★ 5

Our Coffee was never under half. Breakfast was AMAZING! Can't wait for tomorrow morning's breakfast!!

Source: Google

★ 3

We expected a little more quality in the dish for a $45 plate. Service was not friendly to us, but definitely had smiles for the “regulars”.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

Food is not worth the price. Trust me on this, all the people fawning over how good the food here is are either lying or just have never tried good food before in their life, which is honestly just sad. I would say its worth half of what it actually costs. I had the sausage which was flavorless and bland, which is alright if it were somewhere around the $15 market, but it was $28 dollars... The person I was with had the curry with beef and chicken, and it was somehow both under cooked and overcooked at the same time, which is impressive for a $27 dollar meal. Also the broccoli was raw. Again this would be okay would it be maybe half the price, but its not. Just go to the winery if you want to eat. Their food is cheaper and much better.

Source: Google

★ 5

Was just there to fish..

Source: Google

★ 5

Always excellent food

Source: Google

★ 5

We have loved their Alaska Halibut and Georgia Walnut pie for decades!

Source: Google

★ 5

Brown sugar cake is so great!

Source: Google

★ 5

Extremely cute place with excellent food! Menu included many gluten free options.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Garlic prawns with linguine was excellent. The Keylime pie was one of the best I’ve ever had.
I I wish I had taken another Keylime slice with me.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 3

great food and service. The only thing was the food and prices belong to a high class resturant that you would find in an expensive city. cheapest thing on the menu was $20 for lasagna. We were not looking to pay almost $90. for a lunch!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent food! Fun atmosphere. Good service. Need to stop for a meal here if you are in the area.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

A nice casual place with great food and drinks. Fair prices for food quality.

Source: Google

★ 5

Cost is higher. But we know cost to get great help and keeping them. Can go for just dessert and a drink. Menu can change any time. Great fish and stake. Champagne chicken is my wife’s favorite. Sword fish, peace , smoked fish are some of my favorites 👍👍

Champagne grape chicken today. Wife loved it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

They consistently have had and do have great food

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 3

Unfortunately, not the experience I was hoping for. The bread and salad were great! Cocktails were tasty but weak. We waited probably an hour at not a slower time for our meal. My husband's rib eye was well done when it was suppose to be medium rare. Felt somewhat overpriced for what was received. Very charming interior, but won't be back.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I are visiting from New York. We had the pleasure of dining at The Harborview Cafe last
evening. We, along with my brother and his wife had a truly delicious meal.
The halibut, the garlic chicken, the Cesar Salad. If I could give it 10 would!
Our server Carrisa was outstanding.
We can't wait to go back on our next visit,
An amazing dining experience, indeed.

Source: Google

★ 5

We had my husband's sister and her husband visiting from New York. We all had excellent meals and our waitress (Carissa) was absolutely wonderful.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best restaurant in Pepin, hands down. Rotating menu on chalk board, festive atmosphere and excellent food. It’s a real treat.

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

This is worth a drive to have some great food. Everything was very fresh, and the atmosphere is great also. Bonus, the portions are huge too.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the best meals I have had in a long time! Our waitress was amazing and she told us, "you will not leave here hungry," she was not wrong! Next time we are going to try and save room for dessert.

Source: Google

★ 5

Harbor View is fantastic, a limited and delicious menu, adorable atmosphere and fantastic service. We rolled up at around closing time and they were so accommodating and didn’t rush us. I wish I could leave 10/5 stars!

Source: Google

★ 5

This quaint stop on the Great River Road is a fantastic find. Chef-driven menu is creative, interesting and sooooooo tasty. It looks like this space was originally and old school corner bar with tin ceilings and cute decor. Service was stellar and came with lots of knowledge of menu items and favorites. Well be back.

Source: Google

★ 3

I will be turning 40 next year and my husband I have been eating at Harbor View Cafe since the 90s. Tonight we took our two kids there and told them how we had been eating here since we were kids ourselves. We were so disappointed in the flavors of our favorite dishes that were almost unrecognizable. We thought we had certainly been given the wrong salads, maybe a house salad with ranch instead of the best Caesar salad of all time, but our server told us the new chef changed the dressing. My husband’s pork tenderloin was tough and flavorless, and though somewhat similar, something tasted different about the Alaskan halibut too. This is a restaurant that so many people are nostalgic about, and come to visit for the nostalgia, but the food has no need to change. The dishes are timeless and do not need to adapt. Our kids would be third generation Harbor View visitors and that says a lot, but if the food continues down this path we will not be returning. I hope the new chef (or new owners? I know it was recently for sale) can understand that they have a unique opportunity to take on a business that requires no change or creative thinking. This place is beloved for the food and ambiance alike, so please leave well enough alone.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

My favorite restaurant! High quality, fresh food prepared to order. Absolutely sumptuous! Reminds me of food I had in Switzerland and Austria.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent salmon.

Source: Google

★ 5

My wife and I went to dinner here on a Sunday after getting married and we’re greeted with a live band outside which was cool. The service was fast and they were helpful in getting us our check fast and boxing up our food as we needed to get to a reservation. Food was good and portions were massive! Cool spot right by the water with a great view and relaxed atmosphere. Defiantly recommend if in Pepin!

Source: Google

★ 4

Once a five, it has slipped a bit in my mind and to my taste buds and value. Great view of the Mississippi, if you get those tables, busy,

Source: Google

★ 5

We had the crab cakes, roasted beet salad and the smoked fish and shrimp. Everything was SO delicious!!! Our waitress, Missy, was super pleasant and accommodating for our low carb diet. Love this place!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Worth the wait. Amazing food and large portions.

Source: Google

★ 5

A nice experience and view of Lake Pipe.

Source: Google

★ 3

I have been going to this restaurant once a month for over 30 years. That will not be the case going forward. The quality of the food choices has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. The Cesar dressing used to be an absolute must have. Unfortunately they have changed the recipe for the dressing so that it is much closer to a ranch than a Cesar. The last time there, knowing that the Cesar was no good I ordered a Hungarian mushroom soup that had no business being on the menu. Probably my last time going to Harborview which for me is so sad

Source: Google

★ 5

Staff is very friendly service is fast salad is fresh so is the bread. Enjoyable in many ways
The drive down to there is beautiful. Mikey thank you

Source: Google

★ 5

A delightful cafe with friendly staff and Delicious dishes from soup salad bread ..my fav the Chicken

Source: Google

★ 4

The picture looks warmer than I felt dining by myself. :(
My husband and I have gone here three times a summer for years- I will return but I’m wondering if they took off my innocuous comments on Facebook? Or if FB took them off somehow.
I wasn’t aware that the menu would change between Friday and Saturday. Their post of Friday asked what we’d have for dinner. So I decided to splurge ($42.00!) on scallops. Well, they ran out of scallops. Shortly after I ordered the beef tenderloin instead (served with pea pods- yum), they added another fish dish. I would have liked to know that was an option.
The two soup offerings completely changed from their FB posts.
I really love the cozy ambiance of the original dining area. Being mostly ignored, however, combined with not even letting other diners know of the changes to the menu (because my comments were deleted) is disappointing.
(I was lonely. The least I could have done was share my experience at the restaurant via social media.)

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent service from Sherry...absolutely one of the bedt servers ..great food...great atmosphere

Source: Google

★ 1

Disgusted with New Owner! I happened to be at the table next to a senior citizen with her daughter and granddaughter as she Refused to honor an old $100 gift certificate or even work with the lady. The elderly woman said she had been bringing her family for over 30 years yet the woman owner wouldnt even work with her, got loud and even embarrassed the customer. Shame on you! The food used to be delicious but after seeing what kind of people now own this place, Never going back.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Food was fantastic! Our waitress was a delight! Great view of the river.

Source: Google

★ 4

Un pequeño restaurante con muy buena atención, y comida gluten free muy sabrosa.
Probé el pez espada a la parrilla y el aguacate relleno de cangrejo.
El pez espada estaba delicioso, el aguacate relleno no tanto (el aguacate un poco verde), pero el relleno si estaba bueno.
Una buena opción para celiacos e intolerantes al gluten.

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely fantastic. The menu is often the same with some variations here and there. Portion size is perfect, not too big. Literally every dish I've tried is amazing! The hardest part; should I try something new, or go with an old favorite?? I admire their consistency!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Harbor View Cafe is a great place to stop at for dinner if you are on the water or ending your river drive by Pepin. The inside was cool and comforting I would say. The staff was great and friendly. The food is all great and fresh and love how the menu is always different. I got the chicken breast and the flavor was great. Also had a spotted cow since I was over the border.

Source: Google

★ 2

We have visited this restaurant for over 35 years. Our most favorite restaurant! However, we experienced a visit on Saturday afternoon that led us to the conclusion, with a very heavy heart...this would be our last visit😢
We invited two friends along that had never experienced our most favorite restaurant and was so excited to share it with them. The visit ended with total embarrassment😱
Our most favorite dish, sauteed chicken breast with garlic chipotle sauce and linguine, was cold and the chicken was hard to slice into. This use to be the most flavorful dish, but this lacked flavor as well as being cold. Our friends had two different dishes. The pesce and the halibut. The fish in the pesce had small bones in it which was a total surprise to our guest. The other item ordered, the halibut, was slathered in a black mass that looked like a balsamic reduction that totally over powered the halibut. (I believe it was supposed to be a black butter caper sauce) The comment was that it looked like a chocolate yule log! Our guest commented that it totally took away the flavor of the halibut. If you order the halibut, my advise is to get the black butter caper sauce or whatever it was, on the side.
At $40 per meal, this was an expensive disappointment.
All in all it's always a beautiful drive to Lake Pepin. Next trip we will be going to a different restaurant.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this place!
Food has never disappointed.
Super friendly and hospitable.
Serving staff is absolutely top-notch!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great food as always. Wounderful view.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is one of our favorite restaurants. We haven’t been for several years so we were delighted to get in without a wait. I had the halibut which I loved and my husband had the pork chop, which was a meal for two. The menu is completely different than it was the last time we were here some of my favorites no longer on the menu, we still enjoyed our menu choices and in the experience

Source: Google

★ 2

I ordered the halibut. What I received was a dried out piece of fish with a glob of supposedly balsamic and butter reduction but which in reality was a past due gel like thickened gravy. The accompanying plain white rice was lukewarm, dried out and tasteless. After a complaint to the wait staff, the entree bill was reduced by 25%.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent, fresh and local food. Cozy restaurant, menu is written on the chalkboard daily and changes as items become unavailable. Good wine list, full bar, delicious desserts and top notch service. A must stop in Pepin!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 3

My 2nd time here, but my husband's 1st time, I chose a different dish this time. We had water to drink, some bread, 2 entrees Halibut with white rice and Salmon with wild rice for $83. It was good but not for that price.

Source: Google

★ 5

The food and service in this small-town gem were exceptional, making it a rare find that’s truly worth the price. The overall experience for our late night group of six was unmatched! The staff on food suggestions was great. Fun to try something and someplace new.

Source: Google

★ 5

First time visitors. We had a lovely time and the food was excellent. Our server was terrific as well. Cannot wait to come back again soon.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Harbor View will always remain one of our favorite places to visit. The food is outstanding, server’s know the menu and are able to make suggestions based on your preferences. For us it’s more than a 90-minute drive. It is definitely worth the drive.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

6/24/24 Update: Without a doubt, it used to be a family favorite restaurant we'd frequently visit. A change in ownership and a new chef led to extreme disappointment for this visit. Grizzly inedible steak. Halibut, that was not up to the usual standard. The only same great item was the stuffed mushroom appetizers. No longer a favorite of our, and at $40/ plat, we will not be returning sadly.

Original review from 2019: Best small-town coziest and tastiest restaurant in the Midwest! Savory food that you'll never forget. Wonderful staff that welcomes you like family. Go enjoy the view, relax and take in all the tastes.... :)

Source: Google

★ 2

A group of friends from Minneapolis gathered excitedly at the Harbor View Cafe, a beloved restaurant they had been frequenting for over three decades. With fond memories of delicious meals and warm ambiance, they anticipated another delightful evening of fine dining. However, upon perusing the menu, they were taken aback by the drastic changes that had occurred.

The menu, once filled with familiar and comforting dishes, now boasted a selection that seemed to belong to another era. It was as if the restaurant had undergone a culinary revolution, introducing bold and unconventional flavors. One particular salmon dish, served with wild rice, caught their attention. It was accompanied by a curry sauce, a fusion of flavors that seemed out of place in the context of their cherished memories.

Curiosity got the better of them, and they decided to give it a try. As the dish arrived at the table, the aroma of the curry sauce wafted through the air, piquing their senses. However, the first taste was met with mixed reactions. The combination of the delicate salmon, the earthy wild rice, and the unexpected curry sauce created a flavor profile that was undeniably unique but not entirely to their liking.

Despite their disappointment, the group of friends reminisced about the countless meals they had enjoyed at the Harbor View Cafe over the years. They chuckled at the unexpected twist and found solace in the fact that change is an inevitable part of life. While this particular visit may have left them with a taste of uncertainty, they remained grateful for the cherished memories and the enduring bond they shared.

Leaving the restaurant that evening, they couldn't help but wonder what other surprises the future might hold for their beloved Harbor View Cafe.
This no longer may be a summer monthly ritual trip. I have never given this restaurant less than 5 stars previously.

Source: Google

★ 5

EXCEPTIONAL food! Great little place with a nice view of the harbor, and an impressive, unexpectedly awesome French inspired menu! Eat here!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great food!!

Source: Google

★ 4

Great experience, but not up to past standards.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Delicious Curry lamb burger and red potatoes!

Source: Google

★ 5

Lovely to visit. Open March to September. A great destination restaurant. Make a day out of it
Simple dishes bursting with flavor. Portions large enough for family style sharing. Menu is a chalk board. Protip: take a photo and peruse the daily offerings back at your table.

Source: Google

★ 5

Always a great time here. The Halibut is to die for. Everything on the menu is delicious. Wait times can be long in the summer but while you wait, you can grab a glass of wine next door and enjoy the gorgeous scenery!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The food is high-end but delicious
You get free homemade bread and soup or salad with your meal
They have a kids menu

Source: Google

★ 5

Small town with a great food stop. Very friendly staff. Great selection of choices. The food was amazing.

Source: Google

★ 5

The halibut is excellent

Source: Google

★ 5

The food was fantastic as usual. They always have unique entrees and this was no exception. The ride from Circle Pines to Maiden rock, to Pepin was beautiful this time of year. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Source: Google

★ 4

Nice restaurant near Lake Pepin. Limited menu and Twin City prices. Food was good but was not high end, which I expect when paying $30-40 for an entrée. Butternut squash soup was bland and I don't generally use a lot of salt, but definitely lacking here. Curry was decent, but repeated on me all night. A few string beans accompanied the curry, they were undercooked. Didnt try dessert, already spent a small fortune and can't afford these prices. Cozy atmosphere, although a bit cramped space wise. Service was pleasant.

Source: Google

★ 3

I’ve been going to the harbor view for years. The last couple years seems like the food has gone downhill. Not quite what it used to be. We were served two plates of a greasy buttery mess of food.
Not impressed sadly. Was a gem a few years back. :(

Source: Google

★ 5

We love this place!! We have been here at least 15 times. Every visit is amazing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

It has been a while since I went, and I was happy to know it still is as cozy with great food as always. Right on Lake Pepin. Nice spot.

Source: Google

★ 5

I can't describe how incredible this place is. They just know how to make art for your taste buds. It's worth the drive down from the cities.

Source: Google

★ 5

Classic restaurant in a beautiful little community.
Very, very good food and excellent presentation.
Top notch food, service and atmosphere.
(Coming from a restaurant owner)

Source: Google

★ 2

What has happened to our beloved Harbor View’s scrumptious food? From watery soup, to salad with no dressing and condiments, to halibut covered in some tasteless brown sauce, to no spice pesce and one or two mussels, to too tough to cut ribeye steak. On a positive note, the bread was still good. We were so disappointed Harbor View!

Source: Google

★ 2

The food is certainly not what it used to be. It could be such a great place as it has so much going for it in regards to location and setting. Very nicely written menu but that’s where it ends. The well written menu and high pricing come together for an underwhelming meal. They would be better off as a higher end cafe with a menu to match and not trying to pose as find dining establishment. I attached a current menu for current pricing. So sad

Source: Google

★ 5

A late anniversary celebration brought us to the Harbor View. A place we try to visit a number of times a year. The driver from our home in a convertible is so nice on Wisconsin highway 35.
Then to have wonderful service taking care of our needs for drinks and a great meal is something to be grateful for.
If you can make the trip, you will be happy you did.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

An absolutely wonderful meal. Had the salmon and my girlfriend had the linguine. Dessert was a phenomenal Georgia walnut cake with ice cream. Everything and everyone was just great! Capped off an incredible day for us. Can’t wait to go again!

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

Nice atmosphere and good service. Unfortunately my son's Spanish mackerel was inedible and my husband's Alaskan halibut was nothing to write home about. Undercooked and inedible food. I won't be back.

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent food and service.

Source: Google

★ 5

We were celebrating our 28 year anniversary!! The food was delicious and well prepared!! Every body was very nice!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

A must experience on the last weekend of July for the Pioneer Days. Go back in time with a home-grown experience...exploring the culture of yesteryear with friendly people, food and fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

Exceptional food and friendly service on beautiful Lake Pepin. The restaurant features regional cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. The attention to quality is apparent here. I used to boat here and recently returned after 5-6 years, and the food is still excellent.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best hidden restaurant ever! Excellent food and service was beyond fantastic. Would recommend this place to anyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

The chicken is always amazing. Halibut is a go-to, though slightly off its game this time. Give it a try!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Loved our meal here. Addie gave us exceptional service. The atmosphere and view were spectacular. The halibut, salads, and cocktails were delicious. Will definitely be back.

Source: Google

★ 5

A bit pricey but the food was very good. We had a nice time celebrating our anniversary but may not return very soon because the bill made it clear this is not an everyday type of place. Service was good too.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome everything

Source: Google

★ 5

I really like this place. The view of the lake from this cafe is so beautiful that you would not want to leave. The menu is written on a chalkboard and is a little pricey. The food was delicious. I recommend carrying some cash as they charge 3% fee for the credit card payment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Food was really good! The name of the place certainly doesnt scream that they have amazing seafood! Will be back!

Source: Google

★ 5

So great to be back. Seafood was excellent (snapper/pesce). The cold cucumber soup was very refreshing.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a must try for everyone.

Source: Google

★ 4

No menu, you read off a blackboard. Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon at 3:00.Seated almost right away. Main course took an hour to get. Had stuffed mushrooms my wife had a ka-bob good but comes with a heavy cream sauce.

Source: Google

★ 5

1st timers here. Drove down from the cities and we are just amazed at the quality of food. Nothing but goodness. We will be back. Chefs should be proud of themselves.

Source: Google

★ 5

Still employee owned. High end restaurant. To date have never had a bad meal. Can be hard to get in on the weekend.

Source: Google

★ 5

It is a wonderful hidden gem with a water view. Casual lake atmosphere with deliciously prepared upscale food.

Source: Google

★ 5

Lovely location, beautiful water view. Interesting tasty dishes with very large portions.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My first visit to Harbor View. Service and food are excellent.

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Quant and wonderful

Source: Google

★ 5

A unique cafe with fantastic views of Lake Pepin. There was quite a long wait because we were there on their last Friday of the season but service was good considering how busy they were. The food was well worth the wait! The halibut with black butter caper sauce was delicious, as was the Mahi Mahi with red curry and shrimp. We'll definitely make a stop here again next time we're in the area.

Source: Google

★ 5

Such a cute place. The food was amazing and carrot cake was the best!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Terrific, unique -unusual menu with generous proportions, perfectly prepared with beautiful presentation. Certainly one of a kind in this Area!

Source: Google

★ 5

We do our annual fall drive to Harbor View Cafe by great river road stopping at Pepin apples As always ,good ambiance and delicious food.We have to wait 30 minutes to get a table.This place is always busy. Wonderful service.

Source: Google

★ 3

We have been coming down a couple times a year for a decade or more. I usually never write reviews unless the place deserves a great boost, or things have changed. Harbor View has changed, and as you see with my star review, it is not going in the right direction. I know they have new ownership and I hope they read their reviews so they can right the ship. For now they have slipped back into the "just an average place" but the prices have not slipped down with everything else.

3:00 Saturday. Enter to put our name in. The host snapped that it would be AT LEAST 45 MINUTES when we gave our name and said, how long today (if it's a long wait, we grab a glass of wine) think soup guy on Seinfeld not basket of bunnies.

Service:
Waitress was distracted, asked if we had questions and then said are you ready. Took our oder and started to run away and I had to stop her to take our drink orders - 2 - Terrazza Malbec ($9 each) middle of the road Malbec which was not to punchy and had a smooth finish. (wine 4 out of 5).

Food review: Salad or soup, it was chilly we both went for the Cream of Tomato Soup. Soup should have been called Onion tomato soup with extra onions. One cup of soup was presented with at least a half onion per cup. You could not get away from the onion. It became a game to slowly sink our spoon into the broth to try and only get the cream of tomato. When we were done extracting the soup from the onions we showed each other our cups and laughed - half full of onions. Tomato broth was good, but not overly creamy. (2 out of 5). Just a miss.

Mains:
Halibut ($40) came with a black butter caper sauce. The butter caper sauce was by far the heaviest black butter caper sauce I had ever tasted - probably too heavy for a robust steak. The Halibut was previously frozen and overcooked to the point of dryness, rice was eh. (2 out of 5), for a total miss.

Lasagna ($17) and for that price might be the best option on the menu. Fairly large piece (think large enchilada shape and size) Tomato sauce had sun-dried tomato chunks (sauce 4 out of 5). Description said made with house beef tenderloin - it was pork and ground chuck with I'm guessing a couple tiny scraps of tenderloin ground in, I appreciate their marketing attempt though, filling (3 out of 5). Combine them and we get a (3.5 out of 5).

Dessert: We had seen enough, we'll pass.

They take your card at the table with an ipad, the waitress (the distracted one) promptly rang us up with the tab for the table next to us, took another 10 minutes to figure that out. When she came back, I had 2 separate charges that totaled our bill. I'll check my bank account and see where that goes and update you. Service (2 out of 5).

Will we be back when we drive down the river road next year, not a chance, two misses in a row this year, it's time for a new destination restaurant - maybe we'll try again in a few years.

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been going here every year for 35 years. Always a wonderful meal.

Source: Google

★ 2

I ordered the beef tenderloin a priced at $45. I asked for medium rare. When it came it was the tail end of a tenderloin, not pink at all and difficult to eat. I used to love the food in this restaurant, but was very disappointed in this meal. The atmosphere is great, but the food was not. A new checkerboard tablecloth doesn’t cover up poor cooking.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great service, great food every time I go.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Fabulous

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We unexpectedly found ourselves here after our original dinner plans fell through. We are so glad it worked out this way, because the food and service were incredible. Staff was beyond welcoming, despite it being near the posted closing time. The restaurant was FULL and it was late, but they never made us feel like a burden or rushed to get us out. Every single staff person we interacted with were so pleasant, which is no small feat, as I can think of at least 6 different employees that we interacted with in some way. The drinks were delightful and the meals were impressive. Highly recommend! We are already trying to plan a time to return!

Source: Google

★ 5

We live in Woodbury MN, the land of corporate food. Harbor view is well worth the one hour plus drive. Wonderfully quant, excellent service, super liquor selection. And the food is just outstanding. Fresh and full attention to detail.

Source: Google

★ 5

My wife and I make an annual journey to the Harbor View to celebrate our wedding anniversary. My parents used to take our family of five there off and on for many years prior. All in all, it has maintained its charm and quality over the years. The staff is recognizable from year to year and their experience is obvious. We appreciate that the menu changes slightly with the seasons, but that there are also standards that we can rely on.

Source: Google

★ 2

I ordered the pesce fish soup - it came out LUKEWARM. Beyond that, it was also tasteless. The shrimp & fish weren't seasoned at all - it tasted like they just poured broth over unseasoned seafood. The broth itself was also extremely bland & boring; it tasted as if it had been diluted into oblivion. My friend ordered the black butter halibut, which tasted like overcooked fish, breaded and covered in barbecue sauce. Neither of us finished our meals.

Source: Google

★ 5

The food is excellent with beautiful location and very good service.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing food, service and views!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great as usual!

Source: Google

★ 5

The food was fantastic!!! The stuffed Mushrooms A+. I haven’t enjoyed a meal this good in a long time!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Always the best. Love the chicken and pasta.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The Alaskin Halibut was awesome!!! ❤️

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent food and service. Wonderful environment!

Source: Google

★ 4

Great spot for great food on the Great River Road - Wisconsin side

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Everything about the meal was perfect. The wait staff and the chef went out of their way to make my special requests perfection. Completely delicious. And I the relaxed atmosphere.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Everyone’s food was amazing and oh so delicious! Nice atmosphere! 10/10 will return!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing food and great service! Thank you Wendy and Morgan. I got the chicken breast and my BF got the ribeye and was done to perfection.

Source: Google

★ 3

Staff very pleasant. Food average, & overpriced. Ambiance inside obnoxiously loud. Outside seating covers the sidewalk, forcing you to walk in the street (not a good idea given all the vehicle traffic from the adjacent Marina). NO outside wait staff so expect to-go packaging (brown bags & plastic utensils) and bus your own meal. The beautiful weather at the time of my visit was punctuated by 2 screeching trains a mere 70 feet away, and an out of control autistic grade school age boy the next table over. Not likely to return.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The best dinner I have had in a long time.. excellent food..

Source: Google

★ 2

Not worth the money. We liked the kids mac and cheese the best. Maybe not for us but chicken breats seemed like prebattered chicken but they do dress up their entrees to look fancy but should have just went to the pickle factory

Source: Google

★ 5

Fun vibe! We went for lunch and were hoping for some smaller options or a salad - of which they had neither. With that being said, the food we did order (I had the swordfish) was delicious. The veggies were fresh and delicious. Would recommend visiting for dinner or if you want a big lunch.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We visited the Harbor View Cafe today for Dinner!!!! Delicious!!! Amazing food & service!! Such a wonderful evening!!! Very cozy & quaint cafe. Clean fabric table cloths put on tables for each guest. Salads with homemade dressings. We ordered the Salmon 🍣! So fantastic!!! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Homemade bread 🥖 was served. We tried the Walnut Pie & the Chocolate ButterCream pies. They were both amazing!! Our Server was so courteous & wonderful!! Their Chef was amazing!!! If you are in Pepin, Wisconsin you have to visit them!!! The lake is across the small road. Lovely views & lovely walk after dinner along the road.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

My wife and I have been coming here at least once a year for the past 35 years or so. I had my first bad meal there today, one day after my 85th birthday. I ordered the Red Snapper with rice and pea pods. The fish was covered in a tomato-based sauce with a few small shrimp in it. I dislike the taste of the sauce and the Red Snapper, a very succulent fish, had been overcooked to the point of inedibility. I did not finish the meal.

Source: Google

★ 3

Updated 4/9/2022: 3.5 stars. Unfortunately the food was not as good as it was last time I was here in 2021 (see original review below). Some items like the beef tenderloin was very good but other items like the soup were a miss, and the dessert (chocolate pie) was fine. The bread served as a starter is good but I think they are serving it with unsalted butter? I'm sad because the quality was inconsistent between courses and overall was not as good as it was a year ago, but the price was the same (~$35/person).

Original review from 2021: Wow, the food was phenomenal! Everything had such complex flavors. The chefs deserve high praise. I would definitely drive 90 minutes from Minneapolis to eat here again!

Source: Google

★ 3

Have remembered several meals at Harbor View over the years. Unfortunately the most recent did not live up to its reputation. I had the halibut in black butter caper sauce. Fish cut fairly thin with some type of coating that required a fork and knife to eat. The black butter sauce was a thick, copious amount that was slightly sweet and overwhelmed the fish. My friend had pork tenderloin with peach ginger sauce. The pork was hidden under a major pool of the very sweet sauce. May try again another time, but wonder if there’s been a change in chefs that resulted in this unfortunate downgrade.

Source: Google

★ 5

Pork shank was very very good

Source: Google

★ 1

Below average service…fish overcooked. Had a good meal though time before but ‘just good’. Love the harbor view but not worth an hour drive…

Source: Google

★ 5

We have eaten here a handful of times over the last 20+ years and it never fails to impress us with their amazing dishes. Last night I had their Atlantic salmon that just melted in my mouth. The views of Lake Pepin are fantastic a d are only outdone by their friendly & attentive staff. Well worth a daytrip drive from the Twin Cities!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the best Restaurants in the Midwest! From the Ceasar Salad to the bread to the Garlic Chipotle Chicken Breasts. All the food is amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been coming here for possibly 30 years and it never disappoints. Food is so good, actually, exceptional. Staff are lovely, location? Perfect and quaint
Worth the drive

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent food and service. Doesn't get much better than this in the Midwest!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Once again, a delicious meal in a delightful location. I’ve been coming here since the early 1990s, and never been disappointed. I am glad we arrived early, as things were hopping by the time we left a little after 6 on a warm spring Friday evening!

Source: Google

★ 5

Wow!! Awesome food, beautiful location, wonderfully staff!

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful, mouthwatering 🤤😍

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The consistently good dinner menu, wine list that is small but choices that pair well with the meals, and desserts that are special, a great staff, all in a pleasant setting with a view out over the marina and Lake Pepin, are reasons to keep coming back.

Source: Google

★ 5

A friend of mine is from and currently lives about an hour from the Harbor View Cafe, and for the last 15 years I've gotten stories and pictures of the place, with him telling me how his it is, especially the fish with the Black Butter sauce. The time finally came for me to try it out for myself... and he was not lying. The food was unique but very tasty, the atmosphere enjoyable, and the sisters that now run the place were enjoyable to visit with

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful food and atmosphere

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 2

We'd heard great things about Harbor View and stopped in on a Friday at 1130 for lunch, at the end of October. The restaurant is split into two sides, one with a full bar and the other as only a restaurant. The bar side was very chilly with many large windows. We sat on the restaurant side where it was warmer. The atmosphere was very comfortable and home like. At 40 and 50 years old we were by far the youngest people there besides the employees. We ordered a pulled pork sandwich, stuffed mushrooms with linguine and squash soup. Fresh baked bread is served with every meal. The pulled pork sandwich was dry and over seasoned with something neither of us could put our finger on. The mushrooms in linguine were absolutely bland. The noodles weren't only on the under done side of al dente, there was a clump of uncooked noodles the width of my thumb. As for the squash soup, it had so much apple sauce in it I'm sure I fed the same thing to my children out of a Gerber jar. The service was friendly and attentive, the menu looked great but the food just wasn't any good.

Source: Google