Junior Jake Segal will have a new place to spend time with friends and eat Kosher food with the opening of Vitali’s Bistro on Minnetonka Boulevard, down the street from City Hall.

The restaurant opened Jan. 3, in the space previously occupied by Bean Good Cafe. The menu is entirely Kosher, meaning that it complies with Jewish dietary laws, and includes bagels and muffins, as well as a variety of sandwiches, salads, crepes and paninis.
Segal said he thinks this restaurant will be a benefit to St. Louis Park’s Jewish community.
“It gives Jewish people a new place to go, where they know that they’re getting Kosher food,” Segal said. “It brings a lot more selection so they’ll be able to do business with Jewish families in Park.”
While the restaurant had its initial opening in late December, owner Vitali Logman said the restaurant is planning its grand opening in mid February. Logman said he felt his restaurant addressed a demand in the Jewish community.
“When (Bean Good Cafe) closed, there was definitely a need for a neighborhood cafe,” Logman said. “Everyone can come and enjoy there time here with the community.”
Segal said he enjoyed eating at the restaurant, and thinks it provides a positive experience.
“It’s a little place, with nicer furniture than a fast food restaurant. It has a nice atmosphere,” he said.
According to Logman, there is still work to be done on the restaurant. Logman said he wants the restaurant to become more efficient.
“We definitely need to streamline the process of cooking and serving food,” Logman said. “We also want to optimize our menu according to need and demand from the community.”

Freshman Jens Albright said that although the restaurant targets Jewish diners, non-Jewish students may be interested in trying new foods.

“I think it would be cool to try new foods. I think this restaurant will give students more places to go to eat, and get different food,” Albright said.
Logman said the restaurant is especially popular on Saturday nights. After the Sabbath ends, some Jewish families celebrate together, and Logman believes his restaurant will be a good place for such families to meet.
“On Saturday nights, people prefer to get together. We plan to bring in live music, with melodies from old Jewish music,” Logman said.
Although the restaurant only opened recently, Segal said he expects it to become popular.
“I think it will be successful. Once people start coming here, it will take off,” Segal said. “It’s a nice place to come after school and hang out. It’s comfy.”