13 Lakeside Dining Spots In Minnesota With Unforgettable Views

Minnesota’s land of 10,000 lakes offers more than just fishing and boating. It’s home to some amazing waterfront dining experiences. Whether you’re watching the sunset over Lake Minnetonka or enjoying the Mississippi River views, these lakeside restaurants combine stunning scenery with delicious food. Pack your appetite and prepare to be wowed by these picture-perfect dining destinations across the North Star State.

1. The Lake Room, A Minnetonka Gem

Nestled in charming Excelsior, The Lake Room delivers upscale dining with sweeping Lake Minnetonka vistas that change with the seasons. The restaurant’s contemporary American menu features locally-sourced ingredients transformed into artistic plates.

Evening diners witness spectacular sunsets painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. Their signature seafood tower and craft cocktails have earned them a devoted following among locals and visitors alike.

2. ninetwentyfive, Coastal Charm in Wayzata

Perched inside the Hotel Landing, ninetwentyfive blends sophisticated design with breathtaking Lake Minnetonka panoramas. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outdoors in, no matter the Minnesota weather.

The kitchen crafts seasonal Midwestern fare with coastal influences, don’t miss their legendary brunch. Summer evenings on the terrace, cocktail in hand, watching sailboats glide across the water, create picture-perfect memories that last long after your meal ends.

3. Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge, A Minnetonka Institution

Since 1968, Lord Fletcher’s has been the quintessential Minnesota lake experience. This sprawling complex features multiple dining areas, including a four-season porch and expansive deck practically hovering over Lake Minnetonka.

Powerboats dock directly at the restaurant during summer months, creating a lively atmosphere. Their walleye sandwich, a Minnesota classic, pairs perfectly with local craft beers while watching water skiers zip across the lake’s sparkling surface.

4. Maynards Restaurant, Excelsior’s Waterfront Wonder

Boats line up at Maynards’ docks on summer weekends, making this Excelsior hotspot the place to see and be seen on Lake Minnetonka. Their massive lakeside patio buzzes with energy as servers weave between tables carrying their famous tater tots and juicy burgers.

Winter transforms the experience entirely, ice fishing houses dot the frozen lake while indoor diners stay cozy by fireplaces. Year-round, the sunset views over Excelsior Bay provide an unbeatable backdrop for memorable meals.

5. City House, Urban Riverside Retreat

Housed in a renovated 1930s grain terminal, City House offers a unique industrial-chic atmosphere along St. Paul’s Mississippi riverfront. The historic brick building opens to a stunning patio where diners watch barges and pleasure boats navigate the mighty river.

Unlike lake venues, City House provides dramatic urban views of downtown St. Paul’s skyline. Their rotating tap selection showcases Minnesota’s vibrant craft brewing scene, perfectly complementing shareable plates designed for leisurely riverside dining.

6. Kelly’s Lake House, Lake Pepin’s Hidden Treasure

Perched on Lake Pepin, the widest naturally occurring part of the Mississippi River, Kelly’s multi-tiered deck offers breathtaking views of water stretching to distant bluffs. Sailboats dot the horizon while eagles soar overhead.

Beer enthusiasts rejoice at their astonishing 83 rotating taps featuring regional craft brews. The kitchen elevates typical bar fare with locally-sourced ingredients and creative twists, making their fish tacos legendary among regulars who travel hours just for a lakeside table.

7. Lola’s Lakehouse, Waconia’s Waterfront Gem

Lake Waconia’s sparkling waters provide the backdrop at Lola’s Lakehouse, where East Coast seafood meets Midwest hospitality. Their lighthouse-inspired building houses multiple dining areas, but the lakeside patio remains the coveted spot.

Fresh oysters and lobster rolls transport diners to New England despite being in Minnesota’s heartland. Watching the sun sink behind the lake’s tree-lined shores while sipping their signature rum punch creates pure summer magic that keeps locals returning through generations.

8. Bar Harbor Supper Club, Gull Lake Elegance

Channeling vintage supper club glamour, Bar Harbor brings sophisticated dining to Gull Lake’s shores in the Brainerd Lakes region. White tablecloths and attentive service create an atmosphere of refined nostalgia reminiscent of Minnesota’s golden resort era.

Prime steaks and fresh walleye are menu staples, but their seafood towers steal the show. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame postcard-worthy lake views, while summer evenings find guests sipping classic martinis on the sprawling deck as pleasure boats cruise by.

9. Ernie’s on Gull, Laid-Back Lakeside Fun

You can’t get closer to the water than Ernie’s, their deck literally extends over Gull Lake, creating the sensation of dining on a permanently docked boat. This casual spot embodies Minnesota’s beloved lake culture with zero pretension.

Boaters pull right up to the restaurant’s docks, often arriving with swimsuits under cover-ups. Their famous cheese curds and walleye tacos taste even better with toes practically touching the water, making this the quintessential “up north” dining experience.

10. Moonlite Bay, Crosslake’s Year-Round Destination

Situated where Rush Lake meets Cross Lake along the picturesque Whitefish Chain, Moonlite Bay transforms with Minnesota’s dramatic seasons. Summer brings pontoon boats lined up three-deep at their docks, creating a floating party atmosphere.

Winter doesn’t slow things down, snowmobilers arrive via frozen lake trails for their famous Bloody Marys. Their massive burgers and “drummies” (oversized chicken wings) fuel lake adventures year-round, while sunset views across the water create perfect Minnesota memories regardless of season.

11. Zorbaz, Quirky Lakeside Legend

With their signature Z-replacing-S spelling and pizza-centric menu, Zorbaz has grown from a single location to a mini-empire of lakeside hotspots across Minnesota. Each location shares the same funky, laid-back vibe where sandy feet and swimsuits are perfectly acceptable dining attire.

Their massive pizzas and strong margaritas have fueled decades of lake memories. Detroit Lake’s original location still draws crowds who come as much for the kitschy atmosphere and sunset views as for their famous Mexican-pizza fusion menu.

12. Back Channel Brewing, Craft Beer With A View

Breaking the traditional restaurant mold, Back Channel Brewing combines Minnesota’s craft beer obsession with prime Lake Minnetonka views. Their industrial-chic taproom opens to a waterfront patio where beer enthusiasts sample innovative brews while watching boats navigate the narrow channel.

Rotating food trucks provide ever-changing dining options to pair with their hoppy creations. The brewery’s dock welcomes boats, creating a unique “paddle up” experience where lake life and craft beer culture merge perfectly along Minnetonka’s scenic shoreline.

13. Cabana Anna’s, Tropical Vibes on Minnetonka

Minnesota meets Miami at Cabana Anna’s, where tropical design elements create a surprising lakeside escape. Palm trees and bright colors transform this Lake Minnetonka spot into a mini-vacation destination, regardless of the actual weather outside.

The menu leans into the theme with fresh seafood and fruity cocktails. Located at the Shoreline Hotel, it attracts an interesting mix of boaters arriving by water and hotel guests seeking lake views, creating a social atmosphere unlike any other Minnesota lakeside restaurant.