Restaurants and Bars on Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka is a true gem and is very popular for fishing, boating and sailing. The lake spans 14,528 acres and is located about 15 miles to the west and a little south of Minneapolis. It’s a great day trip adventure with cruises and boat rentals available. While exploring the lake, consider stopping into one of many restaurants on or near the lake. There are a variety of dining choices and atmospheres available, catering to any craving or budget.

Enjoy the area that celebrities have chosen to call home or visit. Prince, the pop music star, once rented a home on Lake Minnetonka. There are a variety of gorgeous houses and estates on the lake, including the historic Pillsbury Estate which is a 32,000 square foot home sitting on 13 acres on Brackett’s Point. There is a rich history here, for both celebrities and restaurants.  

Try one of the new restaurants on Lake Minnetonka MN or dine in a well-known establishment with a history. Vann is a new restaurant in Spring Park, opened in 2019. The menu features seasonal and sustainable ingredients and Chef Erik Skaar has earned the title of 2019 Top Minnesota Chef. Another new restaurant, The Lake Room, located in Navarre, features an unforgettable ambiance with dishes made up of fresh ingredients and intense flavors. For a meal at a more seasoned establishment, choose Lord Fletcher’s. Since 1968 this establishment in Spring Park has offered a resort style setting, with tasty burgers and signature entrees.

Grills, Steaks, and Other Options Near Lake Minnetonka

In addition to great burgers, Lord Fletcher’s is a popular stop for steaks, seafood, and pasta. Curbside as well as boat pickup are available. If looking for something bold and modern, consider 6 Smith in Wayzata. Come for events and wine tastings and enjoy your meal on the gorgeous patio when the weather is nice. Curbside and local delivery are available. 6 Smith offers lunch, dinner, vegan options, Saturday brunch, Sunday brunch, happy hour, cocktails and private group dining. When the mood strikes for playing pool and some video games before or after your meal, come to Surfside Bar and Grill in Mound, MN. This restaurant is locally-owned, family operated and has been open since 2016. Watch the big game one of their many large TV’s and projectors while enjoying wings, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, ribs, steak, burgers and more.

Best for Brunch Menus any Day of the Week

Brunch on Lake Minnetonka is unmatched in beauty and menu options. A few great restaurants that offer brunch are Cast and Cru in Greenwood and Maynard’s and Coalition in Excelsior. Maynard’s has been around since 1998 and is located in a historic property with gorgeous views. Although not right on the lake, People’s Organic is located in Minnetonka and serves breakfast all day. Their menu is full of nutritious, organic food and healthy beverages. Coalition is located in a brick building in Excelsior that dates back to 1886. The dining environment is casually sophisticated while the menu draws on classic American dishes with a touch of world cuisine. Coalition also offers catering.  

Asian and European Food

When craving ethnic food choices, there are many options on and near Lake Minnetonka. A few to check out are Yumi Sushi Bar in Excelsior, McCormick’s Pub in Wayzata, Christos in Minnetonka, or Pizza Luce in Hopkins. Christos is a Greek restaurant and catering service. The menu includes all of your favorite Greek dishes, including gyros, spanakopita, falafel, mousaka, lamb, souvlaki, calamari and more. Yumi Sushi Bar has been open since 1999 and is known for high quality sushi as well as unmatched hospitality. This restaurant is short walk from the Minnetonka Lake shoreline. McCormick’s Pub and Restaurant offers a cozy pub and an elegant dining room that overlooks Lake Minnetonka. The restaurant features traditional Irish pub fare that includes fresh, never frozen, fish.  

Fresh Seafood Dining

Restaurants on Lake Minnetonka MN that offer fresh seafood are always popular. There are many good choices, including Cov in Wayzata and Red Lobster in Golden Valley. Red Lobster is a family favorite that strives for seafood that is traceable and sustainable. Cov is located in downtown Wayzata on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Guests feel like they are dining on the East Coast, while enjoying the hospitality and delicious food with beautiful water views. The atmosphere is charming and the menu is full of delicious items for those who enjoy fresh seafood, as well as for land lovers. Family-style feasts are also available to feed everyone in your family.  

Boats and Cruises on Lake Minnetonka

When venturing to Lake Minnetonka, consider exploring the area by boat. There are many charter companies that would be happy to take you out on the water. A few to check out Howard’s Point Marina and Wayzata Bay Charters. Howard’s Point Marina is located in Excelsior and has been in operation since 1926. This long-standing company works to get people out on the water without the hassle. Rent a boat and stop into one of the restaurants along the lake while you are out. If you own a boat yourself, keep Howard’s Point Marina in mind for slips or storage. Wayzata Bay Charters offers two, three or four hour private cruises as well as public cruises around Lake Minnetonka. There are many options for public cruises, including the Boats and Burgers Cruise, Excelsior Brewing Company “Brews Cruise”, and Sunday Brunch Cruise. Private cruises can also be booked for family outings, parties or other gatherings.  

Hotels and Cabin Rental near Lake Minnetonka

Why only come for a day when you can make a trip to Lake Minnetonka for a weekend adventure? There are many lodging options around the Minnetonka Lake shoreline. There are hotels, cabins, vacation homes, bed and breakfasts and more. A few options to look at are The Hotel Landing in Wayzata and the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Minnetonka. The Hotel Landing offers a boutique style hotel experience with modern architecture and urban energy. The Home2 Suites offer a more basic, but cozy, stay with a pool, fitness room and free breakfast. If you are looking for a more private escape, consider looking at the unique vacation rentals available in the area.  

Many who have come to the shores of Lake Minnetonka for a weekend getaway have fallen in love with the area and decided to move there. It’s no wonder, as the lake is beautiful, provides so many recreational opportunities and is home to many unique shops and restaurants. The fact that it’s so close to Minneapolis makes it even more desirable. There are properties available that are a 30 minute drive, or less, from the lake. If you have fallen in love with the area, check out these MN homes for sale and search for the area near Lake Minnetonka that you desire to call home.