Scenically located overlooking the Mississippi River, Nicollet Island Inn features gourmet dining facilities for any special occasion and then some, topped by its famed, five-course Sunday champagne brunch. A Minneapolis landmark, the inn itself is absolutely enchanting, with love-seat-by-fireplace charm and century-old elegance. Lunch in the dining room may feature a salmon niçoise salad or steak frites as an entrée, while dinner specialties include house-made pâtés and sausages as well as entrées such as venison and young range hen. Sunday meal service is reserved for brunch, which more than lives up to its star billing. Toast your good fortune with a mimosa, a Bloody Mary or some fresh-squeezed juice. The first course includes house-made breakfast pastries, with scones, muffins and tarts worthy of afternoon tea in London. The second and third courses are small, delicate servings of playful variations on old standards: eggs Benedict with leeks, or crème brûlée French toast. The fourth, and main, course includes delectable choices such as grilled trout with haricots verts. The fifth course is dessert - indulgence at its finest. Try the chocolate profiteroles.
Full bar. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. Sun brunch 9:30 am-1:30 pm.
"There are two kinds of brunch: sloppy brunch and occasion brunch. One is rolling out of bed for a jug of coffee and huevos rancheros. The other is a more genteel affair requiring combed hair and a few good talking points for Grandma. Piano music, charming river views, and free-flowing champagne put the Nicollet Island Inn squarely in the latter camp. In fact, it probably owns the category. The Nic has a distinct elegance, be it slightly nostalgic and tinged with shopworn paisley décor. The menu suits its old-world scheme, but it nonetheless satisfies a modern taste for quality ingredients, attractive plating, and appropriate portions."- Kate Rogers, Mpls-St. Paul magazine, December 2008