If you’re seeking an Edina neighborhood that blends the comforts of suburban life with an exciting, growing food scene, Golf Terrace Heights quietly excels. This residential gem, bordered by 50th Street West, France Avenue, and the picturesque Edina Country Club, is more than just home to tree-lined streets and classic homes—it’s a destination for food lovers in the know. Whether you’re after a morning pastry, a casual lunch, or a memorable dinner, Golf Terrace Heights offers a bite for every palate. Here’s a passionate tour of the neighborhood’s standout restaurants, quaint cafés, bakeries, and tasty traditions.
Dining Hubs: 50th Street West & France Avenue
The intersection of 50th Street West and France Avenue anchors the neighborhood’s culinary action—a hot spot where classic favorites and new arrivals share real estate.
- Edina Grill (5028 France Ave S)
A beloved local staple, Edina Grill draws crowds with its farm-to-table flair and stylish, laid-back ambiance. Expect modern American classics: think avocado toast with a punchy twist, juicy grilled burgers, hearty grain bowls, and an all-day breakfast that’s legendary among locals (the chorizo hash and fluffy pancakes are must-tries). Most entrées range from $12-$20, making it accessible for weekday meals or weekend brunch splurges. Whether you’re seated at the retro counter or a cozy booth, this spot hums with neighborhood energy—perfect for families, friend gatherings, or solo coffee-and-pancake moments.
- Nolan Mains Dining Square
Just a short stroll down 50th, Nolan Mains is a vibrant mixed-use development with a thriving dining courtyard. Here, foodies will find:
- Tavern on France: Well-known for its customizable flatbreads and creative salads, Tavern on France is especially popular for happy hour bites and summer patio lunches. Prices ($10-$25) are fair, and the build-your-own menu option keeps things fun.
- Crisp & Green: Health-forward bowls and smoothies fill this airy spot, ideal for a post-walk lunch or a nutritious refuel. Bowls run $10-$15, and the line moves quickly.
- Sweet Science Ice Cream: Need a sweet treat after dinner? This local ice creamery is celebrated for its small-batch, chef-driven flavors like Honeycomb Crunch and Vietnamese Coffee. Scoops are $4-$6 and worth every penny.
Cafés and Bakeries: Hidden in Plain Sight
Golf Terrace Heights’ café culture thrives with spaces both classic and current. Coffee aficionados and carb lovers have plenty to celebrate.
- Sun Street Breads (4600 Sunnyside Rd)
Technically inches outside the neighborhood’s formal border, but absolutely essential to locals. This artisan bakery is famed for cinnamon rolls the size of your head, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and tangy sourdough loves. Early mornings buzz with neighbors grabbing lattes and croissants ($3-$8), while weekends bring in brunch crowds for cheesy biscuits and spicy chorizo gravy.
- Rustica Bakery Pop-up (France Ave S, location varies)
Occasionally spotted just north of Golf Terrace Heights, the legendary Minneapolis patisserie sometimes sets up a counter with their acclaimed chocolate cookies, crackly baguettes, and tangy lemon tarts. Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up signs on France Ave near 50th. Many locals follow Rustica’s social media for schedule drops—worth the trouble for a Saturday morning treat!
Standout Restaurants and Hidden Gems
Beyond the main strip, smaller, under-the-radar restaurants serve up big flavor and loyal followings.
- Coco & Colette Bistro (5120 France Ave S)
This French-inspired spot dazzles with classic coq au vin, decadent duck confit, and ethereal crème brûlée. The wine list is curated with neighborhood taste in mind, and seasonal tasting menus ($30-$50 entree range) encourage lingering dinners and conversation. The petite patio is a summer must.
- Chilango’s Taqueria Food Truck (often parked at 50th & Arden Ave)
A true hidden gem, this family-owned truck adds some spice to Edina’s mostly mild offerings. Their tacos al pastor, smoky pollo asado, and fresh agua frescas draw lunchtime crowds in almost any weather. Taco plates ($8-$12) are generous, fresh, and full of flavor—bring cash and an appetite!
- Sakana Sushi (4917 Eden Ave)
Sushi in Edina? Absolutely. Sakana’s golf terrace-adjacent spot delivers meticulous sashimi, inventive rolls, and affordable lunch specials ($14-$22). The interior strikes a balance between sleek and relaxed, making it welcoming for both sushi newbies and aficionados.
Local Food Traditions & Seasonal Events
Golf Terrace Heights residents embrace seasonal food traditions that reinforce the area’s tight-knit community mood:
- Edina Art Fair Food Row (early June, 50th & France)
Each June, the iconic Edina Art Fair transforms 50th & France into a food lover’s dream: gourmet food trucks, mini donut stands, artisanal pizza ovens, and international street food treats pop up for a weekend of culinary exploration. Locals plan their visits around lunch and dinner, returning for “just one more” cheese curd or craft lemonade. Street performers and pop-up music make the food taste even better.
- Neighborhood Progressive Dinners
Each fall and spring, Golf Terrace Heights residents often organize “progressive dinners,” where neighbors host and guests roam from house to house: appetizers at one stop, mains at another, dessert elsewhere. These gatherings are invitation-only but exemplify the neighborhood’s commitment to food as a connector.
Why Golf Terrace Heights’ Food Scene Shines
What sets Golf Terrace Heights apart?
- Community ties: Many businesses are owned or managed by Edina locals who know patrons by name and buy produce from Minnesota farms.
- Walkability: The proximity of top spots along France Ave and 50th St makes it easy to stroll from coffee to lunch to dessert—no car required!
- Quality over quantity: While the neighborhood isn’t overwhelmed with options, the places here are consistently superb, with devotion to fresh ingredients, hospitality, and a welcoming, unfussy vibe.
Whether you’re an Edina homeowner, a weekend explorer from Minneapolis, or just passing through, Golf Terrace Heights delivers dining delights to savor. Bring your friends, your curiosity, and your appetite. You may just find your new favorite spot.