10 Lakeside Restaurants In Minnesota You Simply Must Visit This Time Of Year
Being the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota has more than a few excellent lakeside dining options. On just about every major lake in the state – and even a few smaller ones – there is a great kitchen serving up a menu full of delicious food, often to an outdoor dining area bustling with business. These 11 lakeside restaurants in Minnesota prove just that. Now that warm weather is finally here, add these must-visit restaurants to your summer bucket list.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Located on the banks of Lake Minnetonka, this beautiful restaurant is well worth the visit. Flavorful, fresh food is the name of the game here, but you'll find plenty of other reasons to stop by. The view from the patio will make your meal taste even better. Address: 1934, 685 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior, MN 55331.
Get ready for a day at the beach! Sandcastle is right on a sandy beach on Lake Nokomis. Outdoor seating will help you enjoy your meal at this tasty restaurant. Everything is made from scratch, and all of it is delicious. Address: 4955 West Lake Nokomis Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55417.
No matter where you sit in this gorgeous restaurant, you're going to have a great view of Forest Lake. It's located on the lake's northern shores, offering lovely nature views from its many windows. As for the food, it's packed with fresh flavor. You're going to want to come back for seconds. Address: 8241 North Shore Trail, Forest Lake, MN 55025.
You can boat right up to this gorgeous northern Minnesota restaurant! There are plenty of spots to tie up your boat along the shore. But if you prefer to arrive by land, you still won't miss out on a great waterfront view. With great food, excellent service, and amazing views, a stop to this beautiful restaurant is a no-brainer. Address: 8164 Interlachen Rd., Lake Shore, MN 56468.
What better lake to dine on than Superior? The greatest of all the Great Lakes, its choppy waters create a spectacular show for any visitor to the North Shore. If you're looking to take in the view from the comfort of a restaurant, look no further than Bluefin Grille. Incredible food awaits at this delicious spot, and you'll have a 360-degree view of Superior to go along with it. Address: 7192 MN-61, Tofte, MN 55615.
Amazing food awaits at this North Shore restaurant. In fact, it may be the tastiest spot you can visit north of Duluth. Whatever you order, you'll get a plate of bright, fresh, and delicious food that will have you planning your next trip mid-bite! Sit out on the patio during warm weather for excellent views of Lake Superior. Address: 408 West Hwy. 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
This lakeside restaurant has a huge variety of menu items. From gourmet burgers to salads to walleye wraps, you'll find it all here. The flavorful food is best enjoyed outside, where you can look out over Lake Minnetonka. Try it out on a summer evening. You will not be sorry. Address: 3746 Sunset Dr., Spring Park, MN 55384.
Fisher's Club is a historic Minnesota restaurant that is not to be missed. But its history is not the only draw. For one thing, this little spot in small-town Minnesota has great food. For another, it overlooks a sandy beach on the shores of Middle Spunk Lake. Go swimming or fishing, then sit down for a great meal. It'll be the best day of your entire summer! Address: 425 Stratford St. West, Avon, MN 56310.
Whether or not you consider Lake Pepin a true lake, there is no denying that NOSH is a fabulous restaurant on its banks. The restaurant offers picturesque views of sailboats as they glide across the water. Plus, the food is good, too. In keeping with their lakeside theme, NOSH serves great seafood! Address: 310 South Washington St., Lake City, MN 55041.
Lola's Lakehouse is a little-known gem that you should definitely add to the top of your dining bucket list. The menu is full of classics like lobster bisque and filet mignon. But there are plenty of inventive dishes as well! And the view over Lake Waconia will be the perfect backdrop to your meal. Address: 318 East Lake St., Waconia, MN 55387.
For even more great spots for waterfront dining in Minneosta, check out our list of our favorite riverside restaurants in Minnesota.
