About
New Scenic Café has quite a storied history! Initially opened in the 1960s as a seasonal establishment with a limited menu of malts, ice cream, and sandwiches, it was transformed in 1999 when chef Scott Graden took over the café with his aunt Rita Bergstedt.
They turned it into a full-service restaurant serving fresh, seasonal fare highlighting local ingredients.
Over the past 20+ years, New Scenic Café has become a beloved North Shore destination known for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere and Graden's boundary-pushing culinary prowess.
The café has garnered accolades like "Best Restaurant in Minnesota" and "Most Romantic Restaurant in America." It's incredible how far it's come since those early days dishing up malts and sandwiches!
New Scenic Café continues to evolve while staying true to its foundations of serving creative, regional cuisine in a charming, comfy setting.
It's no wonder New Scenic Café has become a Twin Ports institution. This one-of-a-kind eatery captures the spirit of the North Shore.
Vibe
New Scenic Café is just off the highway in a modest building, and the interior is more refined than the exterior suggests.
Inside, guests are put at ease with its cozy, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal or intimate dining experience.
With wooden walls and ceilings, New Scenic Café reflects the Scandinavian influence that abounds in Minnesota. Local artwork brings splashes of color to the space. These touches make it feel memorable but also comfortable and down-to-earth.
On a nice day, you can dine on the patio amidst the peaceful North Woods setting.
The open kitchen allows you to see Chef Graden and his team hard at work, putting care into each dish. The food is beautifully presented and deeply satisfying - artful without being pretentious.
New Scenic Cafe manages to feel upscale and laidback at the same time. It's the perfect spot for a special night out on a Minnesota getaway showcasing gourmet cuisine in an utterly charming, comfortable setting.
New Scenic Café: Menu & Drinks
New Scenic Café's seasonally-driven menu showcases Minnesota's best local ingredients. With frequently changing dishes, there's always something new to try at this North Shore restaurant.
The Wild Acres Duck Two Ways appetizer stands out with beautifully seared duck breast and a savory confit duck croquette. The combination of textures and flavors is elegant and deeply satisfying. Another appetizer highlight is the Pâté à Pain, a smooth chicken and duck liver pâté served with crusty bread, lingonberries and mustard.
For entrees, the Lake Superior Whitefish is a winner. The whitefish is pan-seared, served atop nutty wild rice pilaf and roasted vegetables, and finished with a bright lemon cream sauce.
Carnivores will delight in the Hog Tied Pork Chop, a prime heritage pork chop roasted and grilled for maximum flavor. It's served with creamy polenta and local greens for a true farm-to-table feast.
Cocktail lovers will find creative, locally-inspired drinks like the North Shore Negroni made with aromatic Voyager Aquavit.
Bourbon fans will savor the Duluth Old Fashioned, robustly flavored with Vikre Boreal Cedar Gin.
With food and cocktails focusing on regional ingredients, a meal at New Scenic Café offers an authentic taste of Duluth and the North Shore region.
Local Tips
- Make reservations far in advance - it books up quickly!
- Check the daily specials for new ingredients and dishes.
- Save room for pie and other divine desserts.
- Request patio seating in nice weather.
- Use valet parking on crowded nights.
- Take a hike at nearby trails before your meal.
