Bacio | Minnetonka's Charming Italian Escape

Tucked away in a quiet Minnetonka strip mall, Bacio is a warm, intimate, and wonderfully unpretentious Italian restaurant that feels like stumbling upon a hidden trattoria far from the suburbs. This is not a chain restaurant with frozen pasta; it's a family-run gem where handmade dishes, thoughtful wine selections, and genuine hospitality come together to create one of the western suburbs' most beloved Italian dining experiences. ✨ The Bacio Experience: The atmosphere is effortlessly romantic and welcoming—think warm earth tones, soft lighting, an open kitchen where you can catch glimpses of the culinary action, and the gentle hum of contented diners. The name "Bacio" means "kiss" in Italian, and the restaurant lives up to it—every detail feels carefully considered, like a love letter to Italian culinary traditions. The menu celebrates Italian cuisine with a focus on quality ingredients and simple, perfect execution. The pasta is the undisputed star, much of it made fresh daily. The tagliatelle al ragu features silky ribbons of pasta tangled with a slow-simmered meat sauce that tastes like hours of love. The gnocchi are pillowy clouds, served in your choice of sauce—maybe a light tomato basil or a rich Gorgonzola cream. The lasagna layers pasta, meat sauce, and cheese in that perfect, comforting architecture that defines Italian-American classics. The chicken parmesan is a towering, crispy, cheesy masterpiece that would make any nonna proud. Beyond pasta, the kitchen demonstrates range. The osso buco, available as a special, is a winter masterpiece—veal shank braised until surrender, served with risotto that soaks up the rich sauce. The veal saltimbocca delivers the classic combination of sage and prosciutto, the meat tender and flavorful. The antipasti set the stage beautifully. The bruschetta is simple perfection—toasted bread, fresh tomatoes, basil, good olive oil. The calamari is tender, not rubbery, served with marinara that tastes of San Marzano tomatoes. The meatball appetizer features those tender orbs in a savory sauce, perfect for sharing—or not. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, featuring Italian bottles at fair prices with plenty of interesting options by the glass. The staff can guide you to the perfect pairing—maybe a Pinot Grigio with the seafood, a Chianti Classico with the red sauces. The service is warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming—the kind of staff who remember regulars, welcome newcomers, and clearly take pride in the food they're serving. It's a place designed for date nights when you don't want to drive downtown, family celebrations where everyone finds something to love, and anyone who believes that great Italian cooking is about letting quality ingredients speak for themselves—no tricks, no gimmicks, just love on a plate. 📝 Short Social Media Caption: “Found a little taste of Italy in a Minnetonka strip mall. 🇮🇹✨ Bacio is everything you want in a neighborhood Italian spot—handmade pasta, a wine list that won't break the bank, and that warm, welcoming glow that makes every meal feel special. The tagliatelle al ragu? Worth the drive. #Bacio #Minnetonka #ItalianFood #TwinCitiesEats #HandmadePasta #SuburbanGem #MNFoodie #DateNight #ItalianRestaurant #WestMetroEats