Dina's Cafe & Bakery

This slice of independent dining sits tucked between a TV shop and a franchise doughnut spot, and it’s well worth a visit. One reason is Dina Collins—a former pastry chef for both Ciao Bella and Zelo. There’s no chance you won’t meet her. In addition to being the chief cook and lending a hand with the dishwashing, she makes everything from scratch, including the toothsome focaccia on which each of her eight sandwiches is served. A meat loaf sandwich gets zip from a bell pepper spread while a grilled chicken number is served warm with fontina cheese and avocado spread. Several soups change daily, and there’s a wide variety of delicious homemade cookies, bars, and cupcakes spread thick with butter-cream frosting. The room is bare, but Dina buzzes about, chatting with customers and bringing warmth to the spare environment.

6451 Lyndale Ave. S., Richfield, 612-798-1735