The first time we went here it was about a year ago. We waited over an hour for our food and our waitress was rude and didn't acknowledge our wait time. We tried a second time a few weeks ago to give it another try. This time we ordered the oysters and they smelled absolutely horrendous! My husband and I order oysters all the time from other restaurants in the twin cities and they never smell bad. These were so bad it made our fingers stink. I refused to eat them for obvious reasons. Strike two. Just bad. We tried again because it's such a pretty cafe with a cozy vibe we just keep striking out. Maybe third time will be a charm?? Idk. Have to see. But disappointed for sure. read more

New Scenic Cafe - The view. - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Excellent lake (Superior) side cafe with a Swedish flair. We enjoyed absolutely everything we ordered, as well as the bakery items we picked up! We'd highly recommend finding this gem! read more

This is a favorite spot for MANY people. A destination as they head up to the North Shore. For me - it's good, not great for the price! It's QUITE expensive for the portions and what you get. Each time I've been there the service has sub-par and they always have a huge wait (I completely also get that it's difficult to find help right now)! Dishes are unique (expensive) and fresh! Flavors are good, but I think they are lacking on seasoning and a bit of the WOW factor that you'll find for the same price at restaurants in MSP. We got the figs (YUM) The salmon (OK) The heirloom tomatoes (Past prime season) The ratatouille (BEST DISH) Scallops (3 scallops, OK) Again, go for the fire, for a glass of wine outside enjoying the area, maybe grab something to go from their to go counter, but at least for me, not worth the price! read more

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This will be our stop on the way up to Grand Marais from now on. This was on the radar and we had no idea it was Swedish. We got here about 4 for dinner. A good time to come cause they were already taking phone reservations and the place was full enough. They bring pistachios to the table and we gobbled those up. We share the Sichuan shrimp app. It was skimpy, 4 pieces, but delicious. Me and my friend both got the salmon special. I forgot how Swedes like to layer everything. Yet the layered salmon didn't bother me at all and I didn't pick anything apart. It went something like sauce, bread, rutabaga puree, salmon, ground beets, and a grassy, dill topping. You can see it in photo 110. My friend spotted someone's fries and had to have some. They did look good and tasted amazing. We opted for dessert. I got creme brulee with lingonberry sauce. Basil got lemon raspberry tureen. It's very lemony. This was quite a mesmerizing experience. As you walk in the counter has loads of goodies. I wanted the Lurpak salted butter and Rogotzke maple syrup made in Duluth. Don't forget the salmon spread for a hotel snack. I love the no tipping policy, just a surcharge for everyone. I was surprised that they are open 11 even on weekends, yet there are breakfast options everyday. I'm glad to finally drive the scenic route both ways. read more

Best meal I've ever eaten. HANDS DOWN. If you are looking for a hidden gem and an orgasmic experience this is it.

This has been one of our favorite restaurants for years. It's always an excuse to make a road trip from the Twin Cities.

This is a sweet spot to sit and watch the lake while eating delicious what I'm assuming is Swedish food. While our wait after ordering was quite long I attributing it to our large party. I saw other two seaters who received their food in a good amount of time. My only "critique" is their version of pea and ham soup is not creamy. It's very good though. read more

New Scenic Cafe - Deviled eggs - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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New Scenic Cafe, located in far northern Duluth, is a Scandinavian spot tucked away in the woods with lovely views of Lake Superior. It's a nice spot to get a cup of coffee (they don't serve tea, oddly) and a slice of vegan pie ($6). Our flavor was wild Minnesota blueberry and it was oh-so-delicious with understated sweetness, fresh berries, and a lovely crust. The cafe also has a decent selection of beer and wine. They don't otherwise offer any substantial vegan food options. Stop by for a drink and the views. read more

New Scenic Cafe - Wild Minnesota blueberry pie slice ($6), vegan. Amazingly fresh, not too sweet & great texture to crust. - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Get ready for: The "New" New Scenic Cafe (Seinfeld) Soup Nazi experience Change is part of life. Business owners make changes which they believe their clients will tolerate and hopefully embrace. Scenic feels like it's gotten too Big for their Britches. I am insulted when you hit my credit card for a 20% service charge, for the privilege of patronizing your restaurant. Am I a burden? Such a burden you need to charge me 20% on top of already healthy prices? The service charge is a distraction from the food. 15% for a service charge supposedly 5% for the credit card charge* *We all know a visa charge to a business is not 5% ... sooo well ahhhh (uncomfortable silence) The 20% "money Grab" shows up "after" you order and the innocent "bubble 20's someone Millennial" describes it as a "required charge to the card." What an insult, with a smile of course. Have we all become lemmings? Long time customer ... no longer I've been coming to Scenic Cafe since well, a very long time. I won't come back. * service charge for "no service" and you get to shuffle yourself to-and-from the building to collect your food. Oh, don't forget to clean up after your meal and please return your dirty dishes. Kinda like the elementary school cafeteria, when you were a third grader. Additionally, enjoying a "starter" followed by an "appetizer" and then your entrée is still possible. Yaaaaah!! Be aware, all three courses are all just piled on your tray at the same time, which you'll notice when they text you to come get your own food. Get the Picture? Good. Oh, and ... Giving up your name and phone number ... They collect your name and phone number - yeah, to obtain your overpriced food + forced 20% service fee you've gotta provide your name and cell phone. Also, they want to see your drivers license - if you buy a beer or wine. Doesn't matter if you're 82 years old like the guy in from of me. Rules-Are-Rules so "get in line" and subject yourself to the (Seinfeld) Soup Nazi Experience which is the "New" New Scenic Cafe. YUCK ~ I won't be back ... $63 for a single meal under these conditions? No thank you. Photos: I'd take a photo of the required service charge sign, but didn't see one. If there's anything posted, it wasn't obvious and not clearly visible as you enter the door to the building. I'm not posting food photos, I'm too irritated. My entrée was cold, and harassed by fly's while I quickly worked through the tasting and appetizer courses. Remember, you get all three courses at the same time. Why? Well, because it's easier for The "New" New Scenic Cafe. read more

This restaurant could have terrible service, sticky floors, Hunts ketchup instead of Heinz, and I would STILL give it five stars for one dish alone: king crab on shokupan toast. This was - I'm not kidding - one of the best dishes I've had in at least a year. And surprise surprise: New Scenic Cafe doesn't slouch on service or ambiance. I don't actually know what ketchup they serve but I'm betting it's decent. Our waiter was pleasant, and the host offered recommendations for our order, which was appreciated. Food wise, pretty much everything we ordered was lovely. The banh mi eclairs were delicious little bites, the smorgasbord was a really tasty plethora of offerings, and my husband's entree (a fish special) was ALMOST as good as my king crab. We also got the lefse appetizer which was nice but a bit forgettable. We grabbed a few items at the bakery on our way out, and those were delicious as well. The ham/cheese croissant was scrumptious after warmed slightly in the oven the next morning. I also really appreciate that no one gave us grief for bringing our four month old in her stroller into the restaurant. She's a pretty chill baby but we were definitely nervous that folks would be annoyed she was accompanying us, but there was no need to worry. In fact, in the bathroom there was not only a changing table, but a pack of complimentary wipes! I seriously appreciated that gesture. I think we'll probably make a visit to New Scenic Cafe a necessity whenever we're up North. read more

I have been wanting to eat here for ages and we finally made it in as a perfect post hike late lunch. Everything we ordered was delicious: Lobster roll, Lamb, Scallops and the Scandinavian shrimp egg salad sandwich with fresh dill. Friendly service! Lovely setting on the North Shore and one of the few great meals we've had in the area. read more

New Scenic Cafe - Scallops - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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Way overpriced, and they also charge an extra 20% on top of that. Great views though! I've noticed most touristy places in Minnesota love to price gouge vacationers. read more

Lots of outdoor seating, fresh baked goods, and a limited menu. $64 for 2 sandwiches, 4 deviled eggs, chips, a beer, and a cream soda felt a bit pricey to me. The food was just okay, but the price probably affected my flavor palate. It's a cute place, but I'd be interested to see what their full regular menu is like when their kitchen is actually open. Right now, they're still in a reduced staff, covid, food truck kind of mode apparently, so it's just counter sercive. read more

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Great view of the lake! Get a reservation or you'll probably have a 20+ minute wait. Good food, nice atmosphere. Great pastries. read more

I LOVE this place! I don't know what kind of fairies and magicians are in that kitchen, but I have loved everything Ive ever tasted that has come through those doors. It's an adorable little place right along the shoreline, so getting to the restaurant is already so breathtaking. The service is excellent! The waitstaff makes you feel cared for and is able to describe the food to help you make good decisions, but really, I dont think theres a bad choice on that menu. I got the rack of lambs, and Ill drive 3 hrs from the Twin Cities to get it again! The meat was perfectly cooked, flavorful and everything on the plate just complemented it so well. I was on my way home (that 3 hr drive), and stopping here would mean I didnt get home until about 11pm, but it was so worth it. They don't have espresso, but they made a half pot of french press for me and gave it to me in a to go cup. Exactly what I needed for the ride home. I left completely satisfied and happy. Cant wait to go back! read more

New Scenic Cafe - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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Super cute place, right along Superior. They get one star for location and ambience, and one star for presentation --- very pretty food. However, we ordered two sandwiches and sparkling water: the bill was $50+. I understand lobster rolls are pricey, but it's not like the lobsters are local. One star deduction for the two mosquitos that would not leave us along indoors. With the menu prices, they can afford a screen door. However, if you need a wifi and a nice spot to take break, I would recommend New Scenic Cafe with the pretty views. read more

New Scenic Cafe - Lobster roll, not the biggest portion nor freshly caught... but quite tasty! I would've appreciate a salad or chips on the side - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Wow. THIS IS A MUST GO!!!! My boyfriend and I are from Ohio and we saw this place online which looked beautiful so we stopped in.... the flavors are INSANE. we got the goat cheese peppers and soup of the day and they were delicious. We also got the lobster tail pastry and this was insanely good. We are CERTAINLY GOING BACK!!! The views are beautiful and the inside is adorable and romantic. The service was also amazing!!! You need to try this place. read more

This is our go to place when we are in town. The blue curry mussels are so delicious. The service is top notch!! We have came here for anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and just for fun. Such a beautiful place with a great view of the lake. See you soon!!! read more

Cute, quaint, and food and service were fantastic. Highly recommend buying some cookies (ginger snaps were amazing) with you in the way out!

This little spot has been on my list of places to try out in the area for awhile. Hubbie and I finally decided to check it out. Pretty impressive as you walk up, the overwhelming smell of lilacs! They have so many interesting things happening outside, a couple airstreams, shipping containers, yurt, multiple seating areas. Birch teepees with lights? So you walk in, the ladies didnt make us feel welcomed, like we should have had a reservation? Talking to us but not looking at us. Kinda rude. The baked goods on display looked amazing though! We were sat in a beautiful little room looking at the lake, felt like you were almost in a cozy tree house with the decor. Our server was very pleasant, although she used the same line on everyone to get them to buy fresh baked bread out of the bakers oven Its coming out right now! Well, it worked! Small plates. Prices were good, what you would pay for fancy food! ;) I had the house coffee and water very good. Hubbie had an arniepalmer. We shared the smorgasbord platter. It was good kept us full for a couple hours. What really threw us off was when you get your check, I felt as though I was being served papers. Highlighted was a legal notification on a 20% fee you legally have to pay. That is not a tip nor state tax. Not sure I'd go back. read more

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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. read more

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We visited during C-19 so only the mobile kitchen was open. Though the options were limited, we found something for each of us. While the brownies, sies leches cake and the lobster roll were impressive, the frites and sashimi tuna tacos were out of this world! The Asian slaw complimented the tacos perfectly. The roll in the lobster roll, remained in tact and held the substantial lobster perfectly. My kids just raves about the fries. We easily found a table with an umbrella and had our dinner overlooking the lake. I would have given a higher rating but it's not the actual restaurant. If they ever open up again, I'll have to come back and try it. read more

New Scenic Cafe - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

The banh mi eclairs 'Starter' were beautiful, tiny and remarkably tasteless. The monsieur brioche failed, as well. The brioche texture was similar to a Holiday standard 2 for $4 breakfast sandwich and carried a food preservative taste. The mortadella appearance and taste was a ringer for standard thin-sliced ham. No one asked if my lunch was satisfactory. Service was very slow. Twenty-percent is automatically added to the very high pricing. It's a cute place with a great view but I will never stop there again. read more

Been years since visited and had good memories - very disappointed. Seems they are trying to weather the coved and no staff issues with a hybrid approach that seems to be a cross between food truck service and food truck food with full service prices. You come into lobby and are faced with scrum of folks who it seems are supposed to be in a order line ala food truck. There is no signage or folks to explain what is expected. With some observations and help from a very nice but clueless helper it becomes obvious you order and pay and food is brought to front if you are picnicing outside or if inside you get a number for table. Have no idea how anyone is supposed to figure this out-in what appears to be a full service restaurant from past experience. I order app of mussels and entree of scallops and glass of wine and pick out inside table with my cardboard number. A lengthy sign where you order and pay explains that New Scenic is a no tip restaurant - tips for staff are built into prices but cash tipping is ok but not expected - this is pretty funny as there is no wait staff and no service to speak of. My mussels appear and one minute later so do my scallops ( food truck style) I explain that this is not acceptable - runners response is orders always come out together - scallops disappear Try mussels - sauce is good but mussels are way past prime - taste is off - try a few - no bowel for shells so put them on napkin - sop up sauce with some ok bread and wait for scallops. Scallops appear and are stone cold .- they have been on shelf somewhere . I tell runner this is not acceptable so returns with report that scallops will be redone with " no spitting in them". Scallops appear and are ok but sauce is ice cold on a room temp plate so Experience is not good. A $ 75 meal it was not. I ask runner how is best way to get second wine - runner looks confused but says order line is long so runner sneaks one to me with my cc. My advice to owners is just post big sign outside saying scenic cafe food truck and to patrons just stop at food truck in Canal park and forget 7 mile drive read more

I am happy I went for the experience but it feels like one of those "one & done" restaurants. Our waitress was very informed & answered all of our questions, she also seemed very passionate about the food which is always a good sign. So because of that I don't want this review to come off as "I hated the service & it wasn't worth it." But at the end of the day it was exactly what I expected, a pretty expensive restaurant that I don't think lived up to the hype. The food seemed to be heavily garnished in an attempt to disguise the small portions. Now don't get me wrong, I have no issue with the portions but I want to spend my time eating, not picking off what looked like dill-weed? The food was good & filling but not really worth the price (In my opinion). But like I said I am happy I went for the experience & I wish them all the best of luck, including management & the waitstaff. read more

i got a christmas soda because the waitress told me it tasted like Christmas but it actually tastes like watered down coke with a hint of pine needles monsieur brioche: the mortadella was pretty salty esp since there was so much meat on such a little bun but the bun was rly buttery so i liked that but my soft center egg was already cut open when my food got to me which is arguably the best part besides eating it, and it phased me that the cornichons were included on the menu as if it were incorporated into the sandwich when really they're just really small pickles. opera cake: really rich and dense and chocolately my stomach hurts and it really could have been any of these culprits or a combination of these three who knows sit outside if u can bc it's cute read more

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amazing restaurant! serves warm pistachios prior to getting your food, lovely wait staff and ambience, and the tastiest baked goods for sale. perfect date night! read more

New Scenic Cafe - Cheese Burger - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

The best is back!!! Will add the meal I had here Sunday night in my lifetime top 10 (world traveler!) Excellent interaction with all staff from the time we walked in. Arrived early for our reservation and ordered a glass of red and white from the front counter. Awesome recommendation, the French Lirac and S African Chardonnay were perfect while sitting outside enjoying the best view and fragrant garden. There were so many excellent Tastes, Starters, appetizers, we ended up trying many and never got to the Mains. Promise to come back for the Cioppino... Loved the Herring- was served with ciabatta/ sandwich- wanted a lighter start and Chase, our server suggested greens on the plate, no bread- perfect! The handful of perfectly ripe green grapes the correct compliment. The oysters were beautiful, great presentation, super fresh and tasty! The Compressed Cucumber was our favorite, intriguing preparation and description. Will try at home but know the Scenic held the secrets of in house ingredients from the garden. Heaven. Also loved the Arctic Char, so tasty and the sesame homemade sesame crackers a perfect foil. Again, service could not have been better. The fair wage 20% deserved. Can't wait to go back! read more

I had read good reviews about the New Scenic Café. However, I won't be going back. The food was expensive and the portions were small. The atmosphere and service was fine. However, they add a 20% Fair Wage Share to the bill. This was a total surprise. You are forced to pay it. I usually leave a 20% tip, but that's at my discretion. This 20% was just added to my bill. There was nothing on their menu about it. Again, the food was expensive and the portions small, and I'm not looking for any surprises when the bill comes. Are other restaurants doing this? They say they have to charge 20% so they can pay their employees. And yet, the food is expensive. I guess the owner is just "Making Bank" by taking advantage of his customers. Let's tell the owners what we think about their 20% surprise by taking our restaurant business elsewhere. read more

The menu has changed and not for the better. The great walleye sandwich is gone. Tried the egg salad with shrimp on top (Raksmorgas). Strange sandwich combo, not appealing visually and not good flavor-wise. Two people in our party ordered the $17 hamburger and were not impressed. I think the term is "meh." The bright spot was the baby kale salad special. It was great! The pistachio & goat cheese salad was also great! Because the menu is hit or miss and on the spendy side, as a group we decided not to ever return. Too many terrific places to eat in Duluth now. read more

I've been wanting to try this place for years, so when my aunt and brother came to visit, this is where we went. Two of us are vegetarian, one is pescatarian. We loved the unique products for sale up front, as well as the gorgeous pastries. They looked divine! My aunt got potato soup which she said was fantastic and very rich. My brother got the norwegian salmon, which he loved (also said it was rich.) I shared some appetizers with everyone - the deviled eggs (very rich and delicious but even the three of us couldn't finish them all and there was only four halves), potato pavé which was extremely rich and was the only think I felt was just good not great (the potato layers were very thick for a dish like this), and lefse which everyone found to be delicious (almost as delicious as the stuff my great aunt and cousin make!) The service was also very good here. Everyone did their jobs quite well and were very helpful and professional. Also, the entire place is gorgeous - inside and out. Oh - and the prices here reflect all of the above, so that's something to keep in mind. I honestly hope I can go back soon! read more

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A hidden gem -- a little out of the way, but absolutely worth it. We had a fabulous meal in a great atmosphere, with fantastic service and really great company in the folks sitting at nearby tables that we chatted with. The menu changes but we ordered the Parker house rolls, deviled eggs, seared duck, and charred eggplant dish. The rolls were standard but good, and everything else was sensational! Chocolate cake was also delightful, and we happened to there for half price wine night which was a great surprise. Can't recommend enough, and we're looking forward to our next trip to the North Shore to eat there again! read more

Pretenious but doesn't deliver. Overpriced, poor service, food is good but not spectacular. Mostly a place to preen about how 'epic' your meal was went it was merely good. read more

Incredible gem of a place! It is located right next to Lake Superior with a wonderful view. Be mindful that if you go there for lunch they are incredibly busy but you can always get your food to go and eat it at the outside tables, benches, fire pit, and even a small bar seating type area. The portions are not big but the quality of the food was immaculate! The pastries were delicious! This place did feel quite luxurious but at the same time very welcoming. Would definitely visit again even if I was just driving by. read more

This hidden gem is a wonderful delight. A beautiful garden and fire ring area greet you. Inside you get to look at the lovely desserts that are offered, so we knew we'd have the banana cream pie with dark chocolate shavings. The servers were very knowledgeable and poised in their delivery of the food. Matt kindly suggested 4 vs 3 ahi tuna Wonton tacos which exceeded my expectations. Well done and we'll return! read more

Outstanding food and service. We had the mussels which were phenomenal. Thank you for a wonderful evening.

The New Scenic Cafe is our favorite spot to eat in the Duluth, MN area. Their selections are always so unique & mouthwatering. Not only does the food always satisfy, the service is impeccable. We will always recommend this hot spot and will always make our way over there when in the area! read more

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I used to LOVE this place. Now they welcome you into their new foyer/ bar looking area with plastic IKEA large light fixtures. It destroys the ambiance of the place. I will remove this comment when they remove them ;) Seriously... why have them. The soup (seeet potato curry) was bland and mybopen sandwich was just ok. The other two people loved their food so maybe I was dealing with aesthetic shock. read more

New Scenic Cafe - Cheap IKEA light fixtures. WHY? The place has always had a charm. Why ruin it with this? - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Really appreciate the new format of a casual grab and go to eat where ever you'd like. Everything we ordered was great and the curries mussels were divine! The menu seems more limited than previously however there's still so many great and delish options! read more

New Scenic Cafe - Amazing Curried Blue Mussels! - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

My friend made me turn around after we hiked gooseberry falls to try this place. I'm very sad the entire restaurant isn't open because just reading the limited menu they were serving got my salivary glands going. I ended up getting the lobster roll. I've never had a lobster roll with cold lobster before. They really filled the roll up with lots of lobster and it was definitely the star of the dish. My only problem was the sandwich was one note. It had chipotle mayo and celery but those flavors did not really come through. read more

New Scenic Cafe - New American Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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