23 Delicious Restaurants on the North Shore, MN To Eat At

While you’re visiting the North Shore, don’t forget to stop and enjoy all of that amazing places to eat along the way!

I’m a huge foodie, so grabbing a bite to eat is always on my must-do list, and I’ve found some of my favorite places to eat on the North Shore!

My personal favorite is The Fisherman’s Daughter, and then I usually like to follow that up with a cone of custard from Sydney’s. It’s kind of like my little North Shore routine.

In this post, I’ll share all of my favorite places to stop, as well as many other places that others love too! Let’s dive in.

Note: I’ve listed the restaurants in order, heading north from Duluth. So you’ll find options closer to Duluth first, and options closer to Grand Portage last.

Best North Shore, MN Restaurants

1. Va Bene

Before even leaving Duluth, I’m almost always drawn right into Va Bene, because I can never pass up Italian food.

Va Bene serves authentic Italian food from pasta to sandwiches, and even a variety of gelato to fill you up on the way out.

My favorite part is that it’s right along the Lakewalk, so you can watch as people cruise on bikes or walk past. Or just admire the views of Lake Superior while you eat.

2. Northern Waters Smokehaus

I finally tried Northern Waters for the first time in 2022, and I can’t believe that I had been missing out for my entire life. It’s that good.

They sell fresh deli sandwiches out of a window on the backside of the DeWiit-Seitz Marketplace. And when I tell you that they have the most delicious sandwiches, I really mean that.

I usually get the Clubhaus, but their bestsellers are sandwiches with fresh smoked fish, as that’s their specialty! The Club Mariner is another of my favorites!

3. OMC Smokehouse

Another local favorite that you’ll often find packed full is OMC Smokehouse; one of Duluth’s best barbeque joints!

As soon as you walk through the door, the smell of tender barbeque hits you, and almost makes you never want to leave.

I highly recommend the Smoked OMC Plate, which comes with ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken. My mom and I shared and it was enough for both of us! Be sure to add one of their signature BBQ sauces on top!

And you HAVE to get the candied sweet potato bake on the side. There’s just something about barbeque that makes me drool.

4. Silver Creek Chophouse

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more upscale to visit during your North Shore trip, check out Silver Creek Chophouse in Two Harbors near beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and viewpoints.

This is the perfect chance to get all dressed up and take your sweetheart out to dinner as you enjoy the beautiful shoreline of Lake Superior.

On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of wood-fired steaks as well as Superior-caught fish, other meats, and more.

5. Do North Pizzeria

Who can pass up pizza? At Do North Pizzeria, they have a huge menu of pizzas to try out including their specialties or you can build your own.

One of my favorite underrated toppings can even be found on their menu – pickles. I know, weird. But it’s surprisingly so good!

Plus they have a variety of fun nights throughout the week, like Pup Cup Night on the Patio on Wednesday summer nights. To be honest, I would just go to see the pups!

6. Betty’s Pies

If you’ve ever been to the North Shore, you’ve probably heard of or at least driven past Betty’s Pies. You’ll know where it is when you see the parking lot that’s packed with cars off Highway 61.

This has become a staple for almost everyone’s North Shore trips, and it’s honestly just like a trap that draws you in.

They serve a huge menu of pies that you just can’t pass up. My favorite is the Great Lakes Crunch, and Tyler loves the Toffee Cream. I’d actually recommend getting one of each.

Betty’s Pies does sell food too, so if you want more than pie, you totally can! I got a homemade pasty with gravy during our last visit!

7. Rustic Inn

Now is where the real debate strikes. Does Betty’s Pies or Rustic Inn sell better pies? If I had to say my honest opinion… it would be Rustic Inn.

It’s just down the road from Betty’s Pies, and is usually a bit more quiet, which I tend to like.

Their raspberry cream and blueberry cream pies are To. Die. For. And their version of the berry pie is the North Shore Berry Crumb which is a contender for best pie I’ve ever tasted.

Rustic Inn also sells classic comfort foods and breakfast, so you can enjoy a meal and then finish it off with dessert as well!

8. Black Woods Bar & Grill

Located right off of Highway 61, BlackWoods is a favorite stop for many, as there’s also one in Duluth and Proctor!

You’ll find a little bit of everything on the menu, from burgers to seafood to steaks and pastas.

And any time I see comfort food on a menu, I know that I’ll love it. Blackwoods sells chicken pot pie, broasted chicken, swedish meatballs, and more foods that will make you feel right at home.

9. Grand Superior Grill

A fine dining restaurant in Two Harbors is calling your name, and it’s called Grand Superior Grill.

It’s found right in Grand Superior Lodge on the shoreline of Lake Superior, and they really have some superior food.

I got their hot honey brussel sprouts as an appetizer last year and honestly, I wanted to come back every day after that. They were SO good.

But I also loved their parmesan crusted walleye, which tasted so fresh and is a classic Minnesotan dish.

10. Cove Point Crossings

Right in Beaver Bay is Cove Point Crossings, a basic bar and grill that serves some of the best wings I’ve ever had.

A few summers ago when we were on a North Shore camping trip, they had a specialty blueberry barbeque wing that I loved, but I don’t think that they have it anymore. Either way, they give a huge serving of wings and they’re delicious.

Aside from wings, they also serve a list of burgers and pizzas

11. Northwoods Family Grille

Nestled right in Silver Bay, the Northwoods Family Grille is a great place to stop mid-way through your North Shore visit! Tyler and I often stop after a visit to Tettegouche State Park.

They have a menu full of award-winning burgers, but they also sell breakfast, sandwiches, and more.

It’s near popular stops like the infamous Black Beach and Palisade Head!

12. Bluefin Grille

This is another upscale spot to stop, found right in Bluefin Bay, one of the North Shore’s best resorts to book a stay at. There are also quite a few nice cabins nearby.

I love the atmoshpere here, because it’s very casual, but the food that you get is far from that!

Bluefin Grille rotates their menu seasonally so you’ll be ordering food that is fresh in that season and absolutely delicious. Plus the views out into Lake Superior are incredible.

13. Sven and Ole’s

This restaurant opened up way back in the 1980s by two brothers making food that they love and that everyone else loves!

Pizza is always a good choice, and that’s what you’ll find at Sven and Ole’s. It’s often really busy during peak season because of how loved it is!

14. Hungry Hippie Tacos

This is a newer spot in Grand Marais, and dare I say, a bit ‘hipper’ than the rest.

They sell tacos, but with a Minnesotan twist, called the Northern Taco. My favorite has always been The Northern Gringo, but Tyler got the Pineapple Express last time and I almost changed my mind.

There’s actually a Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth and Grand Marais!

And because Grand Marais is one of the best places to see fall foliage, you can easily add Hungry Hippie into your fall visit.

15. Angry Trout Cafe

This adorable cafe is found right on the shoreline of Lake Superior and was built into an old fishing shanty! It’s one of the most popular places in town.

They serve locally grown produce, fresh-caught fish, and amazing food that has you wanting to come back for more.

I visited for the first time during my last North Shore trip and I ordered the deep fried fish of the day. I wish I was still sitting there eating, because it was that good.

Oh – and be sure to sit outside on the patio if there’s a spot! It’s gorgeous out there.

16. South of the Border Cafe

While the name of this small cafe may have you thinking that you’ll find Mexican food here, it actually is just a small location serving up classic American food.

Perhaps they were given the name because they’re found just a short distance south of the Canadian border.

You’ll find a menu packed with breakfast, sandwiches, and burgers at this mom-and-pop style Grand Marais restaurant.

17. Sydney’s Frozen Custard

What’s a vacation without a cup of ice cream or custard? At Sydney’s, you can grab yourself a cup of their delicious, fresh-made frozen custard!

They have some of the best freshly made custard that you can add toppings to to create the perfect treat for exploring the North Shore.

Tyler and I ended up each grabbing a cup during our last visit and took it with us as we walked down to Artist Point for some hiking around Grand Marais!

18. World’s Best Donuts

I don’t even know that I need to say much more about World’s Best Donuts when they have a name like that.

World’s Best Donuts has been family-owned and operated since 1969, and ever since, they’ve been serving freshly made donuts out of their small, red and white building.

Sometimes the line is out the door, so be prepared to wait. But their homemade, fresh donuts are always worth the wait!

19. The Fisherman’s Daughter

This adorable restaurant is unsuspecting, but it’s become one of my favorite restaurants on the North Shore.

Their menu is limited, but that’s because they master one thing and stick to what they’re good at. I always order the shrimp and chips, which seriously taste so fresh and delicious.

The last time we visited, Tyler grabbed a container of dill cheese curds out of the deli case to bring home, and they were so good that we accidentally ate all of them while we waited for our food.

20. SHOOK

I don’t know what it is about smoothie bowls, but I just love a refreshing bowl on a hot summer day. Which is why I was so excited when I found SHOOK in Grand Marais.

Their menu is packed with delicious and refreshing smoothie bowls that are piled high with tasty toppings like granola and fresh fruit.

You’ll find them in a small black food truck parked behind the Harbor Inn.

21. My Sister’s Place

This classic little restaurant has the simple foods that you know and love. Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more.

I’d personally recommend the Juicy Lucy, which is a hand stuffed burger that it oozing with cheese and grilled onions. Need I say more?

22. Blue Water Cafe

If you’re a breakfast lover like I am, then you’ll love Blue Water Cafe. This is a small, cozy shop in Grand Marais that serves breakfast all day long.

The menu is packed with classics like omelettes, french toast, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and tons more.

But my personal favorite is their giant caramel rolls. These things are to die for, and they’re massive. So you can share with the table, or not.

23. Naniboujou Lodge

One of my favorite hidden gems on the North Shore is the Naniboujou Lodge in Grand Portage.

Inside of the dining room, you’ll find one of the most beautiful painted rooms, all designed with Native American influence. Plus, you can see the largest stone fireplace in Minnesota standing at over 20 feet tall, made of Lake Superior stones.

You will need a reservation to eat if you’re not a guest, but the delicious food is worth the extra phone call to make one.

This is my favorite spot during the winter season because it’s just so cozy and welcoming. Plus the food is amazing.

Conclusion: Best North Shore, MN Restaurants

There are so many amazing places to eat on the North Shore, and because of that, it can be hard to choose.

If I had to pick favorites, I would say The Fisherman’s Daughter, Rustic Inn, and Northern Waters Smokehaus are my top 3! But honestly, that’s a tough choice!