Craving a meal that’s as authentic as it is delicious?
These eight no-frills restaurants in Minnesota serve up outrageously good walleye that will leave you coming back for more.
1. Insula Restaurant (Ely)
Nestled in the heart of Ely, Insula Restaurant is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret.
The exterior might not scream “culinary hotspot,” but don’t let that fool you.
This unassuming brick building houses some of the best walleye this side of the Canadian border.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s as comfortable as your favorite flannel shirt.
The decor is simple, letting the food take center stage.
And boy, does it ever.
Their walleye is the stuff of legend – perfectly crisp on the outside, flaky and tender on the inside.
It’s like the fish equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite aunt.
But here’s the kicker – Insula doesn’t just rest on its walleye laurels.
They’ve got a whole menu of North Woods-inspired dishes that’ll make you want to move to Ely permanently.
Just don’t blame me when you find yourself browsing real estate listings after your meal.
2. The Angry Trout Cafe (Grand Marais)
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing angry about the experience at this Grand Marais gem.
The Angry Trout Cafe is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered onto a movie set about the perfect lakeside restaurant.
Perched right on the shore of Lake Superior, this rustic cafe looks like it was built by a team of very ambitious beavers with excellent taste.
The wooden exterior, adorned with colorful flower boxes, practically begs you to Instagram it (but resist the urge and live in the moment, folks).
Inside, it’s all about laid-back charm and seriously good eats.
Their walleye is sourced from local fishermen, which means it probably spent more time swimming than you did getting to the restaurant.
Served simply and perfectly, it’s a testament to the idea that when you start with incredible ingredients, you don’t need to fuss too much.
And here’s a pro tip: If you can, snag a seat on their outdoor deck.
There’s something magical about munching on fresh walleye while watching the sun set over Lake Superior.
It’s enough to make you believe in love at first bite.
3. Pickwick Restaurant & Pub (Duluth)
Walking into Pickwick is like stepping into a time machine set to “cozy old-world charm.”
This Duluth institution has been serving up comfort food since 1914, and let me tell you, they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their walleye game.
The exterior, with its charming stone facade, looks like it could be the setting for a Dickens novel – if Dickens had written about really good fish, that is.
Inside, it’s all dark wood, warm lighting, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for a long, leisurely meal.
Their walleye is the stuff of local legend.
Lightly breaded and perfectly fried, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor each bite.
Pair it with a cold local brew, and you’ve got yourself a meal that would make even the pickiest Minnesotan nod in approval.
But the real charm of Pickwick is its ability to make you feel like you’re part of a long-standing tradition.
As you’re enjoying your walleye, you can’t help but think about all the other diners who’ve sat in your spot over the last century, having the exact same thought: “Dang, this fish is good.”
4. Fireside Restaurant (Detroit Lakes)
Fireside Restaurant in Detroit Lakes is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a local secret.
From the outside, it looks like a cozy lakeside cabin that just happens to serve incredible food.
And really, isn’t that the dream?
Perched on the shore of Detroit Lake, Fireside offers views that are almost as delicious as their walleye.
Almost.
The rustic exterior, complete with a generous deck for outdoor dining, sets the stage for a meal that’s pure Minnesota.
Inside, it’s all about that northwoods charm.
Think knotty pine walls, a roaring fireplace (hence the name, folks), and a general atmosphere that makes you want to trade in your city life for a fishing rod and a cabin.
But let’s talk about that walleye.
Fireside’s version is the kind of dish that makes you understand why people write songs about food.
It’s perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky fish.
It’s so good, you might find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
And here’s a little insider tip: If you time your visit right, you can enjoy your walleye while watching the sun set over the lake.
It’s the kind of experience that makes you grateful for lakes, fish, and whoever invented the deep fryer.
5. Naniboujou Lodge Restaurant (Grand Marais)
Buckle up, folks, because Naniboujou Lodge Restaurant is about to take you on a visual journey that’s as impressive as their walleye.
This Grand Marais wonder is what would happen if a rainbow and a history book had a baby, and that baby grew up to be really good at cooking fish.
Related: This Mexican Eatery in Minnesota Wows with Gourmet Burgers for an Unexpected Culinary Twist
Related: This Massive Candy Store in Minnesota Will Transport You Straight to Your Childhood Dreams
Related: This Little-Known Joint has been Serving Minnesota’s Best Burgers Since 2001
From the outside, Naniboujou looks like a charming, if somewhat unassuming, lodge.
But step inside, and BAM!
You’re transported to a world of vibrant colors and intricate designs.
The dining room ceiling is a riot of Cree-inspired patterns and colors so bright they make neon look shy.
It’s like eating inside a kaleidoscope, in the best possible way.
But as eye-catching as the decor is, it’s the walleye that’s the real star here.
Served with a reverence befitting the lodge’s unique character, it’s a dish that manages to be both simple and spectacular.
Each bite is a reminder of why walleye is Minnesota’s favorite fish.
And here’s the kicker – Naniboujou is more than just a restaurant.
It’s a piece of living history, having welcomed guests since 1929.
As you’re enjoying your meal, you can’t help but feel like you’re part of something special, a tradition of great food and unforgettable experiences that’s been going on for nearly a century.
6. Grandma’s Saloon & Grill (Duluth)
Don’t let the name fool you – Grandma’s Saloon & Grill isn’t the kind of place where you’ll find doilies and hard candies.
Unless, of course, your grandma was a cool, lakeside-dwelling, walleye-slinging badass.
In which case, can we meet her?
Situated right under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth, Grandma’s is as much a part of the city’s landscape as the bridge itself.
The exterior, with its cheery yellow awnings, looks like it’s perpetually ready for a party.
And inside?
Well, let’s just say it’s got more personality than a boatload of Minnesotans after a few Grain Belt Premiums.
The walls are a treasure trove of local memorabilia, creating an atmosphere that’s part museum, part your cool uncle’s basement.
But we’re not here for the decor (as awesome as it is).
We’re here for the walleye.
And boy, does Grandma deliver.
Their walleye is the kind of dish that makes you want to hug the chef.
It’s perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky fish.
It’s so good, you might find yourself wondering if Grandma has some secret deal with the walleye to make them extra delicious.
But the real magic of Grandma’s is the way it combines great food with a hefty dose of local charm.
It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a fantastic meal while soaking in the essence of Duluth.
Just be prepared for a sudden, inexplicable urge to buy a “Duluth: Cooler by the Lake” t-shirt on your way out.
7. The Anchor Fish & Chips (Minneapolis)
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Fish & chips? In a list about walleye?”
Trust me, folks.
The Anchor may have roots in British cuisine, but they’ve embraced Minnesota’s favorite fish with the enthusiasm of a bear at a salmon run.
Tucked away in Northeast Minneapolis, The Anchor is the kind of place that makes you feel cool just for knowing about it.
The exterior is understated, with a simple sign that looks like it could have been hanging there since the days of prohibition.
Inside, it’s all cozy charm and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for a long evening of good food and better conversation.
But let’s talk about that walleye.
The Anchor’s version is a testament to the idea that sometimes, simple is best.
It’s perfectly fried, with a crispy batter that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the fish.
Served with hand-cut chips (that’s fries to you and me, folks) and a side of their house-made tartar sauce, it’s a meal that would make any Minnesotan proud.
And here’s a little secret – their walleye sandwich is the stuff of legend.
It’s so good, you might find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.
Just don’t be surprised if you develop a sudden interest in English football and start using words like “brilliant” and “cheers.”
8. PORTERHOUSE Steak & Seafood Restaurant (Little Canada)
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
A steakhouse?
For walleye?
But hear me out, folks.
PORTERHOUSE may be known for its steaks, but its walleye game is strong enough to make a pescatarian out of the most devoted carnivore.
Nestled in Little Canada (which, despite its name, is 100% Minnesotan), PORTERHOUSE looks like the kind of place where important business deals are made over perfectly cooked steaks.
The exterior is sleek and modern, with a sign that practically screams “serious food inside.”
But don’t let the upscale vibe fool you – when it comes to walleye, they’re as down-home as a church basement potluck.
Their walleye is a masterclass in simplicity done right.
It’s lightly seasoned and perfectly cooked, allowing the natural flavor of the fish to shine through.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever eat anything else.
And here’s the best part – you can enjoy this fantastic walleye in an atmosphere that makes you feel like a big shot, even if your usual dining splurge is deciding to add guac at Chipotle.
It’s like wearing your favorite comfy sweatpants to a black-tie event – and discovering that everyone else had the same idea.
So there you have it, folks – eight spots where the walleye is so good, you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even digested your meal.
From lakeside cabins to urban hideaways, these places prove that great walleye doesn’t need frills – just fresh fish and a whole lot of Minnesota nice.