We’re lucky enough to live where dinner can come with a Lake Superior backdrop. These locally owned places let you eat well and still watch the water — freighters sliding under the Lift Bridge, waves on the Canal Park breakwall, the harbor going gold at sunset. Most of the decks and patios run roughly May through September, so confirm seasonal hours before you go. In no particular order; tag your lake-view meals with #duluthloveslocal.
Va Bene
734 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN (East End)
Scratch Italian perched directly above the Lakewalk, with an open-air “Grotto” and a glass “Solarium” that give arguably the best lake views in town. Order the gnocchi.
The Boat Club Restaurant & Bar
600 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN (Fitger’s Complex)
An elevated patio platform with a front-row Lake Superior view and steady ship-watching. Locally owned; seafood, steak and pasta with the water right there.
Silos Restaurant at Pier B Resort
800 W. Railroad St., Duluth, MN (Bayfront)
An independent resort restaurant sitting right on the harbor — indoor windows and a waterside deck face the Duluth-Superior harbor and the Aerial Lift Bridge. Seafood, steak and gourmet burgers, year-round inside.
Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake
805 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN (East End)
A casual English-style tavern with a lakeside patio (a perennial local favorite) and live music. Big sandwiches and an even bigger beer list.
Grandma’s Saloon & Grill
522 S. Lake Ave., Duluth, MN (Canal Park)
A Duluth institution since 1976 with a seasonal deck at the foot of the Aerial Lift Bridge, overlooking the canal and harbor. Classic burgers and Grandma’s wild rice soup.
New Scenic Cafe
5461 North Shore Dr., Duluth, MN (North Shore, ~15 minutes up Scenic 61)
Chef-owned since 1999 — fresh, local New American with stellar desserts, Lake Superior beyond the windows and a garden-side patio. Closed Mon–Tue; reservations recommended.
Canal Park Brewing Company
300 Canal Park Dr., Duluth, MN (Canal Park)
A waterfront patio right on the Lakewalk with full Lake Superior views (and it’s dog-friendly). Order the house beer flight and a beer-cheese pretzel; the patio is best May–September.