We were seated twenty minutes after our reservation. During the in-between time we did have a drink menu, but never had a chance to order from it because the hostess was never at the front desk. The rest of the meal continued at the same sluggish pace. The food was amazing. The soup was hot. The scallops were the biggest I've ever seen in my life - although there were only three of them. The creme brulee was twice the size you'd see anywhere else. I wasn't sure if I was going to order dessert, though, because I got the dessert menu 90 minutes after I arrived, 70 minutes after I was seated. I was getting sleepy. After all, I'd planned to be back at the hotel by then. The temperature control is not good in this place. They'd had the window open and the heat on, and when it got too cold they closed the window and didn't turn down the heat. By the time I was done, it must've been 80-85 in there. So that and the long waits probably combined to make me sleepy. The restaurant was jammed full. We were uncomfortably close to people on either side, but the wait staff for the whole restaurant was just three people. Our waiter was very nice and did the best he could but I think he was overwhelmed. This would be a great restaurant if they had enough people to staff it. I think the owners just saw the bottom line and didn't think the experience through, start to finish from a customer's perspective. If I spend two hours in a restaurant, it should be because I chose to. read more

Went here for lunch on our way back to the cities. The food was good and tasty. The only observation and criticism I can make is that the portions served don't seem to be standard. We ordered a couple sandwiches for lunch and a side of fries to share. The side of fries we ordered compared to other orders we saw being brought out was different in size and it seemed like we got the leftovers of the last batch. The sandwich I ordered was also disproportionate to the size of bread they used. The fish and prosciutto sandwich I got was half the size of the slice of bread they give you. You end up eating a lot more bread and just a taste of fish. Overall very disappointed with this place because it can really be great and has so much potential if they only tried to double check how they are serving their dishes. read more

By far the best restaurant in the entire area! We've been coming for the great food for many years and always blown away. Be sure to get the tuna tacos and the berry pie! Best pie on the north shore and you can take a pie home. Just wonderful! read more

Unique, lovely dishes. The menu is not large, but that really doesn't mean much to me, because I asked if they could make gluten free and dairy free - and this was not a problem. Service was a bit slow, but I thought our waiter was very attentive to our questions and the place was busy as well. We ate two of the vegetarian entres. The portabella mushroom dish is quite delicious. We would definitely order the succotash again, but if you are dairy free I would not order the succotash, because the goat cheese really makes it. Selection of red wine was average. Nice view of Lake Superior (it was a sunny July day). read more

This was a great cafe. We came here for dinner. I had the pork tenderloin and enjoyed it but it wasn't the best I've ever had. Service was good. Giving four stars rather than 5 because I'm not sure the food was good enough to justify the high prices. read more

Excellent place. Walking in the door the place has great atmosphere. Beside the initial introduction to the place, the food is artfully presented and is of amazing quality. I have eaten here many a time and recommend it highly to all walks of people no matter what your taste. Just want a burger? Try out their excellent cheddar cheeseburger. My favorite sandwich here would be the chicken breast sandwich on cranberry pecan sourdough. Amazing. Appetizer-wise I would personally go for the mussels. Entree-wise, anything pork they create! The adobo pork on the summer menu is excellent. Also a great place to take a date to. Great Job. read more

Best salmon I've had in a long time! The food is always amazing. More on the pricy side but, you get what you pay for.

A group of us visiting some Duluthian friends decided to go here for a Saturday night meal. My Duluthian friend called for a reservation for 8 people about a week early. The person that fielded the call abruptly told her that they were too busy to take the reservation. We would have to wait with baited breath for a callback. Two days later, after a follow-up email from us, she got a callback. Woohoo, we got a reservation for 8 people. After working that hard for a reservation, we were half expecting to see Lindsay Lohan. When we arrived, no Lindsay and no reservation. As Seinfeld says, anybody can take a reservation. The key is to hold the reservation. We were told that our table was unavailable because the preceding group was taking longer to eat than anticipated. We would find out later that the wait was more likely due to the incredibly slow service, but I am getting ahead of myself. The host was very cordial, but after waiting 25 minutes, I was hoping for some complimentary drinks or appetizers. No such luck. Ultimately, we settled for sitting at a table for 6 and jammed in 2 extra chairs. After we were seated it took the waitress 20 minutes to take our drink order. The waitress was also just bizarre. She didn't apologize for being outlandishly late to the table. Instead, when one of our friends inquired about 2 different wines because she couldn't recall which one she had during the last visit, the waitress snapped that she didn't serve her last time, so she doesn't know what wine my friend had. Awkward. Anyhow, you get the picture--bad service. The food, however, was very good. I had the sashimi tuna tacos as an appetizer and the tempeh reuben for my meal. I pwould definitely recommend the tuna tacos. They came in a fried, crispy shell filled with avocado, lightly seared tuna, with soy sauce. The dish came with some great wasabi sauce and spicy soy coleslaw. The others were also pleased with their food as well. Highlights include the filet mignon and the ham and bean soup. Sadly, the whole thing was soured by the service. Service that came wrapped in a bow with a mandatory 20% gratuity given that we were a table of 8. Nice touch. I am not a psychologist, but I think that the mandatory gratuity may have some relationship to the horrible service. So, New Scenic, if you are reading this, PLEASE train your waitstaff better or hire new servers. It is preventing you from being a 5-star restaurant. read more

It is a well known restaurant, and one of those staples as you travel the north shore. Service is great, but portions can be fairly skimpy for the price. The quality of food is fantastic. My one frustration is how small the children's portions are. If I'm spending money on a nice meal with my family, I'd like for my children to have enough food to eat. The French toast, for example, is only one slice. So it is one of those places to maybe save for when you aren't that hungry or for special occasions. read more

For the past 17 years I have been going to the New Scenic Cafe with my family, because of how much we love the amazing and unique food. I recently went and visited the restaurant for an early lunch and had one of the worst experiences at a restaurant. I never thought I would say this about the New Scenic Cafe, but our lunch experience was terrible. I ordered the heirloom tomato salad as wells as the fresh herring sandwich. The salad was on a very large plate and although it was decorated exquisitely, there was barely any salad on the plate. I would have maybe considered this a side dinner salad. It had a little bit of arugula, maybe two marcona almonds cut up, and about one tomato on the plate. I have never been so disappointed in a meal. I would've complained to the waitress, but she never checked up on us throughout our meal and was incredibly slow. It saddened me to walk away from what used to be my favorite restaurant and knowing that I would never come back. read more

This place has a nice atmosphere and menu, although a bit noisy. The food that we ordered had good flavor. The problem is that the food was delivered to the table tepid at best. When we told the waiter he said he would let the kitchen know. Nothing was heard after that. We had heard so many positive things and were looking forward to a great experience only to be let down. We will not return anytime soon. read more

This has great service and atmosphere. Right on the lake for a great view. Prices are a little high for what you get, but it's not that big of a splurge. Go have fun, laugh and enjoy. read more

There is no doubt that the food here is perfection. I have never had a bad meal here. My issue is with the service. This restaurant seems to be a victim of its own success. The last three times I've been here, I've had to wait at least 15 minutes for a table when the restaurant has many empty tables. The hostess is rarely at her post, and I've seen people walk out because they were not greeted or acknowledged. The staff is confused about what creates a sophisticated atmosphere. They act like they are doing me a favor to seat me in a faux friendly Minnesota passive aggressive manner. They act pretentious when presenting the menu specials, but they don't pay attention to details. For instance, I ordered a bottle of sparkling water. At a nice restaurant, the waiter would stop and refill my glass for me. Not here. Bottomline, I don't like the attitude, and the special touches of being in a fine dining restaurant are missing. If you come here, you WILL have a great meal, and I suggest a reservation, although you may still have to wait. Also expect a similar experience if you go to Sara's Table at Taran's Market. Maybe its a Duluth thing.... read more

The food is awesome! What a great chef and cooking team! The escargot taste reminded me of escargot I had in France! All the dishes were flavored well w a good presentation. Who can resist that view of the lake and the fire pit! Great place for a drink with friends out doors or for a nice date. I drive from metro to eat their dishes! I can talk all day about their dishes, but the escargot stood out for me in MN. Their escargot is the best in MN. Meritage escargot dish doesn't compare to their escargot. I would have to say also This is one of my favorite American food experience! Clean: 5 Service:5 Waiting line: 2. We waited for a table of 2 for about 30-45 mins. Thank goodness for the warm view and fire outside! Parking can get challenging, everyone is there. read more

My wife and I love coming to the New Scenic Café whenever we are in Duluth! We always have an elevated dining experience and there is always something interesting and new on the menu. The setting is perfect and there isn't anywhere else like it in Duluth. I'm also a fan of their beverage program, I've tried a lot of different wines and beers that I probably wouldn't otherwise. Highly recommend and can't wait until my next trip up north. read more

People have been telling me about this place for 5 years - and we finally got there. We had great food. Have to find a reason to go back - kind of pricey for us but worth a special visit. read more

I had a fabulous lunch at New Scenic Cafe. The butternut squash stew was actually the best stew I've ever had, and that paired with a a turkey asparagus sandwich made quite the memorable lunch (with a great view). I can't wait to return, I would really want to enjoy a dinner here. read more

Excellent food, waitstaff, and wine selection. Beautiful restaurant location, small, intimate setting.

Best food in MN. One of my favorite places to got to in the world. Always good. Always original. This is a gem of a restaurant in the middle of nowhere (really...). read more

Such a mixed plate. Food was fantastic. Service was deplorable. If you are the owner and you are reading this, fire dane. We sat for 20 minutes without anyone even acknowledging us..and this was after waiting 30 minutes for a table.. We were watching the.server in our section simply fail with his 7 tables. Two of them flat out walked out durung that 20 minutes. A woman who wasnt even working our section came over and ended up taking over three of the 7 tables..she literally saved the day. The food was phenomenal, but we won't be back for a long time because he was simply so horrible.. read more

this place is super cute and beautiful..... it is very small and in the evening wait can be up to and beyond an hour and half..... but it is worth it, food is very good if you have to wait, you can sit outside on chairs and benches facing the lake, spectacular view!!!!!!! read more

This restaurant has been on my North Shore itinerary for many years. I came here for tasty beautiful local food plus the ambience of their Lake Superior setting Changes: no local fish or fish sandwich (local herring was wonderful) on the menu. A lobster roll "special" instead. This was lunch and the prices were high. Their tomatoes growing in their front yard weren't on the heirloom tomato sandwich. Service not quite as timely. My experience saddened me because I felt the restaurant owners/chef are stretching for a level of sophistication that has changed their focus and cooking. read more

Always love eating here! Staff are helpful, professional, and fun. Food can't be beat. Especially nice in the daytime, so that you can see the lake from your table. read more

I've never been so sad into be done with a meal. The best mussels I have ever encountered. What a gem!

Artistic, good-quality food. Original. The best in Duluth!

Have to agree with many other reviews that the service is weak. Seems as though they are always short staffed. That said, we travel miles for the food. Really good and very creative. Try the fondue appetizer for a real treat. read more

Sea Bass was incredibly good. Beef was great too. Rhubarb pie was the best. Highly recommend this place. Just 20mins north of Duluth. Reservations encouraged on Friday-Saturday. read more

OUTSTANDING, sophisticated cuisine in an unassuming place. Beautiful garden to sit in, either to sip some wine, relax after dinner, or enjoy the lake breeze and view after dinner. read more

This was our destination place. The food was unique and delicious. Stopped on our way to Grand Marais for lunch today and were so disappointed. The walleye sandwich had no flavor - served with a clementine?!. The burger had American cheese and was nothing special. The new outside look is nice but I think they paid for it by taking everything special out of the food. Sad. read more

We stumbled on this place randomly during a drive from Duluth back to Thunder Bay. Everything we ate was perfect - it was the best dining surprise I've had in a long time. I was particularly impressed that the quality and selection of desserts was as good as the dinner options. Worth the drive from Thunder Bay just to eat here. read more

I stopped here at mile 40 of a 50 mile bike ride for lunch. I had the house salad & cream of chicken soup. The salad arrived topped with puff pastry ( I think!) and the soup was paired with a soft end of a baguette. Perfect for a warm summer day with a view. Sigh.. read more

Finally made it to the New Scenic for our capstone meal of our Duluth weekend! Was everything we imagined, including being hidden outside of the city but certainly worth it. We had to take a later reservation, but it was worth not rushing. Our server was friendly, helpful, honest and welcoming. The service was a bit slow and honest when she didn't have an answer, but she seemed to be the only server in our entire section, so it may have been a long day. The great food selections - green pea falafel, house salads with awesome dressing, ratatouille lasagna, orange gremolata osso bucco, followed by deconstructed carrot cake and a Sauternes parfait - were capped by a great wine list ( at least 3/4 of which were available by the glass!). Osso bucco with boquerones is brilliant especially given the citrus overtones - the only thing missing was a little heft, maybe some pearl barley or orzo? Coffee was weak tasting, which bus a shame given the great local roasters in the area. All minor quibbles as we would rank it in the top 10 for our meals in the state! read more

So happy we were able to make it here! The food was amazing. All very different dishes that you wouldn't find anywhere else. If you want to impress a date, this would most definitely be the place. read more

We stopped here both to and from our north shore destination. Drive the more scenic North Shore Blvd and dine here.

This is really a great place. Stopped there on our way up north for lunch. It was packed on a Monday. I had a great salad and a bowl of homemade minestrone vegetable soup. Very very good. My wife had a great dish with fresh sautéed figs, maple butter, big slice of blue cheese, and lots of toast. Was really excellent. I would give this place 4.5 stars if I could because the only iced tea available was black with a heavy peach flavor. An awful affectation in an otherwise delightful meal. Why can't they also serve plain black iced tea without the super strong peach perfume? read more

Excellent food!!! I had the steak au poivre, and my wife had the stuffed pork tenderloin, both very tasty!!! The only negative was the small piece of grissel on my steak. The service was friendly and fast... Thanks Scenic for a GREAT meal & 1/2 price wine on Wednesday!! read more

These people are trying hard and succeeding! Egg/Brie/Asparagus Sandwich; House Salad with crispy phyllo and roasted grapes. Scandinavian northwoods ambiance, great for foodies on their way up to the North Shore. Don't miss! read more

Top 5 meals of my life (I'm 50, so that's lots of meals)! Traveling north for the day, we used Yelp to find the New Scenic Cafe. With construction it was a bit difficult to figure out how to get there, but call their number and there's a recording telling you how to get there. We had the French onion soup, blue cheese & fig appetizer, sashimi tacos, lobster rolls, asparagus & egg sandwich, and creme brûlée. We took three other desserts for the trip. Everything was amazing! In fact, we plan on driving back through Duluth and stopping for lunch again tomorrow. If you are in the area, you absolutely MUST stop here...it is worth it. read more

Friendly staff, great food, nice wine selection. The beet and endive salads are delicious. Excellent chocolate terrine!

Great food and atmosphere! Take a lovely drive along the North Shore of Lake Superior and enjoy! Love this place!!!