Nicollet Island Inn

4.8 (3474)

$31 to $50

American

95 Merriam, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Make a booking

Nicollet Island Inn

4.8

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / North Loop

Make a booking

2 people

25 Oct 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views

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.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
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
Executive Chef
Christian Freeman
Catering
Contact Lily events@nicolletislandinn.com Island Room or St. Anthony Event Spaces -Newly Remodeled, Hardwood flooring -An outdoor Private Garden Patio -Space for 10-120 guests seated and up to 200 for a reception -Free wireless Internet access Our professional staff provides attentive service combined with excellent cuisine to create a productive and memorable event. Please visit our website for more information: www.nicolletislandinn.com/specialevents.html
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

Location
95 Merriam, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Area
Downtown / North Loop
Cross street
Merriam St.
Parking Details
Complimentary parking for guests of the Nicollet Island Inn.
Public transport
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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Nicollet Island Inn.

4.8

(3474)

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.9Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Minneapolis - St. Paul
Best Ambience
Minneapolis - St. Paul
Romantic
Twin Cities / Minneapolis
Best Ambience
Twin Cities / Minneapolis
Romantic
Twin Cities / Minneapolis
Great for scenic views
Twin Cities / Minneapolis
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Nicollet Island Inn offers a unique dining experience with its "historic charm" and "beautiful views" of the Mississippi River. The restaurant is praised for its "impeccable service" and "thoughtfully prepared" dishes, providing an "intimate setting" perfect for special occasions. Guests appreciate the "delicious food" and "welcoming ambiance."

3,474 Reviews

M
Michael
Key West / Florida Keys7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding in every way! I used to frequent Nicollet Island back in the 80's and 90's until I relocated. I was in town for a visit and decided to have dinner there. It was as excellent as ever! I was so happy to see they had maintained their exceptional performace! I wish they would bring back their delicious breakfasts, but I understand that the labor shortage has made it difficult.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
Key West / Florida Keys6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brad in the bar and Julia at the table were wonderful! Food and wine was superb. Quiet with a view of the river. Absolutely amazing!!
Is this helpful?
A
Adam Gold
Minneapolis - St. Paul7 reviews
4.0
Dined on 17 October 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Overall an excellent experience. However, the menu said that a 3% charge would be added for credit cards but not added to debit cards. Despite using a debit card, the credit card surcharge was added to the bill. That's not a giant deal but it is a little annoying.
Is this helpful?
A
Arnoldo Gold
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida56 reviews
4.0
Dined on 11 October 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Went for Sunday brunch. Food was good, although not many choices. Ambience was nice, if you like old fashion: elegant and nicely decorated. Very open views of the area. Lots of sunlight. Would return.
Is this helpful?
J
Jackie Gold
Wisconsin8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful classic dishes with impeccable service.
Is this helpful?
W
William Gold
Minneapolis - St. Paul40 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our eighth wedding anniversary dinner (out of 49) at Nicollet Island Inn. We simply love this restaurant. Out of the five key stipulations to make a great restaurant, NII maintains all five. (1) Food & drink quality and selections. 5 stars (2) reception and table service. 5 stars (3) ambience both inside and out. 5 stars (4) Value for experience. 5 stars (5) location and parking. 5 stars
Is this helpful?
a
angele
Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review
4.0
Dined on 27 September 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
lovely setting, easy parking, delicious food. we recommend the Nicollet Island Inn as a fun place to take guests.
Is this helpful?
S
Sonja Gold
Minneapolis - St. Paul45 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brought my mother for her birthday with my family so five of us. Seated promptly at a wonderful table tucked into a corner. Nice view and very private. Server was very nice. Got beverages and appetizers promptly. Deviled eggs, bread and shrimp cocktail were all excellent. Entrees were very good overall. My mom thought the salmon dish was too salty with the olive tapenade and hummus. Walleye is very generous amount. Too much breading for my taste but I picked around it. Husband really liked his steak and kids liked the burger and tofu fried rice. Had the chocolate cake and the cookie duo for dessert. The cake says it is for two but easily served four. Desserts were fabulous. Charge under $300 for five of us which we were impressed by (pre-tip and no alcohol).
Is this helpful?
k
karen
Minneapolis - St. Paul3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was excellent. Good food. Prompt friendly service. Beautiful setting.
Is this helpful?
M
Margaret
Minneapolis - St. Paul4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nicollet Island Inn is a lovely restaurant overlooking the Mississippi River. My daughter and I enjoyed our dinner very much. It is quiet and serene, nothing flashy. I don’t need to see the kitchen or have loud music when I dine out, I just want to eat good food in a beautiful place. Most of the food seemed thoughtfully prepared on site, which is extremely rare.
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
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
Executive Chef
Christian Freeman
Catering
Contact Lily events@nicolletislandinn.com Island Room or St. Anthony Event Spaces -Newly Remodeled, Hardwood flooring -An outdoor Private Garden Patio -Space for 10-120 guests seated and up to 200 for a reception -Free wireless Internet access Our professional staff provides attentive service combined with excellent cuisine to create a productive and memorable event. Please visit our website for more information: www.nicolletislandinn.com/specialevents.html
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

Location
95 Merriam, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Area
Downtown / North Loop
Cross street
Merriam St.
Parking Details
Complimentary parking for guests of the Nicollet Island Inn.
Public transport
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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Make a booking

Nicollet Island Inn

4.8

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / North Loop

Make a booking

2 people

25 Oct 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 13 times today