Every part of Minnesota has amazing food, including many North Shore restaurants. 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 restaurants on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Which one is your favorite?

1. The Fisherman's Daughter, Grand Marais
The Fisherman's Daughter/Facebook
The Fisherman's Daughter at Dockside Fish Market, Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN, USA
The Fisherman's Daughter/Facebook
​​The Fisherman's Daughter at Dockside Fish Market in Grand Marais serves up some of the freshest and tastiest Lake Superior fish you're going to find. The fish and chips is always a winner, but look for fish tacos when they have them - they're to die for! Fisherman's Daughter also offers trays and charcuterie plates that can be pre-ordered for your event - even if it's just a fireside happy hour.
2. Va Bene
Va Bene/Google
Va Bene, East Superior Street, Duluth, MN, USA
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!
3. New Scenic Cafe, Duluth
Xinyun Zhu/Google
New Scenic Café, North Shore Drive, Duluth, MN, USA
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.
4. Angry Trout Cafe, Grand Marais
Bryan Wohlwend/Google
Angry Trout Cafe, West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN, USA
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!

Related Stories

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Minnesota

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Minnesota

 A New Chef-Driven Eatery Has Opened In Minnesota And You'll Want To Visit Right Away

A New Chef-Driven Eatery Has Opened In Minnesota And You'll Want To Visit Right Away

 The Brewery In Minnesota That Features Magnificent Waterfront Views

The Brewery In Minnesota That Features Magnificent Waterfront Views
5. My Sister's Place, Grand Marais
My Sister's Place/Google
My Sister's Place, 401 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
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.
6. Lemon Wolf Cafe, Beaver Bay
Mark Esslinger/Google
Lemon Wolf Cafe, MacDonald Avenue, Beaver Bay, MN, USA
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!
7. Rustic Inn Cafe, Two Harbors
Nate Wilson/Google
Rustic Inn Cafe, Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN, USA
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!
8. Gunflint Tavern, Grand Marais
David Lang/Google
Gun Flint Tavern, Wisconsin Street, Grand Marais, MN, USA
Matthew Langlie/Google
Gunflint Tavern serves some of the best food on the North Shore. Period. It's also one of the few places where you'll find a more eclectic menu, with options like rice bowls and ribs on offer - all of which can be washed down with a craft cocktail or a selection from its massive beer list.

Have you ever been to any of these North Shore restaurants? Do you have any other favorites? Let us know in the comments. And if you’re looking for other awesome places to eat, check out our list of 10 of the most beautiful restaurants in Minnesota.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Restaurants on the North Shore, Minnesota

Trent Jonas | April 24, 2023

Best Restaurants on the North Shore, Minnesota - Resort Style

While there are many fine stand-alone establishments along Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline, some of the best restaurants on the North Shore of Minnesota are affiliated with resorts. Traveling north from Duluth, the first such example is Ledgerock Grille at Larsmont Cottages, located between Duluth and Two Harbors. Further along, you'll find the Bluefin Grille, at Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte, and The Strand, at Lutsen Resort, between Tofte and Lutsen. Finally, beyond Grand Marais, but before Hovland, the dining room at Naniboujou Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Dessert anyone?

After all that tasty North Shore dining, you may feel like a little something sweet to top things off. The Rustic Inn, mentioned above, is one of Minnesota's favorite places for pies. So are Betty's Pies or Judy's Cafe - both of which are also on Highway 61 in or near Two Harbors.

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 Shore.

Other dessert options in Grand Marais include a smoothie from Shook or a sweet treat from Gunflint Mercantile, which are both located right in downtown Grand Marais.

Related Articles