Wondering where to find the best walleye in Minnesota?

These eight humble eateries are hiding some of the most unforgettable flavors you’ll ever experience.

1. Insula Restaurant (Ely)

Nestled in the heart of Ely, Insula Restaurant is the culinary equivalent of finding a golden ticket in your Wonka bar.

This unassuming brick building might not scream “fish paradise,” but don’t let its modest exterior fool you.

Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a walleye wonderland that would make even the most stoic Minnesotan crack a smile.

The restaurant’s name, “Insula,” means “island” in Latin, and boy, does this place feel like a delicious oasis in the North Woods.

Their walleye is so fresh, you’d think they have a secret underwater tunnel leading straight to the nearby lakes.

Rumor has it that the fish practically jump onto the plate!

With its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that reads like a love letter to local ingredients, Insula is the kind of place where you’ll want to loosen your belt and stay awhile.

Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.

2. The Angry Trout Cafe (Grand Marais)

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a bunch of hippies decided to open a fish shack, wonder no more.

The Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais is the answer to that deliciously odd question.

This charming waterfront eatery looks like it was cobbled together from driftwood and good vibes, and let me tell you, it works.

Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing angry about this trout, except maybe how mad you’ll be at yourself for not discovering it sooner.

Their walleye is so fresh, it might still be wearing its little fish pajamas.

Served with a side of stunning Lake Superior views, it’s a meal that’ll have you contemplating a permanent move to Grand Marais.

The cafe’s commitment to sustainability is as impressive as its fish fry.

They’re so eco-friendly, I wouldn’t be surprised if the staff photosynthesized.

So go ahead, order that walleye with a clear conscience.

Mother Nature approves, and your taste buds will too.

3. Pickwick Restaurant & Pub (Duluth)

Imagine if your great-grandpa’s favorite pub got a makeover from a hipster interior designer, but kept all its old-school charm.

That’s Pickwick Restaurant & Pub in Duluth for you.

This place has been serving up stellar walleye since before walleye was cool (which, in Minnesota, is basically forever).

Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered onto the set of a time-travel movie where the 1920s and the present day decided to have a party.

The wood-paneled walls could tell you stories that would make your hair curl, but they’re too busy soaking in the aroma of perfectly cooked walleye.

Their walleye is so good, it should come with a warning label: “May cause spontaneous outbursts of ‘Uff da!’”

Pair it with a local craft beer, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s more Minnesotan than ice fishing on Opening Day.

Just be prepared for the inevitable food coma – it’s a small price to pay for walleye perfection.

4. Fireside Restaurant (Detroit Lakes)

Tucked away on the shores of Detroit Lake, Fireside Restaurant is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret fishing cabin – if that cabin happened to serve gourmet walleye, that is.

The rustic exterior might have you wondering if you’ve taken a wrong turn, but trust me, your GPS (Gastronomic Positioning System) is right on the money.

Inside, the warm glow of the fireplace and the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked walleye create an atmosphere that’s cozier than a loon in a downy nest.

The lake views are so picturesque, you might suspect they’re actually high-def TV screens.

But nope, it’s all real – including the walleye that’s about to rock your world.

Their walleye is so tender and flaky, it practically melts in your mouth like a fishy snowflake.

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

And let’s be honest, that’s the best kind of snowflake.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Fireside is the kind of place that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.

5. Naniboujou Lodge Restaurant (Grand Marais)

If Wes Anderson decided to design a North Woods lodge restaurant, the result would probably look a lot like Naniboujou.

This place is a feast for the eyes even before you get to the food.

With its vibrant, Native American-inspired ceiling and massive stone fireplace, it’s like dining inside a kaleidoscope – if kaleidoscopes served killer walleye, that is.

Named after the Cree spirit of the outdoors, Naniboujou is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.

The walleye here isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

It’s so good that you might suspect the spirit of Naniboujou himself is in the kitchen, sprinkling a little magic on each fillet.

Come for the walleye, stay for the ambiance, and leave with enough Instagram content to make your followers green with envy.

Just remember to actually eat your food before it gets cold – it’s easy to get distracted by all the visual eye candy!

6. Grandma’s Saloon & Grill (Duluth)

Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t your average grandma’s kitchen (unless your grandma happens to run a bustling restaurant under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge).

Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Duluth is like that cool aunt who tells the best stories and always has treats in her purse, except in this case, the treat is mouthwatering walleye.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia, even if you’ve never been there before.

The walls are plastered with enough memorabilia to make the Smithsonian jealous, and the atmosphere is livelier than a Minnesota Wild hockey game.

But let’s be real – you’re here for the walleye, and Grandma doesn’t disappoint.

Their walleye is so good, it might just bring a tear to your eye – or maybe that’s just the wind off Lake Superior.

Either way, you’re in for a treat.

And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a massive freighter passing by as you dine.

It’s dinner and a show, Minnesota style!

7. The Anchor Fish & Chips (Minneapolis)

Who says you need to head up north for great walleye?

The Anchor Fish & Chips in Minneapolis is proof that sometimes the best catches are found right in the heart of the city.

This little slice of the UK in the North Loop is serving up walleye that would make even the most stoic Brit shed a tear of joy.

Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy pub across the pond – if that pub decided to embrace Minnesota’s state fish, that is.

The Anchor’s walleye and chips is the kind of meal that makes you want to hug the chef, or at least give them a hearty “Uff da!” of approval.

Their walleye is so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s like biting into a fish-shaped cloud.

Pair it with their hand-cut chips and a pint of Guinness, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s more satisfying than finding the last parking spot at the Mall of America during the holiday season.

8. PORTERHOUSE Steak & Seafood Restaurant (Little Canada)

Now, I know what you’re thinking – a steakhouse for walleye?

But trust me, PORTERHOUSE in Little Canada is the Swiss Army knife of restaurants.

They’re not just good at one thing; they’re good at everything.

And their walleye?

It’s the unsung hero of the menu, the Cinderella of the seafood section.

From the outside, PORTERHOUSE looks like your typical suburban restaurant.

But step inside, and you’ll find an atmosphere that’s as warm and inviting as a bear hug from Paul Bunyan.

The lighting is dimmer than a Minnesotan’s mood in February, but that just sets the stage for the star of the show – their walleye.

Prepared with the same care and attention as their prime cuts of beef, the walleye at PORTERHOUSE is a revelation.

It’s so good that you might find yourself wondering if they’ve secretly hired a mermaid as their seafood chef.

So go ahead, skip the steak for once, and give the walleye a try.

Your taste buds will thank you, even if your cardiologist won’t.

There you have it, folks – a walleye wonderland waiting to be explored.

So grab your stretchy pants and hit the road.

These hidden gems are calling your name, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this call.