When we take our annual fall trip north from the Twin Cities we always stop at the Scenic Cafe, a favorite place! The service is excellent, the views of the Lake are lovely & the atmosphere is airy & intimate. And the food is also creative & delicious with a menu that changes seasonally. In the fall they have the BEST French onion soup!
Shauna Anderson
A truly one of a kind experience. One of the best restaurants I’ve been to as far as every aspect of dining goes. Scenery, ambiance, service, food, and everything in between.I sat at the waiting area to dine as the host said it was an option and it was just me so I didn’t want to keep a whole table for myself when there were groups waiting. Lauren the host was really fantastic and friendly which made for a great experience regardless of where I sat.That food though. Generous portions without compromising exceptional quality.I will certainly be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Glennski Wills
It's a beautiful space. The food is cute, very small, and tastes ok. But the service is wanting. They had 2 other tables out of 20+, and they chose to sit me and my date right by the kitchen, and the front door.For the tiny portion size, and very very high price, one would think discretion would be tantamount to atmosphere. Me and my guest found it difficult to feel comfortable, listening to the kitchen and servers apparently hilarious conversations within 10 feet of us! While tables far away with better views than that of the front door sat empty. We felt awkward and imposed upon. My guest told me after that he felt he couldn't say much since we were mere feet away from the staff.Feeling the cold air everytime someone opened that front door was not fun. It also felt like we were being rushed to order. We both laughed and said "we're not coming back"... maybe the staff just treats people based on how fancy they don't dress? We dont know, but we're not coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Shannon Mahedy
What a treat! A wonderful restaurant that lives up to its name. The smorgasbord was the highlight, as was the goat’s milk creme brûlée with lingonberries and a ginger snap. It’s been a year since I visited this restaurant, and I still think about those two dishes. The service was very attentive, and I loved the rustic decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smorgasbord
Sophie Stone
Phenomenal experience. Our service was beyond anything I’ve had before anywhere. I loved the atmosphere, the food was delicious (a seasonal menu which can be pretty intimidating for someone with my food limitations, but we did find something on the menu this time of year to feed me.) I got the gravlax, a Swedish dish I miss greatly, and it was great! Simple, relatively small, but filling.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacob Aufderheide
This little place is something special. I've been here a few times over the last few years and it's always wonderful. The sushi tacos are to die for and the other unique offerings are always just perfection. The store on your way out is rather dangerous with all the tempting goodies!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vic Peterson
Everything was great until I got my bill. They added 20% fair wage share on without disclosing prior. It’s the principle of them demanding me to pay a specific amount they deem necessary to cover their employees expenses?. I would have gladly tipped more than 20% on my own based on the experience up to that point.I tried to explain, to no avail. If you’re a crazy woke lib tard this place is for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Primrose Park
I recently visited the New Scenic Cafe with a friend who was visiting from London, England. I have long visited this establishment when visiting the North Shore and have always enjoyed the unique dining experience New Scenic Cafe offers.However, I must express my disappointment with our recent visit. Our evening was marred by slow and inattentive service, resulting in an unexpectedly prolonged dining time of nearly three hours for just the two of us. Specifically, my order for a bread basket (starter) took close to an hour to reach our table.Furthermore, upon receiving the bill, we were surprised to find a 20% 'fair wage share' added, a detail that was not clearly communicated on the menu or by any staff member during our ordering process. This felt a bit deceptive, as we only became aware of this additional charge when settling the bill.As a small business owner myself, I wholeheartedly support the success of local businesses and understand the challenges they face. However, I believe transparency is key in ensuring a positive customer experience. Discovering the 'fair wage share' only upon receiving the bill felt imposed and did not align with the hospitality I have come to expect from this establishment.In Minnesota, it is not a legal requirement to include a mandatory service charge, and I have always appreciated the freedom to determine my tip based on the quality of service received. While I acknowledge the intention behind the 'fair wage share,' I believe patrons should have the autonomy to decide on their gratuity based on their individual experience.This experience has left me with a less favorable impression of the restaurant, and it gives me pause when considering a return visit. I value the unique atmosphere and culinary offerings at the New Scenic Cafe and hope that future visits can be marked by the exceptional service and transparency I have previously enjoyed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
n
I was visiting from England and was recommended this restaurant by a local friend. Having routinely experienced excellent and attentive service in restaurants in America (no doubt of course linked to its tipping culture), I was rather disappointed and surprised that, at this restaurant, the service was inattentive, exceptionally slow and indifferent. We were waiting and waiting for every small thing. Even water, cutlery and drinks were not proactively offered or even timely so.The restaurant appears to give the impression of serving somewhat high end and innovative cuisine, but the reality is the opposite. The food is passable (just) but portions are miniscule and quality would be considered pretty basic, bordering on poor, in Europe.On asking for the bill, it immediately became clear why the service was so poor: they add a 20% additional charge - BEFORE ANY TIP - which is not mentioned on the menu prior to ordering. This was described as "Fair Wage Share". There was no clarity provided on the bill as to the legal basis for this charge and the waitress was unable to provide the same. My local friend had no idea either as to what Minnesotan statute provided for this additional hidden charge. Essentially, it meant that, unlike elsewhere in America, where staff are motivated to provide good service due to the tipping culture, at the New Scenic Cafe there was no such motivation or indeed attempt because they were going to unilaterally add on a hidden 20% charge irrespective of whether decent service was provided.Not only is this legally questionable, what respectable or ethical business would lower themselves to such a deceptive commercial practice. The FTC should look into the extent to which this aligns with federal consumer protection law. In the meantime, I have let local contacts in Minnesota know about this practice, which can only be described as presumptuous in nature, in order that they may query it with local politicians.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Jim M.
If you have a lot of money, don't want to satisfy your appetite and think you are better than others, this is the place for you. I've been there 4 times in the last 3 years. I've never had a meal or appetizer that was pleasing to the pallet. Servings are tiny and price is premium. I just don't get it. Maybe I'm not as sophisticated as my 612 associates.
Amazing food with the best tomato soup I have ever had. I would love to know the recipe. Must visit when in Duluth. Amazing views right by the coast of Lake Superior.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soup
George Weller
Very upscale menu. Delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Frank
Service staff members are very friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. I have visited a few times and enjoy that their menu rotates, but will also have some items that are familiar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carissa Stimpfel
If any restaurant in the state deserves to have at least one Michelin star, it’s New Scenic. They’re constantly turning traditional dishes on their avant-garde head in a way that will impress any foodie, improving on the already naturally beautiful atmosphere (lake views!), and operating at a higher standard while maintaining a friendly and approachable restaurant.The menu always contains surprises as well as old favorites (the tuna sashimi tacos are amazing and I can’t help but order them every time!), and if the weather’s nice, I recommend budgeting a little extra time to luxuriate in front of the bonfire after eating and before leaving to soak in a little more lake time while you digest. It’s a magical place.Every time we find ourselves on the North Shore, we make sure to stop in for at least one meal. I firmly believe them to be the best restaurant in the entire state, and well worth making a day trip of it up from the Twin Cities just because.
The New Scenic Cafe gave us the perfect anniversary dinner. The best French onion soup I’ve ever had, the tuna tacos, the venison strip steak, the cheeseburger, the cardamom bread pudding, the bread basket, the bollinis (peach schnapps and Prosecco), the wine, the beer, and the coffee, AND the warm pistachios at the beginning were all served at the perfect temperature, all with excellent flavors and textures! And server Lara didn’t miss a beat despite having at least 6 tables at once. The NSC is a must stop while on the North Shore!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Sashimi Tuna Tacos, Cheese Burger
When we take our annual fall trip north from the Twin Cities we always stop at the Scenic Cafe, a favorite place! The service is excellent, the views of the Lake are lovely & the atmosphere is airy & intimate. And the food is also creative & delicious with a menu that changes seasonally. In the fall they have the BEST French onion soup!
A truly one of a kind experience. One of the best restaurants I’ve been to as far as every aspect of dining goes. Scenery, ambiance, service, food, and everything in between.I sat at the waiting area to dine as the host said it was an option and it was just me so I didn’t want to keep a whole table for myself when there were groups waiting. Lauren the host was really fantastic and friendly which made for a great experience regardless of where I sat.That food though. Generous portions without compromising exceptional quality.I will certainly be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's a beautiful space. The food is cute, very small, and tastes ok. But the service is wanting. They had 2 other tables out of 20+, and they chose to sit me and my date right by the kitchen, and the front door.For the tiny portion size, and very very high price, one would think discretion would be tantamount to atmosphere. Me and my guest found it difficult to feel comfortable, listening to the kitchen and servers apparently hilarious conversations within 10 feet of us! While tables far away with better views than that of the front door sat empty. We felt awkward and imposed upon. My guest told me after that he felt he couldn't say much since we were mere feet away from the staff.Feeling the cold air everytime someone opened that front door was not fun. It also felt like we were being rushed to order. We both laughed and said "we're not coming back"... maybe the staff just treats people based on how fancy they don't dress? We dont know, but we're not coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
What a treat! A wonderful restaurant that lives up to its name. The smorgasbord was the highlight, as was the goat’s milk creme brûlée with lingonberries and a ginger snap. It’s been a year since I visited this restaurant, and I still think about those two dishes. The service was very attentive, and I loved the rustic decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smorgasbord
Phenomenal experience. Our service was beyond anything I’ve had before anywhere. I loved the atmosphere, the food was delicious (a seasonal menu which can be pretty intimidating for someone with my food limitations, but we did find something on the menu this time of year to feed me.) I got the gravlax, a Swedish dish I miss greatly, and it was great! Simple, relatively small, but filling.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This little place is something special. I've been here a few times over the last few years and it's always wonderful. The sushi tacos are to die for and the other unique offerings are always just perfection. The store on your way out is rather dangerous with all the tempting goodies!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was great until I got my bill. They added 20% fair wage share on without disclosing prior. It’s the principle of them demanding me to pay a specific amount they deem necessary to cover their employees expenses?. I would have gladly tipped more than 20% on my own based on the experience up to that point.I tried to explain, to no avail. If you’re a crazy woke lib tard this place is for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently visited the New Scenic Cafe with a friend who was visiting from London, England. I have long visited this establishment when visiting the North Shore and have always enjoyed the unique dining experience New Scenic Cafe offers.However, I must express my disappointment with our recent visit. Our evening was marred by slow and inattentive service, resulting in an unexpectedly prolonged dining time of nearly three hours for just the two of us. Specifically, my order for a bread basket (starter) took close to an hour to reach our table.Furthermore, upon receiving the bill, we were surprised to find a 20% 'fair wage share' added, a detail that was not clearly communicated on the menu or by any staff member during our ordering process. This felt a bit deceptive, as we only became aware of this additional charge when settling the bill.As a small business owner myself, I wholeheartedly support the success of local businesses and understand the challenges they face. However, I believe transparency is key in ensuring a positive customer experience. Discovering the 'fair wage share' only upon receiving the bill felt imposed and did not align with the hospitality I have come to expect from this establishment.In Minnesota, it is not a legal requirement to include a mandatory service charge, and I have always appreciated the freedom to determine my tip based on the quality of service received. While I acknowledge the intention behind the 'fair wage share,' I believe patrons should have the autonomy to decide on their gratuity based on their individual experience.This experience has left me with a less favorable impression of the restaurant, and it gives me pause when considering a return visit. I value the unique atmosphere and culinary offerings at the New Scenic Cafe and hope that future visits can be marked by the exceptional service and transparency I have previously enjoyed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
I was visiting from England and was recommended this restaurant by a local friend. Having routinely experienced excellent and attentive service in restaurants in America (no doubt of course linked to its tipping culture), I was rather disappointed and surprised that, at this restaurant, the service was inattentive, exceptionally slow and indifferent. We were waiting and waiting for every small thing. Even water, cutlery and drinks were not proactively offered or even timely so.The restaurant appears to give the impression of serving somewhat high end and innovative cuisine, but the reality is the opposite. The food is passable (just) but portions are miniscule and quality would be considered pretty basic, bordering on poor, in Europe.On asking for the bill, it immediately became clear why the service was so poor: they add a 20% additional charge - BEFORE ANY TIP - which is not mentioned on the menu prior to ordering. This was described as "Fair Wage Share". There was no clarity provided on the bill as to the legal basis for this charge and the waitress was unable to provide the same. My local friend had no idea either as to what Minnesotan statute provided for this additional hidden charge. Essentially, it meant that, unlike elsewhere in America, where staff are motivated to provide good service due to the tipping culture, at the New Scenic Cafe there was no such motivation or indeed attempt because they were going to unilaterally add on a hidden 20% charge irrespective of whether decent service was provided.Not only is this legally questionable, what respectable or ethical business would lower themselves to such a deceptive commercial practice. The FTC should look into the extent to which this aligns with federal consumer protection law. In the meantime, I have let local contacts in Minnesota know about this practice, which can only be described as presumptuous in nature, in order that they may query it with local politicians.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
If you have a lot of money, don't want to satisfy your appetite and think you are better than others, this is the place for you. I've been there 4 times in the last 3 years. I've never had a meal or appetizer that was pleasing to the pallet. Servings are tiny and price is premium. I just don't get it. Maybe I'm not as sophisticated as my 612 associates.
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing food with the best tomato soup I have ever had. I would love to know the recipe. Must visit when in Duluth. Amazing views right by the coast of Lake Superior.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soup
Very upscale menu. Delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service staff members are very friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. I have visited a few times and enjoy that their menu rotates, but will also have some items that are familiar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If any restaurant in the state deserves to have at least one Michelin star, it’s New Scenic. They’re constantly turning traditional dishes on their avant-garde head in a way that will impress any foodie, improving on the already naturally beautiful atmosphere (lake views!), and operating at a higher standard while maintaining a friendly and approachable restaurant.The menu always contains surprises as well as old favorites (the tuna sashimi tacos are amazing and I can’t help but order them every time!), and if the weather’s nice, I recommend budgeting a little extra time to luxuriate in front of the bonfire after eating and before leaving to soak in a little more lake time while you digest. It’s a magical place.Every time we find ourselves on the North Shore, we make sure to stop in for at least one meal. I firmly believe them to be the best restaurant in the entire state, and well worth making a day trip of it up from the Twin Cities just because.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi Tuna Tacos, Seared Duckbreast
The New Scenic Cafe gave us the perfect anniversary dinner. The best French onion soup I’ve ever had, the tuna tacos, the venison strip steak, the cheeseburger, the cardamom bread pudding, the bread basket, the bollinis (peach schnapps and Prosecco), the wine, the beer, and the coffee, AND the warm pistachios at the beginning were all served at the perfect temperature, all with excellent flavors and textures! And server Lara didn’t miss a beat despite having at least 6 tables at once. The NSC is a must stop while on the North Shore!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Sashimi Tuna Tacos, Cheese Burger