Last updated: 2025-05-06
Duluth’s dining scene offers a remarkable blend of Lake Superior’s freshwater charm and sophisticated culinary artistry. From waterfront views to intimate dining rooms, the city’s restaurants showcase exceptional regional ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.
Whether craving lakeside elegance at the New Scenic Cafe or classic comfort at Pickwick Restaurant and Pub, Duluth’s fine dining destinations promise memorable experiences that capture the North Shore’s unique gastronomic spirit.
Explore Duluth’s finest dining destinations below!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Duluth
- Va Bene
- New Scenic Cafe
- Bellisio's Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar
- Pickwick Restaurant and Pub
- Black Water Lounge
- Black Woods Grill and Bar
- Boat Club Restaurant & Bar
- Lyric Kitchen Bar
Bellisio's Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar
What to Expect
Wine collection with 4,000+ bottles and 125 wines by the glass
Description
Bellisio's offers an upscale Italian dining experience in Duluth's Canal Park, featuring an extraordinary wine collection of over 4,000 bottles with 125 wines by the glass. The restaurant serves authentic Italian specialty dishes including handmade pasta, fennel-roasted rack of pork, and daily fresh seafood, complemented by an elegant lakeside patio and Wine Spectator's Best Award of Excellence.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Bellisio's Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar
Black Water Lounge
What to Expect
Award-winning martini bar with live jazz performances
Description
A sophisticated martini lounge in downtown Duluth featuring hand-crafted cocktails, live jazz music, and an intimate nightclub atmosphere. The venue offers exquisite lounge food, a full bar, and was named Minnesota's best martini bar in 2012, creating an upscale evening destination for cocktail enthusiasts.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Black Water Lounge
Black Woods Grill and Bar
What to Expect
Scratch-made comfort food with local Northland Minnesota flavor
Description
A family-owned Northland restaurant serving hearty, scratch-made comfort classics in a welcoming atmosphere. Hand-cut steaks, ribs, fresh-caught fish, and home-style pastas anchor a menu that celebrates local Minnesota culinary traditions. Warm, unpretentious dining rooms offer full-service lunch and dinner with a comprehensive bar selection.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Black Woods Grill and Bar
Boat Club Restaurant & Bar
What to Expect
Panoramic Lake Superior waterfront dining experience
Description
Perched on Lake Superior's shoreline, this lakeside fancy restaurant offers panoramic water views with an elegant dining experience. The Boat Club serves daily brunch and dinner, featuring a sophisticated atmosphere with lakeside ambiance. Guests can enjoy carefully curated menus complemented by daily happy hour and an extensive drink selection.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Boat Club Restaurant & Bar
Lyric Kitchen Bar
What to Expect
Prime rib with house-made popovers and au jus
Description
Located in downtown Duluth, Lyric Kitchen Bar offers a relaxed dining experience with straightforward, comfort-focused cuisine. The restaurant serves prime rib specialties, craft cocktails, and daily lunch specials in a casual, unpretentious setting with a welcoming atmosphere.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Lyric Kitchen Bar
New Scenic Cafe
What to Expect
North Shore-inspired seasonal tasting menus
Description
Nestled along Minnesota's scenic North Shore, this intimate restaurant offers artfully crafted seasonal cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients. The dining room blends rustic charm with sophisticated culinary techniques, presenting carefully composed plates that showcase regional flavors and chef-driven creativity.
Where: Duluth | More Info: New Scenic Cafe
Pickwick Restaurant and Pub
What to Expect
James Beard Foundation Award-winning historic restaurant
Description
A historic Duluth steakhouse featuring charcoal-grilled steaks and homemade soups in a century-old European-inspired dining room. The Pickwick offers an Old World atmosphere with carefully preserved woodwork and original artwork, showcasing a refined yet classic dining experience rooted in local culinary tradition.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Pickwick Restaurant and Pub
Va Bene
What to Expect
Panoramic Lake Superior dining views from solarium and outdoor spaces
Description
Va Bene offers a modern Italian dining experience with spectacular Lake Superior views from its enclosed solarium and outdoor grotto. Featuring from-scratch pastas, gnocchi, and seasonal dishes, the restaurant provides a casual yet refined atmosphere with lake-view dining, a full bar, and house-made desserts.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Va Bene
Your Ultimate Guide
Dive deeper with our comprehensive guide, packed with tips, insights, and everything you need to know.