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Nicollet Island Inn, Minneapolis, MN

Nicollet Island Inn

4.7
4.7
2989 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top Tags:
The Nicollet Island Inn has stood witness to over a century of change on the shores of the Mississippi River. The Inn is consistently named the most romantic restaurant in the area and its river views have been voted some of the best in the city. An immediately recognizable Minneapolis landmark, the Inn offers world-class cuisine created by Executive Chef Michael Rain , whose innovative and constantly updated menu includes a variety of seafood, steaks and gourmet specialty dishes. Our wine menu has been chosen specifically to compliment the food and highlight producers from the world's leading wine regions.

Nic's bar, just off the main dining room, is a casual, old-world tavern and the patio offers stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline. The Inn is a convenient, comfortable destination for breakfast or lunch meetings while the 3 or 5-course Sunday Brunch is the perfect weekend indulgence.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    American, Contemporary French, Mediterranean

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Bar Wed–Sat 2:00 pm–10:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (612) 331-1800 ext. 1

  • Website

    http://www.nicolletislandinn.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Owned/operated by

    LGBTQ+, Middle Eastern, Persons with Disabilities, Women

  • Executive chef

    Michael Rain

  • Catering

    Contact Lily <br />events&#64;nicolletislandinn.com <br /><br />Island Room or St. Anthony Event Spaces <br /><br />-Newly Remodeled, Hardwood flooring<br />-An outdoor Private Garden Patio<br />-Space for 10-120 guests seated and up to 200 for a reception <br />-Free wireless Internet access <br /><br />Our professional staff provides attentive service combined with excellent cuisine to create a productive and memorable event. <br />Please visit our website for more information: www.nicolletislandinn.com/specialevents.html<br />

  • Private party facilities

    With four private dining rooms for up to 23 guests and two large banquet halls, Nicollet Island Inn is the ideal restaurant destination for intimate gatherings and grand celebrations! contact Events@NicolletIslandInn.com for your family gathering, book club, business meeting, wedding or party ne

  • Private party contact

    Lily Hansen: (877) 543-6380

  • Location

    95 Merriam, Minneapolis, MN 55401

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / North Loop

  • Cross street

    Merriam St.

  • Parking details

    Complimentary parking for guests of the Nicollet Island Inn.<br />

  • Public transit

    Bus Stop

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 2,989 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Minneapolis - St. Paul

    Best Ambiance

  • Minneapolis - St. Paul

    Romantic

  • Twin Cities / Minneapolis

    Best Ambiance

  • Twin Cities / Minneapolis

    Romantic

  • Twin Cities / Minneapolis

    Good for special occasions

  • Twin Cities / Minneapolis

    American

Sort by

Filters

  1. RG

    RecentGuest

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Great but very slow service and waited a long time for food.
  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely ambience Traditional food cooked just right and very delicious. Outstanding server thoughtful and courteous.
  3. G

    Gina

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service, atmosphere! The lobster ravioli was to die for! Really everything we had was exceptional! We will be back! One of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities!
  4. m

    marie

    Minneapolis

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Ambiance and service wonderful. I was underwhelmed at the walleye sandwich but friend raved about the salmon salad
  5. JU

    JenniferU

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the most amazing food I’ve tasted. And the service is impeccable. We will definitely be going back.
  6. JM

    JenniferM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Had a wonderful time. Beautiful building! It was awesome having everything you need right there. We stayed at the inn, ate supper and breakfast. The bartender was excelente in his craftsmanship. Would definitely stay again.
  7. B

    Brian

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience5
    Arrived a little before 8 pm things were going well until we had to wait awhile 15 minutes for the appetizer and then 40 minutes for our food. My salmon was cold because it waited for the pork chop. My wife was halfway done by the time I got my food. My dinner was comped. But took away from a great evening.
  8. TG

    TGOTT

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The food was less than average. The service was adequate and the ambiance is excellent.
  9. A

    Allison

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I went here last night to celebrate my birthday. The table was beautifully set. We requested to be seated under a chandelier and candles lit. That was beautifully done. Our waiter was incredible. We were not consuming alcohol so he brought us a list of mock cocktails that were really good! For our entree I had the pork chop and it was heavenly!! My husband had the filet mingon burger which he loved as well. He asked for a side of blue cheese dressing and they did not have any but they made him one from scratch!! We were blown away!! The service was phenomenal!! Definitely coming here again! Thanks for creating an amazing experience for us!
  10. SL

    SherryL

    Minneapolis

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience with great food and service sitting at a table by a window. Simply amazing.
  11. S

    paulS

    Minneapolis

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great brunch. Better than their dinners if you ask me. All three dishes were great. A small menu but really well chosen. The place runs a little older regarding clientele but I find the restaurant to be cozy. Windows out onto the river. Lots of parking. I’ve been there a few times and always like it.
  12. NS

    NancyS

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful, historical building with great ambiance! Romantic comes to mind. Professional and caring server. Lovely experience!
  13. GU

    GaryU

    Minneapolis

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful holiday ambience, excellent service and very good food. The Inn is set next to the river and a beautifully wooded park area on Nicollet Island. Highly recommended.
  14. EW

    EatingWell

    Minneapolis

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    NII is a great restaurant in a great location. Normally, I love the food and ambience. Last time, my biscuits and gravy were exceedingly salty.
  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    I have been to this restaurant in the past with impeccable service and food. Unfortunately this time was disappointing, especially since it was a special occasion and on New Year’s day. They were understaffed-the servers were stressed and the service indicated that, putting a damper on the entire experience.
  16. p

    peggys

    Minneapolis

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nicollet Island Inn is one of our favorite restaurants in Minneapolis! It's a great choice for special occasions, dinner out on Saturday night, or meeting friends for lunch or brunch.
  17. C

    Coolmom8

    Minneapolis

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice service especially for nye. We did not feel rushed. Our waitress was attentive but not overly involved. The courses flowed nicely. Food is fine. Atmosphere nice,prices what you would expect. A very nice evening
  18. K

    Kathy

    Minneapolis

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I love going to the Nicollet Island Inn for special occasions. The atmosphere is romantic and the view on a winter day with snow on the ground is perfect for the holidays. Our server was friendly and professional, the food was delicious. Great chocolate cookies!!
  19. RH

    RichardH

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent. Service, food and ambiance all too notch. A great place to celebrate a special occasion as we did, our first anniversary. You pay for the great service and ambiance however. Price is right, it's fair, but it is slightly on the high side.
  20. J

    Jeanie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for a wonderful, festive venue to celebrate New Year's Eve (or any occasion). Everything was perfect...the ambiance, the hosts, waiter, and food and drink. Will be back!
  21. MV

    MVeech

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The wait staff was helpful with recommendations and attentive throughout and the only thing better was the food itself.
  22. m

    mikel

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    food was good, service was good too. the only issue was that they were out of the less expensive wines forcing you to pay an extra $10 to $15 per bottle.
  23. DM

    DavidM

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    GREAT AMBIENCE BUT WE GAVE OUR TWO MEALS ONLY A C GRADE, AT BEST. THEY ALSO CHARGE 5 DOLLARS FOR BREAD, WHICH WE THOUGHT WAS VERY ODD WHEN ORDERING A PASTA DISH.
  24. HP

    HelenP

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to the Nicollet Island Inn for our wedding anniversary. For dinner I had the seafood linguini and my husband had the lobster pot. I thought my dish was excellent! Lots of seafood, not all pasta. My husband liked his dish as well. The restaurant had a number of diners but was not particularly noisy. The meal was well paced. The waitstaff was unhurried but I never felt that we were kept waiting. We got a complimentary glass of bubbly each, in honor of our anniversary.
  25. EM

    ElissaM

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    We were given menus however most things on menu were unavailable. Server was rude. Hardly anything for vegetarians. Pretty awful all around.
  26. NK

    NeilK

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Beautifully decorated for Christmas Dinner. Wonderful drinks, food and service.
  27. MS

    MS0321

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for Christmas Eve dinner, and it was such a cozy atmosphere we all really enjoyed it. The food was fantastic.
  28. k

    kittie

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    always great food but this smoked bologna sandwich was killer! i’m still craving another. BEST server too. she knew how to read the table, pop by, not interrupt., amazing
  29. S

    Snbay

    Minneapolis

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful Christmas dinner before going to the Guthrie. The sea bass, walleye, filet, and seafood linguine were all excellent. The lobster cakes were also delicious. The atmosphere is always beautiful, but at Christmas even more. Our server Daniel was awesome. The staff of the Nic is always welcoming and makes you feel that they want to make everything perfect for you. This is one of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities.
  30. PL

    PaulL

    Minneapolis

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent in all respects.
  31. H

    Hafnia

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    In that lovely setting, we enjoyed excellent service, but the food was decidedly mixed. Our guest enjoyed her reuben breakfast entree and the cheese stake was ample and delicious. My walleye was not good: it was a very narrow rectangle of fish on a huge bun with a tiny bit of slaw or something on the bottom bun. I could barely taste the fish. Perhaps walleye is difficult to source now. Both sandwiches where accompanied with a gigantic portion of fries with ketchup. The fries were good, but there was nothing else on the sandwich or, nor did any of the plates have any attempt of presentation: the food was just plopped on. No bit of fruit, extra sauce, etc.. It looked like a roadhouse plate of food. Not what I would expect at a Christmas brunch in a lovely place. I would recommend for the ambience but not for the food.
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When stayed at The Inn and also had dinner there.The dining room is very romantic for a date and the food was great.They have it decorated beautifully for Xmas.The only negative thing was when we checked out we were never told that there was breakfast being served in the bar when we checked in.Every thing else was very nice
  33. MB

    MariannB

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our waiter was very professional and funny and entertaining without being overbearing. He really made the evening special -we'll never forget his witticisms!
  34. J

    Jangel

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nicolett Island Inn is a Minneapolis treasure. Beautiful setting, excellent food and service, quaint bar with views of the city.
  35. DN

    DougN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very unique place! We stayed at the Inn as well as dinner and brunch the following day! Food was excellent and customer service was excellent! Absolutely a place that will become a regular destination for us! One the best Steaks I’ve eaten! The room was very nice! Very quiet and COMFORTABLE BED!
  36. c

    church

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very nice environment with views of the park and river. Great service and good food.
  37. a

    anon

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Setting was lovely, as always, and food was delectable -- but the service was insanely slow, from the 25-minute wait for the table we'd reserved long before (and the restaurant wasn't crowded) to the 50-minute wait for food to arrive. Other than terrible timing, all was great.
  38. EV

    EmileeV

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went a couple weeks before Christmas, and the place was decorated so beautifully...felt so warm! Our meal was great, and our server was friendly and super accommodating. I already want to go back and bring my husband.
  39. k

    kimp

    Tampa

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful birthday celebration! Absolutely beautiful venue and outstanding service and delicious food! A very special place.
  40. PH

    PatH

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Nicollet Island Inn does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Nicollet Island Inn also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (612) 331-1800 ext. 1.

Nicollet Island Inn is rated 4.7 stars by 2989 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Google Map for Nicollet Island Inn

95 Merriam, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Merriam St.

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / North Loop

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Bar Wed–Sat 2:00 pm–10:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, Contemporary French, Mediterranean

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Complimentary parking for guests of the Nicollet Island Inn.<br />

  • Public transit

    Bus Stop

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    LGBTQ+, Middle Eastern, Persons with Disabilities, Women

  • Executive chef

    Michael Rain

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.nicolletislandinn.com/

  • Phone number

    (612) 331-1800 ext. 1

  • Catering

    Contact Lily <br />events&#64;nicolletislandinn.com <br /><br />Island Room or St. Anthony Event Spaces <br /><br />-Newly Remodeled, Hardwood flooring<br />-An outdoor Private Garden Patio<br />-Space for 10-120 guests seated and up to 200 for a reception <br />-Free wireless Internet access <br /><br />Our professional staff provides attentive service combined with excellent cuisine to create a productive and memorable event. <br />Please visit our website for more information: www.nicolletislandinn.com/specialevents.html<br />

  • Private party facilities

    With four private dining rooms for up to 23 guests and two large banquet halls, Nicollet Island Inn is the ideal restaurant destination for intimate gatherings and grand celebrations! contact Events@NicolletIslandInn.com for your family gathering, book club, business meeting, wedding or party ne

  • Private party contact

    Lily Hansen: (877) 543-6380

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