This establishment weathered the pandemic which I am certain is a terrific feat in itself. It is now overly expensive to dine there. The invoice has a "living wage" line item on it so we no longer have to tip. This is more in line with the Europeans. Having stated this we have found the New Scenic Cafe to be over priced. I would say that it is now $$$$$. The scallops are now $33 or $11 each with nothing else served with them. This is the price before the living wage line item. If you are a couple that want a nice meal this might be the place to go if money is no object. A family will do better at other places in the area. While we like this place we will no longer be supporting it as it is not worth the drive. Voting with the wallet....
We recently had lunch here with our 2 grandkids. The vegan options are very limited, the hamburger our grandson ordered was the smallest hamburger we have ever seen. The entrees my husband and I ordered were good but nothing else came with them so very expensive for what you get. We were extremely disappointed with our experience there. I Do Not recommend New Scenic Cafe!
Visited this gem of a place early Feb 2022. Everything we had was stellar, beginning with the warmed pistachios they gave us while we waited, to the Belgian endive salad and French onion soup, to the amazing beef tenderloin sandwich with mashed potatoes, homemade buns, caramelized-onions, peas and pearl onions with an au jus over it all ?Ended with a homemade pistachio cake with homemade ice cream.We loved this place!
New Scenic Cafe USED to be my favorite restaurant in Duluth…however, I was there last week and when I got the bill there was a notice on the ticket that a 20% surcharge was being added to the bill. They were clear that this was NOT a TIP and that the surcharge was going to support a ‘Living Wage’ for ALL staff members. They did mentioned that a tip was not required…but, realistically how bad is it if you get a 20% surcharge for the meal and then don’t leave a tip for the good service you received?? I believe that the management of New Scenic Cafe are cowards who are too afraid to be up front with it’s patrons that this unreasonable surcharge is going to be added to their bill BEFORE we even sit down at the table!! I wouldn’t have minded such a surcharge IF I had been notified of the charge when I booked the reservation AND if it would have been more reasonable. However, I believe that the ‘right’ thing to have done was too raise the pay for their workers and then raise the prices of their food to help offset those raises. I want to remind everyone that in Socialist Europe there is NO TIPPING! So, if that’s where we are headed in the US….then I will stop tipping and advise all others to do the same!
We loved our dinner here. A few things that weren’t so great though— the wait time for our food was an hour. It was a busy night and they are a small business and our server was very nice, so not a huge deal.Another thing was their oysters were served room temp. And had a lot of shell in them. It was strange and that part was disappointing. Their main dishes were seriously amazing and their scenery and server was awesome. Plus their strawberry dessert was like heaven! All around very fun dinner in a magical place
My brother recommended this place when I was staying in Duluth. I was there four days in a row and the staff was so kind to help me with my food needs. The scallops, deviled eggs, and lamb were fabulous! This place is an absolute must!!! It is definitely my favorite restaurant in MN.
Absolutely phenomenal. I'd stopped by in the morning for a cup of coffee, thinking it was just a casual coffee shop. They weren't yet open but they obliged me with a strong, hot cup of coffee (free of charge). I checked the menu, which was very intriguing for a foodie like myself, and promised to circle back which I did.As a starter I went with a cup of the French Onion (seemed apropos as I was fishing at the French River). There are many an offering of French Onion to be found but it's rarely done well which is why I like to test the waters when I get the opportunity. This French Onion was easily the best of the best that I've ever had.On the recommendation of the adorable tattooed brunette, I went with the Sea Scallops and again, a perfect presentation superbly done. As anyone who's ever gambled on Sea Scallops can attest, they can sometimes come out chewy and lackluster. These were anything but.I will be back.Thanks for the coffee as well!
Great location! Beautiful minimalist design!Good service!I did not check the menu or reviews before going and I was expecting more casual cafe food but it is a fine dining experience. The food was good but portions were really small even for a fine dining formal restaurant.
Get the French Onion Soup, Grilled Egg & Asparagus, Sea Bass, or Frenched Lamb Rack. Yum!
If you've never been to the New Scenic Cafe, you have to go! If you have been, then you already know, this restaurant serves up the most amazing food! I've been going here for years, and I absolutely love it! The menu is always changing, and the creations are always so amazing! Service is always the best, the entire staff is incredible and so friendly. I can't say enough good things about this place!