Nicolett Island Inn

Before I skip town for good I decided to check out this place.
I think it should be reserved for special occasions. The restaurant has plenty of parking, and the most amazing and romantic views. We had a table by the window and honestly I enjoyed the view more then I enjoyed the food. The food was delish, but the view… was breathtaking. Im willing to pay for the view, the food comes in second.
We had the lamb chops which were covered in perfect rub and sizzled to perfection. The walleye was forgettable but the vegetables that came with it were quite nice. Had the chocolate mousse for dessert.
The service is good, a little pushy with the drinks.

What an amazing restaurant for a special event. First the service gets top ratings across the board, but our waiter Joe was phenomenal. He even brought us complimentary champagne to toast our celebration. He was very thoughtful, attentive, and knew all the menu preparations in detail. Secondly, the food was fantastic… everyone was very happy with their meal. Menu is not large, but nice selection for all. Setting is wonderful in a historic old hotel. Tables are spaced nicely to give some privacy. Excellent wine menu. Live piano player was wonderful to enjoy with our dessert.

I’m writing about the excellent restaurant in the hotel. With so many fantastic restaurants popping up all over the Twin Cities, it is easy to forget a long-​established gem like the Nicolett Island Inn. The dining room is elegant, quiet and perfect for a romantic or a family dinner. The menu has responded to the innovative cuisine that has become the standard in Minneapolis, and now ranks in the top tier with stunning food, beautiful presentation and elegant service. The setting on Nicolett Island is beautiful and serene. One must mention the astonishing Sunday brunch – three or five courses of the most impressive cuisine anywhere. One of my well-​traveled European visitors exclaimed that this was one of the best restaurants in the world. I agree. My mother on a recent visit said that this was one of the best meals of her life (she is 94!)

Calm and peaceful historic hotel on a tiny island in the Mississippi in the middle of Minneapolis. Okay restaurant. In our amazing room with thick thick walls, we felt like we were on a holiday on the Ile de la Cite. trees outside, slow moving waters. Drawbacks: 1) The Hennepin Bridge carries a lot of traffic, and that affects rooms at one end. Watch out when you book. 2) You’ve got to walk to the «mainland» to get breakfast or lunch. It was quiet and isolating. If you walk towards the heart of Minneapolis, you have to do a long tiring walk over that noisy bridge unless you have a car. (We didn’t.) Walking the other way brings you to an attractive if somewhat artificial neighborhood called Riverwalk where you can get breakfast. There are bars with weekend music, too. I would definitely stay here again if I were in Minneapolis (there on business) but this time I would rent a car or a bicycle.