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Kafe 421 Reviews List
Kafe 421
"If you are looking for a casual place to eat . . . one that serves fresh, home-cooked food with a modern sensibility, add Kafe 421 to your list. Noticeably more subdued and less expensive than most other restaurants with food standards this high, 421 has something for everyone. [Owner Georgia Sander] keeps the "world pantry" combination of ingredients flowing along smoothly, focusing on Latin or Mediterranean flavors. For those on a budget, the sandwich list is creative and extensive . . . Keeping everyone happy seems to be Kafe 421's forte." Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
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87 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 87 reviews
5 stars
(48)
4 stars
(37)
3 stars
(1)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(54)
- fit for foodies(41)
- special occasion(29)
- good for groups(27)
- great for lunch(26)
- romantic(22)
Kafe 421 Reviews List
Review 1 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for lunch, brunch or dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have never been disappointed by the food or the service at the delightful Kafe 421. The staff love their work and they make you feel welcome in every way. I love the array of choices on the menu and have enjoyed every dish I have tried. The borsht at lunch was fantastic and the breads are always delectable. The music is kept unobtrusive so this is a perfect place if you'd like to enjoy a conversation while you dine."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was excellent, and the service was ok, but they REALLY need to get more chairs so that everyone in the main dining room is sitting on actual chairs and not cheap plastic folding chairs. I was a little annoyed that I took my wife and kids out to a special place for Mother's Day and had to sit on a cheap plastic folding chair - being seated basically on top of an old-school radiator, nonetheless."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always enjoy visiting this restaurant. The staff and atmosphere make this quaint place a favorite of ours for that special dining out alone for a romantic dinner or with friends. this particular evening our group of 4 each had a different menu item. Everything was cooked to order and exceeded our expectations. The appetizer was plentiful and the desserts were home made and delicious. We recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the area."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a very enjoyable evening.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a very enjoyable evening. Everything was great from the appetizers to the dessertsM"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The selection, preparation,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The selection, preparation, and presentation of the food are always very good, and the service is attentive without being overbearing. It's a great value, and the ambience is warm and inviting with just the right amount of lively conversation going on at neighboring tables. Going to Kafe 421 is a predictably satisfying experience every time."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food . . . we will definitely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food . . . we will definitely be back!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
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Review 7 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is always unique
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is always unique and delicious. The service is friendly and impeccable. We love this place. We will be back soon."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Alwasy over-the-top good food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Kafe421 consistently has great food. You know when you go you will get the best customer service, and high quality food reasonably priced. We've gone to Kafe421 for several years and it's ALWAYS over-the-top good food!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was as fabulous as
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was as fabulous as always. We were a party of 7 and we all loved everything we ordered!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
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Review 10 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
consistently terrific food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"consistently terrific food and at moderate prices. very highly recommended"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was a pleasure to bring
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a pleasure to bring our daughter to Kafé 421 for the first time and she loved it, too. I was lucky to find a rack of lamb as one of the evening's specials -- its pomegranate glaze was very nice. We enjoyed a great meal, as always."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The 'neighborhood' in this
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The 'neighborhood' in this case is the University of Minnesota East Bank campus. When I was a student, I couldn't have afforded Kafe 421, but I sure would have twisted my 'visiting parents' arms to have them take me there. It features an attractive atmosphere, with interesting paintings, some by local artists,displayed on various walls. Seating is a bit tight and not terribly comfortable,but the quality and variety of dishes on offer make up for that. The pasta dishes offer a variety of sauces and main ingredients (shrimp, scallops, chicken, etc.), and the wine list has a number of open wines at affordable prices; if you're up for a bottle, pricing/choice also are good. Coffee is excellent (we had black). Parking nearby usually impossible!"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I was there on a frday at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was there on a frday at 6p.m before a show with my mother and 7 year old daughter,Shes not a kids menu(yes there is one)kind of kid,But did have the grilled swordfish special.The swordfish was grilled perfectly and it came with a delicous mushroom cous cous she really liked.the mussels in my boulibaise were perfectly cooked and the saffron flavor in the broth very present. Mom was happy with the salmon she ordered as well."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Greek hospitality
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They did our wedding catering, and we get comments about our reception food all the time! Delicious food, generous portions, and excellent service. We feel like family whenever we eat here!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 15 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
ALL amazing:food, people, space.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic food. Elegance without pretension. Warm staff. Cozy decor. Delicious and unique menu at reasonable prices. We have already brought 3 friends to dine there and all have loved it. We tell everyone we know to come to Kafe
421!"
421!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We only occasionally eat in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We only occasionally eat in the Dinkytown area and somehow had never even heard of Kafe 421. We saw it on Open Table, liked the menu and reviews and decided to give it a try. Our party of four had a variety of menu items starting with the appetizer sampler. We had the scallops, lamb burger, and a couple of different salads. Everything was excellent and we will certainly return!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very good food! Service was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good food! Service was attentive but not over powering. Was "dark" at table, had to get flashlight out to see bill and figure tip. Overall will certainly go back!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was the second time eating
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was the second time eating at Kafe 421 and similar to the first, we were not disappointed. I tried the Harvest Panini and it was even more delicious than I expected. The service was fast and friendly and I already recommended this restaurant to my foodie friends."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Was looking for great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Was looking for great food near Mariucci. Kafe 421 was a recommendation from a friend. Very friendly staff (everyone) and great service. Food was delicious and prices were quite reasonable considering the quality of the food. I will go back... soon."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a very good experience.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Had a very good experience. Our party ended up being larger than we had previously thought, and the waitresses accommodated without much negativity. The food was pricier than we'd originally expected, but it wasn't outrageous."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Each person in our party of
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Each person in our party of 6 thought her entree was very good."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Kafe 421 is not a fancy place,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Kafe 421 is not a fancy place, but the food is outstanding. My wife and I have been there several times for Valentine's Day or her birthday, and we love the place."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed our valentines
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed our valentines dinner"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 24 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Kafe 421 has good food, lovely
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Kafe 421 has good food, lovely atmosphere, and has managed to capture that difficult balance between being both lively and quiet enough so that you don't have trouble hearing each other at the table. No shouting. No need to raise your voice. It's both romantic and friendly. A great place."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a great place where
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a great place where a couple can have a wonderful meal with wine and dessert for $90 - $125. Nice mix of college students, young professionals, and older people. And the wait staff are superb."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was great except
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was great except for finding a parking space.
We did end up parked at a parking ramp 5 blocks away and to walk over there under freezing temperature.
But it is worth it.
This is valetine day and my wife did not say a word complaining about that.
We did end up parked at a parking ramp 5 blocks away and to walk over there under freezing temperature.
But it is worth it.
This is valetine day and my wife did not say a word complaining about that.
Will return there again."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 27 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Have walked by the cafe many
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Have walked by the cafe many times and wasn't impressed. My husband took me there for Valentines Day and once inside, I
I was impressed by how quaint the decor is. It is also much larger than it appears from outside.
The food was delicious and reasonably priced."
I was impressed by how quaint the decor is. It is also much larger than it appears from outside.
The food was delicious and reasonably priced."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my partner to Kafe421 for Valentine's Day. Although the seating is a little tight, the atmosphere is warm and romantic. The food was very good, and there was a nice selection. The best part of the evening was the friendly service. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for any special occasion."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a perfect Valentines
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a perfect Valentines meal from appetizer to entrees to dessert. We also enjoyed a bottle of wine and after dinner coffee. Our bill was reasonable for all we had and the high quality. Terrific service and romantic ambience. We will be back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 30 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great first visit! Food was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great first visit! Food was superb, staff were attentiveWould definitely go again!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As always, the food and service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, the food and service were great."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 32 for Kafe 421
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
another wonderful meal at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"another wonderful meal at Kafe 421!"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Kafe 421
Based on the average of (55) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate