Marketplace Café

I prefer to eat here when I am at the Mall of America. In all honesty, it’s a gem. It’s quiet. You can get a table for 1 person or a table for a family of 6 with strollers. (And the kids are actually quiet, too! Maybe it’s a soundproof eating area? Anyway, it’s impressive.) You can review the menu before ordering at the register. The cashier is good at explaining the process. It’s an interesting mix of café and restaurant dining.
The cuisine is accessible for families or for friends on a casual outing. The cooking is spot on. The Tuscan chicken was juicy with well seasoned crispy skin and accompanied by a great combination of roasted vegetables. The pasta tends to be al dente with a thoughtful sauce. The portions are decently sized for a hungry shopper. The ingredients seem to be fresh.
The service is exceptional. Very attentive. Discrete when needed. Efficient and responsive to requests and schedules. They’re polite and professional. As a result, diners can actually relax while at the mall.

The salmon Niçoise salad was DELISH. The server Mona was delightful, so happy and pleasant. A very enjoyable lunch.

The restaurant is really nice and the menu sounded fresh, interesting and delicious. The process is a bit strange. You stand in line to order and pay for your food. Then you go find your seat with your book of receipts. At this point the server comes to pick up the book and deliver the drink your ordered. Then they deliver your food and then check in periodically to refill drinks. You never get a chance to tip your server unless you bring cash. I didn’t have cash and since I paid initially without knowing this process I had to stiff her. The guilt I feel is eating away at me because it really was a nice place and the server was terrific. Be warned! Bring cash!