We spend a lot of time on and around the lake; here are my recommendations for lodging, dining, and activities in our most frequented bays!
Sections
2
Excelsior
Wayzata
Excelsior
Just consistently good food in a beautiful old space right on Water St. Recommend the korean tacos, burger and cauliflower.
Coalition
Great place to grab a coffee and walk or sit and enjoy the space. Usually very busy so seating can be hard to come by.
The Lobby Coffee & Leisure
The only boat-up bar in Excelsior. Famous for their outdoor seating/bar - the Wharf. Lively crowds at nights and on weekends. They have a large free lot and a pay lot across the street.
Maynards Restaurant
Delicious Mexican food right on Water St. Also very small space so tables can be hard to come by.
Lago Tacos
THE BEST local sushi for dine in or take out. Pricey, but worth it.
Yumi Japanese Restaurant & Bar
Cozy little independent cafe with great quiche in the AM and live music in the PM.
318 Cafe
A little walk or drive from the Excelsior piers but worth it. This seasonal shop has a cult following - the custard is SO good and the young staff has a heavy hand with the toppings. Such a yummy treat!
Adele's Frozen Custard
This gas station turned restaurant is relatively new to the Excelsior food scene. Has a nice outdoor patio and good, not great, food. Fun cocktails too!
Layline
This ice cream shop is a seasonal gem. Right on Water St and close to the pier. There's always a line but it moves fast and they have tons of flavors to choose from.
Licks Unlimited
This brewery and taproom has plenty of space, a nice patio and often live music at night. Get a Big Island Blonde!
Excelsior Brewing
The inside is nothing to write home about but the pizza is delicious. Make a resi - this place gets busy! Or better yet, do a take out order and eat next door at Excelsior Brewing!
Olive’s Fresh Pizza Bar
Dinner cruises right out of Excelsior Bay. A great way to see the lake and enjoy a meal!
Al & Almas Lake Minnetonka Boat Cruises
Wayzata
Northeast side of lake; public docks in Wayzata Bay or plenty of street parking via car. These are my fave places when we visit!
Newly completed boardwalk lets you stroll the shoreline from Cov to 6Smith.
Panoway Boardwalk
Posh hotel in downtown Wayzata. Fun for out of town guests or a staycation because it's right on Lake St.
Hotel Landing
Lakeside dining right on Wayzata Bay. Casual upscale vibes - a must for lunch, dinner or drinks!
CōV Wayzata
Beachy Mexican vibes a short walk from the docks, or lot parking is available. Get the poke, birria tacos, and charred brussels sprout salad.
Baja Haus
Fast casual restaurant if you want to pick up salads or wraps for boating. I love the No Prob Cobb!
CRISP & GREEN
Crisp & Green's sister Mexican restaurant - another great fast casual choice with a menu similar to Chipotle.
PURALIMA
Amazing eat in or take-out. Has a deli/coffee bar side and a sit-down restaurant. Love their pizzas and salads.
The Grocer's Table
Perfect if you just want some bar food and pull tab action!
Wayzata Bar and Grill Casual Restaurant
A local chain but this location is new to the Wayzata scene. Tucked back a bit, but still walkable from the docks. They have the best burgers and cocktails!
Red Cow Wayzata
Perfect for a morning cruise stop or to grab a coffee and stroll the boardwalk.
Rustica Bakery
Another lakeside dining option - fancier food (steak and seafood) and definitely more of a nightlife scene than Cov.
6Smith Restaurant
Lakeside Latin/Japanese fusion dining next to 6Smith. Delicious food, beautiful finishes and just a really fun upscale dining experience.
Macanda
The only ice cream shop I know of in Wayzata. Grab a cone and walk across the street to enjoy with a view of the lake!
