Where to Eat in Duluth: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Velvet Champine

Perfectly positioned at the westernmost tip of sparkling blue Lake Superior, Duluth offers visitors a true escape from the stresses of everyday life and an opportunity to enjoy nature. You can opt for a more leisurely pace: spending time at one of the city's 23 beautiful parks, taking an unhurried drive along the scenic North Shore, bird watching at Hawk Ridge, skipping stones on the Lake with the kids. Or go for a more structured itinerary: the aquarium in the morning, lunch at a sumptuous restaurant on the waterfront plus a tour of the famous Sculpture Walk, then a visit to the historic Railroad Depot in the afternoon. Either way, you are sure to leave Duluth feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Things to do in Duluth

1. Duluth Grill

118 S 27th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806-1822 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 12 - SGD 24 +1 218-726-1150
Excellent
73%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Duluth Grill

Reviewed By MNnortherner - Minnesota

When asked to list our favorite restaurants in Duluth, the Duluth Grill always makes the list -- whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can't go wrong. Locally sourced foods with some great local goods for sale as a bonus (from soaps to teas to other fun gifts). With any dish, if you get the chance to try their grilled kale with curry sauce as the side, try it -- it is my side of choice even at breakfast now (although their red flannel hash is hard to beat)!

2. Northern Waters Smokehaus

394 S Lake Ave, Suite 106, Duluth, MN 55802-2325 Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Discover American, International, Delicatessen, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch SGD 10 - SGD 20 +1 218-724-7307
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 578 reviews

Northern Waters Smokehaus

Reviewed By 8thgradeclass - Duluth, Minnesota

Northern Waters Smokehaus

Northern Waters Smokehaus is located on the main floor of the Dewitt-Seitz building in Canal Park. The business started in 2001. When they started, their space was very tiny, and they were smoking one fish at a time, and now they have a great business and are smoking multiple fish at a time.

The deli/restaurant is a smaller area, but has great food; you walk in, and to your right, the first thing you see is a deli of smoked meats and fish. Then you see the menu behind the deli, and you walk about ten steps to order your sandwich. The restaurant is small in size, so they have limited seating, about 10 bar stools to sit on and 2 tables in the hallway, and in summer outdoor seating on a patio with picnic tables. The colors and decorations go together well, and their smells are the best smells if you like the smell of smoked salmon and other fish. The atmosphere is welcoming, the lights are not too bright, but not too dim, the music is quiet but not too quiet, and it just has a fun atmosphere.

I would not recommend it if you are in a hurry, but if you have time, I would recommend it. The wait time depends on what time of day it is; if the time of day is lunch time, it about a 20-45 minute wait, but if it is later in the day, around after four it is a 5-10 minute wait.

The food there is delicious. So many flavors come into your mouth at the same time. My personal favorite is the cold Turkey sandwich at $9.25. It is a good price for a great sandwich. The sandwich contains stirato bread, smoked Turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and craisin-walnut mayo sauce. They also offer different assortments of smoked meats and fish along with their sandwiches. Some things they offer are Lake Superior smoked lake trout, smoked salmon pate, porketta, smoked polish sausage, and dried-cured salamini. The price range for sandwiches is around 8-13 dollars.

Northern Waters Smokehaus is excellent with great service, great food, and friendly staff. It would be nice if it wasn’t a long wait time, but since they don’t have much staff, the time they can do it in is amazing. I would rate this restaurant 4 out of 5.

3. Va Bene Caffe

734 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802-2210 Private Dining, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks SGD 16 - SGD 39 +1 218-722-1518
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 656 reviews

Va Bene Caffe

Family owned and operated, fresh from-scratch Italian. Not your nonna's trattoria. Pastas, salads,pizzas, steak, fish, fresh baked desserts and gelato. Full bar, fantastic wine list and specialty cocktails. Perched overlooking Lake Superior with the best views of the lift bridge and harbor. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Reviewed By ShiningHalo - Winona, Minnesota

Inside, this place feels like a diner. But in the back, on the porch/addition (the seating with lake views), the ambience totally changes. It's intimate, romantic--EXACTLY what my boyfriend and I were looking for when we made Valentine's Day reservations.

Service was great. Our server was really nice, knowledgeable about the food and wine.

The food was AMAZING. It was the best pasta I've had in a long long time, and the shrimp in it was meaty and fresh, not at all chewy. I ate more than I needed to and did not regret it for a moment!

Perfect place for a special night out.

4. OMC Smokehouse

1909 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806-2140 Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Parking Available, Free Wifi American, Barbecue, Grill, Contemporary, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 13 - SGD 39 +1 218-606-1611
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

OMC Smokehouse

Reviewed By Yvette H

Our son and daughter in law took us here with our 2 year old grandson. Kyle was our server, did a perfect job, very attentive. The manager stop over to make sure everything’s as good..... and was it ever! I had the Kentucky hot brown, my daughter in law had the brisket Mac and cheese, my son oink and cheese grits, and my husband had the 1/2 chicken. Everything was hot, moist, large portions and served quickly....will definitely be back again!!!

5. New Scenic Cafe

5461 N Shore Dr, Duluth, MN 55804-2918 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 33 +1 218-525-6274
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 801 reviews

New Scenic Cafe

Reviewed By L H - Chicago, Illinois

Big city prices for uneven quality food; there's no way to make poutine healthy, but this version is on the lighter side without sacrificing rich flavor. The brussel sprout appetizer would be excellent if half the leaf edges weren't scorched. Decent salmon, seis leches cake uninspired. Holiday ambiance nice, but furnishings could be more comfortable, and there's no need to overheat when everyone has winter gear on.

6. Blackwater Lounge

231 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802-2140 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Sushi, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 8 - SGD 24 +1 218-740-0436
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 297 reviews

Blackwater Lounge

Black Water Lounge is Duluth's premiere martini lounge. With a full bar, hand-crafted cocktails, exquisite lounge food, live jazz music and lady's night, Black Water is the finest upscale martini bar in the Duluth-Superior area. Black Water Lounge is located in Duluth's Old Downtown and was once the home of the Black Bear Lounge in the historic Greysolon Plaza. Host an event at Black Water's Manhattan Room - perfecy for Anniversary Parties, Engagement Parties, Birthdays & Corporate Gatherings! Rent the entire lounge on a Sunday for your larger group!

Reviewed By Jose D - Houston, Texas

Been coming here almost every weekend and I love the atmosphere, live music, food and drinks. Staff is fantastic. Highly recommended to go solo, on a date, with friends or for business. Wish the live music stayed a bit longer.

7. UNCLE Louis Cafe

520 E 4th St, Duluth, MN 55805-1936 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Highchairs Available American, Cafe, Diner, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch SGD 7 - SGD 13 +1 218-727-4518
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 235 reviews

UNCLE Louis Cafe

Reviewed By trooper198 - Lincoln, Nebraska

Heard great things about this place. Small diner with great smells. Coffee was awesome. I had uncle Louis scramble and it was fantastic. The pancakes are very very good. Not your standard pancake but can't figure our what's different. Definitely be back.

8. Tavern on the Hill

1102 Woodland Ave, Duluth, MN 55803-2263 Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards American, Bar, Pub, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 7 - SGD 25 +1 218-724-0010
Excellent
66%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Tavern on the Hill

Eat. Drink. Connect. Locally Sourced & Locally Owned Menu includes fresh market salads, burgers, Neapolitan-style pizzas, moonshine, craft beers, potpie, dinner entrees, vegetarian entrees, gluten free options & so much more! Dine-in, large bar, late night specials, grab & go items, smoothies & juicing, curbside delivery Menu ordering online available for curbside delivery.

Reviewed By 8thgradeclass - Duluth, Minnesota

The restaurant is in a great location Bluestone area by UMD off of Woodland Ave. Their grand opening was in the summer of 2014. It’s a great restaurant for any occasion.
The menu has a large variety to pick from, anything from mac and cheese, hamburgers and, fancy salads, to a salmon diner. The prices are decent ranging from $5 for kids meals, to around $20 for adults.
The atmosphere is nice, modern, and lively. They have paintings on the wall of popular areas in Duluth. There is plenty of room and an outdoor patio that opens in the summer.
The service is great. My most recent time there was last week for my mom’s birthday. I ordered the mac and cheese with french fries and a blueberry lemonade. My french fries and lemonade were great, but this time my mac and cheese was mushy and didn’t taste good like it normally does, so I was a little disappointed. Everyone else at our table seemed to like their food. They also brought my mom a complimentary dessert. So, overall it was a pretty good experience.
I'm going to give Tavern On The Hill 4/5 stars. I would definitely recommend going to this restaurant. I've usually been satisfied with my meals, but I will say they can be inconsistent with their food.

9. Vitta Pizza

307 Canal Park Dr, Ste 2, Duluth, MN 55802-2396 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 218-727-2226
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 231 reviews

Vitta Pizza

Reviewed By Bethany M - Sheboygan, Wisconsin

We stopped in to Vitta Pizza during a recent visit to Duluth. We had gotten in to our Canal Park hotel a little late, and wanted something quick and delicious to feed ourselves and our three little kids. Upon entering, the employees were immediately helpful in explaining the menu and giving suggestions. They provided balls of pizza dough to keep the kids entertained while we waited, for which they earned my undying thanks. Our three pizzas--The Silvio, the Tomasso, and the special "Three Ps"--were all excellent. The special, which included parmesan, pepperoni, and peppadews, was a standout.

10. Fitger's Brewhouse Brewery and Grille

600 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802-2222 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 28 - SGD 39 +1 218-726-1392
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 850 reviews

Fitger's Brewhouse Brewery and Grille

Reviewed By PJ W - Chanhassen, Minnesota

Fitger’s hits the mark on everything. The menu is large in scope with outstanding options and subtle twists to the traditional fare. The 3 Little Pigs sandwich is ridiculously good. The beer sampler is a perfect way to pick out what pint you want to go with. I look forward to trying again next time I’m in Duluth. Highly recommend if you like beer and good brewery food.

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