Every part of Minnesota has amazing food. Of course, the Twin Cities offer up some of the most popular dining experiences. But other regions have their fair share of excellent eating as well. Today, we want to go up to the North Shore to explore some of this region’s most delicious restaurants. Below, you’ll find 7 of our favorite North Shore restaurants. Which one is your favorite?
- Rustic Inn Cafe
Nate Wilson/Google
Melanie Worley/Google In Two Harbors, Minnesota, Rustic Inn Cafe is a go-to spot for those looking for a delicious meal in a cozy, cabin-style setting. The restaurant is housed in a cabin that dates back to the 1920s. They specialize in homestyle meals, including American fare favorites that are sure to please just about anyone. Don’t leave without a slice - or more - of made-from-scratch pie. There are many flavors every day!
- Va Bene
Va Bene/Google
Rie Brandt/Google In Duluth, Va Bene is an incredible Italian restaurant that looks out over the water. This spot is known for its fresh pastas and soups, flavorful salads, and delicious Italian desserts. There’s a lot to love here, from the food to the gorgeous views of Lake Superior. If you get a chance to sit by the waterfront, take it!
- New Scenic Cafe
Xinyun Zhu/Google
Sreeram Premkumar/Google Just north of Duluth, North Shore travelers will soon come across New Scenic Cafe. This dreamy little spot, not far from the water, offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Dine inside if you’d like to immerse yourself in the gorgeous modern cabin-style dining room, or stay out in the garden for lovely views. No matter where you sit, you’ll love your meal of updated American cuisine created with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
- Angry Trout Cafe
Bryan Wohlwend/Google
Peng Hsu/Google Grand Marais is home to its share of restaurants, too. Angry Trout Cafe is one of the most popular. Here, you can enjoy the sight of fishing boats gliding over the water at this lakefront restaurant. The menu has many great items, from sandwiches and burgers to chicken dinners and tacos. Many favorites are made with fish, including a special fish of the day served with salad, veggie, and choice of potato. Yum!
- My Sister’s Place
My Sister’s Place/Google
My Sister’s Place/Google Here’s another beautiful spot with a rustic vibe and great food. Since 1998, this cozy spot has been a go-to for northern Minnesota travelers. Everything is made fresh, and the menu is full of some truly delicious options. You can’t go wrong with a fresh salad, especially when paired with homemade soup. If you crave something a bit bigger, there’s a slew of great burgers on the menu. Other great choices include sandwiches, hot dogs, and fish dinners.
- Lemon Wolf Cafe
Mark Esslinger/Google
Lemon Wolf Cafe/Google Lemon Wolf Cafe is an unassuming spot in Beaver Bay. But don’t let outside appearances fool you! Those who stop in will find a lovely restaurant with a woodsy feel. The servers are friendly, and the menu is full of delicious choices. Stop in for breakfast, fresh fish, flavorful salads, and more!
- World’s Best Donuts
Alan Estenson/Google
Olivia Bennett/Google No trip to Grand Marais is complete without a stop at World’s Best Donuts. This famous bakery serves thousands of North Shore visitors each year, just as it has since it opened in 1969. There are many flavors available. Whether you love classic glazed, cream-filled and sprinkle-topped concoctions, or just about anything in between, you’ll find it here. Stop in for a donut for breakfast, and take a box with you as you explore the North Snore!
Have you ever been to any of these North Shore restaurants? Do you have any other favorites? Let us know in the comments, or by filling out our nomination form. And if you’re looking or other awesome places to eat, check out our list of 10 of the most beautiful restaurants in Minnesota.
Nate Wilson/Google
Melanie Worley/Google
In Two Harbors, Minnesota, Rustic Inn Cafe is a go-to spot for those looking for a delicious meal in a cozy, cabin-style setting. The restaurant is housed in a cabin that dates back to the 1920s. They specialize in homestyle meals, including American fare favorites that are sure to please just about anyone. Don’t leave without a slice - or more - of made-from-scratch pie. There are many flavors every day!
Va Bene/Google
Rie Brandt/Google
In Duluth, Va Bene is an incredible Italian restaurant that looks out over the water. This spot is known for its fresh pastas and soups, flavorful salads, and delicious Italian desserts. There’s a lot to love here, from the food to the gorgeous views of Lake Superior. If you get a chance to sit by the waterfront, take it!
Xinyun Zhu/Google
Sreeram Premkumar/Google
Just north of Duluth, North Shore travelers will soon come across New Scenic Cafe. This dreamy little spot, not far from the water, offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Dine inside if you’d like to immerse yourself in the gorgeous modern cabin-style dining room, or stay out in the garden for lovely views. No matter where you sit, you’ll love your meal of updated American cuisine created with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Bryan Wohlwend/Google
Peng Hsu/Google
Grand Marais is home to its share of restaurants, too. Angry Trout Cafe is one of the most popular. Here, you can enjoy the sight of fishing boats gliding over the water at this lakefront restaurant. The menu has many great items, from sandwiches and burgers to chicken dinners and tacos. Many favorites are made with fish, including a special fish of the day served with salad, veggie, and choice of potato. Yum!
My Sister’s Place/Google
Here’s another beautiful spot with a rustic vibe and great food. Since 1998, this cozy spot has been a go-to for northern Minnesota travelers. Everything is made fresh, and the menu is full of some truly delicious options. You can’t go wrong with a fresh salad, especially when paired with homemade soup. If you crave something a bit bigger, there’s a slew of great burgers on the menu. Other great choices include sandwiches, hot dogs, and fish dinners.
Mark Esslinger/Google
Lemon Wolf Cafe/Google
Lemon Wolf Cafe is an unassuming spot in Beaver Bay. But don’t let outside appearances fool you! Those who stop in will find a lovely restaurant with a woodsy feel. The servers are friendly, and the menu is full of delicious choices. Stop in for breakfast, fresh fish, flavorful salads, and more!
Alan Estenson/Google
Olivia Bennett/Google
No trip to Grand Marais is complete without a stop at World’s Best Donuts. This famous bakery serves thousands of North Shore visitors each year, just as it has since it opened in 1969. There are many flavors available. Whether you love classic glazed, cream-filled and sprinkle-topped concoctions, or just about anything in between, you’ll find it here. Stop in for a donut for breakfast, and take a box with you as you explore the North Snore!
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Address: Va Bene, 734 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802, USAAddress: 711 MacDonald Ave, Beaver Bay, MN 55601, USAAddress: Angry Trout Cafe, 408 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USAAddress: World’s Best Donuts, 10 Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USAAddress: Rustic Inn Cafe, 2773 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USAAddress: New Scenic Café, 5461 N Shore Dr, Duluth, MN 55804, USAAddress: My Sister’s Place, 401 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA