New American · North Shore

New Scenic Cafe

★ 4.6 · 1525 Google reviews · $$$

Chef-owned, opened 1999, seasonal menu, intimate setting with garden, excellent reputation for date nights

The Room

What it's actually like

Overwhelmingly positive overall (85%+ five-star reviews). Diners consistently praise the creative, elevated Scandinavian-inspired cuisine, stunning Lake Superior views, and excellent service. The restaurant is celebrated as a destination worth traveling for. However, a small minority report inconsistent food quality, portion concerns at premium prices, and occasional service lapses, particularly noting the discontinuation of in-house pastries disappointed loyal customers.

scenic lake viewsrustic Scandinavian chiccozy yet sophisticatednature-inspired decorintimate fine dining
Diners keep mentioning
Lobster rollCrispy fish sandwichSwedish meatballsSzechuan shrimp and pork belly confitMission figs with blue cheesePotato pavé cooked in duck fatFrench onion soupCoconut cake with English custard tart
Ambiance
upscale-casual
Noise level
moderate
Dress code
smart casual
Outdoor seating
Yes
Good for
date night, anniversary celebration, family dining
Reservations
direct

Wait reality — Reservations are highly recommended, especially weekends and peak season. Expect 30-60 minute waits without a reservation. Best times to visit are weekdays or off-season (winter months). The restaurant is consistently busy due to its popularity and limited seating.

Derived from 76 recent Google reviews — not marketing copy.

Hours

When to go

Menu

What's cooking

Appetizer

Beet Cured Gravlaxnut free$13
Whipped crème fraîche, red onion, chive, rye crostini
Blood Puddinggluten freedairy free$18
Celeriac purée, cider gastrique, chive, apple, brussels sprout leaves
Croquant de Chèvrevegetarian$16
Goat cheese, panko, frisée, walnut, apple, pear balsamic
Deviled Eggsvegetariangluten free$8
Pickled mustard seed, radish, dill
Maple Meringuesvegetarian$6
Goat cheese, kalamata olive
Oysters on the Halfgluten free$3
Horseradish, mignonette, hot sauce, lemon, sesame fennel crackers

Salad

Haricots Vertsgluten freevegetarian$17
Poached egg, baby spinach, frisée, romano, chorizo, truffle oil

Entree

Beef Tartarenut free$22
Egg yolk, mustard, shallot, caper, herbs, cornichons, pommes pailles
Fowl Plattergluten free$38
Grilled quail, seared duck breast, roasted carrots, medjool date, chocolate mole, cashew whip

Steak

Beef Tips au Poivre$40
Mushroom, onion, béarnaise, pommes pailles
Grilled Venisongluten freedairy freenut free$36
Lamb jus, black garlic, samphire, porcinis, turnips

Side

Potato Pavévegetariangluten free$30
Taleggio, duxelles, port-fortified cherries, mushrooms, groats, charred onion

Seafood

Hamachi Crudogluten freedairy freevegan$16
Yuzu vinaigrette, gochugaru, apple, radish, bean sprouts
King Crabnut free$20
Shokupan, fried green tomato, petite cress, Duke's mayo, smoked labneh
Miso Sea Bassgluten free$38
Wakame, peas & carrots, cilantro, pickled carrot & daikon
Seared Sea Scallopsgluten free$34
Compressed cucumber, beet-pickled onion, whipped celeriac, brown butter, dill
Details

Find it

Address
5461 N Shore Dr, Duluth, MN
Phone
(218) 525-6274
Restaurant group
independent