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Starting out my food travel guide series is none other than the town I currently call "home", Wayzata, Minnesota. Just a short 20 minute drive from Minneapolis, this quaint community is a little slice of heaven on Lake Minnetonka. Wayzata is a foodie haven where several of Minnesota's top restaurants reside. So, where is Wayzata, exactly?!
If you're in Minneapolis and hop on Hwy 394 West, you'll eventually run right into this suburb... The first time I came here, I thought I was in some magical, hidden community because there aren't many signs letting you know where you are! I guess that makes this small city even cooler, right? Anyway, here's my first food travel guide, and I hope you enjoy... bon appétit!
1. Cov
If you have watched any of my Instagram stories, you know this place is like my second home! Located right in the heart of Wayzata, Cov is an American style restaurant with a profound east coast vibe.
The menu includes favored dishes such as the lobster roll, crab cake, mahi tacos, grilled salmon, and make sure to leave room for some Sammy Cake!
The ambiance is classy, casual and fun. Walls are filled with photographs of sailboats and Nantucket; you'll feel like you're sitting in a luxurious boat house. And when it starts warming up outside... this is hands down the #1 patio in Minnesota! (According to me 😜)
2. Bellecour
One of the new kids on the block is Bellecour. Bellecour is a French bistro and bakery that was opened by Minneapolis' renowned Spoon & Stable crew. I love coming here in the morning to pick up a coffee and freshly baked loaf of bread. In the evening, the bistro transforms into a dreamy, dimly lit French restaurant serving up contemporary French cuisine and elaborate cocktails.
Some golden girl favorites are: steak frites (the ribeye is insane!), French onion soup, king crab, and from the bar I absolutely love the Chouette 75. Plus anything from their bakery (I am obsessed with their bread 😜).
It can be challenging to get a reservation, but I enjoy going in and just grabbing a stool at the bar. Every time I come here, I get to pretend I'm on a romantic date in Paris...whether I'm having a full-blown dinner or just enjoying some cocktails with friends.
3. District
If you're in the mood for a meal that's more on the healthy side, District (Fresh Kitchen + Bar) is a solid spot... Also note, I love coming here on the weekends for their brunch! This contemporary, mid-western restaurant is very well decorated with lots of windows and vaulted ceilings. If you're looking for a fun, light meal, this is definitely the place to go in Wayzata.
Some favorites are the chop chicken salad and the artichoke dip. For brunch, try their omelette of the day, potato trio, cinnamon bun, and for sure order a mimosa!
I'm really impressed with this new breakfast diner in Wayzata. If you're burnt out on early morning meetings at Starbucks, then you should give Benedict's a try. It just opened a few months ago in a newer building development in town, right off the main drag, so it's just steps away from other trendy shops. Benedict's puts a new spin on "old school" diner. Splashes of blush and light green mixed with copper light fixtures give this restaurant a very contemporary yet retro feel. I enjoy sitting at their bar (which is full service, so you can go ahead and order up a cocktail!) because it's in the center of the restaurant, so you can watch all the action while you enjoy your breakfast or lunch.
5. 6Smith
Last but not least, if you're looking for a fun, modern version of a steakhouse then 6Smith is the perfect place to go. I absolutely love their location, because it's right along the lake and they have a wonderful outdoor patio for those warm summer nights. Not only is there a downstairs patio, there's also an upstairs patio and bar that's open during the summer with a spectacular view of Lake Minnetonka. 6Smith offers a brunch buffet on weekends, as well.
Some popular menu choices are the extra thick bacon appetizer, steak salad, scallops, and they also have an outstanding wine menu with carefully, hand selected wines from all over the world.
I hope you enjoyed my first GG Food Travel Guide. I have many more cities and snacks to cover, so stay tuned! If there are any cities you'd like to request a guide for (whether it be food or an entire travel guide) just head on over to my contact page and shoot me a message. Cheers!
-Golden Girl