Wow don't go here unless you have a lot of time to wait. Was told 45 minutes and it took over an hour to be seated with no updates even though we were sitting right by the hostess. A family of 4 who was only there 20 minutes was seated before us and was updated that their table would be ready shortly. At this point I was ready to walk out but we were starving as it had already been an hour so I decided to stick it out. Once seated they moved at a snails pace and gave us about 6 pistachios to snack on, which was just comical at that point. Food was good but way over priced. I got the fish and chips and they gave 5 tater tots, again just comical. About half the tables were empty so I guess they were short staffed? If you do come here have reservations and don't come hungry. read more

The current upgrades outside look great and they were busy all day so we stopped in for dinner. I won't be back even though we spend a large amount of time all summer on the north shore. The burger was the only item my wife would order and the fries seemed like they were off the bottom of the fryer. The service was friendly and timely but she never stopped back to see how we were doing. My seared duck was tough and couldn't chew it long enough. Everything was salty including my salad. This was overpriced for the portions. I would have been content with a BLT when stopping in at a "Cafe". The noise in the dining area was loud and echoed. Overall, very disappointed! read more

Hm. The food was superlative. But this review is two stars because superlative food is, frankly, fairly easy to come by in Duluth, Minnesota, and the United States generally. It's 2018! Who can't cook a scallop? New Scenic can. The scallops I had were good. My partner's duck breast was excellent, too. But here are the facts: we were at a 4-person table for our date, which we had a reservation for 2 for. We were surrounded by large parties in a small wood-paneled trailer, atmosphere leeching from the room, and our waitress was shockingly taciturn (mumble-mouthed through the specials, no explanation on appetizers even when more information was sought, etc). We were given a menu with no headings, despite implicit delineation between appetizers, salads, entrees, and sandwiches. New Scenic supposedly has a shop, but we saw no evidence of it, nor were we directed towards it. The fire pit and garden were lovely, but it was too crowded to explore. Each course arrived a tad too quickly and was whisked away without regard to timing or our desire to linger. Somehow, we had a 2-hour dinner that felt like it took 15 minutes and 6 hours, all at once. Good cooking can be had elsewhere, with better company, in more beautiful surroundings. Maybe 10 years ago this was worth the drive, but now? Meh. Don't bother. read more

The mussels and scallops were absolutely amazing. We're stopping here every time we get to the North Shore.

*Food exceeded expectations *Atmosphere had a relaxed, country vibe..pine walls, original artwork etc., with a hipster twist... *Fresh ingredients, VERY thoughtful dishes that were very well executed *Tried for dinner: *Roasted beets with fried goat cheese in a brown butter and honey sauce---Delicious!!! *Seared sea scallops with a potato puree, corn and bacon succotash (no beans) *Duck breast with curried apricot, maiche salad with berries, spinach tartlet -Everything wasof great portion, carefully cooked/prepared *Dessert Grilled peaches with puff pastry and brown butter caramel -Great way to end the meal *Strong MENU: It was a tough choice!!! Great prices..so good! TIPS: -Make reservations, get there on time--it's busy -Great selection of beers -Dinner service can be a bit slower due to scratch cooking concept, COMPLETELY WORTH the waiting!!!! -Casual attire, friendly service -Food is done perfectly!!! The chefs that works here have a great craft going!!! One thing that didn't set me on fire was the hodgepodgeness of the rooms...the ses...the set-up seemed scattered and it was hot--turn the AC or open those windows bros! -Can't wait to eat here again! read more

My husband and I look forward to eating and enjoying our evening at the New Scenic Cafe every time we travel to Duluth. It is wonderful! I would eat there every week if we didn't live so far away. VIVI Ginsberg Smith www.viviginsbergsmith.com read more

Celebrated a birthday there yesterday. Amazing meal. I had the soba salad - loved the tangy vinegar on the shimeji mushrooms against the sesame oil of the noodles. The pork tenderloin entree was very good. Also had the vegetarian tempeh Reuben which was great. Had the decadent brownie and a fig dish for dessert (nice balance between the cheese, figs, brown butter, and local maple syrup). Great service, amazing food. The use of fresh ingredients is imaginative. Definitely a place to return to! read more

Definitely worth the scenic drive to go. We went for lunch and I want to clear up someone else's review - it was not hot in there. It is air conditioned. They did say there was outside dining on their page and there is not. It was worth it though and the view of blooming red bea balm with red Adirondack chairs outside was very quaint. If you did have to wait it's a nice little spot to sit. The walleye and chicken sandwiches were excellent with exceptional presentation. Triple berry pie was worthy of a splurge day. All desserts are home made we were told. My husband came out of the bathroom and said, "It's like a sauna in there!" He meant it literally looked like a sauna to him. Haha. I only gave it four stars because it's tight seating and that makes it a little loud. Don't let that stop you. read more

We originally found this jewel of the North over 15 years ago, when ever we returned to the north shore we would look for it and we assumed they had closed. Today we drove the scenic route and watching closely for the restaurant again. It was very foggy this time in spring. It was like brigade on when our favorite restaurant appeared from the mist of Lake Superior. The food is as amazing as our first time. I had an Ani tuna taco which was fantastic. All the flavors balanced and exposed themselves. The texture of the taco she'll was glorious. The herring sandwich was exquisite. read more

Have been coming to North Shore for 30 years, but this was our first trip to Scenic Cafe and, boy were we glad to finally experience this gem! We arrived at a busy time on a holiday weekend without reservations, so had to wait about 30 min, but were treated courteously and offered wine while we waited outside looking at Lake Superior. We enjoyed the incredible scallops and the lamb shank for dinner. Thankfully we took the advice of our great waitress Aubrey and had the Mission figs for dessert (listed as appetizer) - one of the most incredible flavor combinations EVER! read more

Great experience! Food was amazing. Ordered the mussels for appetizer and it was our favorite. Ordered the braised lamb and sea bass for entree. Both were good. Lamb a bit too salty for our taste. Creme brûlée and cherry pie for dessert and would recommend both. Even with the salty lamb we give it 5 stars. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Recommended to me by a friend many years ago, we now stop every time we come to the north shore. The menu changes every time we're here, but it's nothing short of excellent every time. I won't try to describe what we had this time - my family of four got a variety of appetizers salads and entrees including 2 specials - all outstanding. read more

Had an amazing lunch. Great bottle of French wine, escargot, French onion soup and salads followed by triple berry pie. Emma was great. Such a fitting way to celebrate a retirement anniversary. read more

We tried New Scenic Cafe for the first time on our 30th anniversary. The food was amazing and the service was great. A very memorable dinner and highly recommended. read more

Very tasty unique dishes. While selections are limited compared to other places, the food is very high quality and of a variety not found nearby. The Tuna Tacos (sashimi tuna) are absolutely "must have" heavenly food. Portions are correctly sized (meaning don't expect a trough sized "American" portion) and satisfying. read more

My wife and I went to New Scenic Cafe for lunch on a Saturday, we walked right in no reservations needed. First, the outside of the building needs an update, as we drove up I thought "is this the right place?". The interior seems to have been updated fairly recently and I don't really have any criticisms against it as it does match the locale. The servers and the food definitely had a finer dining feel. We started with the duck confit egg roll, it is without a doubt the second most amazing dish I've ever had, ever. It was so good in fact that we ordered another after our entree... My wife and I split a sand which that was a special of the day, it was very good. The prices I felt were very good for the quality of the food you were getting. I really, really loved this place and will definitely frequent it on my visits to Duluth from now on. read more

The best table in the Duluth area! Eaten here a hundred times over the years. Friendly staff, great chef (Scott Graden). No wonder this place captures so much local catering business. New American menu, rustic up north interior is warm. *Fantastic! read more

The scenic use to be my husband and my favorite restaurant, unfortunately for at least the past year each time we've gone the food AND service has been extremely disappointing! Last night we decided to try it again and again food just mediocre and service was just ok. We've decided we don't need to go back, sad but it's just not what it once was- and I don't know why :( read more

Husband and I have been here several times, and, it is easily on my top ten restaurant experiences...this includes some very hoity toity and famous places I have been. Then again, it could be that we are just so shocked that a place like this exists in northern MN. Yet, this is a place we take family and friends when they come to visit from back east, and they all have been impressed. Dh and I first went on a lark. We heard about it and happened to drive by. What little we heard was good, but we had no idea how good it would actually be. At the time, we had newly moved to the area and were absolutely starving for some decent food. NSC delivered. After an awesome fondue with bread you just can't find in the Northland (seriously...there is no decent bread up here), he had the duck and I had squab (? it's been a three or four years since we went). My squab was over a sweet potato puree with tasso. I was in love. Dh was very impressed, too. Then I had the chocolate (mocha? again, a long time ago) cake for dessert. Meal and wines were first rate. However, just like all new restaurants that become popular, the chef that makes it great decides he needs some nights off and another chef takes over some nights, or business costs make it necessary to cut back on a few things, and each visit since has gone down hill. The place was so great to start with, though, downhill is still far and away better than most restaurants you will find. The service is excellent, as well. Just be sure to make reservations!!! read more

Was first inspired to join Yelp and add a review based on the pleasant experience my wife and I had at New Scenic Cafe this evening. We first found the restaurant as a listing on Yelp and decided to make a reservation for our return trip to Duluth after touring the Minnesota Lake Superior shore. The food was awesome and creative and the wait staff helpful and attentive. My wife ordered the duck breast and I ordered the beef tenderloin. The meats were perfectly prepared and accompanied by creative sauces. The duck breast sauce was prepared with butternut squash and pistachio, the beef tenderloin came with a version of mole and a sweet cashew nut cream as well as heirloom carrots, a pastry made with dates and small sweet rounded variety of dates. We preceded the entrees with soup of the day, Curried Butternut Squash and Spinach. Hints of Indian curry base blended with bites of a variety of vegetables that were not overcooked. Our waitress helped select the wine, a reasonably priced bottle of cabernet from Washington State, a very smooth and fruity version of cabernet. Finally we shared a dessert, a chocolate terrine, just the right ending. All the desserts are made in house. Once again our waitress suggested this selection. The bill is presented in a leather bound notebook where previous customers have made comments and you are invited to add yours. We have never seen this touch before. Given the quality of the food and service New Scenic Cafe has nothing to fear in allowing customers this courtesy. read more

After a day exploring Duluth, Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock this provided the perfect end to a perfect day. Excellent cuisine cooked to a standard easily equal to a good European bistro. Recommended read more

Lobster roll was sweet but not overly rich, curried cauliflower soup was excellent with a mild curry flavor, roasted figs with blue cheese and crusted bread was a sweet end to a marvelous lunch. read more

Great restaurant. The food was awesome and service was energetic and happy. Overall amazing restaurant. read more

New Scenic Cafe - Looking out at the lake after a great meal - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

My friend took me there. Since I m new to Duluth she is helping me to visit all the famous restaurant.,wow food is amazing. Good service , nice and cozy place. I just love it. I m going back again for sure.. read more

Five star food, one star service. However, the food is so good I almost considered a five star rating on here. Buckle up, this is a long one. Anyways, we live around 20 minutes away, so we make a somewhat regular venture up to the cafe. Every time we have previously dined here, we've had nothing but perfect service. Today, however, was a letdown to say the least. After a short wait (to be expected on a Sunday) we were sat and after a good 5 minutes of waiting to be greeted, we were met with a server abruptly slamming a small bowl of pistachios and waters on the table before stalking off without a word. A few minutes after, Mackenzie greeted us with a canned welcome and asked if we needed drinks. We had a few questions about the selection and her answers were anything but satisfactory. After asking her to check on the selections of a certain beer, she reluctantly disappeared to check. Finally, drinks are at the table and she immediately assumes were ready to order. Now normally, patrons are met almost immediately upon sitting with the specials of the day. This was not the case today. We had to inquire ourselves, and still did not get any decent idea of what the specials entailed. We finally make our decisions (two bowls of soup and a split sandwich) when she asks if we would like the soups before. We declined, as we planned to eat them together. Later, two bowls of soup arrive, no sandwich. About 6 or 7 minutes into realizing that we may not be receiving said sandwich, we flag her down and she informs us that it will be up shortly, after running to the POS and returning a few moments later. Hmm. Okay. It eventually comes out, about 10-15 minutes after our inquiry- strangely the amount of time a sandwich might take in a kitchen normally. As my partner and I are both in the industry, we were well aware that she had forgotten to fire our sandwich originally. She was very unapologetic and ignored our table as much as possible after food drop off. Moral of the story, the food was wonderful as it always is, and their drink selection is also quite unique and pleasant as is the atmosphere. Hopefully you receive better service than we did, but that really is the only thing to detract from the restaurant. As two seasoned restaurant service employees, we are quite picky when we're paying New Scenic prices and expect service that matches the food. Normally, the place delivers. Hopefully this is just a fluke. read more

Amazing! This place gets me to try ingredients I didn't think I liked before they worked their magic. We've sampled many items from their menu mostly the sandwiches as we tend to stop in for early lunch. The dessert menu is also a must. I love that the menu is always fresh and very creative! The atmosphere with graden in the front and the lake across the street is unmatched. This is the type of place that inspires people to step out of comfort zones. I crave those tuna tacos with the slaw. Oh man. And I don't normally like tuna. read more

Love it. Great food, small restaurant between Duluth and Two Harbors right on the lake. The inside isn't all that fancy, more of a log cabin feel, the food is delicious! Everything is very reasonably priced, great wine and beer selection as well. Once you've been there, you will be back soon again, I promise. read more

My wife and I came here for our honeymoon weekend on a beautiful day in the middle of the summer. The view of the lake is great, the atmosphere inside the restaurant is ok and the service is terrible. I had such high expectations because of a couple of previous experiences here a couple years ago. The only really good thing about our visit was the hostess. She sat us right away and gave us water. It was at least 6-7 minutes before we were spoken to again. Our server walked by us at least a dozen times and wiped down 2 tables that were next to us before speaking to us. Once we finally got our food it was very tasteless. The grouper with creamy polenta had no taste at all and the sea bas was equally as bland. I asked for a beer that was on the list and the server told me "oh we sold out of that months ago". Am I supposed to know that? Then I asked for a different beer, didn't have that either. Really need to update your beer and wine list if you are out of something for "months" This is absolutely the last time I will ever go here. read more

We stopped at the Scenic View Cafe for lunch and ordered sandwiches. It looked like a kind of cute place on the north shore. When we noticed all the dead flies on the window sills, we should have left. The food was bland, and for what it was, over priced. The only flavor the heirloom tomato sandwich had was from the grilled ciabatta bread. The tomatoes were flavorless as was the mozzarella cheese. The melons on the side were not completely ripe. The lemonade was overly tart. The waiter did not offer a different beverage, but just made a remark of "yes, it is tart" and added water to it. Not really what you'd expect for the price. Next time I visit Duluth and want a scenic view, I'll take a picnic lunch and stop at one of the many parks along Northshore Drive. read more

The restaurant location was quite nice, the outdoor little garden had a very welcoming feeling, and the inside of the restaurant looked cozy. We had sandwiches, which was pretty good, kind of had that "gourmet" side to it, also had free refills for the coffee, but we felt the menu was bit overpriced. Overall, we had a fun experience at this place :) read more

The only redeeming quality of this restaurant is the high quality and variety of the cuisine. Don't get me wrong, the food was excellent. But the wait staff were aloof, slow, and mainly absent. I don't think I saw one smile all night. Regardless of having made reservations, since we knew the restaurant was busy, we had to wait ten minutes to be seated. We waited over an hour to get our meals after the time of our reservations, and I nearly walked out since it took so long. After we had eaten and the waitress took our plates, we waited another ten minutes to even be offered dessert. The quality of which was alright, but not a showstopper. read more

We eat here whenever we travel up the north shore and the food is consistently great. The tuna sashimi tacos are especially memorable. Today we had a fig and blue cheese dish, a kale salad, and a great champagne recommended by our waitress. read more

What can I say? This place serves good food at Duluth. Out of my 3 years of winter jail time in Duluth, this was my favorite restaurant. While their entrees are expensive, they really strive to make the best food with seasonal ingredients. Hence, if you come different times of the years you'll notice the changes in their menu which is how a restaurant should run, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. I had a bunch of different items from their menu and I can recall the Salmon burger being one of the most interesting thing I ate in "Duluth" as they don't use the typical buns. The salmon patty was made with fresh grounded salmon with herb seasoning. The slice of cucumber was pickled by themselves, and a hint of fresh cilantro really lifts the the burger into a different aroma that made this a 5/5 burger. However, my complaint is that why the heck did they use fruit as a side....... you might as well throw the fruit down the trash because this completely ruins the plate. Since your burger is warm, the fruit will taste warm even slightly cooked on one side and cold on the other side which I'm not a fan of. Otherwise, leave room for dessert. If you are going for the Salmon burger I suggest asking them to recommend you a light dessert. read more

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Fabulous in every way. Great variety in the menu and beautiful presentation. And oh so delish! Pretty drive to get there, too. I have had wonderful salads and sandwiches. I love the BLT and the house salad. read more

This place came highly recommended and the quality of three of four items did not disappoint. The shrimp fried rice was amazing as was the rhubarb pie and the bee sting cake but the salmorejo soup wasn't great however. The service was good but I would point out that for the price the portion size was small with even two people with the ability to eat less than 12 ounces total in one sitting both left still hungry. read more

Pure bliss. My husband and I stopped by on our way back from Lutsen. New Scenic is beautiful and calm and what comes out of their kitchen is amazing - fresh, creative, deep flavor and beautifully presented.Tops all around in my book! read more

Maybe I ordered the wrong thing but there's NOTHING special about this place. Its a very small, tight (read: uncomfortably close to your neighbors), and crowded. I'm happy that a local business is thriving. I'm happy that a "mom & pop" shop is always full but I don't get it. Its your basic diner with higher prices. read more

Vegetarian?! Sorry, this is not a vegetarian place. One tempeh dish on the menu doens't make it vegetarian. Vegetarians can find something to eat here, but anyone expecting a vegetarian restaurant should go elsewhere. Now, i'm not from Minnesota, i was just driving through on business. I stopped here on the advice of yelpers, and while the vibe is nice, the service good, and they're really trying, my food was just meh. It had an uneven temperature, and was very heavy, despite being a lighter scallop dish. And there's very little view of the lake. I don't even live here, and I've had better food in the state, so i disagree with those who say it's the best food in Minnesota. read more

As a Duluth native and veteran server/bartender, I can guarantee you better service, better food, and a much less pretentious atmosphere if you travel just a bit farther north or south along the shore. Not worth it, keep on trekking! read more

The atmosphere was perfect. Good views open space fit right into its scenery. And the food was very pleasing. I went with the special appetizer of fogs and blue cheese - it was heavenly. And for the enter I went with the vegetable "lasagna". Who new healthy food could taste so good! My spouse had the heirloom tomato appetizer and the duck - both are on the regular menu and seemed to be pretty good picks as well. read more