Minneapolis chefs have a new reason to celebrate. Food & Wine’s 2026 roundup of the nation’s 27 best pizzas includes a single Minnesota entry – the Perfect Pickle Pie from Pizzeria Lola, located at 5557 Xerxes Avenue South.
Local roots, national recognition
Owner and chef Ann Kim, a Korean‑born Minneapolis native, left her previous career to open a neighborhood wood‑fired pizzeria named after her dog, Lola. The restaurant’s inventive, long‑fermented pies have already attracted attention from national publications and even appeared on the 2022 Netflix series Chef’s Table: Pizza.
Food & Wine describes the Perfect Pickle Pie as a fresh take on the “personal pizza” concept, pairing tangy dill pickles with a crisp, caramelized crust. The list, which spans styles from classic New York slices to Tokyo‑inspired creations, aims to showcase the most essential pies in America right now.
Why the Perfect Pickle Pie stands out
Kim’s Korean heritage informs many of the menu’s bold flavors, but the Perfect Pickle Pie is a distinctly Midwestern twist. The combination of house‑made pickles, mozzarella, and a hint of garlic‑infused oil creates a balance that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters. The wood‑fired oven adds a smoky depth that sets the pie apart from standard delivery‑style offerings.
Local diners have praised the pie for its crisp crust and surprising yet harmonious topping blend. “It’s the kind of pizza you can’t find anywhere else,” said longtime Minneapolis resident and regular patron Carla Jensen.
Impact on the local food scene
With nearly 1,550 pizza restaurants across Minnesota, the state’s pizza market is competitive. Pizzeria Lola’s national accolade shines a spotlight on Minneapolis’ growing reputation as a culinary destination beyond its famous tater‑tot hotdish. The recognition may encourage other local establishments to innovate and seek broader exposure.
Statewide pizza estimates from PoiData place Minnesota’s pizza count at just under 1,550, while a national market analysis counts roughly 98,100 pizza venues across the United States. Pizzeria Lola’s achievement underscores that a single neighborhood shop can rise to the top of that crowded field.
Looking ahead
Kim plans to continue expanding the menu’s creative offerings while maintaining the wood‑fired, community‑focused atmosphere that earned her early fans. “We want to keep serving food that reflects our story and our city,” she said.
For Minnesotans who love pizza, the Perfect Pickle Pie provides a fresh, locally‑crafted reason to celebrate the state’s place on the national food map.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
