian spot boasts generous portions for takeout — ideal for cozy evenings in.
Why Braemar Hills Dining Stands Out
What makes Braemar Hills’ food scene truly special is its neighborhood heart. Many of these eateries are family-owned, staffed by longtime residents, and sourced with Minnesota-grown ingredients or family recipes handed down through generations. Breakfast tables overflow with pastries baked at dawn, quick lunches are traded between friends at local parks, and dinner is often an occasion to connect with community, whether at a bustling bistro or under string lights with a food truck feast.
For those craving character, quality, and a true taste of Edina, Braemar Hills is a delicious destination, hiding surprising flavor in every nook. From sunrise coffee runs to moonlit pasta on a patio, this neighborhood’s table is always set.