Get Italian-Style Pizza In Minneapolis At Fat Lorenzo’s

At Twin Cities Kids Club, May is pizza month, and we have a delicious place for you to check out! You have probably driven by Fat Lorenzo’s brightly colored building a million times and wondered why it always looks bustling. I encourage you to stop in and see what all the fuss is about.

The Building And Location

As mentioned, the building at Fat Lorenzo’s is a feast for the eyes. It’s painted bright aqua blue and green with a red awning and adorned with several vibrant murals by Ed Charbonneau. A quaint, dog-friendly patio sits out front, and there is seating inside. 

Fat Lorenzo’s is located near Mall of America in Minneapolis on the southwest corner of Lake Nokomis. 

Lake Nokomis is right across the street from Fat Lorenzo’s. There is a parking lot and street parking on the side.

In The Know Before You Go

According to Explore Minnesota, Fat Lorenzo’s Italian restaurant is a must-stop while in the Minneapolis St. Paul area. Bonus, as it is independently owned and operated.

Established in 1987, it has a national reputation for its award-winning New York-style pizza and Garlic Chicken Alfredo.

First Impressions

I vividly remember my first time walking into Fat Lorenzo’s and thinking, this is going to be good. The smells, the atmosphere scream authentic Italian.

We were seated at an inside table as it was a cold Minnesota evening. Our table was covered in white paper tablecloths, with crayons in our wooden caddy. Young or old, one can not help but pick up the crayons and play tic-tac-toe or hangman.

It’s always a plus for us parents to have our kids creatively entertained. And who doesn’t love a family meal without electronics and phones? 

Our server could not have been more charming, offering us some advice on the menu.

The kids and I decided to order an appetizer of garlic cheese bread with marinara sauce. Their homemade bread came out crunchy and yummy. No mistaking that we were at an Italian restaurant!

The beverage menu includes wine, beer, ciders, and hard seltzers. Non-alcoholic options included bottled water, milk, and canned pop (soda for you non-Minnesotans).  

Main Menu

Pizza is not the only menu offering. You can get appetizers, soups, and salads,  pasta, and hot or cold hoagies.

But on this menu, pizza is the star. You can order one of the house combinations or build your own from their list of fresh ingredients. Pizza comes in sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large. 

You can also order by the slice. Single slices are cut from an eighteen-inch pizza, so the pieces are enormous. There are six different ingredient choices for the individual triangular slices of heaven.

We ordered one of the specialty pizzas on the menu, the Fat’s. It’s topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and black and green olives. Usually, I would never order a pizza like this, but I’m glad that we did! We both enjoyed it, and it has inspired me to branch out more and try new foods.

For the kids, we ordered a 14-inch cheese pizza. The ratio of sauce, ingredients, and mozzarella cheese was perfect. The crust has a crunchiness to it but still soft on the inside. I think I managed a slice and a half before we asked for a takeout container.

Check, Please

The dessert menu includes gelato, cheesecake, and cookies. Gluten-free options are available if you choose Fat Lorenzo’s for your catered event. 

When it was time for us to order dessert, I chose the chocolate chip gelato. I have never had gelato before, and after the first bite, I found myself wondering why. It was so delicious I can’t wait to go back and try more flavors. (Maybe I’ll even try all 100 flavors!)

Awards And Accolades

Fat Lorenzo’s consistently shows up on “best-of lists.” Some of them include:

• CBS Minnesota named Fat Lorenzo’s Gelato the “Best in Minnesota!”
• Fat Lorenzo’s, one of the best ten pizza places in the United States in Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine.

The 10 Best Spots for Pizza-by-the-Slice in the Twin Cities by Twin City Eater

In The Community

We all have heard and seen the hashtag #eatlocal. I am passionate about supporting local businesses because they are the first to donate and volunteer for local causes. I can attest to the number of Fat Lorenzo’s gift certificates available in charity auctions.  

Fat Lorenzo’s offers a catering menu of starters, salads, pasta, and desserts. Call ahead to place your order.

Overall Review

Considering the sheer weight of our take-home leftover box and the satisfied appetites, the value is outstanding. But more importantly, the food was tasty. Fat Lorenzo’s should be on your family’s dine-in, delivery, or pick-up list. You will not regret it.

Twin Cities Kids Club loves highlighting local places. We highly recommend Fat Lorenzo’s as a family-friendly restaurant with outstanding food and service. 

Fat Lorenzo’s more than lives up to its motto, Italian in a Big Way.

Just The Facts

Fat Lorenzo’s Build Your Own Ingredient:

Choice of homemade pizza marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or garlic. All with mozzarella cheese.

Location:(Southwest corner of Lake Nokomis) 5600 Cedar Ave. South Minneapolis, MN 55417

Phone: 612-822-2040

Website: fatlorenzos.com